Port Authority: Grand Lucayan Deal Signals Revival for Freeport

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – It’s being called a resurrection, a revival, and for many Grand Bahamians, a long-awaited sign of hope. The government sold Grand Lucayan Resort last week, paving the way for a nearly billion-dollar redevelopment project.

During the return of City In Focus, Our News looks back at the landmark signing and why Grand Bahama’s future may finally be turning a corner.

For years Grand Bahamians have been waiting and hoping for a sign that brighter days are ahead.

And while government’s recent $120 million sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort may have made headlines, for the Grand Bahama Port Authority, the moment at last week’s signing may be bigger than a business deal. 


Port President Ian Rolle calling the moment transformational an crediting government’s perseverance and leadership for getting the long-stalled deal across the finish line.

Ian Rolle – President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority

“This deal had the fingerprints of leadership on it. It got special attention from our prime minister. It came by intention, it came by negotiation, it came by perseverance.”


But while the sale to Concord Wilshire makes way for an $827 million resort redevelopment, the Port Authority sees it as a call to action for residents to be ready. 


And Rolle is urging Grand Bahamians to see themselves in the rebuild, not just as spectators, but participants in the island’s comeback.

Ian Rolle – President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority

“But hear me now, what was broken is being rebuilt, what was closed is being reopened. What was lost is being redeemed. This is not just a milestone, this was a marathon, and now we declare the race was not in vain.”


And that spirit of hope echoed earlier by GBPA co-owner Sarah St. George who calls Freeport not just an asset but a miracle city in motion.

Sarah St. George – Co-Owner of The Grand Bahama Port Authority

“I think it’s miracle city, I think that’s a farm more spiritual word and I think it really reflects what we’ve seen here and we need those miracles to just keep happening, that’s the thing and they are.” Sometimes when you’re close to the point of giving up, you’re actually on the verge of success and you don’t realize it. And so you just have to stay the distance, put one foot in front of the other. Keep doing what you’re doing.”