September 24, 2003
Atlantis: No Phase III Without Airport Upgrades
The government was called on the carpet last night. Kerzner International gave a clear-cut warning that the economic life-preserver, known as the $600 million dollar Atlantis Phase III development, can not go forward unless government improves Nassau's rundown airport and clears the way for US convention business.
Kerzner International president Mr. Butch Kerzner said that as much as he wanted to go ahead with Atlantis' planned Phase III development, he would be unable to do so unless these critical issues were cleared up first.
The call for action came on the heels of Kerzner's recent announcement that they were creating a new Atlantis development in the booming Middle East kingdom of Dubai (see story below.) The new Atlantis will be the centerpiece of a massive development aimed to make Dubai the tourism capital of the world.
Despite assurances to the opposite by Mr. Kerzner, Bahamian tourism professionals inevitably fear that the Kerzners will shift their focus away from Paradise Island to their new project in the United Arab Emirates. They are also nervous about the unflattering comparisons being drawn between the dynamic Dubai government and what many see as Perry Christie's Cabinet of indecisive ditherers.
The Tribune newspaper reports one source as saying, "It's time for the Bahamas government to get real, pull their fingers out and get things moving. Everyone knows the airport is a national disgrace. It's probably the worst in this part of the world. And convention business is one of the big growth areas of international tourism."
The US government has agreed to allow American businesses arranging conventions in Nassau to claim the same tax deductions as in the US. But for some reason the Bahamian legislation required to formalise the agreement has yet to find it's way through Parliament.
By contrast, in Dubai, when Kerzner International asked for a road tunnel link with the new Atlantis, a government decision was reached in three hours.
Government responded to the Atlantis wake-up call by once again promising to make the necessary improvements to the airport, with Minister Bradley Roberts saying that plans to upgrade the airport are being "actively pursued."
"I am awaiting the reports." Minister Roberts said. "I have been told they have been able to improve on the date given by six weeks," he added.
Unfortunately, six weeks sooner is still three years too late.
Posted by admin at September 24, 2003 10:24 AM