PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he believes new management is needed at the Grand Bahama Port Authority to facilitate Freeport’s growth because the “status quo” is not working.
His comment further indicates his administration’s increasing discontent with the GPBA, but it is the first time he has explicitly called for new management of the company.
He said over the years the government has done the authority’s job.
“For many years,” he said, “the people have called for changes to the way the city of Freeport, as the economic engine of Grand Bahama is managed. You know I lived in Grand Bahama for several years, many years in the early 70s to the early 80s, so I know Freeport.”
“As the government, we have done what we can to make important investments in Grand Bahama. We are investing in a new airport, a new hospital, and a multi-million-dollar jobs programme. While these initiatives are much needed –– and let me say that these were under the Hawksbill Creek agreement ya know –– this is the port’s responsibility, but they take those responsibility off them.”
“They do not address the more fundamental need for change. Grand Bahama lost nine per cent of its GDP last year, and it’s continuing to lose more. Our position is clear: the Port Authority under its present structure is not realising Freeport’s enormous potential.”
“The status quo is not working, and the people of Grand Bahama deserve better.”
Mr Davis highlighted Section 1(5) of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which “specifies that costs borne by the government for certain activities and services provided are to be reimbursed by the GBPA for amounts in excess of customs duties and emergency taxes collected.”
He said the government has already started sending invoices to the authority for reimbursable expenses.
“To date, the port authority has not provided reimbursement in connection with any of these invoices,” he added.
“We need to have a serious conversation in this country about the best way forward. I am of the belief that the GBPA needs a management and governance change in order to realise real growth and opportunities in Grand Bahama.”
The prime minister also committed to consulting the people of Grand Bahama and the licensees of Freeport to determine their views.
Government officials declined to say how much money the authority owes the government.
Comments
TalRussell 1 year, 4 months ago
... This century a number of countries have relocated their capitals for various reasons. — Nassau as the out islands capital — Is well under consideration to move its — 'central authority' — To Freeport.– 'Aye.' 'Nay?'
The_Oracle 1 year, 4 months ago
Change may be needed, but not this kind of change: insofar as the Port is far from perfect, it has contended with 5 hurricanes, Covid, global economic downturns, repeated government attacks since inception. Look no further than Eight Mile Rock and West End to see complete Government failure. Or any other Out Island for that matter. The Nationalistic overtones from Fred are disappointing and detrimental to national investor confidence and residents alike. Need a muzzle on that one.
RobMillard 1 year, 4 months ago
What must happen in order to revitalise Freeport's economy and restore powerful growth? This is what some of the city's most prominent businesspeople think/say: https://reef.gbpa.com/wp-content/upload…">REEF Action Plan.
The REEF Action Plan calls simply for parties to honour provisions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement that have been negated, frustrated or sidestepped over many years, which has made Freeport far less attractive to investors than rivals like Cayman, Panama, Dominican Republic - to say nothing of Dubai. So the city has languished. Which is not to say that change is not needed. It clearly is. But some changes must happen before others can.
If link doesn't work, Google "REEF Action Plan Freeport"
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