Members of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA) Committee on Monday presented what they called a “historic” and “informative” report to the government concerning the HCA.
Prime Minister Perry Christie accepted that report on behalf of the government at his office.
He assured committee members that the report will be discussed in Cabinet today to decide which regimes will be pushed for the further advancement of the island of Grand Bahama.
“Since the report has been reviewed it is now time for further processes to take place,” said the prime minister.
“It will be presented as a formal document for the Cabinet to give consideration to the contents of it so that we may start to make improvements to Grand Bahama as soon as possible.”
Led by former Minister of Health and Senator Dr. Marcus Bethel, the committee presented the report that was under review over the last few months.
Dr. Bethel said the report which was carefully constructed is explanatory and will help to better the economy of Grand Bahama.
“After an intensive 12 weeks of work with a very dynamic and interactive committee and technical staff, we have been able to present a report that we feel is historic and addresses the issues that relate to Freeport and Grand Bahama in general,” said Dr. Bethel.
“Today, we are presenting this report recognizing that the government of the Bahamas and policymakers has requested this report and it has recommendations that they must undertake in creating policies as it relates to the forward movement of Freeport and Grand Bahama.”
With the more than half a century old agreement set to expire in August of this year, the prime minister appointed the committee back in March so that the government could secure a new set of arrangements to spur economic development and increase the island’s contribution to net fiscal receipts.
The committee’s main objectives were to agree with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and principal licensees, and to construct a long term economic development plan which will protect and promote the shipping, industrial, logistics, tourism, real estate and other commercial sectors on the island of Grand Bahama.
