National

FNM Leader: This Is Not About Nationalism

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard is questioning the government’s motive behind the public fight between his administration and the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2024

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard is questioning the government’s motive behind the public fight between his administration and the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

He says it’s creating uncertainty for the people of Grand Bahama. Pintard also doesn’t believe it’s in the national interest.

The Davis administration and the GBPA have been locked in a contentious back and forth over the future of Freeport which reached a boiling point when the government demanded $300 million within 30 days or face arbitration.

The GBPA has since said they don’t owe the government a dollar. In a statement, they also said they believe the demand is an effort to force the St. Geroge and Hayward family to sell its 50 percent equity in the port.

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell denied that claim. However, Pintard says central government will only make the situation worse should they take control.

Pintard says the ongoing battle will further ruin investor confidence in Freeport, a suggestion Mitchell has brushed off.

Mitchell has been vocal in this matter since the Davis administration took office and the Marco City MP is asking why.

The FNM holds three of the four parliamentary seats in Grand Bahama. He believes they should be more involved in the process.