Progressive Liberal Party Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson on Wednesday said dredging the harbour is not in the best interest of the Bahamian people or future generations.
The government has already signed contracts to have the harbour dredged.
"The majority of the capital investment of $50 million is leaving the country…and why are we borrowing money to improve the lives of non-Bahamians at a time when we should be investing in our future," said Mrs. Maynard Gibson.
She was debating amendments to the Cruise Ship Overnight Incentive Act in the upper chamber yesterday.
Senator Maynard-Gibson said there is no evidence to suggest that any of the cruise liners have committed to come to The Bahamas after the harbour dredging project has been completed.
"In this economic environment, will these ships actually come to The Bahamas after we have spent $55 million dredging the harbour," she said. "There is no evidence that these two ships will actually come. Where is the written evidence of the commitment to come."
Mrs. Maynard-Gibson said when the former PLP government assumed office in 2002, the cruise business was in a "crisis" and cruise lines were very concerned about the state of the Prince George Dock.
She said used car tires were being used as bollards and the dock was in a shocking state of disrepair.
"An FNM cabinet minister had signed an agreement to give incentives to cruise lines without the consent of Cabinet as well as for the repair of Prince George Dock that had not been budgeted," she claimed. "We had to find money to honour the commitment that was improperly made by the cabinet minister and not budgeted for."
Senator Gibson said when the PLP made a commitment to dredge the harbour the state of the economy was in a better condition than it is today.
She said while dredging was supported several years ago, that view has since changed.
"We also say that when this amount of money is being spent, there ought to be proper planning for the benefit of the Bahamians whom we now serve and for future generations," she said.
PLP Senator Dr. Michael Darville, who also gave his contribution yesterday to the cruise ship bill, said while the government has plans to construct a new cruise port on Grand Bahama, but said its residents need more than "promises" or amendments to existing bills.
"We need action. We are crying for action as we have been laying dormant for two years," Senator Darville said. "The government must create new jobs and turn around our hurting economy in Grand Bahama."
"We in Grand Bahama hope and pray that the amendments to this Cruise Ship Overnight Incentive Bill would mean increased cruise passengers. We are all excited about this new bill and encourage the Ministry of Tourism to put the plans in place for Grand Bahama and for God’s sake, make it happen for us."
- Austin DWI - New York DWI