With a large number of consumers experiencing blackouts over the past several weeks Prime Minister Perry Christie acknowledged the terrible state of the country’s energy plan and the need for improved infrastructure throughout the country.

Speaking at the IDB’s National Development seminar, the prime minister stressed the need for the modernization in infrastructural systems in various sectors and the challenge the government faces .

“You’ve seen my government bring in PowerSecure an electricity company now owned by Southern company and the problems they face.

“We have from a national point of view we have a deteriorating energy plan, and it is all coming roost right now. When you start to look at things like roads, airports, ports, the expansion of schools then you begin to understand the challenges. When you look at Barbados and Jamaica, one island that has two airports, you see where we are lacking,” Mr. Christie said.

Mr. Christie spoke to the need for development in out islands communities that are attractive to persons in the private sector but due to infrastructural challenges it makes fostering these relationships extremely difficult.

“We have to make some tough decisions moving forward and it all comes down to planning, I told Sir. Baltron Bethel I’m not sure I can wait on the National Development Plan to come to grips on what is happening in Exuma.

“We have a situation now in Exuma where approved developments that amount to a huge sum of money but are slowed down because there is a need for a new port, a new airport, a new highway down the center of the island and these things have to be done to a 21st century standard.

Earlier this month, Minister For Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin announced that the government would be embarking on a major airport development program that includes the construction of 13 new airports across the country.