The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Tribune Business Reporter

The head of an advocacy group pressing for the full commercial opening of North Abaco's port has called for the Government to provide more specifics on plans to outsource its development and operation to a private partner.

Pastor Marvin Mills, the North Abaco Pastors Association (NAPA) chairman, told a Monday night meeting seeking to create a petition advocating for the port's full use that he had numerous questions following comments to Tribune Business earlier this week by JoBeth Coleby-Davis, minister of transport and housing.

She said the Government is "moving quickly" to put both of the island’s ports out to bid, and that the Attorney General’s Office is reviewing draft tender documents that will be issued as the Davis administration seeks a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the redevelopment and operation of both the Marsh Harbour and North Abaco ports.

This would involve the winning private sector bidder financing, developing and managing the ports under a long-term lease with the Government. However, Pastor Mills called for "immediate" answers to what he described as several key questions.

"We acknowledge the statements made in a news article in this morning's Tribune by the minister of transport and housing," he said. "But those statements were not sufficient to answer the questions that we will put forward this evening.

"We are aware of various proposals that have been presented to the Government as it relates to public-private partnerships, PPPs, for the management and operation of the North Abaco Port development, so I have initiated six questions for the Government to respond to immediately. The minister in her statement said she will have a lot more to share in weeks to come. And we don’t know how many weeks that will be.”

Pastor Mills questioned the state of development plans for the North Abaco port, and the progress made in sourcing a PPP arrangement. “What are the current plans of the Government concerning the official opening, operation and advancement of the North Abaco Port," he asked. "As it relates to the public-private partnership, PPP, has the Government decide on a private partner to facilitate the management of the port.”

He further queried if Bahamians will be able to acquire shares in the port or its chosen operator, and if there will be job opportunities at the facility for North Abaco residents. "As for [any] IPO or initial public offering, what efforts are being made to create a distribution model that includes individual investors on a large scale and ensure that not just the very wealthy, but also average local Abaconians, will be given the opportunity to partake," he asked.

"This initial offering that I’m talking about has to do with shareholdings. What is being done to ensure that local Abaconians have a stake in the day-to-day operation of this port development?"

The current channel into the North Abaco port needs to be dredged to accommodate larger vessels, and Pastor Mills questioned the timeline for this and other necessary upgrades to the facility. He said: “We are aware that the channel to the port needs to be dredged deeper; as much as 35 feet deep. The question is what timeline is there for the channel to be dredged?

"What timeline is there for the much-needed repairs to the port facility to be completed, and also has the Government raised the funds to do so as yet”

Pastor Mills questioned how involved North Abaco businesses, such as contractors and fuel providers, will be in the port's development and operation. “As development continues with the port facilities, to what extent will the local contractors, engineers, business owners etc be engaged," he asked.

“There are business owners in North Abaco who have, for generations, operated fossil fuel stations and we call those family businesses. How will the Government ensure that these family businesses are given the opportunity to have a stake in the provision of fuels, trucks that can pump waste and barge fuel from the ships, as well as waste from the ships?"

Pastor Mills said a fully operational port can drive the commercial market in North Abaco and facilitate economic growth. “What policies are being put in place to secure our stake and our protect interest as it relates to the port operation?" he asked.

"I believe that the full operation and advancement of the North Abaco port is a game changer for North Abaco residents who must now be empowered to facilitate economic growth for future generations. This North Abaco port investment will be the means to balancing the commercial market in Abaco.”

Citing major projects underway on the island, Mr Mills maintained that North Abaco's port will improve business operations and create jobs.

He said: “Presently there is a major $800m investment or development set to take off at Hole in the Wall, South Abaco; a $352m development at Montage Cay just off Marsh Harbour in Central Abaco. The northern Abaco community needs its own economic boost, which can very well be facilitated by the full operation, opening and development of the North Abaco port.

"There are a lot of direct jobs and businesses that will become available through the operation of this port and North Abaconians must be thoroughly involved in its operation.”