National

Prime Minister: The Port Authority Had More Than Ample Notice

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The Grand Lucayan Ballroom in Freeport was filled with members of the business community and executives of the Grand Bahama Port Authority as the prime minister scolded the for what he says is a lack of commitment to the City of Freeport.

Published

8 months ago

May 7, 2024

Italia Hall

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The Grand Lucayan ballroom in Freeport was filled with members of the business community and executives of the Grand Bahama Port Authority as the prime minister scolded the for what he says is a lack of commitment to the City of Freeport.

He referred to former prime minister Sir Lynden Pindling’s “Bend or Break” speech some 55 years ago which he says still echo’s true today.

Davis says elected representatives, who have challenged the port authority to do more, have been chastised.

He adds the port authority had more than ample notice that the government intended to enforce the reimbursement clause of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement as he met with the shareholders in july 2022.

Davis claims the GBPA sold several critical assets that once belonged to freeport.

He says it appears as if the GBPA now only operates in the license fee-collecting business and the government is doing the work.

That statement by the pm receiving a round of applause from the audience.

The prime minister said when government pays the salaries of the many people delivering public services within freeport, the port is responsible for reimbursing the government, for any amounts spent beyond the customs taxes paid in the port.

He also gave an update on the invoice of almost $400 million which the government says the port owes them.

He says both parties are now proceeding along the mutually agreed-upon path and he adds since that invoice was sent on March 26th, no investor has raised any concerns.