The Tribune

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) yesterday denied it is deliberately delaying a Business Licence for the Bahamas Marine Pilots Association (BMPA), and refuted claims it had a ‘conflict of interest’.

Ian Rolle, the GBPA’s president, said its licensing and inspection departments were impartial when processing licence applications, rejecting allegations made by the BMPA’s managing director, Erin Ferguson.

“Licensing requirements and processes are not always straightforward, particularly when the licences concern matters that can impact national security, safety, international relations and key parts of our local and national economies,” Mr Rolle said.

“GBPA treats such licences with the utmost care and attention, consistent with its mandate under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

“The uninterrupted and safe operations of Freeport Harbour are of paramount concern, and something GBPA will endeavour to ensure,” Mr Rolle added.

“Freeport Harbour’s customers demand the continued incorporation of international best practices and safety standards, and GBPA is required to deliver that. The suggestion that such is not the case, especially with no basis in fact, is irresponsible and not in the public interest.”

The marine pilots had previously accused the GBPA of “neglecting its duties as a regulator”, hinting they would likely initiate a Judicial Review legal action if it fails to reactivate their Business Licence.

“They still have delays on our Licence,” Mr Ferguson told Tribune Business earlier this week. “Ian Rolle [the Port Authority’s president] is refusing to answer as to why they have not done an inspection, which should happen in one-two days.

“We checked with some inspectors, and our name was not even in the business log.”

Tribune Business revealed last week how the BMPA’s members were planning to provide their services, and be hired, through the Freeport Pilotage Company, an entity first established in 1986.

Mr Ferguson said Freeport Pilotage Company’s Business Licence was in good standing, with fees paid up-to-date, but needed to be re-activated from dormant status.

He alleged that several roadblocks were being placed in the way. Before a Business Licence is granted, GBPA inspectors are supposed to inspect the applicant’s physical premises - something the BMPA says is being delayed in the case of Freeport Pilotage Company.

Mr Ferguson also alleged that the Port Authority wanted a sign-off by the Port Director, authorising the Pilotage Company and pilots to provide the services, before it would move on the Business Licence. The Port Director, while answerable to the GBPA in his regulatory capacity, has his salary paid by the Freeport Harbour Company.

The BMPA’s attorney, Carey Leonard of Callender’s & Co, said the Port Authority was delaying its premises inspection to put pressure on the BMPA, knowing the licence granted to Freeport Pilotage Company in 1986 was valid.

He added that the Port Authority was effectively ‘conflicted’ because, while it held the regulatory responsibilities, its Port Group Ltd affiliate holds a 50 per cent equity stake in Freeport Harbour Company.

Both entities, the GBPA and Port Group Ltd, have the same shareholders in the Hayward and St George families. Hutchison Whampoa owns the remaining 50 per cent stake in the Harbour Company, and has management control.