By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and members of his Cabinet attended an information meeting in Grand Bahama last night for Carnival’s proposed “Grand Port” which is expected to create 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during development.

Hundreds of residents attended the event last night at the Foster B Pestaina Centre to hear of the available opportunities for the project which is being touted as an economic engine that will jumpstart the island’s economy. Carnival Cruise Lines has purchased over 300 acres in East Grand Bahama in an area known as Sharp Rock for the cruise port, which will be the largest in the world of any of their ports now.

Dr Minnis said the port will serve as a significant catalyst for Grand Bahama’s flagging economy, adding the port will make the island the largest in the cruise destination in the Caribbean region.

Officials are in the process of starting an environmental impact assessment on the project. Of the 329 acres that will be used for the development, 110 will remain untouched and preserved as a wetland, officials said.

“The economic revival of Grand Bahama is critical in the economic revival, growth and expansion of the Bahamian economy,” Dr Minnis said last night, adding the government is close to selling the Grand Lucayan resort, which was acquired temporarily by his administration last year to help save the island’s economy.

“We are also determined to transform Grand Bahama into a technology hub,” he said, adding the port will be state of the art and have opportunities for those in the tech industry.

Officials will meet Grand Bahama environmental groups, the island’s Chamber of Commerce and religious leaders this week to discuss the project.

Cabinet will also meet in Grand Bahama today.