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Darville Sees a New Grand Bahama
By Simon Lewis
Oct 2, 2016 - 7:30:56 AM

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MINISTER for Grand Bahama, the Honourable Dr. Michael Darville as he addressed members of the Rotary Club of Lucaya on Thursday afternoon, September 29, 2016. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville declared Thursday that together with government leading the way and the support of private partners they have taken full and marked steps toward making Grand Bahama better, stronger and grand once again.

The Pineridge Member of Parliament was addressing the Rotary Club of Lucaya during their regular weekly meeting at the Ruby Swiss Restaurant. He had as his topic the Revitalization of Grand Bahama, and the steps the Government of The Bahamas has taken toward realizing the New Grand Bahama.

He said that for years, successive governments have utilized a hands-off approach as it concerns Grand Bahama; though acknowledging the island’s importance to the success of the economy of the country.

“However, this administration made the decision to establish the first Ministry outside of the capital and task it with several mandates, the primary purpose of which was the transformation of the economy of Grand Bahama. This was the first step.

“Upon assuming office in 2012, the impediments to progress became glaringly evident.”  He explained that in the face of a bitter internal battle for control of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, unemployment rising and investments on the island at a standstill, the Government determined that it could no longer be business as usual on Grand Bahama Island.

Dr. Darville said that once his Ministry was created within the first 100 days of governance, high on the agenda was strengthening ties with the Grand Bahama Port Authority while simultaneously addressing the concessions of the business community, including the real property taxes and business license tax provisions that were soon to expire under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

He pointed out that for more than four years his Ministry has worked diligently to fulfil the promises this administration had outlined in their Charter for Governance, one of which included the establishment of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee.

“After months of negotiation with relevant stakeholders, the principles of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and Government of The Bahamas came to a mutual agreement over the expiring provisions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which resulted in a complex Memorandum of Understanding being formulated and signed which ultimately led to the enactment of what is known as the Grand Bahama (Port Area) Investment Incentives Bill, 2016.

“Subsequently, draft regulations are near completion, and I am confident that we are well on the way to create a One-Stop Shop in collaboration with stakeholders on the island, which will allow for true partnership, and ensure accountability, execution of responsibilities, in accordance with international best practices,” he stated.

Dr. Darville pointed out that with the enactment of the Grand Bahama Investment Incentive Bill 2016, and its associate regulations, they will create a new paradigm shift in the city of Freeport.

He advised that the Grand Bahama Port Authority will still be responsible for the granting of business licenses, but under the new deal, it will be the Government that will be responsible for the granting of concessions.

“We are confident that this new approach in governance structure in Freeport would not only reflect what is happening in the rest of the country, but will cause for the Government to play a more integral part in the facilitation of new and existing developments on Grand Bahama, whether foreign or domestic; thus making the process more accountable and transparent,” he said.

The Minister for Grand Bahama also advised that with the passage of the Investment Incentive Bill, one of the leading investors in Grand Bahama, Hutchison Whampoa has agreed to proceed with a $280-million-dollar expansion at the Freeport Container Port.

Further, he informed that the exclusivity for the ports of entry has been lifted which has made way for the establishment of a new cruise port for the island, which is targeted for East Grand Bahama, and projected to cost around $250 million also.

“It is there safe to say that just by passing this bill, the Government has paved the way for an injection of half a billion dollars into the economy of Grand Bahama over the next decade,” he said.

According to the Minister, every promise this administration made for the island as outlined in their Charter of Governance has been fulfilled with the exception of one item, which is currently in the pipeline.

He also pointed to the many contracts recently signed by the Government, saying that there are a few more to come.

The Christie administration he said, has tackled the vexing issues that have plagued the Grand Bahama community for years. He identified such projects like the East and West Potable Water Installation, the construction of the Fire Station, the Fishing Hole Bridge, the Smith’s Point Seawall, the new school for West Grand Bahama, and expansion of the Rand Memorial Hospital.

Concluding the Minister said it was his sincere belief that this administration’s policies for social development, health care reform, training and job creation, combined with advancements to infrastructure have perfectly positioned the island for an economic comeback.

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