By LINDSAY THOMPSON
NASSAU, Bahamas, June 20, 2019 (BIS) – The government is moving with complete transformation of the popular local and tourist attraction know as the ‘Fish Fry’ at Arawak Cay, aimed at empowering local business ownership.
This was announced by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis during his contribution to the 2019/20 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.
Still in the planning stages, the Prime Minister said consultation is being held with the relevant stakeholders towards this end.
“What we are proposing will mean many millions more dollars for Bahamian business people. Again, I emphasize that this is still in the planning phase,” he said.
The proposed redevelopment will take in the area from Fish Fry to Junkanoo Beach to Long Wharf.
“This will help boost Bahamian ownership in the tourism sector, and to significantly boost spending by Bahamians and cruise ship passengers,” the Prime Minister said. “This new entertainment area for Nassau will result in scores of Bahamians going to the waterfront for entertainment and relaxation on a weekly basis.”
The redevelopment will also enhance and beautify the area for Junkanoo practices, cookouts, festivals and other events. And, like Saunders Beach and Montagu Beach, the Prime Minister further revealed that the plans for Arawak Cay would enhance the beaches and swimming areas for Bahamians and visitors.
The Prime Minister recalled that years ago, the first redevelopment of the Fish Fry took place under the FNM Government, which has been “extremely successful”.
“These areas will be transformed into a major retail, restaurant, entertainment, and cultural area, in which businesses are owned solely by Bahamians,” he said.
With 20,000 cruise visitors projected to visit weekly, the Prime Minister observed that there must be ways to attract them to Junkanoo Beach, Fish Fry, the forts and Clifford Park, and adjoining areas while crossing West Bay Street in a safe manner.
“We now propose to expand the development of these areas into a major retail and entertainment center. There will be enhanced security and measures to ensure the proper and ongoing maintenance of this redeveloped area. The area will be Wi-Fi ‘free’,” the Prime Minister said.
The transformation will also include the use of smart technology to ensure the safety and security of Bahamians and visitors.
“This area will be zoned for major tax concessions for Bahamian businesses… (tax free zones like the inner city),” the Prime Minister said.
