Mindset Shift And Grand Bahama’s Forgotten Advantage

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Chamber of Commerce President Dillon Knowles believes Grand Bahama’s greatest challenge, and its greatest opportunity, lies not in economics or leadership, but in its mindset.

DILLON KNOWLES – PRESIDENT, GB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“I don’t think we fully understand what makes us unique. We were the first modern free trade zone in the world in 1955, and yet here we are in 2025, still waiting for a breakthrough.”

While many point to broken promises and missed opportunities, Knowles says the real issue may not be what’s been lost, but what’s been forgotten.

Freeport was built with global ambition in mind, but Knowles says over the years, that vision has shrunk.

DILLON KNOWLES – PRESIDENT, GB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“Our focus is often domestic. Rarely do we think about entering the global marketplace, which is what Freeport was designed for.”

He argues that a culture of dependency has developed, where residents wait for solutions instead of building them.

DILLON KNOWLES – PRESIDENT, GB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“You ask the average person what’s next, and the first response is, ‘What is the Port Authority going to do?’ Not, ‘What can I do?’”

For entrepreneurs who’ve taken big risks, like those involved with the once-thriving International Bazaar, the setbacks have been painful. Knowles acknowledges that, but reminds us that risk is part of growth.

DILLON KNOWLES – PRESIDENT, GB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“That’s life in business. You win some, you lose some. Markets change.”

To revive the island, Knowles says the community needs to shift its focus from short-term survival to long-term strategy, and from isolation to collaboration.

DILLON KNOWLES – PRESIDENT, GB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“In business, other companies aren’t our competitors, they’re collaborators. Their employees are our customers. If they fail, we all lose.”

Changing the narrative, he says, will require mentorship, training, showing up, and a deeper desire to grow.

DILLON KNOWLES – PRESIDENT, GB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“We’re quick to spend a paycheck partying, but not as eager to invest in a seminar that could change our future.”

For Knowles, real transformation won’t come from another ribbon-cutting or job fair.

It’ll come when Grand Bahamians stop asking, “Who’s going to fix this?” and start asking, “How can I?”