At a time when the country remains in dire need of a new fiscal direction, the Government of the Bahamas continues to ignore the vast economic potential which exists in and around Grand Bahama Island; allowing it to be stifled even as they pursue economic development elsewhere in the country. In its hay day, the nation’s second city was a bustling metropolis with a balance of industry and tourist attractions. Now, after years of neglect by successive governments, the magic that gave Freeport is nick name: “ The Magic City” is now more of a memory.

Since taking office in 2012 this Christie led administration has failed to deliver on the countless promises made to residents on Grand Bahama. The highly touted Ministry of Grand Bahama – the government’s supposed vehicle for addressing major concerns for that island’s residents – has had no real impact on the quality of life for residents. In fact, by many accounts, the ministry has only added to the existing government bureaucracy without restoring the economic vibrancy which the island once experienced. Instead Grand Bahamians continue to face difficult circumstances. High unemployment, the even higher cost of electricity and a lack of opportunities for qualified Bahamians continue to smother any hope of change.

It goes without saying, that the city of Freeport and the island of Grand Bahama as a whole has an important role to play in the overall development of our nation. Its proximity to the United States; well planned and well maintained infrastructure should act as a model for modernization throughout our archipelago. Unfortunately, the nation’s second city, through years of neglect and mismanagement, has not been placed in a position to do that effectively.

The challenges facing Freeport are not unlike those faced by citizens elsewhere across the country. The issues do however exist within a unique set of circumstances which require a focused and sustained effort if those challenges are to be addressed. The failure of this administration to collaborate effectively with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) on the future development of the island remains a hindrance to prosperity. Now, just days away from the expiration of Real Property Tax (RPT) Exemptions and major changes to the country’s overall system of taxation, the government has provided only minimal insights into how Bahamians living on that island will be affected.

Those changes will have an immediate impact on the island’s economic landscape and raise several key questions. Firstly, Will the RPT exemptions be upheld? While talks have reportedly occurred with executives of the GBPA regarding those plans, no definitive announcements have been made. If they are to be upheld, will the tax breaks – which are currently enjoyed predominantly by wealthy land owners within the city of Freeport – also be extended to land owners in East and West Grand Bahama as well? Will the government opt not to uphold the arrangement altogether and allow those taxes to be paid in lieu of Value Added Tax? NO ONE KNOWS.

For what seems like the UMPTEETH time, this government has chosen to keep its citizenry in the DARK as it presses forward with plans which will have an immediate and long standing effect on their lives.

The truth is that after years of broken promises, Grand Bahama and its residents deserve a new start, new leadership and a new government committed to restoring the Magic that was once Freeport.

Branville McCartney

DNA Leader