NASSAU, The Bahamas--The government of the Bahamas signed a Heads of Agreement with Western Atlantic University of Medicine Ltd. for the establishment and operation of a University School of Medicine in Freeport, Grand Bahama, which was devastated by Hurricane Dorian last month. The development represents a US $64 million investment and will provide hundreds of construction and permanent jobs.
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis described Monday’s signing as an important part of the Hurricane Dorian recovery and reconstruction effort. “This development represents a significant investment in Grand Bahama, the country’s second largest economy,” he said. It is estimated that in the University’s first 10 years of operation, student and faculty spending on housing, food, entertainment, goods and on-island transportation will provide a combined US $200 million in revenue for Grand Bahama. At the peak of construction, 150 jobs will be created. During the full operation of the campus, approximately 200 permanent jobs will be created for Bahamians. “This major development will inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy over time, and provide direct and indirect opportunities for scores of residents,” said Minnis. The development will include university-owned housing for faculty, staff and students on campus. It will also encompass: on-campus businesses, including a bookstore, cafeteria and a student centre providing music, food, beverages, a copy centre and related services. Western Atlantic intends to build its own campus on land to be leased from the Public Hospitals Authority. A maximum of 50 acres will be leased in three tranches, based upon the University’s satisfaction of certain deliverables. The campus will be developed in multiple phases over the next 10 years. It will involve the construction of 98,000 square feet of classrooms, offices, lab facilities, maintenance, security and related spaces. Construction will begin on the first phase by the end of this year. During the construction phase, Western Atlantic has agreed to aim for an overall ratio of 80 per cent Bahamian workers to 20 per cent non-Bahamian workers. Under the agreement, Western Atlantic will also work closely with the government and local communities to develop training and professional development programmes for Bahamians who want to work during the operation of the campus. Approval to operate the campus will be contingent on the University obtaining accreditation from the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), or an equivalent body. Western Atlantic will also work toward receiving accreditation for its students to be able to practise medicine in the US, Canada and the Bahamas. “This development has the potential to attract global talent and build international connections,” said the prime minister. “It also represents another opportunity to diversify our economy.” Minnis pointed to signs of recovery progress on Grand Bahama, including the reopening of the Grand Lucayan hotel and Port Lucaya, the return of cruise ship visitors and the restoration of essential utilities. “We have a long road ahead of us for recovery and reconstruction, but we are making progress,” the prime minister said. “[Monday’s – Ed.] signing is yet another indication of the progress we are making together.” ~ Caribbean360 ~
