NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC—The Bahamas government has welcomed the signing of a US$55 million agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development, which it says will further boost the socio-economic development of Eleuthera, one of the archipelago’s islands.
Prime Minister Phillip Davis, speaking at the signing ceremony, said the steady rise in air arrivals and international interest isn’t just about visitors coming to enjoy Eleuthera’s beauty; it is about all the island has to offer the world.
“This partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development marks a turning point for Eleuthera and its people. There has been talk about upgrading the North Eleuthera International Airport for years, but today, we are moving from talk to action. This $55 million investment is about unlocking Eleuthera’s potential and ensuring its people can fully benefit from its rapid growth.”
Davis said that the airport’s upgrade will strengthen the local economy, create more jobs, and provide greater opportunities for businesses.
“By enhancing the airport’s capacity to handle more visitors, we directly support the tourism sector, at the heart of Eleuthera’s economy. This investment will help bring in more international flights, increase connectivity to the rest of The Bahamas, and open new avenues for local entrepreneurs.”
He said the partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development allows the country to move forward with confidence and that “their support, coupled with the low interest rate of 2.5 percent, ensures that we can deliver on this long-awaited project in a way that is both sustainable and beneficial for the people of Eleuthera.
“For the residents of Eleuthera, this airport represents progress. It signifies that the necessary investments match this island’s growth to improve daily life. Easier travel, increased economic activity, and more employment opportunities are just some immediate benefits this project will bring.”
Prime Minister Davis said that the project is part of a larger plan to ensure that Eleuthera and all the Family Islands are equipped for the future
He said construction has already started on a new airport in Cat Island, and 14 more airports are slated for development across the country. He said, “This is about building for today and tomorrow, ensuring that our islands have the infrastructure to support growth and prosperity for generations to come.”
But he acknowledged that as Eleuthera grows, the government recognizes that rapid development comes with challenges.
“The increase in economic activity and the rise in population have strained our utility services, particularly electricity and water. These growing pains are not unique to Eleuthera, but they are challenges we are fully committed to addressing.
“In recent months, we’ve heard the outcry about the power and water situation. Your cries have not been brushed aside. No Bahamian should live without reliable water and electricity, not in 2024.
“This problem has been going on for far too many years, and too many administrations have put stopgap measures in place without fixing the problem at its core. Just like a festering wound can’t be cured by simply placing a bandage on it, Eleuthera’s power and water issues cannot be solved with short-term, band-aid solutions.”
Davis said that his government is taking aggressive steps to improve service delivery across Eleuthera and Harbour Island.
He said that last month, the Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd (BPL) began the ambitious task of commissioning two long-overdue generators, each capable of producing 2.5 megawatts. One of the generators is already operational, and the other is expected to be up and running by the end of this week.
“These upgrades will almost double Harbour Island’s power generation capacity, drastically reducing the likelihood of load shedding. We aim to ensure that there will be no more power shortages across Eleuthera by the end of September. BPL is working tirelessly with teams from Long Island, Eleuthera, and New Providence, and we are making sure that no power station in Eleuthera will lack sufficient generation capacity.”
Prime Minister Davis said water supply has also been a concern, with Eleuthera’s rapid growth post-COVID putting additional pressure on an aging infrastructure.
He said to address this, the Water and Sewerage Corporation has over seven million US dollars in capital works already in progress, with more projects in the pipeline.
“This government isn’t interested in quick fixes or political stunts. We are committed to providing long-term solutions. The work we are doing with BPL and the Water and Sewerage Corporation is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure reliable access to electricity and clean water for every resident of Eleuthera.
“Our focus is on ensuring these services are stable and sustainable, not just for today, but for the future. We must put the people of Eleuthera first, ensuring that the foundation is laid for continued growth and progress for generations to come.”
Prime Minister Davis’s vision is simple: “to move beyond these growing pains and ensure that Eleuthera has what it needs to support its people and its economy for years to come.”
and then 