GB Residents Say They Want Relief, Not Just Promises

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GRAND BAHAMA – Prime Minister Philip Davis is expected to outline his plans for Grand Bahama, with the future of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement also in the spotlight, but while the government prepares to lay out its vision, residents say they want to know what it will mean for their everyday lives.

For many Grand Bahamians, the question isn’t just what the government plans to announce, but whether those plans will make a real difference.

Bishop Clyde Daxon says any changes to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement must benefit the people who live and work on the island, especially those struggling to make ends meet.

Bishop Clyde Daxon – Resident

“In Grand Bahama, some laws may be strict, especially our bonded law. Don’t come and change our bonded law, and then raise our taxes. Right now, the minimum wage is killing Grand Bahamians. You know, I could barely see a monthly end. As a security officer, as a bishop, I always tell people, I’m not taking from the church. I want to give back to the people, but what’s the give if there’s no help towards it?”

But not everyone is convinced the Port Authority has done enough for the island. One resident says he has yet to see the benefits.

Resident

“They ain’t doing. I don’t see nothing they’re doing. The only thing they was doing was keeping us back.”

When it comes to the Prime Minister’s plans, some residents say they’re willing to give change a chance.

Ralph Reckley – Resident

“Anything that he suggests would be an improvement. And so, kudos to him. I’d welcome him. Oh, I welcome him with open arms.”

For Richard Harvey, however, one priority stands out: the island’s airport.

Richard Harvey – Resident

“Well, I believe the main focus should be on Grand Bahama’s airport. There is nothing that can really happen when an airport isn’t functioning the way it’s supposed to function. And that’s a key point, our port of entry.”

But there’s also the question of what should happen to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement itself.

Former Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President Dillon Knowles says he believes the agreement still has value.

Rather than throwing it out, he says the government could take a more active role in administering it and extend its benefits beyond Freeport.

Dillon Knowles – Former President, Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce

“It could extend the Hawksbill Creek Act to the whole of Grand Bahama. There’s nothing wrong with the act. There’s nothing wrong with the free trade zone. It has been beneficial to this country for 70 years.”

As the Prime Minister prepares to make his announcement, Grand Bahamians have made their expectations clear.

They want to see investment, opportunity and improvements they can actually feel—not just plans on paper.