The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has met with the planning expert drafting the terms of reference for the Bahamas’ National Economic Development Plan (NEDP).
Dr Nicholas Miles, who is working on the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) project with the Government to strengthen institutional capacity in the Prime Minister’s Office, said: “What we’re doing here is a collective effort in finding out from people what are the issues and challenges that their organisations face, and what they think should be included in the NEDP. Also, what guidance can they recommend as
GBPA vice-chairman, Sarah St. George, described the implementation of a national plan as an ‘excellent concept’. “I think the idea of a master plan going forward is key to development. Especially one that is an integrated process throughout the islands and interlocks in a way that everyone else understands,” she said.
Dr Miles added that the process of getting people involved and participating was especially important. “The process is as important as the product,” he added. “It’s a plan that we hope will be a bridge between segments of society and different political views. One which will be institutionalised within Bahamian society, so that the core of that plan will be retained, whoever is in power.”
Ms St. George added that it was paramount that Bahamian stakeholders be included in the development of such a national plan. “We’ve always enjoyed working hand-in-hand with the public sector,” she said.
“Freeport is so special, especially with regards to unique features of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, so it is important for us to have that ongoing dialogue and inclusion in national matters.”
Ms St. George said Grand Bahama’s transportation and communications infrastructure needed to be considered within a national economic plan, as the Bahamas needed to maximise resources that are already at its disposal.
“Freeport really is a platform for the further development of the Bahamas. The opportunities here are endless and can be utilised a lot more,” she said.
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