By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A Grand Bahama businessman says the island’s economic activity is improving with residents having more disposable income to spend in restaurants and on consumer goods.

James Carey, owner of West Side Cigar Lounge and Eatery, said: “Things are looking better in Grand Bahama business wise. The few business places I go to, including my own, it appears that businesses are a little busier.

“My own business has picked up a little bit. I’m not jumping to joy, certainly not, but it’s a bit busier than it was a year ago, which indicates we’re getting more people coming back home. Perhaps they’re having a little more disposable income.

“The main places I go to, restaurants, grocery stores, hardware stores, which are my usual type of runs, things are really appearing a little more active in terms of persons, so it’s certainly looking better.”

Mr Carey revealed he has paused plans to expand into New Providence, choosing to invest in his Freeport location to accommodate rising demand. He said patrons have also been inquiring about having a more luxurious experience so they are preparing to undergo another renovation which will include a VIP section.

“We looked at a few places in New Providence but we’re not rushing because we had to do an expansion here and, in fact, we’re getting set to do another expansion here, if we are permitted. There is now a demand for more privacy so we’re considering putting in a VIP section, and we’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about that,” said Mr Carey.

“Although I’ve been spending a bit more money immediately, it’s encouraging because people want to get out and do more things. It means they’re spending so they must have more disposable income in their pockets.”

Mr Carey, who is also the former Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president, said Carnival’s $600m Celebration Key port opening has led to increased visitor traffic in Freeport. However, he questioned the progress on other Grand Bahama projects such as the $250m Six Senses resort and the Grand Lucayan.

“Carnival seems to be generating quite a bit of traffic into Freeport with tours, and there appears to be a lot of activity with the taxis, so that’s a good thing,” said Mr Carey “The big question, I think, is about the Grand Lucayan. We really don’t really know what’s happening. Does the Government have the money in the bank? We don’t know.

“And then, of course, there’s the Six Senses development which is seemingly going quiet. We’re not hearing too much about that, although a number of months ago, they did some land clearing, and I think they’re supposed to be starting like a schedule within the next month or two, which is what they’d announced, but we’re not hearing very much about it right now.”