The Tribune

The Government’s revenue intake from the Nassau Container Port (NCP) could increase significantly if it becomes New Providence’s sole cargo port, its chief executive believes.

Mike Maura, Arawak Port Development’s (APD) chief executive, made the case as he took the minister of tourism, Obie Wilchcombe, and his team of senior officials on a tour of the port, giving them a first-hand view of the operation.

During a PowerPoint presentation following the tour, Mr Maura revealed that as a 40 per cent shareholder in the port, the Government receives $5.8 million in dividends annually.

However, he cited the transshipment of goods destined for Nassau through Family Island ports, the use of Prince George Dock as a commercial port ,and the unregulated use of Potter’s Cay Dock are “national security threats” that “impact the cost of doing business at NCP and reduce the revenue government can potentially earn”.

Mr Wilchcombe expressed concern, but said his complaints must be investigated to ensure there is no abuse and people are not using other ports of entry for the wrong reasons.

“You have to appreciate that things will land on the respective islands, but it does not make sense, for example, to land something in Bimini for clearance then bringing it to New Providence, where it is going to remain. That does not make sense,” the Minister said.

He added that if abuses are occurring in the Family Islands, it must be addressed and new protocols introduced to prevent it.

Referring to the challenges at Prince George and Potter’s Cay Docks, Mr Wilchcombe explained that much had occurred during the last two years to transform the shipping industry, and Bahamians can now appreciate the evolution of the Nassau Container Port (NCP).

“It means that we can now bring shipping to a central location and fix the problem that exists,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

NCP is considered the regional leader in productivity. “We are very impressed with the facility, and to see the tremendous amount of work and professionalism that now exist. I thrink it is something to be proud of,” the Minister said.

But the relocation to Arawak Cay raised the question of whether the Port can co-exist with the Fish Fry, considered a popular native spot for tourists and residents. Understanding that challenge, Mr Maura spokeof the collaborative effort between APD and the Fish Fry Association to ensure the safety of patrons.

He referred to the introduction of a taxi drop-off spot, along with various road safety signs, as part of an immediate initiative to create a safe environment.

Mr Maura also introduced the minister and his team to a conceptual design of a Causeway as the southwestern end of the Cay to create a new entrance to the Port, and eliminate the challenge of having to use the Fish Fry as the main entrance.

Mr Wilchcombe said this idea “makes sense”, but should be discussed and the feasibility explored to determine what has to happen to make it work. He believes having “a willing partner it is best to proceed”.

The Minister confirmed the Government’s is “fully committed” to the further growth and development of the Nassau Container Port, but “how we proceed I think requires further discussion and working with the partner”.

He described the Port as a “state of the art facility with 400 employees, which provides opportunities for expansion. Yes we support it and and we want to continue to expand, and we have to work with others to ensure that we are doing things that will benefit the entire country,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

The team that toured the facility included Ministry of Tourism permanent secretary, Harrison Thompson; tourism director-general Joy Jilibru, and Tyrone Sawyer. The tour was a part of the Port’s efforts to forge a closer relationship with the Government.