GB Residents Protest Port Authority

FREEPORT, BAHAMAS – A group of fed-up protestors took to the streets of Grand Bahama today expressing outrage with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA). They presented the GBPA with a list of demands and gave them 30 days to respond or else.

Berthony McDermott has the details.

Grand Bahamians took to the streets in protest against the GBPA as they believe the entity has failed the island.

Residents marched from D’s Car Rental Ltd. on West Mall Drive to the GBPA on Mall Drive to present a document with the list of demands.

According to protest organizer Darren Cooper, they’re giving the Port Authority 30 days, or they will be back.

The group was joined by Central Grand Bahama member of parliament Iram Lewis and former Pineridge Mp Frederick Mcalpine.

Residents say they’re not satisfied with the Port Authority.

But as the crowd of disgruntled locals marched into the yard of the GBPA to present their document, things got a bit heated as officials from the Port Authority sought to address the crowd.

This as GBPA President Ian Rolle advised residents to read the Hawksbill Creek Agreement for themselves.

The GBPA president said they’re open to constructive criticism as they aim to do their best in the delivery of services.

The GBPA pledged to provide a forum for residents to express their concerns.

The Ministry of Grand Bahamas issuing a statement on today’s demonstration noting that under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the GBPA is responsible for development… Administration… Management… And provisions of services within the “port area”.

Further, the statement said the Davis administration advocates compassionate leadership and has expressed repeatedly that social consciousness is an integral part of the restoration of the Grand Bahama.

For the full statement visit Our News Bahamas Facebook page.