National

GBPA’s Nassau To Freeport Migration Push

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) recently opened an office in New Providence, to connect directly with Bahamians and promote Freeport’s comeback, highlighting how its success can benefit everyone across the country.

Published

9 months ago

June 10, 2025

Kendeno Knowles

With Carnival’s Celebration Key set to open next month and the Grand Lucayan resort slated for a major revamp by 2028, momentum is clearly building. Freeport already boasts the fastest-growing economy in The Bahamas, and with over a dozen projects currently underway, the island is poised for even greater development.

Yet, despite its progress, Grand Bahama’s 40,000 residents occupy only a fraction of what the city’s master plan was built to support, a population of 250,000.

Rupert Hayward – Co-Chair, GBPA:
“If you haven’t been to Grand Bahama, if you ever fly over it you’ll see 90 miles of bulkheaded canal systems. You’ll see road networks and fully serviced plots that have limited development on them. So any incremental increase in people in Grand Bahama builds opportunity for Grand Bahamians.”

Hayward believes that adding just 20,000 people, whether from Nassau or elsewhere in The Bahamas, could unlock significant growth and vibrancy for the island. These new residents would breathe new life into local businesses.

Rupert Hayward – Co-Chair, GBPA:
“Suddenly you’ve got 20,000 people that are sitting in your restaurant. They’re going to the opticians, they’re going to your cinema, they’re going to your nightclub. And those are all Bahamian-owned businesses, if we don’t need to bring foreigners in, we can bring them all from The Bahamas. That’s the greatest scenario ever.”

For entrepreneurs, Freeport presents a unique advantage. Hayward highlighted GBPA’s streamlined licensing process, which includes access to a bond, allowing business owners to import goods duty-free.

Rupert Hayward – Co-Chair, GBPA:
“You get your license which gives you a bond and the bond allows you to import things from outside of the free trade zone into Freeport at a significant discount to what you’re able to do in other parts of The Bahamas, All of your supplies that you need for that business are duty-free.”

But Grand Bahama isn’t just a place for business, it’s a great place to call home.

Rupert Hayward – Co-Chair, GBPA:
“It’s a great place for a family, it’s safe, there’s no traffic. You have 60 miles away from the U.S. if you need it, and you’re 120 miles away from Nassau if you want to come home. So come and see us.”

With infrastructure already in place, pro-business policies, and a push to engage more Bahamians, Freeport is inviting the nation to be part of its resurgence, and perhaps, its future.