Bahamas Hotel Association

The Bahamas Hotel Association's (BHA) president yesterday said it was a "myth" that this nation's hotels and tourism-oriented restaurants were not purchasing whatever locally-grown produce they can, although problems abound in the relationship between farmers and the industry.

China State Construction Engineering Corporation has committed to investing $99 million in the Baha Mar Resort, The Nassau Guardian has confirmed.

The firm is also finalizing details with Baha Mar officials related to a $1.92 billion construction contract for the planned redevelopment of the Cable Beach strip.

Baha Mar officials, who remain locked in a legal dispute with Harrah's Entertainment, have not yet made any announcement on the specific investment to be made by the Chinese corporation.

The Bahamas had one of the sharpest declines in visitor numbers in the region during the first half of the year, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation said.

FREEPORT -  Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced that government will soon make an announcement of a temporary jobs programme for some 500 or more unemployed people on Grand Bahama.

While in Grand Bahama on Sunday, Mr Ingraham told the media that government is doing a number of things to assist Grand Bahama during this difficult time.

He said that a new $17 million government office complex will be built for Customs and Immigration here on the island.  

According to the prime minister, the project, which involves the construction of a 60,000 sq ft building complex, will provide many construction jobs in Freeport.  

Mr Ingraham said the announcement for pre-qualification for contractors will be made on Tuesday of this week.

"Contractors who are interested in bidding on the job who are qualified to bid are urged to pick up the packages and to seek to become pre-qualified to bid on the job," he said.

The unemployment situation, the closure of hotel properties, and the decline in tourism on Grand Bahama are pressing concerns for residents.