Flipping Grand Bahama

So I was going through my Facebook feed this morning and came across a post congratulating this letter and I decided to have a look. I think it's a wonderful addition not only to the editor of The Tribune to whom the letter was written, but to go further. It's from Chris Pane, a businessman in Grand Bahama following the recent General Elections which ousted the Progressive Liberal Party for the Free National Movement and speaks to a better day for Grand Bahama: THE Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has been seen off in spectacular fashion, ending ten years of inept governance and corruption. # The arrogance of Perry Christie and many other ministers is a stark reminder that those elected work for the people, not the other way around. New Free National Movement (FNM) ministers take note. # With a sensible and talented Cabinet in place, Prime Minister Dr. Minnis has the tools to deliver initiatives that could transform the fortunes of the country. With the sagging GDP ...

So, it's been five days since the general elections in The Bahamas and great revelations all over the country. How does a country feel about the people they have elected to power at any point in time? Will a people unify to tell someone they don't want them? The landslide victory for the Free National Movement was a surprise for many. For some, it was a delight to see their party win by such a huge margin. But there are some who worry that such a large margin is a cause for grave concern that without a proper and good opposition, tyranny can ensue. There was a prediction that the FNM would win and then there would be a riot. But, we know the people of this country are not particularly violent in numbers unless greatly provoked. We have not seen any rising up for years and certainly not over elections since the early days. What does it all mean for Grand Bahama and Freeport in Particular? So one has adequately addressed the changes brought on by the recent amendmen...

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...

The Prime Minister Perry G. Christie was a speaker at the recent Grand Bahama Business Outlook at which time he said he was still optimistic about Grand Bahama. Under this year's theme of "A Bold New Agenda: the next 25 years" he said his Government is setting the stage for the solid recovery and expansion of our economy. "I cannot underscore more emphatically the point that we have embarked on a course of action and on a broad consultative platform that will lay the ground work for a stronger and more prosperous economy, particularly for  Grand Bahama, for many years to come" he stated. He noted that Grand Bahama's economic makeup is far more diversified than that of other Bahamian islands, with a legal regime of superior tax concessions under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the superior infrastructure and topographical framework that are well suited to both tourism and industrial development.  "We are moving on all fronts now, synching both ...

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 that exists in and around Grand Bahama Island; allowing it to be stifled. Add to that this administration’s neglect of government buildings and its civil servants and an overall disregard to good governance and Grand Bahama Island continues in limbo. Similarly, the Free National Movement has failed to be an acceptable alternative to the current administration. Over the past several months they have been preoccupied by an ongoing power struggle and unnecessary infighting. Since the PLP took office in 2012, Grand Bahamians have continued to be plagued by record unemployment, the crippling cost of electricity and an overall lack of opportunity. After years of failing to cultivate a culture of cooperation with the Grand Bahama Port Authority, the government is only now – at the height of the political season – seeking to foster the...

Nassau, Bahamas - The Hon. Minister Dr. Michael Darville, Member of Parliament for Pineridge and Minister For Grand Bahama House of Assembly Contribution- A Bill for An Act to Extend for a Period of Three Months Certain Tax Exemptions Granted under the Agreement known as The Hawksbill Creek Agreement 17th February, 2016: Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand, as Minister for Grand Bahama, on behalf of the people of Grand Bahama and the residents of Pineridge, to support this bill which seeks to extend for a period of three months, certain tax exemptions granted under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement; and would give the cabinet subcommittee and the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee, the additional time needed to finalize the negotiations with the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and the relevant stake holders. Mr. Speaker, what sits as a key point of interest among many must be the Government’s position with respect to the expiring concessions under the Hawksbi...

Nassau, Bahamas - Communication by The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Centreville on The Hawksbill Creek Grand Bahama (Deep Water Harbour And Industrial Area) Extension of Tax Exemption Period Amendment Bill 2016 on Wednesday, February 17th, 2016: Mr. Speaker, At the outset of my contribution to the debate on the Bill now before us to extend for three months the expiring concessions under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement I should point out that this extension will allow my Government the time needed to conclude a set of important arrangements to further strengthen and expand the economy of Grand Bahama. When my administration took office less than four years ago, the economy of Grand Bahama was depressed with high unemployment and resultant economic hardships. From then until now we have put in place a series of initiatives and created the environment not only to turn the economy around but to secure future growth. Tourism was in seve...