PM outlines infrastructural developments in Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis asserted on Thursday that the economy is “on the right track” and the job market is growing, while outlining infrastructural developments being undertaken in his constituency of Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.
While delivering the keynote address at the Cat Island Business Outlook, Davis emphasized that critical to the quality of life on the islands and to attracting major private investment are the upgrades and modernization of infrastructure.
“We are making sure that more top investors know that the Family Islands are perfect for high-end and boutique experiences for visitors who want an authentic, idyllic island experience,” said Prime Minister Davis.
He pointed to the Cat Island Road Repairs Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, an $82 million initiative, the largest of its kind ever undertaken on Cat Island. This project is the result of a partnership between the Government of The Bahamas and the Cat Island Development Company. It involves the reconstruction of roughly 60 miles of main roads from Shannas Cove in the North to Hawks Nest in the South. Additionally, over 95 miles of water mains will be upgraded and replaced, with new laterals and service connections.
“Progress is also well underway on the Arthur’s Town and New Bight Airports. As you can imagine, unlike building an office building, the construction of an airport is a highly technical process. For the New Bight International Airport, construction has required a complete architectural design process, an environmental assessment, a rendering and monitoring plan, and a geotechnical assessment to confirm the suitability of the site. A LiDAR survey was conducted via a manned flight to ensure that the appropriate boundaries are maintained by surrounding landowners based on landing zone obstruction requirements,” said Davis.
He continued: “A camp was also set up to provide housing for the many workers needed to accelerate the construction phase. Multiple permits have been obtained. New Bight will have a sustainable tier 2 airport, with a new $10 million solar runway, an airport beacon, a new floodlighting system, and an adjacent police station. A similar process was completed for the Arthur’s Town airport, which is in the midst of a complete reconstruction. Many of you have seen the construction as you pass by. I have been advised that the upgrades are now halfway complete, with drainage works in progress and paving to start by late 2024. Construction has started on the runway, which will include a complete resurfacing of all seven thousand feet and the installation of new approach and runway lights. This work will be completed during the first quarter of 2025.”
Davis noted that the old Arthur’s Town Terminal has been demolished, and a new 5,400-square-foot terminal is being constructed in the same location as the previous terminal. The terminal is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2025. As the work progresses, the surrounding area will be fully landscaped, and expanded parking will be added to better accommodate visitors and locals.
These investments, he noted, will play a major role in expanding local capacity for air arrivals and attracting more investments.
Last month, the government signed a Heads of Agreement for the construction of two new desalination plants for Cat Island, one each in the North and South. Davis noted that a new facility at New Bight will commence water production by April 2025, while the Bennett’s Harbour site, pending environmental review, should be finished by September 2025. He highlighted that over 1,100 homes and businesses across Cat Island will receive high-quality, desalinated, piped potable water for the first time.
“San Salvador is by no means left out, as our Renaissance Airport Project, which is slated to renovate and expand 14 Family Island airports, will include San Salvador International Airport. Additional plans call for the renovation of the Rum Cay Airport terminal and the construction of a new administration building on-island. Of course, expanding access to quality health care is also essential for the quality of life on our islands,” said Davis.
He added: “The Old Bight clinic is under construction—but I know that doesn’t mean much to Cat Islanders until the doors are open and you and your loved ones are receiving care from healthcare professionals. Hastening that day is a priority for me and for Minister Darville. The Orange Creek clinic is currently being assessed by the Ministry of Works. For the Stevenson Clinic, a contract will soon be awarded with the same directive as the others: we need these clinics up and running as soon as possible. The same goes for the planned improvements to clinics in San Salvador and Rum Cay. All three islands will have clinics with modern facilities and better equipment, staffed by newly recruited nurses, doctors, and technicians.”
Davis asserted that the government is making the necessary investments in infrastructure and supporting local businesses; the right partners are being brought in to expedite major projects; and record levels of investment are being attracted throughout the Family Islands.
“Our work is beginning to produce noticeable results on the ground. The economy is on the right track. The job market is growing. Our innovative policies and solutions are bearing fruit and investors are taking notice. In just three years, we have secured over ten billion dollars in foreign direct investment, creating thousands of permanent jobs for Bahamians,” said Davis.
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