The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - Ian Fair, newly appointed chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, says there are already "positive signs" for 2012 as new business is expected to come to Freeport - possibly as soon as June.

"I am pleased to report that we are close to making some positive announcements of new business coming to Freeport, probably in the next month," he said in his first public speaking engagement since his appointment last month.

In his address to members of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, Mr Fair said the Port will be embarking on a major marketing initiative for Freeport.

"We need to spread the word that we are on a positive track forward," he said.

"The key element here is communication and promotion. Marketing is key to this initiative."

The chairman said plans include holding, in conjunction with the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), a high level Bahamas International Business Forum in Freeport in February 2013.

He said it would be a joint venture between the government, the Port Authority, and the CBC.

According to Mr Fair, the event will be designed to raise the profile of Grand Bahama.

Additionally, he said, they plan to conduct a number of promotional visits overseas - first to Asia, South America and Europe.

With the elections over, Mr Fair congratulated the PLP and pledged the Port's support for the new government.

He said he is very mindful of the concessions for Freeport due for renewal in 2015 that need to be renegotiated with the government under the Freeport Grand Bahama Act, 1993.

"We plan to engage the government on this issue in the next month," Mr Fair said.

Mr Fair was appointed to head the Port Authority in April. His role is to guide the strategic direction of the organisation and focus on maximising growth opportunities for Freeport and Grand Bahama.

"We have just endured an extremely traumatic five year period, the worst economic decline in the world in the past 80 years coupled with other challenges. But our task is to look forward to new opportunities, initiate the appropriate changes, and make them a reality.

"This we have now commenced, with a reorganisation of the board, amongst other initiatives, so as to become more focused on business development and the future."

Mr Fair said he is extremely energised and very excited about the opportunity which he has been given.

"I consider this to be a singular honour. I am a proud Bahamian and have spent the past 43 years of my life here.

"It is my home and I want to do everything that I can do to make it a better place for this and future generations," he said.