By BARBARA WALKIN

Senior FN Reporter

barbara@nasguard.com

Maintaining that Grand Bahama's economy remains in shambles, its educational system in crisis and residents are living in fear for their lives and livelihoods, Member of Parliament for Lucaya Neko Grant said yesterday that the government's 2006 Budget provides for no immediate relief.

Grant, who was making his contribution during the budget debate in the House of Assembly, assailed the Government for its lack of concern for Grand Bahama's economy.

He noted that after the Prime Minister's budget presentation, the headlines read, 'Good news for Grand Bahama.'

"But how good was the news he brought for persons who are having their cars repossessed, for families who are having their homes taken away and the thousands of persons who are in search of jobs?" asked the Lucaya MP. "How good was the news for persons that will graduate from high school during June, who will not find jobs, who will not be able to pursue higher education because both parents are out of work and cannot afford to pay for the advanced education they deserve?"

Grant said Grand Bahamians are unable to point to one major development planned and executed by the Government in the last four years that has acted as a catalyst to improve the quality of life in the island.

"Today, Grand Bahama's economy parallels the pre-1992 years and it needs to be rescued and restored now," Grant asserted.

He added that other than the Ginn project in West End, the Government is unable to successfully point to one significant job-producing project in Grand Bahama.

Grant also accused the Government of being disingenuous to the Bahamian people when they talk about the amount of money the Ginn Corporation is investing in West End.

"The economy in Grand Bahama requires strong decisive leadership, sensible policies and on-time answers if it is to be rescued and restored," said the Lucaya MP.

He claimed that under the Free National Movement governance from 1992 to 2002, Grand Bahama experienced unprecedented growth and expansion, including:

* The redevelopment of the Lucayan Beach strip and the construction of Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort.

* The construction of the Pelican Bay Hotel and the redevelopment of the Lucayan Marina.

* The construction and development of Polymers, the Grand Bahama Ship Care facility, Dravco Rock Company, the Grand Bahama Container Port, the Grand Bahama International Airport, Bradford Marine Shipyard and the redevelopment of the Lucayan Harbour.

"The economy in Grand Bahama needs some relief and needs it immediately," Mr. Grant said.