FREEPORT, Grand Bahama: Since coming to office six months ago, the Government and the Ministry for Grand Bahama have had numerous meetings with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).

From inception, The Ministry for Grand Bahama has actively engaged stakeholders from every sector of the community - civic organizations, business entities and residents, in discussions regarding the economy of Grand Bahama and the way forward for our island.

We remain focused on one of our core mandates to continue to build rapport, goodwill and respectful relations with The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) for the betterment of Grand Bahama. With the Ministry for Grand Bahama already engaged in discussions, there is no need for a third party or intermediary to organize a meeting.

The Ministry for Grand Bahama today was intent and allocated time to meet with the group separately, as the group had afforded the GBPA. It is unfortunate that the group decided not to show up for the scheduled meeting.

We have re-iterated before that the Government of The Bahamas and Shareholders from GBPA are directly engaged in consistent high-level discussions. This will continue.

We are always willing to meet with any group or any individual with concerns.

This is no time for politics and grandstanding. We continue our serious work each day to create jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities, re-open the Grand Lucayan Hotel, establish a PPP for the restoration of a world class airport and break ground for the new Cruise Port in East Lucaya Grand Bahama.

We will not be distracted from achieving our short and long term goals, as articulated in ‘Our Blueprint for Change’.