“We Are Tired of All the Big Announcements and Not Seeing Anything”

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis is set to engage local Grand Bahamian stakeholders and residents before the end of October to discuss Freeport’s long-term economic direction and the critical changes needed now.

While the administration hopes the meeting will ease growing frustrations, residents remain divided on what to expect.

Our Grand Bahama video journalist, David Mackey, took to the streets to hear what residents are anticipating.

Grand Bahama Resident

“Not excited at all. We’ve become accustomed to the pomp and pageantry of these announcements to the residents of Grand Bahama, to the people of Grand Bahama. We are tired of all the big announcements and not seeing anything. We’ve had this administration going on two terms now, and it’s still announcements and no action. We’re past that stage. We’re ready to see things happening.”

But not everyone shares that skepticism. Grand Bahama resident Frederick “Fred” Sturrup says he sees a much brighter outlook ahead.

Frederick “Fred” Sturrup – Grand Bahama Resident

“I think the future looks kind of bright for Grand Bahama. We’d hope to see more development at the airport. We’d like to see the Grand Lucayan project come on stream, you know, more and more positive developments. We’d like to see that happen. But nevertheless, when you look at all the shipping things that are going on, I think we’re looking pretty good for the future.”

That sense of optimism is shared by Grand Bahama resident and attorney Constance MacDonald, who believes the nation’s leader has a genuine connection to Freeport.

Constance MacDonald – Attorney and Grand Bahama Resident

“The prime minister has always stated, both privately and publicly, that he is very much interested in Freeport. You know, he spent some years in the area as an attorney, and it is his desire and his objective to make sure that Freeport remains on the up and up.”

Then there’s Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President Ralph Hepburn, who says the business community wants a seat at the table and an opportunity to be part of the conversation.

Ralph Hepburn – President, Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce

“For us at the Chamber, we would welcome an opportunity to be in the room, to get firsthand information on everything that will be presented. Forgetting about the protocols and everything that might not have been adhered to, it’s just now, let us know what to expect. It would be more important. What should we be expecting here in Grand Bahama? What is this announcement all about? How would it affect us as an island, the business community, the residents, and the overall trajectory of Grand Bahama moving forward?”