The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister yesterday declined to answer Opposition questions on the status of the Grand Lucayan’s redevelopment and when all former resort workers will receive outstanding payments.

Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama, dismissed inquiries about the long-awaited project and a $60,000 government allocation linked to a Youth Innovators Club initiative when speaking in Parliament.
The exchange began when Frazette Gibson, the Central Grand Bahama MP, asked Mrs Moxey to explain the $60,000 allocation and sought an update on the Grand Lucayan redevelopment, asking about the status of the project and when payments would be made to workers terminated during the resort's transition to Concord Wilshire’s ownership.

When asked by the deputy speaker, Sylvanus Petty, whether she intended to answer the question, Mrs Moxey replied: "Not at this time." She then challenged the premise of the inquiry.

"Not at this time, but still, the point is I don't know what she's talking about," Mrs Moxey said. "I don't even know if she knows what she's talking about."
Pressed again on whether she would answer, Mrs Moxey replied: "Yeah, she can put it on the record because I have no idea what she's talking about."
Kwasi Thompso, the east Grand Bahama MP, then intervened, noting that the matter appeared in Ministry of Finance procurement records. He asked Mrs Moxey to specify what the $60,000 allocation was for and who received it. He also sought an update on the Grand Lucayan redevelopment.

No answer was provided to either question. Mr Petty subsequently noted that Mrs Moxey had already indicated she would not answer and moved proceedings to the next speaker.

The unanswered questions come as the Government continues to tout the Grand Lucayan redevelopment as one of Grand Bahama's most significant economic projects.

In April, Concord Wilshire and its partners unveiled a multi-phase redevelopment agreement for the property that includes a cruise resort, marina village, casino resort, residential development and a major overhaul of the existing hotel.

The agreement was presented as a framework for moving the long-stalled redevelopment forward following years of uncertainty over the Government's efforts to divest the property.
During her contribution, Mrs Moxey also addressed the Government's relationship with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), insisting the administration is pursuing co-operation while continuing to press for accountability.

"Some say we should work with the Grand Bahama Port Authority instead of fighting, but the truth is we are already engaged," she said. Mrs Moxey said she has already held her first meeting with the GBPA since returning to office.

"Working together does not mean ignoring obligations. Collaboration does not mean silence. Partnership does not mean the people of Grand Bahama should settle for less than they deserve,” she added.

Her comments follow a major arbitration ruling earlier this year involving the Government and the Port Authority. The Davis administration had sought approximately $357m in damages, arguing that the GBPA and affiliated entities failed to meet obligations related to Freeport's development.

The arbitration tribunal rejected the Government's monetary claims but upheld the state's authority to regulate and legislate for Freeport, a point the Government later described as an important victory despite the financial claim being dismissed.

Mrs Moxey signalled that the administration intends to continue applying pressure where it believes obligations are not being met. "Where collaboration is possible, we will collaborate. Where accountability is required, we will insist. Where projects must move, we will push," she said.

"We are not fighting for the sake of fighting. We are working, co-ordinating and pressing for progress because Grand Bahama deserves results."