Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham (left) is greeted, at the 5th Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival’s ‘Evening of Bahamian Elegance’ Fundraiser and Silent Auction by Chairperson of the Island Roots Heritage Festival Mrs. Karen McIntosh and her husband Luke. Mr. Ingraham applauded the residents of Green Turtle Cay and the organizers of the Island Roots Heritage Festival for being such fine examples of how persons of varying ethnic groups and financial backgrounds can, and have, lived and worked harmoniously for generations. The Prime Minister made an official visit to Abaco on Saturday, December 8, 2007. He visited the Baker’s Bay Development, officially opened the Abaco Christmas Festival and delivered the keynote address at the ‘Evening of Bahamian Elegance’ Fundraiser. ( Photo/Derek Smith)
By: Matt Maura
GREEN TURTLE CAY, ABACO — Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham assured residents of Green Turtle Cay that he will “solve the problem” of the continuous power cuts that have plagued the Cay during the course of 2007 “and before.”
Mr. Ingraham said he will accomplish this goal before he leaves office “God willing.”
The Prime Minister said the Government will undertake a number of measures to address the concerns of residents with regards to the delivery of a reliable and dependable source of electricity.
These, he said, include the “active pursuit” of alternative sources of energy and by increasing generation capacity.
Addressing the 5th Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival’s ‘Evening of Bahamian Elegance’ Fundraising Banquet held Saturday, December 8, 2007, at the Green Turtle Cay Club, Mr. Ingraham said he is “disappointed” that the Government “has been so disappointing” in the delivery of reliable and dependable power for the Cay in the past.
The Prime Minister said this is particularly so as he was “very much involved” in getting rid of the private sector provider of electricity in Green Turtle Cay.
“We know what the demands are, I have no excuse to give you other than to assure you that before I leave office, God willing, we will solve the problem,” Mr. Ingraham said to a rousing round of applause.
Prime Minister Ingraham said the Government plans to bring relief to the community by installing a new electrical line from the mainland, by increasing the generation capacity as soon as practicable and by doing “what is necessary to rid us of this plague.”
“I might also say that we are actively pursuing alternative sources of energy – solar and wind energy generation – which may assist in reducing our present complete dependency on fossil fuel for the generation of electricity,” Mr. Ingraham said.
Prime Minister Ingraham told residents that the Government of The Bahamas has a number of other plans on stream that will lead to the further development and advancement of Green Turtle Cay.
These include plans to construct a new subdivision which will be built on Company Land and the delivery of piped, potable water, from the mainland, throughout Green Turtle Cay.
The Prime Minister said the Government will also move to upgrade the airport and the terminal facilities at Treasure Cay
Mr. Ingraham said the upgrades are part of Government’s objective to meet the legitimate expectations of the Green Turtle Cay Community, Abaco at-large and The Bahamas as an entity, with regards to the need for growth in the economy and job creation.
Prime Minister Ingraham said this will be done by taking care “not to create employment demands beyond our capacity, nor by placing unsustainable demands on the physical resources of our islands.”
Mr. Ingraham applauded the community at-large and the organizers of the Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival for launching and sustaining what he says is “such a fine example” of how persons from various ethnic and financial backgrounds can, and have, lived and worked together harmoniously for generations.
“Heritage Festivals are important because they place the spotlight on the best of our culture, highlighting our rich history, strong spiritual values and traditional hospitality,” The Prime Minister said.
“Celebrating heritage is also a good opportunity to expose others to the rich cultural traditions to be found in our community. Tonight, as you showcase Bahamian elegance, I trust that our visitors and all the young persons attending a formal event for the first time, will come to understand that we take elegance very seriously in these parts,” Prime Minister Ingraham added.
