BY DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahama MP Iram Lewis, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Utilities, is hailing Oban’s proposed $5.5 billion oil refinery for East Grand Bahama as a “step in the right direction,” despite strong criticisms from the opposition, environmental activists, and others.
Emphasising that hundreds would be employed, Mr Lewis said the investment would help to create a stable economy for Grand Bahama.
“Grand Bahama is open for business, not just for Freeport, but all of GB, he said. I know we have some work to do, but the Oban decision … is a step in the right direction,” said the MP for Central Grand Bahama.
Concerns have been raised over the proposed site for the project in an “eco-sensitive” area in East Grand Bahama, and the possibility of environmental damage. Another issue is the inclusion of a clause in the Heads of Agreement signed between the government and the company that allows the project to continue regardless of the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Mr Lewis noted that the government is also committed to attracting new industry to Grand Bahama to make it a technology hub.
“We have begun to attract new industry and investment to GB, and we believe that GB will evolve from an industrial centre to a centre of industry and innovation,” he said during his contribution to the Mid-Year Budget Debate in the House of Assembly.
The MP indicated that the government is focusing on developing a technology industry, and creating opportunities in the manufacturing industry that will bring other avenues of economic diversity to the Grand Bahama economy.
“GB has the infrastructure and is close to the US, and the Prime Minister wants to make the island a technology hub, and the Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson is off promoting Grand Bahama.”
Mr Lewis stressed that the government had done much since its time in office.
“In the short period the government has been at the helm of governance in this country much has been undertaken to move the country in the right direction considering the myriad of challenges that The Bahamas has (endured) under the previous administration,” he said.
Mr Lewis stated that there is a strong desire by the government to bring positive economic and social improvements to the Bahamas.
Mr Lewis also shared his desire to set up economic zones outside the City of Freeport.
“Since coming to office that has been one of my primary focuses, he said. I believe that the outlying communities (Mack Town, Hunters, Lewis Yard, Pinder’s Point, Eight Mile Rock) are the real foundation of Grand Bahama, and Freeport is the roof or covering.”
The MP said that strengthening the outlying communities would create more economic balance on the island of GB.
“If it so happens that the City of Freeport fails, then we have something to fall back on. So, it is very important that we build these small communities to create economic zones for balance because these are the communities where Bahamians live and have ownership.”
Mr Lewis talked about plans for those areas, including restoration of the community centre in Hunters, initiating clean-up campaigns, establishing community farming and backyard farming programmes, a farmer’s market, and developing eco-parks.
He said they are pushing the eco-park initiative to develop jewels along the shoreline of the communities in his constituency. He noted that an Eco-parks Society has been established and is headed by chairman Ricardo Adderley.
In Eight Mile Rock, Mr Lewis said they had launched a cleanup and beautification project in Hepburn Town at Lover’s Beach.
The idea, he said, is to attract more visitors and locals to the area and spur the opening of more small businesses by residents in the area.
Comments
BahamasForBahamians 6 years, 1 month ago
This dude has never made a meaningful contribution to the House of Assembly.
The first time he gets a real chance to speak he opens up his mouth and decides to be on the WRONG side of history.
You see Iram, we had almost forgotten about you public has not regarded you as one of the FNM mps sinking this ship or did we feel = the need to chastise for the mismanagement of this administration.
Since you feel left out though - ENJOY THE RIDE AND PREPARE YOUR FUTURE BEYOND POLITICS AFTER 2022 - because with statements like these you're gonna be out the HOA just as fast are you got in.
Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 1 month ago
Someone had better look into recent deposits made to Lewis's bank accounts both here in the bahamas and abroad.
TalRussell 6 years, 1 month ago
This yet another red MP for our fellow Comrade Grand Bahamaland's Constituents written off as a contributor Oban's weirdo history. Where's our Cassius Stuart when we need them handcuff themselves to Speaker's Mace up in People's Honourable House of Assembly - him no Comrade Cassius. (Can't make this handcuffing up as if it just some folklore passed around the street corners by words da gossipers mouths}. God return we Queen Liz on next sailing Royal Navy's Battle Ship to set sail across the English pond.
VDSheep 6 years, 1 month ago
As I have said before – if any government of the Bahamas is smart enough – since both PLP and FNM ‘ including the Port Authority in Freeport has taken a negative attitude from the “Bend or break” speech by Sir. Lynden decades ago – that speech had to be made by the PM! However - all three entities have allowed Freeport to lose its momentum. Today – any government ought to legislate and make all of Grand Bahama a Freeport ‘ similar to Hong Kong. Bring in all possible worldwide investments – you name it. Additionally – legislate an independent sovereign fund for all profits from a Grand Bahama Freeport for the Bahamian people. There is no clause in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement – that can prohibit the government from making all Grand Bahama a Freeport island!
TalRussell 6 years, 1 month ago
Comrade VDSheep, are we not still riding that failed "Freeport" pony experiment dating back 1955 when we signed "Treaty" better known as the Hawksbill Creek Agreement when Sir Stafford handed over 50,000 (to double to 100,000) acres lands, control over local forms government, immigration and tax concessions to foreigners? For heaven's sake Comrade, have you not looked closely at public records blemished backgrounds men's associated with Oban? Are these the kinds people you wanted your prime minister invite up into cabinet room? Where's the pictures your PM signing deals with legit Grand Bahamalanders - whilst handing over 500 FREE acres peoples lands? This is all F#C##DUP.
TalRussell 6 years, 1 month ago
Comrades at Tribune, have you even bothered dispatch a reporter to see who is sharing 125 sq ft office @ Suite 600, 3801 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410? if you wish I can refer you to a investigative reporter over at Miami Herald who would be more than happy do leg work you... maybe even send Grand Bahamaland MP to Palm Beach some Oban reeducating.
by TalRussell
birdiestrachan 6 years, 1 month ago
empty head, only taking up space. FNM country "it is the people time " put him there so they get what they deserve. Nothing Zero. Good for them.
IAmOne 6 years, 1 month ago
Wow. How blind deaf and dumb are our ‘legislators’?
banker 6 years, 1 month ago
Sorry. The Oban deal is bad for the Bahamas. I wish that Minnis would grow a pair, and say that he made a mistake. Minnis is supposedly the anti-corruption crusader and he deals with an unsavoury lowlife like the fatboy Oban character who is proven that he is as crooked as the PLP. This is the future of the country at stake, and any sign of fiduciary impropriety would have to disqualify Oban. Grow a pair youse fooking FNM legislators.
Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 1 month ago
The long knives have already been unsheathed behind Minnis's back, and are now just waiting for the most opportune moment. Minnis made a grave mistake when he made his pact with Sebas Bastian. The dimwitted Doc is gonna learn the hard way that loyalty from voters is much more important than financial support from a criminal thug.
banker 6 years, 1 month ago
You make up half the shiite that you say, but I do agree with you that not shutting down the webshops is a huge mistake, both from a governance and patriotism point of view.
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