Foreign Affairs Minister Accuses GBPA of Trying to Sway Public Opinion

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Progressive Liberal Party Chairman and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell again pointing the finger at the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), accusing them of trying to brainwash the public’s opinion of the Davis administration.

His comments came as he was questioned on criticisms from the GBPA over the government’s public statements on the ongoing issues between both sides.

Back in March, the government demanded the GBPA pay $357m it says it owes under section one of the Hawkbill Creek Agreement.

The GBPA quickly responded, saying they didn’t owe the government a dollar and said they would robustly defend against it. The matter is now in arbitration.

However, the situation between the two sides worsened when the Grand Bahama Power Company filed for a 6.3% rate increase.

The government maintains URCA is the only regulator of electricity in The Bahamas. This matter is now before the Supreme Court.

Last week GBPA Executive Director Rupert Hayward appeared on On The Record with host Jerome Sawyer. He said the public spat is impacting investor confidence in Grand Bahama and called it a distraction.

He said while they are open to discussion it’s difficult to do so with an aggressive party.

Well Mitchell wasted no time hitting back.

Mitchell said that while other islands have seen GDP growth, the same could not be said for Grand Bahama, which he said is prompting many to ask if the GBPA has been performing.