The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation commented on relationship between the government of The Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and its impact on investment in Grand Bahama.
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper told reporters, “I am not concerned as a business person, people sometimes disagree. The Prime Minister has made clear what his position is in relation to the Grand Bahama Port Authority. I know that the Minister for Grand Bahama has a working relationship with the President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the executives. I believe that the conversations that the Prime Minister is having is at the shareholder level.”
Cooper also stated, “its important that the government continues to have discussions with stakeholders like GBPA for the betterment of the island of Grand Bahama and I think that’s what’s happening. I’ve met investors a few days ago in Nassau, there’s some big announcements coming for Grand Bahama, expect Minister Moxey to speak to them during the budget debate. But the reality is there continues to be very strong interest in doing business in Grand Bahama. So it tells me that notwithstanding those conversations our business interest and confidence remain very strong.”
Parliamentarians present and past such as former Pineridge Member of Parliament, Fred McAlpine and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service, the Hon. Fred Mitchell have made public comments on the performance of the GBPA in recent weeks. In the 2023-2024 budget communication Prime Minister said “decisive action” was necessary on the Grand Bahama Port Authority. Subsequent to that communication Rupert Hayward announced that his family was seeking to sell a portion of their 50% stake in the GBPA.
