The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday called for the establishment of a “defined roadmap” for the governance of Grand Bahama.

Speaking in support of the government’s recent decision to extend the concessions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, Mr Turnquest said the agreement has done a lot for not only the island of Grand Bahama, but also the entire Bahamas.

However, he said, despite the “pleasures of the deal,” moving forward the government has to be certain that the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) “respects and adheres to” its responsibilities on that island.

“Bahamians are now understanding the value of this deal,” said Mr Turnquest.

“The Port Authority has a responsibility for the upkeep and development of Grand Bahama, to date, they have operated in the best interest of the island in that regard.

“Moving forward there must be some transitional roadmap for the governance and handling of Grand Bahama. It has to divulge itself from a regulatory regime to a municipal body. Residents of Grand Bahama need to be more involved in the development of the island.”

Last month Prime Minister Perry Christie announced the extension of the concessions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement for a six-month period. The original concession agreement was set to expire today.

As a part of that extension, the tax exemptions for the real property tax and business licence fees would be further extended until February 2016.

Following the prime minister’s announcement, Vice Chairman of the GBPA Sarah St George labelled the government’s decision as a very positive development and indicative of the goodwill built between all parties during the consultation process.

In March, the government appointed a six-member committee, led by Dr Marcus Bethel, to review the agreement and to make recommendations on the expiring exemptions and for the further economic development of Freeport.

The original Hawksbill Creek Agreement was signed between the GBPA and the government on August 4, 1955.

That 99-year agreement consisted of obligations, duties, and exemptions for the Port Authority.

Allocated in that deal was 230 square miles of land, known as the “Port Area” for development.

According to Mr Turnquest, the inclusion of key stakeholders in “essential discussions” on how to improve and develop the island of Grand Bahama are needed.