GBPA presents a working committee for the revitalization and economic expansion of Freeport – Eye Witness News
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has launched a working committee to create an action plan for the long-term stability and growth of Grand Bahama’s economy.
The GBPA said in a statement yesterday that it had taken the plunge in response to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ request for new and innovative ideas to revitalize the Bahamian economy.
It was also a reaction to the economic challenges caused by Covid-19 and hurricanes Matthew and Dorian.
The Freeport Revitalization and Economic Expansion (REEF) Working Committee will seek to stimulate, activate and lead growth and change by engaging with the people of Grand Bahama and the Government of the Bahamas to support and implement its initiatives.
The objective of the REEF Committee is to create an action plan for short term stability and medium to long term growth, sustainability, financial health and above all, the imperative need for Freeport to return to a thriving economy.
Recognizing the need for immediate action, the GBPA formed the committee shortly after the Covid-19 outbreak in March this year.
The committee has worked hard since its formation, and the first version of the action plan is now in draft form and will be ready for public consultation.
Robert Adams, Consulting Attorney at Delaney Partners and Head of the REEF Committee, said: “We invite residents and stakeholders to participate in our virtual conversations, share their views with us online at reef.gbpa.com and to participate in other consultative exercises.
“We want to hear from you and invite you to submit your ideas and contribute innovative and dynamic feedback to the recovery and expansion of the Freeport economy. Through REEF, the local economy will benefit from strategic conversations and, more importantly, from the establishment of an action plan that will implement bold ideas.
GBPA Acting President Sarah St. George explained that REEF’s overarching goal is to set a new direction for Freeport.
“Our mission is to achieve critical and actionable solutions for our community, and we are committed to implementing initiatives that move ideas into action,†St. George said.
“Our ideals are complementary to the Bahamas government’s plans to diversify the national economy. The mandate of the dynamic team at REEF is to execute an innovative strategy that integrates all that Freeport has to offer and works for everyone. .
“We recognize this is a critical time to act, revitalize our economy and bring Freeport together.”
For his part, Rupert Hayward, executive director of GBPA, said the initiative was key to ensuring Grand Bahama’s long-term stability.
“Through this initiative, all residents will be equipped and empowered to contribute new ideas in a collaborative environment with GBPA, to create a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous economy for Freeport and Grand Bahama,” Hayward added.
Ian Rolle, Chairman of GBPA, said: “The REEF Committee is made up of representatives from small, medium and large businesses, financial business professionals and other business leaders from the Freeport area.
“A much broader consultation process now follows for the benefit of Freeport’s business community, its residents, all Great Bahamians and, in turn, the Bahamas as a whole.”
For more information about REEF and to provide feedback on the Committee’s action plan for Freeport, please visit the website at www.reef.gbpa.com.
