The Downtown Freeport Business Association (DFBA) recently conducted a walkabout in Downtown, Freeport. The group was accompanied by the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey along with officials of the Grand Bahamas Port Authority (GBPA), the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce and officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

GBPA Chief Investment Officer Derek Newbold told reporters, “we walking around just sort of taking stock of progress seeing how Downtown has actually progress but also talking note of some of the challenges, of some of the issues Downtown. And then collectively coming together to see how best we can address those issues.”

During the walking tour business owners expressed their concern about safety and the need for additional police presence in the area. Chief Superintendent Darrell Weir said, “trust is the maintenance of law and order. We have a presence in the Downtown area and we would continue to have that presence. So we’re here to work with the business communities and we support them in their initiative. We will be here to make sure law and order is maintained.”

DFBA President, C. G. Ghassan Haddad took the opportunity of the walkabout to inform business owners of plans for the next year to help increase foot traffic in the area. “We want everybody to be onboard with us because 15 members of us cannot do it by ourselves. We need help from the community. We need help from the businesses. We’re not doing this for ourselves we’re doing it for everyone. If we succeed, we all succeed and if we fail, we all fail,” he said.

Minister Moxey assured that her ministry will work with the Association. She said, “a lot has been happening but we know that so much more will happen. And so all hands on deck and the Ministry for Grand Bahama is collaborating with the Downtown Freeport Business Association to ensure that Downtown stays alive.”

For his part GBPA Co-Chair Rupert Hayward assured his support for the DFBA saying the small and medium sized business are the lifeblood of the economy.