By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport

Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE $300 million expansion of Freeport Container Port could result in as many as 600 jobs in Grand Bahama, Prime Minister Perry Christie has revealed.

A senior port executive has confirmed to the government that investment in the expansion has reached $280 million, with construction to begin by September/October this year.

During a press conference in Freeport on Tuesday, Mr Christie said: “We had great news today when we spoke with Godfrey Smith at the container port and Hutchison when he confirmed that the expansion … right now is up to $280 million. So it means it is at least a $300 million expansion of the container port.”

The Prime Minister indicated that this increased investment in the Freeport economy by the container port is due to government’s decision to roll back a taxation regime it had put in place earlier this year, following discussions with the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and Hutchison.

“I want to remind the Bahamian people… that it was decided that a taxation regime we put in place we would roll back in consideration of efforts being made to expand the economy in Grand Bahama, and specifically the container port said they would take certain steps,” he said. “Now we see the full manifestation of our co-operation,” he said.

Additionally, Mr Christie indicated that MSC has confirmed the creation of a maritime training school for Bahamians in Freeport, in conjunction with the College of the Bahamas. The shipping company, he said, has also indicated its intention to provide jobs and train young Bahamians for jobs onboard their new cruise ships expected to come on stream next year.

“They indicated that they will make a major effort to involve their company in the recruitment of significant numbers of Grand Bahamians for the cruise and cargo ships they have, and for the island destination which is near Bimini. Their intention is to provide jobs for hundreds of young Bahamian who are unemployed. The only challenge inherent in that for us is whether the appropriate government entity is COB or the National Training Agency, but the fact of the matter is we will be at the table and spurring employment.”

The Prime Minister has also indicated that a government review is underway of the first draft of a Heads Of Agreement for creation of a new cruise port in Freeport. “This morning, when we spoke to Sir Baltron Bethel in Beijing, he indicated that we were are reviewing the first draft of a HOA for the new port,” he said.

According to Mr Christie, Carnival Cruise Lines, in conjunction with Freeport Harbour Company, will build the new port at a location in east Grand Bahama.

“We are anxious about our efforts on the establishment of a new cruise port in Freeport,” said Mr Christie. “It is again another example of private/public partnership with government being involved in the process, and one in which we think will have a very significant and positive impact on the economy of Freeport and GB.”

Carnival Corporation has been in discussion with top government officials, including Sir Baltron. Giora Israel, senior vice president of port and destination development for Carnival Corporation, had indicated earlier this year that they were interested in creating a private beach experience for its flagship brand, Carnival Cruise Lines.

Mr Christie believes a new cruise port will create a “new pizzazz” that will improve the island’s tourism product.