National

Shareholder Rupert Hayward Shares Vision For The Future

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Rupert Hayward, a shareholder of the GBPA, emphasizes how the city of Freeport was meticulously planned.

Published

2 years ago

August 8, 2024

Italia Hall

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Rupert Hayward, a shareholder of the GBPA, emphasizes how the city of Freeport was meticulously planned. It boasts well-structured roads, electricity, and water infrastructure, all designed to accommodate thousands of residents on the island.

The maritime and industrial sectors are key contributors to the island’s economy, with major entities such as Freeport Container Port and Harbour Company and Grand Bahama Shipyard playing pivotal roles.

Unfortunately, in the early 2000s, the northern island was hit hard by the “twin storms” Frances and Jeanne, followed by hurricanes Wilma, Matthew, and, most recently, Dorian in 2019. These devastating storms caused a significant decline in the island’s economy and disrupted the way of life residents once knew.

This decline has led to considerable criticism directed at the Port Authority.

The Story of Freeport

To better understand the story of Freeport, we look back in time to when the PLP won majority rule in 1967. For the next two years, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement became a point of contention with the new government.

Soon after, the regulatory powers GBPA once held were all removed.

Amid ongoing debates with the government, some have observed that the vision at The Grand Bahama Port Authority appears to have diminished over the years, particularly with the St. George and Hayward families’ descendants now leading the organization.

There’s also been news of $2 billion worth of investment in the pipeline in Freeport, with several ongoing infrastructure projects being built simultaneously.

As for what it will take to bring these projects across the finish line…