The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ARCHDEACON Harry Bain said the death of Sir Jack Hayward “is truly the end of an era,” and urged executives at the Grand Bahama Port Authority to demonstrate the same commitment, passion and vision that Sir Jack did, for the further development of Freeport.

“Those in charge in the Pink buildings ... I appeal to you for unity of purpose – get your act together and work together for the continued growth and development of Freeport. Sir Jack and others have laid the foundation. This island needs to move forward,” he said.

Archdeacon Bain was speaking at the memorial service for Sir Jack at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King this week. Sir Jack, he said, was a rock and one of Freeport’s founders. “At age 91, the rock is gone. It is truly the end of an era”, he said. “Sir Jack Hayward has ran his race. He has done well.”

Sir Jack died on January 13 in Fort Lauderdale. He was the Honorary Chairman and co-owner of the Port Authority, which oversees the development and management of Freeport. In 1956, Sir Jack came to Grand Bahama. Through his leadership and others, including his partner the late Edward St George, Freeport has evolved from a pine barren wasteland to a modern city, with investments worth $11 billion and the largest and deepest man-made harbour in the region.

Even during his last years at the Port, Sir Jack had lobbied for government to extend the provisions in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement which are set to expire in August, stressing the importance of the Agreement in the development of Freeport.

Archdeacon Bain said: “As we mark the 60th Anniversary of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement this year, I must speak to the living. Who will take the lead and carry Freeport and Grand Bahama beyond? The time has come for new vision, rededicated commitment, and men and women to show the same passion and vision Sir Jack did.”

He stressed that the business leaders of Freeport and government leaders cannot restore Freeport’s economy and repeat what Sir Jack has done without God’s help.

“We must go beyond telling the stories of past glory. Let it be resolved that no Sarah, no Rick, no Henry, no Ian or Hannes alone can restore Freeport’s glory and repeat Sir Jack’s winnings without Almighty God. The story of Gideon is clear. Corporate giants at the Container Port, the Ship Yard, STATOIL, Government and Opposition leaders, the Chamber of Commerce ... all and sundry are articulating plans for this island. Nothing will move without God. Everybody wants to be the one with big plans and making headlines. We have had enough headlines and promises, we now need action.

“This island will only get better if God gets the glory. When we see a turn around on Grand Bahama it will not be because of our smarts, our money or because we are strong. It will be because of God. All things happen according to His timing and purpose.”

Freeport’s economy has remained stagnant since the 2004 hurricanes, Frances and Jeanne. The Royal Oasis Resort, which suffered severe damage, remains closed. The property was one of the first hotel properties in Freeport, opening in 1964 as the Kings Inn Hotel. The nearby International Bazaar was built in 1967.

Archdeacon Bain reminded persons of the “special partnership” between Sir Jack and Edward St George. He said the men produced a city that remains the envy of the region. “It is a unique model that holds great success stories and remains loaded with unlimited potential,” he added.

“Sir Jack valued the partnership and despite what proved to be a much-to-do-about-nothing legal battle between the Haywards and St Georges, Sir Jack loved and honoured his partnership with Edward St George. I am made to understand, that even when the legal fight was at its peak, Sarah St George and Sir Jack, whose office space was in close proximity ... Sir Jack would say to Sarah, ‘I know my side is winning but, what is it that we are fighting over again?’

“Those of us who carry chips on our shoulders, stay mad with relatives and friends for years, and find causes to dislike people we do not even know, we can learn much from Sir Jack’s life,” he said.

Another important legacy of Sir Jack, Archdeacon Bain said, was his spirit of giving and helping others - those less fortunate.

“My Brothers and Sisters, there is really no diplomatic way to say it ... some of us are too mean. We are laced with bad ways. We are selfish. Sir Jack made no apologies for it. He was not a church man. But he understood and lived the Christian Principles of Giving. He knew well that we are to be generous like God is generous to us,” he said.

“I am not suggesting you have Sir Jack’s wealth. The Bible tells us if you give of the little you have, you can surpass Sir Jack’s riches.”