National

GB Businessmen Share Candid Views on Freeport’s Economy

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – As we delve into the history of Freeport and the issues surrounding the city, amid an ongoing back and forth between the Grand Bahama Port Authority and government, we now share the views from two well-known businessmen who are sharing on the matter and the impact on the island.

Published

2 years ago

September 4, 2024

Italia Hall

Why hasn’t any other government administration seen fit to deal with issues involving the Grand Bahama Port Authority and why deal with it now?

Those are some of the questions well-known Grand Bahamian businessman David Wallace is asking following the ongoing debate between government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

Earlier this year, government demanded the port to pay them over $300 millions which they say they are owed based on a clause in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

Government is also claiming the payment is currently five years in arrears.

The GBPA has said the demand is ill-founded.

Wallace questions how did government arrive to this amount as well as the time period when the cost was incurred.

He says as a licensee of the GBPA he believes the entity is supportive..

We also spoke to another businessman in the community Darren Cooper who shared similar views. He and Wallace maintains their views are in no way political as they are Grand Bahamian’s first.

Wallace who is also a former member of parliament cautions government about the way they are handling the situation.

And as for whether he thinks the city of Freeport is better off 70 years later with the Hawksbill Creek Agreement?