The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT - It appears that the cost of electricity is affecting a major marina facility in the Lucaya area. The Tribune learned on Wednesday that electricity has been off at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club on Midshipman Road. There is speculation the power might have been disconnected by the Grand Bahama Power Company. The Tribune contacted the Yacht Club on Wednesday and spoke with Ms Ferguson, a manager who confirmed that they have no power at the facility. When asked the circumstances, she said that The Tribune would have to speak with owner Prebin Olesen, who was not on the property at the time. The club, which is owned by New Hope Holding Ltd, has a150-slip marina, which is designated as a port of entry for visiting boaters. According to the company's website, the marina facility features the very best in amenities and services and can accommodate yachts of sizes up to 175 feet. The high cost of electricity on Grand Bahama has been a major issue affecting residential and commercial customers. A number of companies in Freeport have expressed concern about the high cost of electricity. The Fenestration and Glass Services closed its $20 million investment in Freeport because of the high electricity costs, poor service and reliability of power, saying the cost of power in Freeport was six times that of electricity in the US. Polymers International Limited, a major plastics manufacturing plant on Queen's Highway, had also expressed concern over a monthly power cost, amounting to some $500,000. In December 2010, Sir Jack Hayward, principal at the Grand Bahama Port Authority expressed concern that high power cost was hindering investment in Freeport.