By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority has removed election campaign signs in Freeport, drawing a response from Prime Minister Philip Davis, who warned against interference with political expression.

“We're addressing that in short order,” Mr Davis told reporters yesterday, adding “there's no reason why campaign posters” from political parties should be removed. “It's an expression of free speech, and it ought not to be interfered with, and I'm going to be addressing that.”

The GBPA said it removed signs it deemed unauthorised from locations across Freeport, arguing the displays violated its bye-laws.

The agency said the signs are being held at its Cedar Street compound for collection and defended the move as lawful enforcement of its regulations, after some people reportedly complained the removals amounted to theft.

“The GBPA is aware that a criminal complaint has been made in relation to the removal of such signage,” the GBPA said. “It is regrettable that the lawful enforcement of applicable regulations, and the protection of property rights, has been characterised as theft.”

Police Superintendent Nicholas Johnson told The Tribune he was unaware of any criminal complaints related to the matter.

The GBPA said campaign signs had been erected without approval and outside the established framework, including on verges owned by the GBPA Group of Companies.

It said the parties responsible were warned that the signage was unauthorised and given an opportunity to remove it.

“They were further notified that, if the signs were not removed, the GBPA would proceed with their removal in accordance with established procedures,” the authority said. “Despite this notice, the signage was not removed and additional signs were erected in unauthorized locations.”

Under the Freeport (Control of Advertisements) Bye-laws, signage in the Port Area requires prior approval. Limited exceptions for election-related advertisements apply only after a Writ of Election is issued.

Last Friday, signs from Progressive Liberal Party candidates were placed along East Sunrise Highway and Pioneer’s Way, where both PLP and Free National Movement signage had appeared.

The GBPA said it had engaged representatives of political parties and independent candidates ahead of the election period to outline the requirements and encourage compliance.