Bahamas: PM Minnis opens another satellite passport office 

Bahamas:  Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis opened another satellite passport office in Clarence Town, Long Island, on Friday 19 March as part of the Government’s initiative to strengthen family island communities by investing in services and infrastructure.

The newest Passport Office, located in Clarence Town, is the third to be opened across the Family Islands within just over one month. Other offices were recently opened on the islands of Exuma and Inagua.

“We are fostering dynamic environments for you: to take greater advantage of economic and commercial opportunities and to improve the quality of lives in these communities and to incentivize family islanders remaining in their island homes while enticing others back to our Family Islands,” said Prime Minister Minnis at the official opening ceremony.

“That is why my administration is promised to equity and fairness in the availability of various public services throughout the Commonwealth.”

On the other hand, Dr. Hubert Minnis officially opened the Staniard Creek Bridge. The bridge serves as needed transportation linked for the settlement, as it is currently the only access crossing Staniard Creek.

Due to structural damage sustained by the existing bridge and the severe environmental damage to the surrounding eco-system, the bridge’s replacement was a matter of urgency.

“This project is important for the area, as it will regenerate the natural flora and fauna of the creek-system,” said Prime Minister Hubert Minnis at the official inauguration ceremony with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works Desmond Bannister.

“It will also act as a catalyst for eco-tourism in Andros by granting both locals and tourists with the opportunity to have a close at hand experience of the beauty of the natural creeks ecosystems in Andros.”

The new 180-foot bridge currently sits 500 feet North of the existing bridge. With a 12-foot headroom at high tide, the bridge now allows for the safe passage of boats.

The $8.8 million of the 15-month long construction contract was signed in November 2019 with Bahamas Maritime Construction.

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