The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey said she does not support the fuel cost hike to Grand Bahama Power Company’s customers, effective November 1.

Ms Moxey added it is never a good time for any type of increase, but especially now when “we’re trying to recover”.

“I’ve spoken about this early into our term when a request for an increase was asked at the time and my position remains the same. It’s never a good time,” she told reporters.

“Actually, this time, there was no notice and so it makes it even more surprising. And so again, I’m with the people of Grand Bahama, who are working so hard to recover from Dorian, from the pandemic. And so I’m not happy right now.”

She added: “But we will continue to work hard to provide an environment where people can really begin to recover because again, people are hurting, and we are doing everything that we can to try to make things better.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis stated: “We have continued to work and fight for them and hopefully relief will come soon.”

The Pineridge MP explained some of the initiatives on stream to help locals.

“Well, the same that was done for New Providence will be extended to Grand Bahama. And so that’s really what we’re doing, which is trying to find ways for people to be able to survive,” she explained.

“We’ve been taking a lot of different measures. In that regard, we’ve been providing all sorts of relief opportunities. We’ve also personally introduced a beautiful Grand Bahama project that has employed those who haven’t worked in three years and so they’re able to provide for their families.

“We’ve extended the programme now twice and so with what’s being planned with Carnival Cruise Line, and the other developments going on, we believe that these individuals who will be able to move on into other job opportunities and other entrepreneurial opportunities, but in the meantime, we’re doing all that we can to help for people to be able to put bread on the table.”

Dave McGregor, Caribbean chief operating officer for Emera, Grand Bahama Power Company’s 100 percent owner, has told Tribune Business he hoped the difference in energy costs would steer investors towards the island and help revive its struggling economy.

“If I were to believe the numbers we’re seeing out of BPL next summer, all things being equal, we’ll be 40 percent less cost than the rest of The Bahamas,” he asserted. “I’ve seen the numbers that BPL has pushed out for next June. If they are at 27 cents per kWh, and we’re at 12-13 kWh, that’s a huge difference and I hope that helps investors decide where to invest because Grand Bahama needs it.”

Asked if she felt optimistic on that note, she answered – “I believe that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. And so I do feel good about that. And I hope that it continues in that direction, where it’s lower instead of increasing. And so that’s one of the things that I can say.”