Agencies Achievements & Ongoing Initiatives
The CDB loan programme also includes new water supplies in Pinewood, Coral Lakes and Boatswain areas of
New Providence. The total investment is estimated at close to $7Mn inclusive of well testing and
decommissioning, and yard pipework to accommodate public supply.
Continued infrastructure upgrades in Family Islands with commissioning of new desalinated water supply and
distribution systems in Abraham’s Bay, Betsy Bay, and Pirates Well Mayaguana, and Simms, Long Island.
Bahamasair
This Government’s strategic investment in Bahamasair through the acquisition of new seven (7) aircraft to
replace its Dash 8’s aircraft and major repairs to Bahamasair’s 44 year old maintenance hangar contribute to the
positive outlook for that airline. Bahamasair’s debt burden is lowering significantly.
Annex H
A $41Mn Loan programme was approved by Caribbean Development Bank (financing $30Mn) to address water
improvement works in the Family Islands of Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Long Island, San Salvador, and
South Andros.
Urban Renewal
The Small Home Repairs Programme, the Centre Piece of the Urban Renewal 2.0 Programme is a signal
Initiative with tangible results within a relatively short period. From November 2013 to the end of this fiscal
period, the Urban Renewal Commission would have repaired one thousand (1,000) within all 23 constituencies
in New Providence.
To date, the Government has invested almost $10 million, to date, in the Small Home Repairs Programme. This
represents a significant economic injection into inner city communities, and a sizable employment of small local
contractors and tradespersons.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Straw Market Authority is challenged to immediately expand its operation without the support from
Central Government. Financial support was received to assist with major infrastructural demands and
maintenance. Because of the current market conditions, it became necessary to make long-term payment
arrangements with a number of Stall Holders in arrears with their rent. The Authority is constantly working
with the Stall Holders to keep their Stalls open, realizing the importance to the overall tourism product.
Challenging though this may be, the Authority continues to employ all efforts to ensure that the vendors remain
in business and can provide for their families. The Authority continues to work with the Stall Holders and
service providers to ensure that the markets Downtown, Cable Beach, Fort Fincastle, Fort Charlotte and
Paradise Island operate in the most efficient manner and are all first class facilities. This is very challenging given
the demands on the Authority for much needed maintenance work and supplies in the Downtown market in
particular, as well as the expansion to other markets.
Immediate attention must be given to the floor in the wood carvers section of the Downtown Market. The
condition of the floor is an accident waiting to happen that could be fatal to both tourists and vendors.
The fire sprinkling system in the Downtown market is showing signs of corrosion. If left unattended, the system
could erupt and flood the market within minutes. Untold damages would be incurred.
The Cable Beach Market was severely impacted by the stalled Bahmar project and has brought sales at this
market to a halt.
The Paradise Island market is in a deplorable state and must be given immediate attention for the survival of the
vendors in the market.
The vendors at Fort Charlotte are exposed to the elements and can only operate in perfect weather condition.
A facility must be constructed.
It is the desire of the Straw Market Authority to have first class straw markets in all the major islands including;
Harbour Island, West and East End, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Cat Island, and San Salvador.
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2016/2017
DRAFT
ESTIMATES
OF REVENUE &
EXPENDITURE