Central GB MP Criticizes Government Over Grand Bahama Priorities

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Central Grand Bahama MP Frazette Gibson made her first contribution in the House of Assembly on Thursday evening.

As she contributed to the budget debate, she highlighted what she says are some of the most pressing issues facing residents on the island.

At the top of her list was healthcare.

Gibson said a recent visit to the Rand Memorial Hospital left her concerned about the conditions faced by both patients and medical staff.

Frazette Gibson – Member of Parliament, Central Grand Bahama

“I went into ICU and was given a kitchen apron to gain access to ICU, which I find to be very shameful. Yes, say that again. Say that again. Say it again. Say that again. Shameful. What kind of embarrassment is that? Medical staff deserve the equipment, supplies, and resources necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively.”

The MP also questioned the status of the Rand’s long-promised morgue project, noting that families are still being sent to a private funeral home to identify their loved ones.

From healthcare, Gibson turned her attention to another issue many Grand Bahamians know all too wellpower outages.

The Central Grand Bahama MP said that there are still too many questions surrounding the government’s acquisition of the Grand Bahama Power Company.

Frazette Gibson – Member of Parliament, Central Grand Bahama

“Stakeholders have raised concerns, including the unknown legal structure of the arrangement, the initial, ongoing, and future capital costs to taxpayers, and the lack of details on who will operate the power company. Whether the operator would be able to provide better reliability than Emera had in recent years. Stakeholders have also expressed concern that the acquisition, pushed so close to the May 12 election, suggested a potential lack of due diligence in this deal.”

The first-time MP also took an issue with the government’s plans to construct a new high school on the island.

Citing enrollment figures at existing public schools, Gibson said Grand Bahama’s declining population does not justify another high school campus.

Instead, she is urging the government to invest in upgrading current facilities and provide additional resources for special-needs education at the Beacon School.

Frazette Gibson – Member of Parliament, Central Grand Bahama

“For example, the Jack Hayward High School gymnasium, damaged by Hurricane Dorian, still remains incomplete. Generations of young people have been deprived of a facility that could foster athletic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. Our youth deserve action and not excuses. They deserve facilities that allow them to develop their skills, their talents, pursue their dreams, and reach their potential.”

As the budget debate continues, Gibson said that Grand Bahamians are looking for results.

Whether that’s better healthcare at the Rand, more reliable electricity, or stronger investments in education and infrastructure.