With both Baha Mar and Atlantis now eyeing December to reopen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest told Guardian Business that the government is looking forward to early fiscal results stemming from the restart of the country’s largest private employers.
Turnquest said, however, that despite the reopening of the two mega resorts on New Providence and Paradise Island, the economy and employment numbers still have a protracted recovery ahead.
“We predict that we still have a long way to go to recover sufficient economic and employment ground, but it is definitely a start in the right direction,” said Turnquest.
“Certainly we look forward to the early results as we are mindful of the potential positive economic and fiscal impact.”
Turnquest added that the government is hopeful the protocols set for reopening the country will be adhered to in order for the country to remain open.
“We are hopeful that the reopening protocols will be strictly observed and that those guidelines will result in a sustained product for The Bahamas,” he said.
Both Baha Mar and Atlantis plan to reopen their properties in a bubble, not allowing anyone on the properties besides employees and registered guests.
Baha Mar noted in a statement on Wednesday that it plans to test all guests on arrival.
Baha Mar President Graeme Davis told the media Wednesday that there are plans in place to test employees on a weekly basis.
Atlantis, according to Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar, has yet to finalize its reopening plan with government, though its executives have pegged December 1 as a possible reopening date.
The reintroduction of tourism and its offshoots are central to The Bahamas’ recovery in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which along with the fiscal deviations caused by Hurricane Dorian led the government to borrow an historic $1.4 billion.
The post Govt hoping for early success with Baha Mar, Atlantis reopening appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/govt-hoping-for-early-success-with-baha-mar-atlantis-reopening/
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