The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A well-known QC yesterday urged the late Sir Jack Hayward’s family to work closely with their St George counterparts to further develop Freeport, amid suggestions of “ownership issues” with the former co-chairman’s estate.

Fred Smith QC, the Callender’s & Co attorney and partner, told Tribune Business that Sir Jack would be “sorely missed”, both within the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Freeport, following his passing yesterday.

Sir Jack owned 50 per cent of the GBPA and its Port Group Ltd affiliate via his family trust, and his death will likely cause some to question whether Freeport’s leadership, development and governance will be impacted.

Mr Smith said that while the GBPA would not be impacted in the short-term, the Hayward and St George families needed to work closely together for the common good of all in Freeport.

But he also appeared to allude to potential differences among the Hayward family and beneficiaries of the trust, something that could cause complications in the near future.

“Sir Jack’s passing should not affect corporate governance at thge Port Group of Companies,” Mr Smith told Tribune Business, “which have executives in place, and who should be armed with strategic development, city planning and promotional plans.

“I know Sir Jack was a 50 per cent owner of the Port Group, and I know there have been some issues with his family about ownership.

“I do hope his family is able to work closely with Sarah St George, Lady Henrietta St George and Henry St George to ensure Sir Jack’s passing does not disrupt the business of Freeport.”

These potential ‘issues’ within the Hayward estate were confirmed by other Tribune Business sources close to developments.

The concern here is that such ‘issues’ do not result in the same protracted, four-year legal battle that was sparked by initial disputes within the estate/family of Sir Jack’s late business partner Edward St George, and resulted in proceedings versus the Hayward family.

The dispute paralysed Freeport’s leadership and governance at a critical time, and may have dissuaded investors from undertaking projects that could have bolstered the city’s fragile economy.

Sir Jack’s passing comes just before the Port embarks on negotiations with the Government over the ‘sunsetting’ of key Freeport investment incentives, which expire in August 2015.

Some observers fear that the Government may use the situation to exert further pressure to achieve the outcome it wants to see in Freeport, which may include a change of ownership at the GBPA.

Still, Mr Smith said yesterday: “I am deeply saddened by Sir Jack’s demise. Although we had our differences in the St George estate litigation, he and I were stalwart allied in protecting Freeport, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and licensees from central government over-zealousness.

“Sir Jack has been an icon for Freeport’s community for over half-a-century, and was always humorous but vocal, strident and incisive in the protection of Freeport.”

Extending his condolences to Sir Jack’s family and Patti Bloom, Mr Smith added: “He was a feisty British ex-pilot who believed in standing up for people’s rights. His voice from the lofty Port Authority towers will be sorely missed.

“I urge the St Georges to take up the banner for Freeport, which Sir Jack led the charge with.”