The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Grand Bahama business community is seeking greater transparency and consultation over reforms involving the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and other development projects, arguing that investor confidence will depend on “visible progress” and clear execution plans.

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, responding to the Government’s Speech from the Throne, urged the Davis administration and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to fully engage licensees and stakeholders over any proposed governance or economic framework changes, warning the island “cannot afford to lose momentum” at a critical stage in its recovery and redevelopment efforts.

In a statement, the Chamber said while recent developments surrounding Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), maritime activity, tourism redevelopment and other proposed investments have generated “renewed optimism” about the island’s future, businesses still require greater clarity, timelines and visible progress on several key initiatives.

Ralph Hepburn, the GB Chamber’s president, specifically pointed to the importance of stakeholder engagement regarding any restructuring or reorganisation involving the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).

“Given the significance of these matters to the future governance and economic framework of Freeport and Grand Bahama, we are again asking both the Government and Port Authority to engage with - and collaborate with - licensees and stakeholders as discussions progress,” said Mr Hepburn.

“Not only does this impact residents, their businesses and livelihoods but it remains a key component and requirement of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.” The Chamber also said businesses remain eager for more information regarding several major redevelopment projects, particularly those tied to the Grand Lucayan area and broader tourism expansion plans.

While welcoming momentum surrounding the MSC development and related tourism activity, Mr Hepburn said businesses still need a clearer understanding of how redevelopment plans will integrate with the wider Freeport economy.

“It is important that businesses and stakeholders understand what is planned so we can prepare, invest and participate – in a real way - in the opportunities being created,” he said. “A co-ordinated and holistic approach to redevelopment along the Lucayan strip will be essential to ensuring long-term benefits for Grand Bahamians.”

The Chamber also described redevelopment of the Grand Bahama International Airport as one of the island’s “most urgent and important priorities”, arguing that expanded airlift and improved international connectivity remain critical to both tourism and logistics growth.

Donna Jones, the Chamber’s first vice-president, said businesses continue to await clearer direction and visible movement on the airport redevelopment project, which has remained a major issue since Hurricane Dorian devastated Grand Bahama in 2019.

“Expanded airlift, reliable international connectivity, cargo capacity and the restoration of US Customs pre-clearance are all critical to tourism growth, logistics expansion and investor confidence,” said Ms Jones.

“While airport redevelopment has been referenced generally, the business community continues to look for greater clarity and visible movement regarding the project.”

The Chamber also raised concerns regarding the long-term future of the Grand Bahama Power Company ahead of the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

Carina Ferguson, the Chamber’s second vice-president, said residents and businesses still lack details regarding the utility’s transition process, resilience planning and long-term operational strategy.

“Grand Bahamians are not yet privy to details regarding the transition process, infrastructure resilience and long-term operational strategy for the Grand Bahama Power Company and this is, of course, vital to maintaining public and business confidence,” she said.

The Chamber further linked Grand Bahama’s development ambitions to broader governance and ease-of-doing-business reforms, including reduced bureaucracy, faster approvals, greater transparency and full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.

Mr Hepburn said such reforms are essential if Grand Bahama is to become a more competitive and investment-ready jurisdiction. “We continue to advocate for our island, and for there to be genuine stakeholder engagement and collaboration,” he said.

“Grand Bahama has extraordinary potential and the opportunities ahead are significant - not only for our island, but for our country. However, realising that potential will require urgency, practical action, collaboration and sustained follow-through. Grand Bahama cannot afford to lose momentum at this critical stage.”