By LEDEDRA MARCHE

Senior FN Reporter

lededra@nasguard.com

Grand Bahama Port Authority Chairman Edward St. George, one of the principal individuals involved in the phenomenal growth of Freeport, died yesterday at the age of 76.

He passed away quietly at a Houston, Texas, hospital following complications after undergoing surgery for a heart valve replacement.

Mr. St. George served in The Bahamas as Magistrate for four years from 1956 and and as solicitor-general for one year.

He then became chairman of the GBPA in 1976 and co-owner with long-time friend and partner Sir Jack Hayward in 1978.

Over his 30-year tenure he has been described as the key mover and shaker and

driving force behind Grand Bahama's economy who was relentless in his commitment to Freeport.

Sir Jack Hayward, at a press conference yesterday in the Port Authority boardroom, noted that Mr. St. George left a great legacy.

While adding that his death is a great, personal loss, Sir Jack dispelled rumours that the Mr. St. George's passing also means the end of the Port Authority or Freeport.

"Edward has put in place all these plans, so many things that are coming to fruition now," Sir jack said. "Really, Freeport is now big enough that we will survive."

In fact, Sir Jack said, Freeport will go forward stronger than ever as a result of his beloved partner's planning, foresight with the deals put together for the now flourishing Grand Bahama Shipyard, Freeport Container Port and an ever expanding Freeport Harbour and the reopening of hotels.

"He'll be missed," said Sir Jack. "He was the driving force. He was the inspiration, the spark and a great personality, and he was our spokesman over the last few years. But he's left us a legacy which we will endure and honour."

Boasting of the Port Authority management team, Sir Jack said Mr. St. George's brilliance is a tribute to that.

"We have a fantastic team and all this talk in the area that the Port Authority is collapsing is absolute nonsense," Sir Jack insisted.

GBPA executives, at the press conference, assured the people of Grand Bahama and The Bahamas that they will continue Mr. St. George's vision in progressing the development of the Port area.

Describing him as the force behind countless investments, past, present and future, Chairman Sir Albert Miller said the late chairman embraced the company's mandate and vision to promote Freeport, in partnership with government, as an industrial and economic centre for the country, 28 years ago.

"His was a special love and commitment for Grand Bahama island," Sir Albert said. "He will be greatly missed by all of us."

GBPA President and Deputy Chairman Willie Moss, who has known Mr. St. George for a quarter of a century, spoke of him fondly as a great teacher, friend and mentor.

"I just hope that the things I learned at his feet I will be able to implement them now so that we can make sure that his vision for Grand Bahama continues as he saw it," Mrs. Moss said.

Prime Minister Perry G. Christie also extended condolences to the St. George family yesterday on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas via a press statement, describing his death as "the end of an era in Freeport."

"Mr. St. George was truly a giant in the economic development of our nation's major city in the north," the release noted. "His vision for the future of Freeport, and the island of Grand Bahama generally, was a beacon for the values of self-determination and economic success so evident in the citizenry of the city which he dearly loved and to which he devoted his life's energies."

Prime Minister Christie said Mr. St. George demonstrated a love and understanding of the people of The Bahamas that has augured to mutual and lasting benefit over the many, many years of his association with this country.

"The Bahamas has lost a very dear and most valued friend," the Prime Minister said. "Edward St. George will be sorely missed."

The people of Grand Bahama must remain steadfast in this time of sorrow, the Prime Minister noted, adding they should also remain secure in knowing that the Government of The Bahamas remains committed to working hand in hand with Sir Jack Hayward and the GBPA leadership for the continued success of Freeport.

Mr. St. George is survived by his wife, Lady Henrietta, five children, four grandchildren and an extended adopted Grand Bahama family.

Arrangements for a memorial service in London are being made for those unable to attend the funeral service here next week.