The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE government officially received over 80 acres of land on Thursday — valued at over $6 million — to develop a new aquatics centre at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

The land, donated by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), will be used to construct a modern swimming pool and aquatic facility to advance sports on the island and position Grand Bahama as a hub for national and international competitions.

The donation was formalised during a signing ceremony attended by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, GBPA officials, and other stakeholders. The event marked a major step forward in strengthening public-private partnerships to boost youth development and sports tourism in Grand Bahama.

Mr Bowleg described the land transfer as continuing long-overdue plans to expand the sports complex. He said the signing formalised the government’s control of the land and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the GBPA and the Grand Bahama community to enhance local sports.

GBPA President Ian Rolle said the donation symbolised hope for young Bahamians and acknowledged the transformative power of sports. He noted that the 80 acres, with an estimated value of $6 million, reflected the Port Authority’s gratitude and its responsibility to give back to the country. Mr Rolle also praised the government for placing passionate leaders in roles focused on youth and sports advancement.

Reflecting on the social impact of sports, Mr Rolle said many Bahamians — including himself — have risen from modest beginnings, and that athletics has opened doors for countless young people facing economic challenges. He called Bahamians naturally talented people whose potential continues to shine on the global stage.

GBPA Chairman Sarah St George welcomed the renewed focus on sports in Grand Bahama and highlighted the island’s ability to produce elite athletes despite limited infrastructure. She pointed to swimmer Marvin Johnson, who earned a scholarship to the University of Florida after a standout performance at the 2023 Carifta Games, as an example of emerging talent.

St George also mentioned Olympian Lamar Taylor, who is currently training for the next Games, and said the new aquatics centre would help nurture more champions in the years ahead. As a swimmer herself, she expressed hope that Grand Bahama’s swimming facilities could one day rival those in Nassau.

She also recalled the accomplishments of Grand Bahama natives Demetrius Pinder and Michael Matthieu, members of the Olympic gold-medal-winning 4x400 relay team, as proof of the island’s athletic pedigree.

St George reaffirmed GBPA’s support for future development at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex and encouraged embracing sports as a lifelong pursuit for all Bahamians.