Association President: Survival Still a Struggle Despite Signs of Recovery

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Concerns are once again being raised by business owners at the Port Lucaya Marketplace, where several vendors say they are struggling to keep their doors open.

Vendors recently requested a temporary reduction in rent—a request they say was denied.

Business owners at the Port Lucaya Marketplace say years of economic decline—largely following the downturn of surrounding developments such as the Grand Lucayan Resort—continue to impact their survival.

President of the Port Lucaya Marketplace Association, Nevar Smith, says many vendors, particularly straw vendors, are struggling with inconsistent foot traffic and rising overhead costs.

Smith says vendors formally requested a temporary rent reduction for a three- to six-month period to help them stay afloat while business conditions improve. That request, he says, was denied by marketplace management.

He adds that business owners have since raised their concerns with both the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Bahama Port Authority. While the Port Authority provided some relief through incentives related to business license fees, Smith says more support is needed.

Although business activity showed signs of improvement in late 2025, Smith cautions that those gains have not been consistent across the marketplace.

He acknowledges that some restaurants are performing better than other businesses but says the majority of vendors remain under strain.

Smith also claims that despite repeated attempts over the past six months, vendors have been unable to secure a formal meeting with the property owner, leaving many uncertain about future plans for the marketplace and marina.