GBPA RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT’S CLAIM FOR EXPENSES

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, January 17, 2024 – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has  expressed disappointment over  “the latest turn of events, as highlighted in a recent news report, regarding the Government’s claim for expenses for Government administration of the City of Freeport under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.”

“Our doors have always been and remain open for constructive dialogue with the Government to resolve these matters in the best interests of Freeport,” the GBPA said today in a press release. “We do not believe that legal proceedings would be appropriate, nor in the spirit of the mutually-beneficial partnership between the GBPA, the Government, our licensees and the residents of Freeport. It does not inspire confidence or encourage further investment in the Port Area, of which there is currently in excess of $1.5 billion in the pipeline.”

The press release added, “We therefore invite the Government to engage in the process to resolve questions concerning its claims, in accordance with the parties’ obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding executed between the parties in 2016.

“The Port Authority has always sought to fulfill its obligations as a responsible corporate citizen and remains committed to constructive dialogue with the Government, to resolve this and any other matter that pertain to the interests of Freeport and its residents. “