By STAFF?WRITER

FN?News Desk

If the Grand Bahama Port Authority was to be sold it would only be to the "right people with the right attitudes and right feelings about Freeport," said Executive Chairman Sir Jack Hayward.

With no new developments in the pipeline for Grand Bahama, during an interview with Sir Jack on Wednesday he was asked about a possible sale of the GBPA.

The port chief said that while there have been persons interested, no one with the right ideas have come forward so far.

"I entered my 90th year a few days ago, became 89, the St. Georges are not getting any younger, so if we can find the right people, with the right attitudes and the right feelings about Freeport and passion and affection for Freeport that we have had over the years, we would be happy to hand it over to them. Only if they are good for Freeport," he said.

On the whole there has been some interest, he said, but these persons did not have the money, the attitude, or feeling for Freeport. He said they felt they could make a quick grab, and they think they can make something, but he said they are concerned about finding the right people.

Questioned on the Sharp Rock development that was rumoured to be resurfacing with the new government, Sir Jack said his feelings on the matter remain the same. Previously he stated that these persons who came forward did not have the funds for the project.

Asked about the new Chairman at the Port, Ian Fair, he said:?"The appointment of the chairman was very much a work of the St. George family and myself and we all agreed on it. We all liked it, selecting Ian Fair as Chairman. I think it's a tremendous choice and he is doing a lot of good work. He is very well known in The Bahamas, of course he is head of the Maritime Commission, the Financial Services, he is well travelled and a Bahamian citizen and nothing can be better. We think it's all looking very good."

On his thoughts of the new government, he began by stating he and former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham had repaired bridges and things were rosey before the new government came in.

As for the new government, Sir Jack said: "Well they did one super thing, they've got a Minister of Grand Bahama which was promised many years ago under many governments and we've got a Minister for Grand Bahama who is doing a super job, couldnt have a better individual and it's making a tremendous difference. That's to start with and if they keep their promises on the other things I'm delighted. I really am. I'm PLP all the way."

On the hopes for the outlying settlements, he said he hopes East and West Grand Bahama all prosper.

When asked about the extension of duty free concessions to these areas, he frankly said: "I have to say I don't know how it will work. I am delighted that everyone on the island should benefit with the same concessions that Freeport has had but I don't know how it's going to work. I'm delighted that everyone on Grand Bahama can have a duty free car and build a duty free house, that's wonderful, our whole island would prosper but I don't know if they have really thought it out.

"I'm all for it, if it can work."