Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma proved to be a blessing in disguise for some Grand Bahama businesses while turning out to be the worst thing that could possibly happen for others.
Grand Bahama’s lackluster economy has yet to rebound after the devastation wrought by the three major hurricanes affecting businesses, dwellings and tourist arrivals to the island.
Donald Roberts, owner of Dolly Madison in Grand Bahama, said that 2005 was an excellent year.
"Two thousand and five was a banner year for us despite the mishaps," he said. "Each year seems to be getting bigger and bigger. My outlook is that I never look back. I’m always an optimist. I didn’t think we would equal the year before, but we exceeded it and I expect we’ll do the same thing this year."
Mr. Roberts credited his staff and management for the stellar year. He also said it helped that his company provides good customer service and a wide selection of items.
The company, he said, will increase its inventory in 2006.
"We intend to expand. It’s quite likely you’d see some more building on the south side of our building this coming year," he added.
Jarret Thompson, marketing manager of Kelly’s Home Centre Freeport, also said recently that the company had a strong year that was "better than expected."
"It’s improved for us, and naturally a part of that is attributed to building materials with [so many people] rebuilding. Persons have purchased because unfortunately they had a lot of stuff on the inside ruined, [and needed] a lot of housewares, paint and things needed for finished work."
Suezette Ritchie, co-owner of Innovative Designs, also said, "[the storms] have brought a lot of business."
"After repairs that were needed post Wilma, persons needed to purchase new things. If anything I was affected in a positive way," Mrs. Ritchie said.
Showing signs of confidence in the resurgence of Grand Bahama’s economy, the business owner has recently built a restaurant, Magnolia Café, which only after two months of business has reportedly exceeded her expectations.
"Business is doing fine; more than we expected," she said. "We didn’t expect it to be a hit at this stage since we haven’t been doing any advertising."
Mrs. Ritchie told the Journal she is looking forward to what this year will bring, and she is optimistic her businesses will continue to do well.
Manager of Pearle Vision Freeport Amanda Nixon, who also spoke with The Bahama Journal, reported that 2005 was a success for that company as well.
"Actually, last year was an improvement over the year before," Ms. Nixon reported. "This year we are expecting even bigger things, and I’m confident it would be done."
But Alexandria Chenier of the International Sewing Centre is not so optimistic.
She said business was down by 35 percent last year.
"We are hoping things will get better, but it would depend on the politics here," she said.
"If something is going to generate people coming into The Bahamas, then perhaps we will get back to where we were a couple of years ago.
Mrs. Chenier said she sees nothing happening to give her the confidence that there will be an upswing in the economy in the near future.
"The Royal Oasis is closed; there is nothing on the horizon," she said. "How can we possibly make money in a business if the people are unemployed?"
Mrs. Chenier said she has tried everything to attract business, but expects business will continue to be bleak.
"Everything is [already] on sale," she said. "We have tried to sell almost at cost, but people have no money because there is no money coming on the island. Until that’s solved it’s not going to be better for anyone. No matter what ideas you come up with or how low your prices are you can’t [make money]."
Some merchants at the International Bazaar told the Journal they have had to learn what it means to endure despite overwhelming odds.
Since 2004, 30 storeowners decided to close, leaving 50 shops opened.
Citing the major hurricanes and a decline in the numbers of tourists who patronized the Bazaar from the Royal Oasis Resort, one merchant said over the last 15 to 18 months, tourist-driven establishments have been the hardest hit.
"If we get 1 percent of the passengers off the cruise ships, that’s plenty," Godfrey Roberts, owner of Pop’s Pit Stop, said.
"As for the tourist-oriented businesses, it’s impossible, even ludicrous to still be open. We have nothing to look to."
Doris Smith, owner of Bonjour clothing store, said she barely survived 2005 and now has to discount items in order to attract customers.
"Grand Bahama has become a sales-oriented island now," Ms. Smith said.
"The new face is if it’s $20 can I have it for $15. It doesn’t matter what price it is [customers] ask you for a discount even before they know what the price is."
Ms. Smith, however, is hopeful of a turnaround.
"I know this economy is going to turn around," she said. "I have faith in that and that is what I speak every day."
