PM: Nassau Redevelopment A Priority

The prime minister does as well.

"I have placed now the administration of the process in the hands of the minister for energy and environment (Dr. Marcus Bethel)," he said.

"I’ve always tried to drive this to be a very quick effort on our part. I’m now told that the…environmental impact assessment has been completed or is about to be completed which means that there should be nothing in the way but a business plan and the structure of a new port authority. So really I would like to believe that [at] the beginning of the year we could commence this effort."

Mr. Christie spoke to The Bahama Journal at Luciano’s of Chicago restaurant on East Bay Street where the planned unveiling of the downtown redevelopment master plan had to be shelved when an unwelcome rain shower forced guests – including the prime minister – to run for cover.

While organizers planned to reschedule the event, those who attended were still able to view a video presentation of the work of the Nassau Economic Development Council, appointed by the prime minister.

"We’re going to redo this (event)," said Frank Comito, executive director of the Nassau Tourism Development Board, who is also a member of the Council.

"We hope we get some more folks out when we redo it. The whole objective tonight was to create some excitement and enthusiasm about [the redevelopment]. This is a public-private sector initiative. It has been three and half years in the making and we’re just excited about the support that we’re seeing in all circles."

Each guest was given a CD with a special report that outlines the planned redevelopment.

The report says the port represents "a very extensive effort" and will require strategic planning.

"However, the effort is achievable and will yield benefits that extend beyond economic returns by creating a waterfront in the nation’s capital that is shared by all," it adds.

The prime minister has said that the new shipping port in the Clifton area would likely cost around $200 million, according to initial estimates.

The report recommends that the construction be financed through bond financing.

The planners envision a series of new government buildings and revitalized green spaces. Three new government buildings are proposed, including a new government complex housing the office of the Prime Minister, the House of Assembly and the Senate.

The report says existing government buildings will need to be demolished to make way for an expanded Rawson Square. It says the network of revitalized green spaces will include an expanded Rawson Square, full of formal and informal gathering spaces, a redesigned Victoria Gardens, a redesigned Remembrance Square, and other small open spaces.

"The expanded Rawson Square will serve as a central gathering plaza and as a crossroads for the nation," the report says.

The report’s authors say Nassau cannot afford to delay moving forward given the estimated billions of dollars that could be generated in the economy and the improved quality of life that will come as a result of implementing the plan.

"The renaissance of Nassau is imperative and cannot be left to decline," the report adds. "The bone of a dynamic waterfront, cultural, walkable and engaging place are here. It is time to manage, enforce codes, clean up and revitalize as a world class destination and livable tropical urban model."

According to the Council, the next steps will be to initiate negotiations for the port relocation and develop a finance plan; establish a management entity for downtown regeneration efforts; initiate traffic improvements; prioritize catalyst projects; identify funding sources and financing mechanisms; and finance immediate beautification projects to demonstrate a commitment to the renaissance of Nassau.

The project would include the revitalization of the entire downtown area from Montagu to Arawak Cay. The prime minister believes that it will make New Providence a more attractive and romantic destination.

"When you look at the development that is planned for all of the resorts on the island of New Providence together with the expansion of the international airport, we have this incredible opportunity to make the city of Nassau the most outstanding destination definitely in the Caribbean, and I believe the hemisphere because of the habour we have," he told the Journal.

"So truly, part and parcel of the new port development is in fact the redevelopment of the city of Nassau. What I would like to see and what I keep on stressing is once we relocate the port I would like to see where I can walk hand in hand along the waterfront as a citizen or tourist looking at the lights on Paradise Island and looking at the ships."