In a recent discussion with an acquaintance who is a long time resident of Grand Bahama, he said he hopes Freeport turns around to which I quickly reminded him of the days when we thought Freeport was going down. After the rush of the 50's and the 60s that ushered in a lot of constructions and the building of Freeport which pushed the natives to the outer areas, there came the 70s and the smaller investors leaving quickly. However, in the late 70s and early 80s there was still a lot of activity here. There were over ten big hotels on the island and two casinos. Also there was Sir Laker who came in to add Laker Airways to the airlift to this island. The industrial side was holding its own but things were beginning to taper off. Around this time there were calls of a diversification of industries in the country and to stop relying only on Tourism. Some complaints were flying that there were too many foreign croupiers and well qualified Bahamians who could do that same job Th...
Before hitting the great days of the 70s and 80s I found these photos of Freeport on Oldbahamas.com and thought to share them. Remember that unlike Nassau, New Providence, Freeport, Grand Bahama did not have the history. What history we have now is the growing up of Freeport and the entire island due to the formation of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Grand Bahama Development Company. A boom of energy and a vision that was all set, but later side tracked by the thought of sharing the profits was what we were left with and little though of how to recover and move on with proper legislation to assist all. Next week we look at the promises fulfilled by the G.B. Port Authority. Thanks again to Oldbahama.com. If you want copies of these photos just contact them for reprints.
At four we are in the heat of a very interesting election season which thankfully ends tomorrow. There has been so much said. There has been a lot of character assassinations. There has been a lot of concerts. There have been some promises.... hmmmm by so many parties. There have even been some independents whose messages has gotten lost and certainly have not been heard due to the loud megaphones of the major parties. There has even been a call to spoil the ballot. There are calls to make sure you bring even land papers to be able to vote to make sure you are not stopped from exercising your constitutional right. It has been an interesting month, to say the least, and in Grand Bahama, there have been some improvements for some persons by an opposition candidate... the first to be seen..... as normally it's the Governing party candidate who would use the Governments (our) funds to make improvements to look good to be re-elected. Things that make you go "hmmmmm...
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