Government launches six-month public consultation on proposed reforms to Freeport’s governance, with commitments to protect lawful rights, strengthen accountability and expand opportunities across the island.
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Prime Minister Philip Davis has announced plans to establish a single, accountable governance framework for the whole of Grand Bahama, marking a proposed change in how the island is administered, regulated and positioned for future development.
Speaking at the Grand Bahama Shipyard, the Prime Minister outlined the Government’s intention to replace Freeport’s existing system of divided public governance with a modern framework that would apply consistently across the island, while protecting lawful interests, maintaining a strong role for private investment and giving Grand Bahamians a direct voice in shaping the transition.
“Whether we change is settled. How we change is yours to shape,” Prime Minister Davis said.
The announcement coincided with the publication of a Green Paper entitled Grand Bahama: A Framework for Stability and Growth, which sets out the Government’s proposals and opens a six-month period of public consultation beginning 1 November 2026.
At the centre of the proposed reforms is a fundamental change to the way Grand Bahama is governed.
Currently, residents and businesses within the Freeport Port Area operate under both national laws and a separate system of licences, approvals and bye-laws administered by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).
The Government is proposing to bring public administration and regulation under one transparent and accountable framework for the entire island, ensuring greater consistency for residents, businesses and investors, whether they are located within the Port Area or in East or West Grand Bahama.
The Green Paper outlines several proposals to support that transition, including the establishment of a Government-led Grand Bahama Development Council to coordinate development across the island.
It also proposes a comprehensive review of the existing Agreement, directed by the Attorney General, and the development of a modern legislative framework, including a proposed Grand Bahama Development Act.
A key component of the proposed approach is the extension of investment concessions across Grand Bahama, with the possibility of enhanced incentives outside the Port Area to encourage economic activity and attract development to communities in East and West Grand Bahama.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the transition would be undertaken lawfully and through Parliament, with appropriate protections for existing rights and obligations.
The publication of the Green Paper does not itself change the legal position of residents, businesses, property owners or licensees. The Government has committed to identifying, recording and respecting rights lawfully held, and has stated that no changes will be applied retrospectively.
Prime Minister Davis also extended an invitation to the Grand Bahama Port Authority, its employees and licensees to participate constructively in the reform process.
“I would rather build this future with you than around you,” he said.
Grand Bahamians Invited to Shape the Transition
Public consultation will run from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027, providing residents, businesses, community organizations and other stakeholders with an opportunity to review the proposals and contribute to the development of the new framework.
The public is encouraged to visit gbframework.com to learn more about the proposed reforms, review the Green Paper and stay informed throughout the consultation process.
Public meetings will be held in Freeport, East Grand Bahama and West Grand Bahama to ensure that communities throughout the island have an opportunity to participate.
Following the consultation period, the Government is targeting the publication of a White Paper on 1 July 2027, with legislation expected to be brought forward for passage during the first quarter of 2028.
The consultation will help inform how the proposed framework is designed and implemented, including the arrangements needed to ensure an orderly transition.
Building on Investments Across Grand Bahama
The governance proposals come as several major public and private investment projects move forward across Grand Bahama.
Design work is underway for a new international terminal at Grand Bahama International Airport, while MSC has received approval for a $400 million investment in a modern cruise terminal at Freeport Harbour.
Demolition has also begun at the Grand Lucayan property, an important step in plans for the site’s redevelopment.
In healthcare, the Freeport Health Campus was approximately 30 per cent complete as of September 2026, with the first phase targeted to open in 2027.
The Prime Minister also highlighted developments in the energy sector. Following the Government’s acquisition of the Grand Bahama Power Company in May, more than 17,000 households and over 1,500 small and medium-sized businesses have experienced lower electricity bills since June.
These developments form part of the Government’s wider efforts to improve infrastructure, reduce operating costs, encourage investment and support economic opportunities throughout Grand Bahama.
The proposed governance reforms are intended to complement that work by establishing a more consistent framework for long-term planning, public accountability and island-wide development.
Prime Minister Davis closed his address by emphasizing the need to move forward with the island’s next phase of development.
“Grand Bahama has waited long enough,” he said. “Tonight, the waiting ends.”