WhatsApp Group Turned Partnership, to Revitalize and Develop Cat Island

By Shanieka Smith

Features Writer

#TheBahamas, May 27, 2022 – The simplest of things can turn into great things, like a WhatsApp group for residents and descendants of Orange Creek, Cat Island, which has now grown into a partnership group. The group is now aiming to develop the business and entrepreneurial landscape of the island within the next several years.

The group, which was the hub for discussions about individual projects now has more than 100 economically active members on Cat Island in the Bahamas and around the world.

An executive ceremony of the Orange Creek Redevelopment Partnership was held and led by Carlos McKay, CEO of Moneymax, who shared a little about the group’s agenda.

“The Orange Creek Redevelopment Partnership is dedicated to enhancing the business and entrepreneurial landscape in North and Central Cat Island through investment and management in new and existing businesses,” said McKay. He also shared that the group has spent the past several months engaging stakeholders.

McKay said one of the goals of the group is to have 5,000 to 7,000 people on Cat Island by 2035. He added that “Cat Island is the cultural capital of the Bahamas…our population should reflect that we are among the major islands in the country.”

Arthur’s Town Airport is being redeveloped as a high functioning airport with regular domestic and international commercial aviation for for North and Central Cat Island. As for South Cat Island, the New Bight will be redeveloped.

McKay added that “architectural and engineering planning is progressing very well.” This is attributable to fund raising and structuring for the management and operation of Arthur Town Airport and the redevelopment of a ferry and commercial terminal at Bennett’s Harbour Dock.

“We are confident that a proposal to manage and operate both of these facilities with the launch of a partner airline for Arthur’s Town Airport will be submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, to the general public in July,” he assured.

The group has committed to working with OPM to do the construction and operation of a new health facility, an early childhood education centre and housing community on the island.

There may also be an agro-processing centre and business incubator.