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Grand Bahama |
The Free National Movement recognises that Freeport has the potential to become a major light industry and manufacturing centre for the production of high quality manufactured goods for both the domestic and international markets, significantly impacting the economic growth, job creation and reduction in the cost of living.
The Free National Movement is determined to maximise the benefits to residents of Freeport, of Grand Bahama and of the wider Bahamas, of the location of the new, state-of-the-art container transshipment terminal at Freeport in terms of new job opportunities, in transfer of technology and skills, and in further diversification of the economy.
Because much of the potential of Freeport was stifled during the nearly six consecutive terms in office of the previous administration, shortly after coming to office, the Free National Movement entered into an Agreement with the Grand Bahama Port Authority which provided for the extension of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement to the year 2015, with regard to exemptions from customs duty, Business Licence Fees and real property tax within the Port area. This extension of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement resulted in a new agreement between the Government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and the Grand Bahama Development Company. The new agreement provided for the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Grand Bahama Development Company to cooperate with the Government in realising significant new infrastructural improvements in the Port Area, inclusive of the following:
a) the construction, by the Grand Bahama Port Authority, of a New Supreme Court and Magistrate Court Complex on land donated by the Port;As a result of the enlightened policies of the Free National Movement, significant new investments have flowed into Grand Bahama: in manufacturing, in light industry, in assembly plants, in condominiums and second homes, and in hotel and marina development.b) the contribution of $7 million toward the construction of two new state-of-the-art high schools in Freeport;
c) the construction of a multi-purpose Olympic standard running track;
d) the construction of a community library;
e) an annual contribution of $500,000 toward local government administration in Freeport.
Freeport is now scheduled to receive an infusion of new investment through the divestment of the Government owned hotel properties to a large, well funded international group.
Expected job creation directly from these developments, and in spin-off jobs, will set the stage for dramatic economic growth in the Grand Bahama economy in the 21st century.
As a result of the enlightened policies of the Free National Movement, significant new investments have flowed into Grand Bahama: in manufacturing, in light industry, in assembly plants, in condominiums and second homes, and in hotel and marina development.
Therefore, the Free National Movement in its second term in office will:Enact Legislation to provide for the further extension of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. Complete the development of Freeport as the industrial capital of The Bahamas. Ensure that Bahamians play an even greater role in the development of Freeport. Construct another primary school in Freeport. Construct another secondary school in Freeport. Plan and begin construction of the town of Eight Mile Rock by constructing a new "Town Centre" at Eight Mile Rock to provide accommodation for a police station, Local Government Administration Offices, a public library, a post office and an office to receive utility payments. Encourage economic revitalisation by creating incentives, including the removal of Customs Duty, and Business Licence Fees for the establishment of enterprises in and around Eight Mile Rock for a three year period. Construct a new causeway linking Freeport City and West Grand Bahama. Construct a new highway along the outskirts of the communities of Eight Mile Rock and Holmes’ Rock, to link Freeport and West End. Further upgrade Rand Memorial Hospital. Build a Remand Centre.