By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

IN AN effort to bolster the country's cultural and sports tourism brand, the government signed a consultancy and management services agreement on Friday with Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), one of the world's leading sports and entertainment presenters.

It is hoped that the partnership will provide the country with valued marketing, training and funding services.

Coming weeks after the IAAF World Relays and the inaugural Junkanoo Carnival event, the partnership is meant to underscore the Christie Administration's commitment to promoting economically viable cultural and sports activities.

However, officials did not say how much the agreement will cost, nor did they provide details on how the company will accomplish one of its key tasks: reducing the financial burden of maintaining the Thomas A Robinson stadium. Officials did not take questions from the media at the press conference.

With AEG having ownership stakes in numerous sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers basketball club, Prime Minister Perry Christie discussed how the agreement may benefit the country, teasing that perhaps the Lakers could be lured to play the Miami Heat in The Bahamas.

Chuck Steedman, the Chief Operating Officer of AEG, smiled and nodded as Mr Christie pitched such possibilities.

"We hope to combine our global brand and reach," Mr Steedman said, "with this country's already world-class facilities, the already world-class destination that is The Bahamas and the opportunity to create and expand upon the great content that is already taking place here."

Hesaid the process towards finalising the agreement has been long, with discussions first beginning two years ago. "All great things are well worth waiting for," he said.

The cost of maintaining the national stadium has been a particular cause of concern for the government.

Mr Christie said: "I have no doubt whatsoever that when we examine as an authority and as a government what it costs to maintain the sports centre, and I'm told just on maintenance alone for the track and field section, it's a huge bill.

"When you add the stadium to that you know therefore you can't sit and have that property idle. Therefore the purpose of that signing is to demonstrate to the people of The Bahamas that we have decided to begin running full speed by having a renowned corporation on a world basis populate it with entertainment and sporting activities brought into The Bahamas to be able to ensure we have a proper return and at least be able to maintain what we have and promote what we have."