Grand Bahama Business Owners Say Economy Still Struggling

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GRAND BAHAMA – There was a time when Port Lucaya was one of the busiest spots on Grand Bahama, with tourists moving between the marketplace, nearby hotels, the casino and marina.

Business owners say it is a very different picture.

Lorenzo McKenzie, president of the Straw Vendors Association in Freeport, represents the vendors who show up here every day hoping to make a sale.

He says September is usually a slow month, but without the hotel, casino and marina activity Port Lucaya once had, business has become even tougher.

Lorenzo McKenzie – Veteran Straw Vendor, Grand Bahama

“It makes us, as vendors, real slow in business, and actually extremely slow too. But we keep coming out every day, keep trying to keep our head afloat and keep trying to make our ends meet.”

And that struggle is not limited to the Straw Market.

For tour operator Hadley Forbes, getting Grand Bahama’s economy moving again will take more hotels, the redevelopment of the airport and, just as importantly, more for visitors to do once they get here.

Hadley Forbes – Tour Operator, Grand Bahama

“You must have things for them to do. The amenities is what they are interested in. Good food, good food, entertainment, entertainment, cultural awareness, and cultural awareness there. That’s what they come for.”

On average, one to two cruise ships, along with high-speed passenger ferries, dock at Grand Bahama each day.

But taxi driver Livingston Butler says many cruise passengers remain at the cruise destination, with only some making their way out into other parts of Grand Bahama.

And that means fewer opportunities for taxi drivers and other businesses depending on visitor spending.

Livingston Butler – Taxi Driver, Grand Bahama

“We don’t really see Carnival volume, like I say, ’cause they sail the cay, and most of their people stays on the cay. Um, but they’ll send a bus or two out.”

But even with business slow, not everyone is giving up on Grand Bahama’s comeback.

Port Lucaya vendor Deann Moxey says she is taking the slow period in stride, while holding on to hope business will turn around.

Deann Moxey – Vendor, Grand Bahama

“The airport will make things better, and the hotel over here. It’s being sold, but they are taking a little bit long to do the transaction. Mm-hmm. But I think it’s gonna be better.”