Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday charged business leaders to take more of an active role in enhancing the country’s economy as he made a pitch for more public private partnerships (PPP) noting their importance in overall development.
“I place great emphasis on partnerships between government and the private sector as a means of advancing economic and social development in our country,” the prime minister said as he addressed the opening day of the National Conclave of the Chamber of Commerce SuperClubs Breezes.
“In the wake of the protracted recession from which the world and Bahamian economies are gradually though steadily emerging, our small developing nation is confronted with daunting economic and social challenges that call for new and innovative ideas and ways of doing things. While it is clear that the government must necessarily play a pivotal, leading role going forward, I believe that there is a vital need for involvement of the private sector in the further development of our nation which, in many respects, I view as a fundamental social and economic responsibility.”
Mr. Christie said there are a number of joint ventures happening in the country with even more being considered.
He noted, for instance, that at the moment consideration is being given to a new hospital facility on Grand Bahama.
In Exuma, Mr. Christie told the conclave that the government has entered into a joint venture with the owners of February Point regarding about 800 acres of land “to be earmarked for housing, commercial and public accommodations, sports and recreational facilities, public infrastructure and other community purposes.”
The prime minister also told business leaders that the government’s partnership with the owners of Cat Island Partners Resort, Residential and PGA Golf Course will lead to the construction of an IATA compliant airport terminal and an extended runway at the Bight, Cat Island.
“Going forward, the government is looking to expand the range of public private partnerships arrangements in which it is involved as a means of efficiently and effectively providing the public infrastructure required for our development needs across the breadth of the nation.” Mr. Christie said.
“Beyond expanding our current roster of arrangements in the areas of ports and airports, we will examine possibilities for the construction and leasing of public building infrastructure and office complexes.
“As well, we would be open to possible PPPs in the areas of health, schools, water production and distribution, as well as electricity generation and distribution.
