By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey has revealed that “robust plans” for the International Bazaar area are expected with the reopening of the road at the Royal Oasis Resort.
She recently announced that there are plans to reopen the portion of West Sunrise Highway that has been closed off for more than a decade. It is unclear when the road will be reopened, however.
Asked why this was important for residents, the minister said recently: “Many of us know what… it meant to the community of Grand Bahama. When it was closed off it really diverted traffic a long way and caused commerce that went through the International Bazaar to go away with it, and when Royal Oasis closed as well. And so, the road opening means so much to so many people.”
She also said: “With the opening of the road, we also look to do a lot with the International Bazaar. It’s just, I think, a good step in the right direction for that area of Grand Bahama that has so much history.”
The International Bazaar was the premier tourist attraction in Freeport in the early 80’s. There were nearly 100 shops and stores there, employing hundreds of Bahamians. It occupied the largest and oldest straw market on the island.
The area used to be bustling with visitors, and it was the venue for many Bahamian festivals and events. After the Royal Oasis hotel closed in 2004 due to hurricane damage, the area declined significantly, and the shops closed.
The buildings are dilapidated and there have been fires at the site.
Ms Moxey hopes that the road opening will allow for the return of such events.
“We know that the road at the time allowed us to have road races, and Junkanoo took place around the International Bazaar. And we have a very robust plan for that area that would bring a new day for tourist attraction. And so, I am excited about it.
“There is a lot that is going to be going on there; I can’t say too much on it, but residents I find are excited about the road opening as well,” she said.
Comments
moncurcool 2 years ago
In other words, don't expect anything except more hot air form the Minister.
Honestly, the Minister and Ministry for Grand Bahama is a waste of taxpayer money
realfreethinker 2 years ago
Tell ginger stop talking ass. The thing going to happen to the bazaar is a bulldozer. That already burn out. The road opening is nothing more than a distraction although I agree with reopening it makes the commute a little shorter. The bazaar is owned by 15 different people and majority don't have the first cent to invest
JohnBrown1834 2 years ago
The road opening is a political rather than economic decision. It will make no difference. There will be derelict buildings on the left and right (International Bazaar and Royal Oasis). We need one new owner for both properties with a dynamic vision and resources.
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