Bran plans $250k lawsuit over ‘crippling roadworks’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader will this week initiate legal action against the Government over $250,000 in loss and damages his law firm suffered when it was “crippled” by the Village Road roadworks.

Branville McCartney, the Halsbury Chambers principal, pledged to Tribune Business he will start work on his law firm’s claim once he returns from his daughter’s university graduation as he accused government ministers and officials of being “as quiet as a mouse” over his concerns.

He added that, despite writing to Alfred Sears KC, minister of works and utilities, and Luther Smith, the ministry’s permanent secretary, three times since April 2023 to set out his firm’s case for compensation he has “not even had the decency of a response” or acknowledgement.

Mr McCartney’s claim is separate and distinct from the collective compensation that Village Road businesses are seeking over the loss of business, thanks largely to improved profitability and system liquidity following the travails caused by COVID-19. Pointing to its Banking Stability Index, which combines these factors with others such as asset quality and soundness, the Central Bank said: “In 2022, the Banking Stability Index, which measures the soundness of deposittaking institutions in The Bahamas, continued to

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The residents of Grand Bahama have become very weary when it comes to the prevailing economic conditions on their island. As the prolonged economic downturn persists, many have directed their frustration towards the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), seeking to hold it accountable for the lack of progress. However, this - and present events - give rise to a fresh concern. If the GBPA were to exit its current role in Freeport, what plans does the Government have in place to ensure investment and bring economic prosperity to both that city and the wider island? This uncertainty has given rise to doubts and questions regarding the Government’s readiness and ability to chart a successful path forward for Grand Bahama.

The absence of a clear road map to economic prosperity has exacerbated the worries of Grand Bahamians. The lack of transparency and public communication from the Government regarding its strategy and vision for the island’s future have left many feeling apprehensive. Without a comprehensive plan that instills confidence in residents, the Government’s ability to lead Grand Bahama towards sustainable growth and prosperity remains uncertain.

In the following discussion, we will delve into the complex dynamics between the GBPA and the Government, examine the challenges faced by Grand Bahama, and explore the pressing need for a transparent and robust plan that can instill hope and confidence among the residents.

The goal is to ascertain whether the Government can be trusted to navigate the uncertain waters, and revive the economy of Grand Bahama, even in the absence of the GBPA’s involvement.

Tension with the GBPA

The Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA) has been pivotal in shaping the relationship between the GBPA and the Government of The Bahamas. Signed in 1955, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement granted the GBPA substantial powers over, and responsibilities for, the development and management of the Freeport area in Grand Bahama.

Under the agreement, the GBPA was entrusted with fostering economic growth, attracting investments and creating job opportunities within the designated Freeport zone. The agreement offered various incentives, including tax breaks and duty exemptions, to entice businesses to establish operations in Freeport. This unique arrangement aimed to develop a second Bahamian city, stimulate economic activity and transform Grand Bahama into an industrial hub.

Over the years, tensions, and disputes between the GBPA and the Government have frequently arisen, primarily concerning the interpretation and implementation of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. These conflicts have often revolved around issues such as taxation, land ownership and the division of powers between the GBPA and the Government.

Critics argue that the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, while initially successful in attracting investments, has limited the Government’s ability to exercise full control and oversight over the development and economic policies in Grand Bahama. Some have questioned the effectiveness of the agreement, claiming it has hindered the Government’s ability to intervene and address pressing economic challenges on the island.

Conversely, proponents of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement highlight its role in facilitating foreign direct investment and fostering economic development in the Freeport area. They argue that the agreement has provided stability and certainty for businesses operating in Grand Bahama, contributing to job creation and overall economic growth.

Despite the tensions and occasional conflicts, both the GBPA and the Government recognise the need for collaboration and co-operation to drive the economic revival of Grand Bahama. Efforts have been made in the past to address the issues surrounding the Hawksbill Creek Agreement through negotiations and dialogue. These discussions have aimed to strike a balance between the GBPA’s autonomy and the Government’s role in promoting economic prosperity and addressing the needs of the local population.

The Government must demonstrate its commitment to transparent and inclusive decision-making, engage with stakeholders and outline a clear plan for investment and revival.

Navigating the complexities of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, and addressing the concerns of Grand Bahama residents, will require a delicate balance between honouring the spirit of the agreement and ensuring the Government’s ability to lead and guide the island’s economic future.

Collaborative efforts and open dialogue will be crucial in building trust, finding common ground and forging a path towards what is beneficial to the residents of Grand Bahama and the overall prosperity of The Bahamas.

Where do we go from here?

To ensure confidence and address the existing lack of trust, the Government should proactively implement a series of measures to boost economic conditions on Grand Bahama. One crucial aspect is creating an enabling business environment. The Government should streamline bureaucratic processes and simplify regulations to make it easier for businesses to operate on the island. By reducing red tape and ensuring transparent procedures, the Government can demonstrate its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that attracts domestic and foreign investors.