Grand Bahama Residents Sound Off After Arbitration Decision

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GRAND BAHAMA , BAHAMAS – A landmark arbitration ruling in a bitter dispute between the government of The Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority over a $357M claim had both sides claiming victory.

The ruling, handed down by an arbitration tribunal, stemmed from a long-running disagreement over payments the government said were owed under the Hawksbill Creek agreement.

Tuesday night, in a national address, Prime Minister Philip Davis called the decision a historic turning point, but on Wednesday, on Grand Bahama, reactions were mixed.

While seven of the GBPA’s eight counterclaims were dismissed, the tribunal did side partially with the Port Authority on issues related to delays in environmental bylaws, even though no damages have yet been determined.

Despite that mixed outcome, both sides are calling the decision a win.

Attorney Tiffany Dennison, who has been closely following the matter, was critical of the government’s approach. 

He described the government’s overall handling of the dispute as harassment.

Grand Bahama resident Kendall RH Culmer, the second, shared his views on both sides, claiming a victory.

He added that while the government may see progress, the arbitration process has come at a cost.

Meanwhile, Grand Bahama entrepreneur C. Allen Johnson believes neither side can claim a clear win.