ongoing construction progress at the Rand Memorial Hospital and the Grand Bahama airport on Monday 7 September.
The Prime Minister was in Grand Bahama for a press conference to update Grand Bahamians and the general public on the continuing phased reopening of the country and the economy, including a number of changes to the Emergency Orders.
At the Rand Memorial Hospital, the Prime Minister viewed extensive renovations of the male and female wards, operating theatres, children’s ward, IT Department, the new pharmacy and a revised reception area.
Hospital officials expect seven additional COVID-19 beds to come onstream within a week at the redeveloped Rand Memorial.
Twenty-one million dollars has been allocated for the phased redevelopment of the Rand Memorial Hospital, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.
Prime Minister Minnis was accompanied on the tour of the Rand Memorial Hospital by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest; Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson; Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis; and Hospital Administrator, Sharon Williams.
The Government is also continuing discussions with Hutchison Ports along with the Grand Bahama Port Authority to finalize an agreement for the best way forward in rebuilding a world-class Grand Bahama Airport, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister assured Grand Bahamians that the Government remains focused on the island that has endured economic struggles for many years.
“We continue to work hard to rejuvenate Grand Bahama,” said Prime Minister Minnis.
“The two major investment projects approved for Grand Bahama include: the ITM Group, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Lucaya Hotel Project, and the Carnival Corporation Project.
“I am pleased to report that we remain positively engaged with our development partners on these Projects. They remain committed to the implementation of these Projects, which I will have more to say about in the weeks ahead.”
The Prime Minister said the Government continues to invest in critical infrastructure to improve the lives of Grand Bahamians.
Four point five million dollars in contracts were awarded in June 2020 for major reconstruction to 15 schools on Grand Bahama.
Work is steadily progressing with demolition, new construction, additions, and renovations.
The Fishing Hole Road Bridge has been completed and officially opened.
“While we are making progress on Grand Bahama, there is still much to do,” said Prime Minister Minnis.
“COVID-19 may have delayed our ambitious and comprehensive plans for Grand Bahama. But once we have beaten back this virus, our plans will come into full force.”
