In a significant development for Grand Bahama’s economic revival, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper announced yesterday that the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has agreed to redirect funding initially designated for the George Town and North Eleuthera airports to the Grand Bahama International Airport. Cooper hailed this decision as a critical step forward for the island’s recovery efforts. The exact amount of SFD’s financial commitment remains undisclosed at this time. Speaking at the Exuma Business Outlook, Cooper revealed that the reallocation followed successful negotiations with Saudi officials regarding airport projects across the Family Islands. While the George Town and North Eleuthera airports have secured full funding through alternative sources, the freed-up Saudi funds will now support the redevelopment of Grand Bahama’s airport, a project deemed essential for the island’s recovery from hurricanes and economic stagnation. This announcement comes a month after Cooper disclosed that the long-awaited $200 million airport redevelopment had stalled due to private partners’ inability to secure financing. The project has been a government priority since Hurricane Dorian devastated the island in 2019, rendering the airport inoperable for months and necessitating temporary terminals. The Davis administration has emphasized the construction of a hurricane-resilient international airport as a cornerstone of Grand Bahama’s tourism and logistics resurgence. The government acquired the facility in April 2021, but demolition delays have persisted despite repeated assurances. Cooper also highlighted progress on the Beaches Exuma project, now projected to exceed $150 million, up from its initial $100 million valuation. Final agreements are expected by mid-November, with the project set to revitalize the former Sandals Emerald Bay site, boosting employment, marketing reach, and international visibility for Exuma. However, the project’s timeline has faced uncertainties, with construction estimates ranging from six to fifteen months. Beyond tourism, Cooper outlined plans for new housing subdivisions in Moss Town and George Town, alongside discussions with an international city-planning firm to redesign George Town’s center, including relocating the port to free up waterfront space for civic and commercial development. He emphasized the need for expanded housing stock to support inclusive growth. Additionally, Cooper confirmed plans for new schools, a multi-purpose youth center, and a government services complex to enhance public service accessibility. While acknowledging delays in hospital upgrades, he noted the recruitment of additional doctors and nurses from Ghana, with three recently stationed in Exuma.