NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Davis once again took aim at the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) over the weekend, criticizing it for receiving “billions of dollars” in concessions under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement with little progress to show.
Davis also announced that his administration is “on the cusp” of revealing a new purchaser for the Grand Lucayan Resort, a move he expects will invigorate the island’s tourism sector.
The Prime Minister made the comments during an address to the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Women and Men’s Branch Executive Members of Grand Bahama Installation on Saturday.
“You tell me: given those billions, would you say enough Bahamians have been enriched and empowered? I agree with you. I say no. The fear tactics used to silence critics in the past do not work on me. I won’t defend the status quo: no more subsidizing private profits for wealthy shareholders at the public’s expense,” Davis asserted.
He reiterated his stance that the GBPA has failed to meet its legal obligations to foster economic growth in Freeport and highlighted the government’s “very strong case” to demand $357 million to cover the past five fiscal years.
The GBPA has warned that the government’s push to “force” a sale of the Port Group could inflict significant damage on the Freeport economy, and it strongly disputes the $357 million claim.
Davis emphasized: “The Port Authority can do what they’re supposed to do, or we need a more productive partner here in Grand Bahama. Simple as that.” He also criticized Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard for not challenging the Port Authority.
He claimed that none of the investors his administration is working with within Grand Bahama or other islands have raised concerns about the government’s actions toward the Port Authority.
Davis also stated that the government is close to finalizing a sale for the Grand Lucayan Resort, though this promise will likely attract some skepticism.
The Minnis administration purchased the resort from Hutchison Whampoa in 2017 for $65 million, fearing significant economic consequences for the island of Grand Bahama without the government’s intervention.
Three years later in 2020, a Heads of Agreement was signed to sell the property to Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and the ITM Group for some $50 million dollars; the Davis administration would later terminate the agreement after coming to office after determining that the terms “were not in the best interest of The Bahamian people.”
In May 2022, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper revealed that the government had agreed to sell the Grand Lucayan to Electra America Hospitality Group for $100 million, with Electra pledging a $300 million development of the property. However, this deal also fell through after six months.
Nevertheless, Davis concluded: “We are on the cusp of announcing a new purchaser for the Grand Lucayan Resort, a move that will breathe new life into the tourism sector and create jobs for our people. These are not just plans—they are tangible actions that reflect our commitment to transforming Grand Bahama into the thriving, prosperous community it deserves to be.
“This year, the government will begin the redevelopment of the Princess Towers Hotel, the West Sunrise Road, and the International Bazaar as we create a brand-new hub for commerce, trade, and local business opportunities in the heart of Grand Bahama,” he continued.
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