NASSAU, BAHAMAS — From a lack of proper infrastructure and poor internet service to a shortage of skilled labor to meet economic demand, there is a need for improvements on the Family Islands, a National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce has revealed.
A shortage of skilled labor to complement Exuma’s economic development and poor internet connectivity are among the key challenges facing the island, whose arrivals have surged by more than 100 percent over a ten-year period, according to a private sector representative.
Emmett Saunders, the Exuma Chamber of Commerce executive director, while addressing the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce on Friday, noted: “One of the real challenges we face in Exuma daily is the unacceptable internet service. This is important on a few fronts. Everything an investor needs to make better decisions can be found on the internet. Our visitors need to be in contact with their families. Our businesses need to overcome distances and expand resources. It’s a necessary utility. We have seen improvement over the last few years with the introduction of another provider.”
Saunders also emphasized that education “must enter the conversation” of economic development. “A shortage of skilled labor exists and, quite frankly, concerns us. This means that Exuma’s greatest limitation will be the disproportionate growth between our economy and the supply of skilled labor.”
He also noted that Sandals Emerald Bay closed on August 14 and will be replaced by an all-inclusive Beaches resort, a move whose impact will certainly be felt. According to Saunders, the island will suffer a $1 million economic hit as a result of the Great Exuma Golf Tournament no longer being held at Sandals Emerald Bay.
“Our visitors’ arrivals have increased by more than 100 percent over a ten-year period. This is primarily due to an increase in air arrivals from major gateway cities. Our exciting Exuma International Airport is now efficiently and comfortably handling new activity, as well as projected growth spurred by tourism on the Exuma mainland and other cays. A new state-of-the-art airport is underway. Groundbreaking for the airport took place on May 7th, 2021,” said Saunders.
Thomas Sands, the president of the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce, also acknowledged that businesses were not prepared for the island’s economic growth. He noted that the infrastructure “is poor, neglected, and inadequate.” He said businesses are left with no choice but to invest in backup systems and supplies.
Sands also noted that there is an inadequate supply of people to work, a shortage of skilled individuals to build businesses, insufficient accommodations and housing for those wishing to return, and limited banking and funding options.
Sands urged the establishment of a family island domestic policy for the next ten years or longer, one which provides the equivalent of most-favored-nation status for businesses domiciled in Eleuthera and other islands. This policy, he said, would maximize the retention of foreign direct investment and reinvestment in Eleuthera, making it easier to do business.
He called for businesses domiciled in Eleuthera and similarly other family islands to receive the most favorable concessions and incentives. “We’re not asking for a handout; we are asking for a supportive business environment for all businesses to operate.”
Daphne DeGregory Mailous, the president of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce, shared similar concerns. She noted that the island continues to rebound from Hurricane Dorian but still faces labor and housing shortages. She noted that the island’s tourism sector rebound has been strong but also highlighted ongoing issues with inconsistent water and power supply, labor and housing problems, and limited funding options for businesses.
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