NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Aviation and Investments Chester Cooper says the Government is moving to secure alternative funding to advance the redevelopment of Grand Bahama International Airport after an earlier financing arrangement stalled.
Speaking with reporters on Monday following a tour of the Straw Market downtown, Mr. Cooper explained that while a private-public partnership had been executed, including a management agreement with Manchester Airport Group and a commitment to engage Bahamian contractors, the anticipated funding from the investor group did not materialize.
“Regrettably the funding hadn’t happened,” he said. “We are at the moment organizing alternative funding. Whilst I can’t speak to that today, I can tell you that we’re making progress and in due course I’ll be making a further statement.”
The airport’s redevelopment has been a long-standing priority for both the Government and the Grand Bahama community, viewed as critical to strengthening airlift, tourism growth, and investment opportunities on the island.
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard during a recent press concerned expressed concern over the promised redevelopment of the airport.
“They promised a new domestic terminal and US pre-clearance by August 2025. We’re now in September and no groundbreaking, no noticeable progress on the airport,” he said. “So we ask where are the jobs promised? The progress, the completion of phase one of the airport. Where is the management company? Where are the designs that they promised for this magnificent airport and how will you fund it?”
Pintard also questioned the Grand Lucayan deal, demanding that the Davis administration account for the $120 million it claimed was set aside for the Grand Lucayan sale, charging that workers and vendors remain unpaid despite repeated government assurances.
When questioned on the matter Cooper replied: “The Prime Minister will speak to that matter, he is handling the issue and I’m sure at some stage he’ll make a statement, I have no comments on it.”
