The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Revitalization and Economic Expansion of Freeport (REEF) Committee is working with the government on completing the handover of the Grand Bahama International Airport, among other critical short-term objectives to bolster the island’s economy.

The committee was launched by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) in 2020 following Hurricane Dorian and during the ongoing pandemic. It consists of a wide representation of Freeport business owners and Port Authority representatives.

An action plan with short, medium, and long-term solutions was developed to meet key objectives necessary to strengthen the economy through a diverse range of initiatives.

In addition to working with the government to complete the airport turnover, the other short-term objectives include finalising the extension of the real property tax exemption to all GBPA licensees and residents and updating the Freeport bylaws to enhance the appearance of the city.

Other objectives include supporting the work of public health officials amid the pandemic, progressing the new Carnival Cruise port project to mobilisation, expansion of Freeport Harbour Cruise facility with Royal Caribbean Cruise International, and repairing social infrastructure in the port area. The committee is also collaborating with business owners and entrepreneurs to enhance the ease of doing business in Freeport.

REEF has held a consultation process and conducted a public survey of residents to identify their concerns regarding the local economy and the environment.

“We were pleased to see about 3,200 responses from residents during the exercise who shared their concerns about hurricane preparation and protection, the revitalisation of healthcare facilities, and diversification of the economy – all areas of priority to the committee,” said committee lead Robert Adams.

REEF’s action plan is available for viewing on the website at https://reef.gbpa.com.

In phase two, REEF will continue its collaboration with the government to advance further goals.

There are plans to create jobs through policy and legislative changes and assisting in digitising administrative and government processes.

There is also interest and plans in developing an agency to promote investment in Freeport, creating opportunities for more Bahamian-made products and services, exploring new opportunities presented by the ‘“blue economy,” and expanding existing opportunities in the maritime industry.