By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

IN A small settlement in Exuma where jobs are scarce and people lack potable water, residents are optimistic about a multi-million dollar investment that could transform their quaint settlement into one of the country’s major hubs for tourism activity and business opportunities.

The residents of Barraterre, Exuma, gathered for a town hall meeting yesterday to learn about the venture called the Children’s Bay Cay Development. It is being developed by Dona Bertarelli, a wealthy Swiss businesswoman who vacationed in the area over the past five years before deciding to go all in with an investment that could employ hundreds, while catering to high-end guests.

In a sign of how much the development means to the government, Prime Minister Perry Christie made the unusual move of taking questions from residents during a town hall meeting in the area yesterday.

The residents pressed him for details about what jobs will be available to them while also calling for amenities like potable water and the construction of a dock near the area.

Mr Christie promised such things and more, promoting the idea that a town centre will be established that will feature an array of shops even as existing infrastructure - such as a community fire station - will be expanded.

Details about the development itself, however, were scarce.

Mrs Bertarelli noted this, telling residents the heads of agreement with the government was signed at the end of the February and that her team is still in the process of finalising the plans.

“We had a lot of doubts but we received assurances this would work,” she said, adding: “You have an amazing government.”

Mr Christie repeatedly beseeched the residents to take advantage of the opportunities that the development will provide them. He admonished them not to let residents outside the area come in and take the jobs and business opportunities that they could perform.

One resident, Reverend Hueton Lloyd, told The Tribune people in the area have been patiently waiting on the development. “We’re doing well for a Family Island but the young people who want employment left for Nassau. With this, they can return.”