The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

NEWLY elected City of Freeport councillors have undertaken their first official duties following the the local government elections last month by paying a courtesy call on executives of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).

GBPA President Ian Rolle, Chief Financial Officer Deann Seymour and Business Development Manager Derek Newbold held brief disucssions with the nine councillors in the boardroom.

Mr Rolle said it was important that both parties become better acquainted so as to forge immediate relationships to service the needs of local citizens.

“It is good for us to get together so that we can understand how our various functions might be inter-related and how the GBPA can help you to achieve your goals,” he said.

Mr Rolle pledged his commitment to fostering private-public partnerships to improve the quality of life for persons living in Grand Bahama.

City Administrator Alexander Williams said the City of Freeport Council has always enjoyed a “harmonious” relationship with the GBPA over the years and expects that the Port Authority would continue regular quarterly discussions with the Council.

“In all we do, we must recognise a fundamental principle that these persons represent the voices of the masses of the people, and they are here to share with the GBPA and central government what the people are crying for,” said Mr Williams.

Chief Councillor Chervita Campbell outlined some of the Council’s key initiatives and immediate concerns in the City of Freeport District - the need for street lights, road paving, fire hydrants and water supply. She also expressed concerns about truancy.

She said they want to move beyond just fixing, repairing and cleaning community parks and to look at how they can address some of social issues in the community.

Ms Campbell said the council is also interested in developing economic activities to address unemployment and crime.

They also intend to continue to offer existing programmes, such as computer laboratories, karate classes and expanding after-school activities.