Flipping Grand Bahama

Yes, Grand Bahama is still under reconstruction and the new government elected has a tall order to fill. Listening to Governor General Dame Margueritte Pindling give her speech from the throne on Wednesday was most inspirational for The Bahamas and especially for people in Grand Bahama. I don't remember a time when we were singled out as it was done in this speech. Here is just a portion of what she said that got a lot of interest:  My Government will stimulate the local business environment. My Government will strengthen the Fresh Start and Jump Start initiatives established during its last term in office.  My Government will establish a One-stop-shop to improve the ease of doing business .  My Government will grant tax inducements or incentives to Bahamians comparable to or in line with those given to foreign investors.  My Government will review and give consideration to the ownership of taxi license plates by persons who have been l...

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, just thought I'd drop new mugs right there, but all I really wanted to know from all readers is.... What do you think will make Grand Bahama "Grand" again? I have talked forever about the topic and during the recent general election campaign, I have asked the candidates vying for seats in Grand Baham their thoughts on this question which some interesting answer. But now I want to know, what are your thoughts. Please do comment.

The Grand Bahama Port Authority has just announced their entrepreneurial incentives once again to revitalize downtown with promises for expansion later. For a year, if you qualify, you can get a business license to operate in the downtown area for free.  According to the release, the target is on entrepreneurs who think outside the box. President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited Ian Rolle is quoted as saying, "whilst the economy is making a small but steady progress, increased diversity and innovations within the city's small business sector would definitely add value for residents and to the local economic landscape." He later announced a "Business Innovative & e-Commerce" workshop to be held by the Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau, which will focus on encouraging business diversity and innovation, which he said at present is lacking in our small business sector.  This workshop is expected to take place on June 8th at the G...

Just yesterday I was in the Grand Bahama Port Authority licensing department and not for the first time I saw the report card they have on display for everyone to take one. It features all the good things they have done over the years.. things they promised to do and accomplished with a comments section to show how it was completed. These were no years attached to any but it would be interesting to see what they have done recently? This is not to say that I don't feel they have done anything, but simply to show an update. We have a new bridge to East Grand Bahama, and the launch of "My Grand Bahama" to help in the once failing customer service aspect of our tourism industry as well as many other seminars and workshops.  But what was promised really in the last amendment to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and how has the synergy been between the Government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority? Was the Ministry for Grand Bahama a great improvement for the people of thi...

With a new government are we expecting more unlikely surprises? First, it was a record election that was completed earlier than expected, the landslide was not foreseen and the Ministry for Grand Bahama going to Sen. Kwasi Thompson also a surprise. None of these were bad surprises, just surprises. Now to rebuild and hopefully with better ways of doing things. A CPA to balance books, our very own Member of East End, who is the Deputy Prime Minister K. Peter Turnquest says he will change the way the money is handled. This is something the country needs and we can't wait to see. What does this mean for Grand Bahama? Well, we promise to have a word with the new Minister for the island to find out. Many changes are expected and the way of the past is expected to change, despite the fact that the majority of the cabinet members are old/career politicians. Hopefully, there will be a push to have things changed. We are looking for a great ease of doing business in Gran...

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...