By ANNELIA NIXON
TRIBUNE Business Reporter
anixon@tribunemedia.net
THE DEPUTY prime minister yesterday reassured his Exuma constituents that Royal Caribbean’s pending $3bn acquisition of 50 percent ownership in the Sandals resort chain will not expose the island to mass cruise tourism.
Chester Cooper, the Exuma and Ragged Island MP, and also minister of education, science and technology, told the Exuma Business Outlook conference that the cruise line’s investment and involvement will aid the redevelopment of the former Sandals Emerald Bay into a Beaches resort and help revive the island’s tourism sector.
He said Royal Caribbean’s 50 percent stake in Sandals represents a significant development for Caribbean tourism, while stressing that he does not support mass cruise tourism on the island.
“The announcement that Royal Caribbean group intends to invest $3bn for a 50 percent stake in Sandals and Beaches is an important development for the Caribbean tourism industry as a whole,” Mr Cooper said.
“But for Exuma, it brings renewed hope for the transformation of the former Sandals Emerald Bay into Beaches Exuma. And I want to be clear that I still do not support mass cruise tourism for our island. Royal Caribbean in this case is an investor in Sandals.”
He suggested that New Providence, which already has an established cruise tourism industry, could pursue a cruise-and-stay strategy, distinguishing the potential role of Royal Caribbean’s investment in Nassau from the tourism model he wants for Exuma.
“However, for New Providence, an established cruise destination already where Sandals exists, I foreshadow a cruise and stay strategy,” Mr Cooper said.
Sandals Emerald Bay is Exuma’s largest tourism property and an important private sector employer. Mr Cooper said he remains engaged in efforts to re-open the resort, citing the impact of reduced airlift capacity and affordability on residents and visitors.
“Though our overall products remain robust, our airlift quantity and affordability has been impacted, which has affected local residents and tourists alike,” Mr Cooper said. “I have remained engaged on this matter because I understand the importance of getting this property reopened.”
He cautioned that work remains before the resort can be completed and reopened, but said the Royal Caribbean announcement offers renewed optimism for Exuma’s economic prospects.
Mr Cooper also pointed to around $1.5bn in investments in Exuma’s pipeline, stating the projects are still expected to materialise and will hopefully benefit residents.
Torch Cay is progressing, with a soft launch expected this year, he said, while a new announcement on a fully-funded Cave Cay development is expected shortly.
However, Mr Cooper stressed that major investments must translate into meaningful opportunities for Exuma residnets, including employment, business development and improved living standards.
“Even as we welcome major investments, we must ensure Exumians are fully prepared to take advantage of them,” Mr Cooper said.
He added that his new ministerial portfolio will play a central role in preparing the island’s workforce to meet the demands of a growing economy, particularly as tourism and other investment projects create opportunities for skilled workers.
Mr Cooper said plans are advancing for two new classroom blocks and an administration building at LN Coakley High School, alongside upgrades to sports facilities at the Onion Bowl.
He also pledged to expand technical and vocational education, improve digital literacy and strengthen training in fields including hospitality, engineering, plumbing, electrical work, marine technology and entrepreneurship.
“And this is why, under my watch, we will continue to expand BTVI,” Mr Cooper said, referring to the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.
He also announced that Exuma will launch the Young Innovators Club within the next few weeks, extending an initiative already being rolled out in Grand Bahama, New Providence and Abaco. The programme is intended to encourage young people to develop practical solutions and entrepreneurial ideas across technology, business, the arts, maritime industries and environmental studies.
Beyond tourism investment, Mr Cooper said Exuma’s long-term economic development will depend on continued improvements to infrastructure, housing, healthcare and public services.
He said the island’s main roadworks are around 80 percent complete, adding that a contract has been signed for selected side roads, including those in Bahamas Sound 11, 14 and 18.
Additional improvements are under way at Black Point, Farmers Cay and Staniel Cay airports, while work continues on the Black Point Dock. The redevelopment of Exuma International Airport remains a priority, with completion expected by mid-2027, he said.
Mr Cooper also highlighted progress on water infrastructure, including the installation of new mains and the extension of running water to his hometown of Forbes Hill. He urged residents to apply to the Water and Sewerage Corporation for household connections.
He acknowledged continuing concerns over roads in Little Exuma, explaining that heavy equipment could not cross the existing ferry bridge and that a new asphalt plant will need to be established on the island to facilitate the work.
Housing affordability and healthcare remains other pressing concerns, the deputy prime minister said, adding that he shared residents’ frustration over the slow progress of the hospital and will continue pressing for the resources needed to advance it.
Mr Cooper said the Government will also continue working on the Georgetown Master Plan, and the proposed development of a new town centre, to accommodate commercial activity, public services and transportation as the island’s economy expands.
He urged businesses to invest beyond traditional industries while calling for development that protects Exuma’s environment, culture and communities.
“Government has an obligation to create an enabling environment, but the private sector must continue to be an active partner in shaping our future,” Mr Cooper said.
He added that Exuma’s development must ensure that residents benefit directly from new investment rather than being left behind by economic growth.
“The best days of Exuma are ahead of us,” Mr Cooper said. “But those better days will not come simply because investors see opportunity in our islands, or because the Government announced new projects. They will come because we make deliberate choices, invest in our people, follow through on our commitments, and ensure that growth reaches every community.”