NASSAU — Grand Bahama properties say they expect to open either in November or December as restoration work continues in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

Grand Bahama was among those islands hardest hit by the storm but the island’s tourism industry is moving quickly to rebuild.

“We have to be honest about Grand Bahama because that’s the only way we can move forward. Tourism on the island has come to a grinding halt. Hotels, restaurants and tour operators have all been affected by Hurricane Matthew, but there is hope and Grand Bahamians are resilient,” said Bahamas Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe. “Everywhere you go on this island people are working. People are working on their homes; people are working at the hotels to fix those properties. Grand Bahama will rise again, better and stronger.”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) Director for Grand Bahama, Betty Bethel, said there is a feeling of “optimism” on the island among tourism stakeholders who are hoping to open their resorts and businesses during the winter season.

“We are looking at the positives here. This is indeed an opportunity for Grand Bahama to freshen up its tourism product and to create some new product. The relaunch will reflect, I think, a different attitude, a different perspective in terms of tourism on Grand Bahama. We are now focusing on reinventing ourselves,” said Bethel.

“After speaking with several of our partners they are very optimistic that with the restoration of power and water we actually can have a product within two months,” she added.
Here are the latest resort updates:

• Based on initial damage assessments, Viva Wyndham Fortuna said it expects to open on Nov. 14.
• Castaways, which had roof damage resulting in 32 rooms being out of order, remains open. The hotel has water, WiFi and limited electricity.
• Pelican Bay had minor roof damage to its conference centre, which is currently being repaired. The property is taking corporate business and restoration teams only and is not open to leisure guests. Its restaurant, Sabor, is also open.
• Work on Memories Resort is expected to begin soon and the company expects to open on Dec. 10.
• Grand Lucayan, which includes the Lighthouse Pointe and Breakers Cay, had water damage and roof damage. Lighthouse Pointe is expected to open Nov. 7.
• Flamingo Bay Resort had minor damage and is awaiting the restoration of power before opening.
• Taino Beach Resort received extensive damage and officials there gave no timeframe for opening.
• Old Bahama Bay Resort sustained minimal damage and will open once power and water have been restored.
• A team of workers are currently assessing the damage to the Ocean Reef Resort and no opening date has been given at this point.
• Treasure Bay Casino reported minor damage to its interior, although it suffered major roof damage. The property is proposing to open on Oct. 31.