Ingraham claims Freeport's
economy being undermined
By BARBARA WALKIN
Senior FN Reporter
barbara@nasguard.com
Free National Movement Leader Hubert A. Ingraham yesterday accused the Government of undermining the economy of Freeport by extending to investors in Western Grand Bahama, benefits exceeding levels provided for in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement for the central area of Grand Bahama.
Ingraham, who was making his contribution to the budget debate, was alluding to the Government's "deal" with the Ginn Development Project in West, Grand Bahama.
Claiming that the "deal" is a violation of Government's commitment in that agreement, Ingraham said, "An FNM Government will do no such thing. We commit to Freeport that we will not grant to any foreign investor anywhere in The Bahamas, any concession for exemption exceeding those available to Freeport."
The FNM leader added that remains consistent with the position that no greater benefit or concession will be offered anywhere or to any developer or development anywhere in The Bahamas that is greater than those available in Freeport.
"The FNM commits that should the Government make it lawful to grant exemption from the payment of stamp tax on conveyances contained in a Heads of Agreement, not yet tabled in Parliament, a Government led by the FNM will ensure that the same terms are available on similar terms to Freeport."
Further, he added, when the FNM is returned to Government in the next general election, it will:
* Give focused and consistent attention to the renewal of Freeport's economy.
* Utilize maximum leverage with the Government of Venezuela to cause BORCO facilities to be converted and put into use as a refinery of petroleum products, particularly gasoline; and agree to the sale of the same so that it may be converted as stated.
* Undertake discussions with the cruise industry to move forward on proposals to put in Freeport a cruise ship training facility for its new hirees; place and operate its medical care facilities in Freeport; make Freeport a rest and recreation point for crew, including accommodating family reunions.
* Engage Hutchison on its previous declared interest in making Freeport a major air and sea hub.
* Facilitate the development of a cruise port at Lucaya.
* Promote and enhance Freeport as the industrial centre of The Bahamas.
"This Government has failed Freeport," charged the former Prime Minister. "And so far, this Government has no plan or programme to support Freeport, the second largest employment centre in the country and a centre with terrible unemployment — above 11 percent."
Ingraham added that Prime Minister Perry Christie is now telling Grand Bahamians that "an energized group" is close to concluding discussions for the acquisition of the Royal Oasis.
"Yes, reportedly a group attracted to The Bahamas on the FNM's watch," he said.
Ingraham challenged the Prime Minister to confirm or deny that The Bahamas Government, through one of its agencies, will contribute money toward the purchase price of Royal Oasis.
"I am aware that the Prime Minister and his Minister of Tourism have in the past sought to shift the blame to the FNM for having approved the investor group for the Royal Oasis," said Mr. Ingraham. "They seem to suggest that a provision could have been placed in the Heads of Agreement that would have prevented the group from closing the property and leaving the country."
This, added the former Prime Minister, is a red herring.
"Perhaps the Government will advise whether such provisions have been included in the numerous Heads of Agreements signed by them, and if so, will they advise how this is likely to affect the pending departure of the casino operator from Freeport," Ingraham said.
Ingraham said that the Government is good at taking credit for the positive — for Emerald Bay in Exuma, Our Lucaya in Grand Bahama, and for Atlantis on Paradise Island.
"They even took credit for the Royal Oasis at its opening shortly after they came to office," Ingraham said. "Why do they eschew it now? They believe they are made of 'Teflon' but their deception sticks."
QUESTIONS RAISED — FNM Leader Hubert Ingraham raised questions about the Government's "deal" with the Ginn Corporation during his contribution to the budget debate yesterday in the House of Assembly.(FILE PHOTO)
