The Government of the Bahamas believes that the revitalization of Grand Bahama Island is not only crucial for residents but it is also essential for future development of the country.
 

Recognizing the strategic and important role that Grand Bahama Island will play in the future transformation of the economy of the Bahamas, the Government has established the Ministry for Grand Bahama to ensure that this Island receives maximum benefits from all Governmental initiatives.
 

The Government of the Bahamas has mandated that the Minister for Grand Bahama re-establish a good working relationship with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and its major partner, Hutchinson Whampoa through progressive negotiations to create additional investment opportunities for the Island.
 

In collaboration with the Ministry of Financial Services and the Grand Bahama Port Authority and its partners, the Ministry for Grand Bahama in January 2013, embarked on business/promotional trips to foreign countries such as Panama and Brazil initially, to seek targeted investors to invest in the Island of Grand Bahama.
 

A team of highly motivated and trained professional officers at the Ministry for Grand Bahama will work closely with officials at the Grand Bahama Port Authority and Hutchinson Whampoa in a cooperative manner to promote economic growth, trade and investment opportunities for long-term sustainability.
 

Going forward, the Ministry for Grand Bahama team will systematically monitor the contractual agreement (Hawksbill Creek Agreement) between the Government of the Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority, to ensure that all contractual obligations are carried out in accordance with said Agreement.
 

With respect to the land tax provisions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement that will expire in the year 2015, the Ministry for Grand Bahama will seek to bring clarity to this matter, for the mutual benefit of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, its Licensees and for the people of the Bahamas, during the negotiations.