By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday announced the government’s approval of an application for the sale of 70 acres of land on Stocking Island, off Exuma, where a $300m five star development will be constructed.

The project is expected to create more than 200 permanent jobs.

Speaking yesterday at the 9th annual Exuma Business Outlook, Mr Christie said 250 to 300 temporary construction jobs also will be created.

He said the 48-room boutique hotel with its 88 villas and numerous other amenities is expected to further boost Exuma’s already vibrant economy.

“I am pleased to inform you that the government has received and approved an application for the sale of just under 70 acres of land on Stocking Island for construction by Stocking Island Development Ltd of the Stocking Island Club,” Mr Christie said at the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort in Exuma.

“For Exumians, you should know that this $300m development comprises of a five star, 48-room boutique hotel, 88 villas, spa, wellness centre, resort club, restaurant and bar, sailing school, swimming academy and marine facilities.

“The company anticipates that 250 to 300 full-time construction employees will be hired during the development phase and 250 full time employees will be needed to operate the resort full time.”

He continued: “The sailing school will instruct the students in various sailing techniques.”

Mr Christie said he was pleased to see that Exuma continues to do well, having recorded a 16 per cent increase in air and sea arrivals this month over last year this time.

Mr Christie said the government, in consultation with the public, will ensure that the developers adhere, preserve and protect the environment and public access rights as this “amazing” high-end development takes place.

While he went on to praise Sandals for its $137m investment in Exuma since 2010 and a collective $135m to the Bahamas’ economy over the last four years, he said more needs to be done by residents to capitalise on the island’s full potential.

“As with all of our Family Islands, stronger gains in economic growth will only be realised when there is critical mass of commercial enterprises offering art, entertainment, retail, shopping, sports, restaurants, tours, transportation and other activities which cater year round to the 7,000 permanent residents and 35,000 transient visitors annually to Exuma’s shores. But very simply, there is a lot of land to be possessed (and) a lot of economic activity to be claimed with lots of opportunities for those who are prepared to pioneer, to innovate, to sacrifice,” Mr Christie said.