Editor,
With the much ado surrounding Prime Minister Philip Davis’ 2024 Budget Debate opening presentation, I express my disappointment with the minimal attention focused on the economic and environmental development of West Grand Bahama and Grand Bahama entirely.
As a resident of that constituency, I am not placing the blame for this lack of attention solely at PM Davis’ feet because successive administrations have failed to fulfill their campaign promises not only to West Grand Bahama, but to our island inclusively.
However, this letter’s focus is on what is happening, or more importantly, what is not happening, in the West. There is no properly equipped healthcare facility, the schools need… no, we need at least two new schools, and we need an operable airport.
Over the decades West Grand Bahama has come through for both administrations, securing the seats they need. No less was done in the most recent by-election for the Progressive Liberal Party when residents in the West spoke resoundingly, to have Kingsley Smith as their representative.
Promises were made then as well, and the residents want them fulfilled!
The economic challenges in West Grand Bahama are many – no jobs, no new investments. While there were many projects started in West GB, including the infamous Ginn Sur Mer, they have yet to come to fruition.
The lone fairly large resort is Old Bahama Bay, and as it stands now, the property is having issues, and residents cannot hear anything from the government on the way forward.
Yes, as a people in West GB, we are grateful for the employment it has provided but over time our people have experienced unsatisfactory treatment. Again, the government has been silent.
Residents have and continue to enjoy relationships with owners of condos at Old Bahama Bay. During Hurricane Dorian, many of them flew in or sailed to the island to provide assistance and bring goods.
So, we are expecting the government to address the issues there, just as they are calling out the Grand Bahama Port Authority.
I read with interest an article recently in the Grand Bahama News section of the Nassau Guardian, headlined “Smith assures he’s working to fulfill pledges.”
In that piece Smith is quoted saying: “I am thrilled to share that there are several in the pipeline that will further enhance our constituency’s economic prosperity, from a planned marina to the fishing village and various public-private partnership opportunities.
He also said, “Discussions regarding Old Bahama Bay (OBB) are ongoing, and we are optimistic about its future.”
Well, we residents want to know the results of those discussions because our futures depend on it. We know and hear things… we have worked at OBB!
We want to believe that this government is working for us, but we have to see and hear from them.
Written by: Very Concerned Resident
