FNM govt approved $1.75 million for Dubai Expo trip

Before it was booted out of office, the Minnis Administration had set aside $1.75 million to spend on the Bahamas’ participation in the World Expo in Dubai, according to government insiders.

However, after the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) took office in September, the massive budget was whittled down to $750,000.

The six-month expo in the United Arab Emirates is estimated to cost $5 million.

The United Arab Emirates government invested $3.5 million in cash and kind and the private sector invested $500,000 in the important event.

The expo presents a crucial opportunity for countries to make key connections with the world’s movers and shakers.

The Davis Administration also hopes to establish diplomatic relations with the UAE.

Prime Minister Philip Davis and his wife, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and his wife, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle, Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Jamahl Strachan, the Deputy Director of Culture and a group of Bahamian entertainers will make up the Bahamas delegation.

The expo runs from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.