An ‘eco-friendly’ development’s first phase is expected to pump $3.5 million into South Andros’s economy within the next six months, and create around 180 jobs.

The five-phase Solar Verde Bahamas project , which includes a marina and retail outlets at Kemp’s Bay, broke ground on Friday.

Present at the groundbreaking were Solar Verde (Bahamas) chief executive, Rita Grant; its president, Chuck De Luca; vice-president Michael John Grant; and chief operating officer, Edward Sorrentino the entire executive team.

The developer is forecasting that it will spend $3.5 million in direct salaries within the South Andros community over the next six months, given the size and scope of the approved works.

“This development will be the benchmark of how all future developments should be done in the Bahamas,” said Mrs Grant. “We are here now, and we are here to put down roots. We are here to stay, we are here to make a positive difference.”

The first phase includes a marina that will give boaters access to the Tongue of the Ocean, and the world’s third largest barrier reef and bone fishing grounds.

The marina will be flanked by beaches on both sides, along with retail stores and commercial facilities.

“It is necessary to firstly expand the marina to accommodate the development that will be taking place in South Andros over the next 10 years,” said Mrs Grant.

The Solar Verde developers said they had obtained all the necessary permits and approvals from the Government to start the project.

Picewell Forbes, the south Andros MP, said: “Any one who supports Andros. I support them. For far too long Andros has been neglected”