Despite the Minister of Tourism's optimism that new owners are anxious to get in and that Grand Bahama will rebound in a big way, the economic outlook for the island could take another turn for the worse before it gets better.

With the imminent closure of the Isle of Capri Casino reportedly within 12 months, the island could be hit with another surge of unemployment in the tourist sector, which would definitely have an impact across the board.

Grand Bahama has yet to fully recover from the impact of three devastating hurricanes in the past two seasons, which resulted in the closure of the Royal Oasis Resort and Casino, sending more than one thousand hotel workers to the unemployment lines, and which has virtually placed a choke hold on all business in the International Bazaar and the nearby straw market.

With the closure of Isle of Capri, if it happens, Grand Bahama will be without a casino, a major attraction for visitors to the island. And the Prime Minister's promise that another operator is waiting in the wings is sure to be viewed with skepticism as that has been heard repeatedly in the past two years concerning the Royal Oasis Resort. The people of Grand Bahama, and particularly the unemployed hotel and casino workers, will only believe it when it becomes a reality.

There is also no comfort in the fact that it is now again hurricane season and in some areas of the island, the effects of Wilma last year and even Frances and Jeanne of 2004 are still visible. And while the small comfort is that Isle of Capri will stay the intended 12 months and will not jettison its employees, beyond that is still the possibility of unemployment for some.

An avenue that may be worth the government's while to pursue is the suggestion by High Rock MP Ken Russell that rather than run the risk of the casino closing at the end of 12 months, people with whom the government is talking should be encouraged to take over now and continue with a smooth transition. This would certainly give the appearance of stability for the casino operation and at the end of the day could go a long way in assuring potential visitors that Grand Bahama is still the place where they would want to be.

Another saving grace for Grand Bahama could be the multi-billion dollar Ginn projects for West End, where the development will include a golf course, a 400-unit condo-style hotel, a beach club, marina and lots for more than 1,000 single family homes. While it could be years before the full realisation of the development is seen, the economic impact of the preparatory work should now be making its presence felt.