By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport

Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

VISITORS to Grand Bahama are expressing disappointment over the run down and abandoned state of the International Bazaar, which was once a major tourist hub in Freeport.

A number of comments and reviews were published on the popular travel website TripAdvisor, which has ranked the Bazaar as number 42 of 65 things to do in Freeport. The site featured photos taken of the Bazaar in its heyday, and also of its current unattractive, deserted state.

“The bazaar has nothing to offer,” one visitor wrote on TripAdvisor in February.

“I was expecting so much more from the Int’l Marketplace. Agree with many of the comments here – pretty much completely abandoned, very sad. Looked like it was maybe an interesting place to visit/shop at one time but now there’s not much to see,” said another visitor in April.

A decade ago, thousands of visitors and locals flocked to the Bazaar. It is now deserted and most of the stores and restaurants there are now closed.

When The Tribune visited the area in July, the surroundings were unkempt, with piles of debris and fallen tree branches everywhere. The main arcade entrance was filthy and buildings were dilapidated and falling apart.

Of the former 70 storeowners, there are only a handful of remaining merchants and straw vendors. “(It’s) somewhat sad, the few remaining tenants trying to entice you to stop and look at the local wares,” a visitor wrote on TripAdvisor.

“To be honest, I would have been afraid to leave the car. What once was, is no longer.

“What could have been we can never know. If you’re in Freeport and are thinking this is on your list, make sure to ask the locals and they will let you know to save your taxi fare money. It’s unfortunate it is still listed on TripAdvisor because there is no attraction at all.”

A review posted on February 9 read: “I know the people need business, but don’t waste your money taking a tour there. It’s run down, 99 per cent abandoned, so be wise and don’t go.”

The visitor also noted that most of the tenants moved to Port Lucaya Marketplace. “It was weird walking through a once huge shopping centre with top named stores, all boarded up,” the poster said.

Some 70 reviews were posted about the International Bazaar on TripAdvisor, and many of the comments were similar in nature.

When the 900-room Royal Oasis Resort closed in 2004 due to hurricane damage, the nearby Bazaar was severely affected because its business was tied to the hotel.

Many residents believe that reopening the hotel and the nearby West Sunrise Highway would restore economic activity in that area and in Freeport.

Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement Peter Turnquest had said that while there has been a lot of talk about the opening of the highway, no real action is being taken to facilitate it.

The Tribune has tried to reach Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville regarding government’s position on the Bazaar and the re-opening of the road.

Chris Paine, president of the Bazaar Owners Association, could not be reached for comment. Mr Paine, owner of Paradise Jewels, has relocated his store to the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

He has previously said that the multiple ownership scheme at the Bazaar does not work.

There are some 14 owners; the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union owns the Straw Market area and many of the rental spaces.