By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE government signed and concluded a Heads of Agreement with foreign developers South Cat Cay Properties (Bahamas) Limited for the development of a $94m luxury boutique resort at South Cat Cay, near Bimini.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said this agreement gives the go ahead for the partners in the project to begin the first phase of the development once the necessary approvals are given, which is expected to span a three-year period.

The partners in the project are Dr Enrique Murciano and his wife, who are wealthy residents of Florida, and Ernesto Andrew Estrada Fernandez Salvador, a citizen of Ecuador.

The project will comprise a 53-room, five-star branded boutique hotel with related amenities, 29 marina condo units, 37 residential units, a 137-slip marina, restaurants, shops and recreational facilities. This high-end resort will also include an upmarket residential community.

Mr Christie said the construction phase is expected to create 75 jobs and 170 Bahamians will be employed permanently once the hotel is complete.

“The company advises that the project will bring considerable benefit to Biminites in the form of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities generated by proposed retail space and excursions in the marina village,” Mr Christie said during the signing at the Office of the Prime Minister on West Bay Street.

“The company plans to purchase Bimini built skiffs for bone-fishing excursions led by Bahamian guides. A Bahamian will operate a ferry service to and from Bimini; an artist in residence programme will expose Bahamian artists to new techniques; a recording space will dedicate studio time for local musicians and local cooks will be provided with classical training.

“Additionally, a fund is being established for primary and secondary educational facilities in Bimini to further long term environmental awareness. It is also proposed that a marine sanctuary will be created to the south east of South Cat Cay to complement the educational initiative.”

He continued: “We look forward to working closely with the developers who plan to move ahead with construction as soon as they receive the necessary permits from the relevant government agencies.”

Harvey Sasso, the lead consultant on the project, said it is the hope of developers to build an environmental friendly hotel.

He said the needed environmental impact assessments were finished in 2008 and developers have completed the necessary procedures to gain approval from the Ministry of Works.