New Bahamas Government Committed To Port Development

by Leroy Baker, Tax-News.com, New Yok

29 May 2007

Sen. Dion Foulkes, Bahamas Minister of Maritime Affairs & Labour, has said that the government is committed to the continued growth and development of the Port of Nassau, “an invaluable part of the socio-economic development of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas”.

Foulkes spoke as representatives from the Ministry met recently with a visiting team from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida.

”The similarities shared between the two Ports provide us both with, I believe, a great opportunity to share expertise in a number of areas including cruise shipping, port security and containerized shipping, that will ensure the future growth and development of both Ports," he observed.

Foulkes said that establishment of linkages in economic sectors is one of the new government’s objectives, and that the relationship between the Port of Palm Beach and the Port of Nassau could play a key role in expanding economic linkages.

According to the Bahamas Financial Services Board, closer ties with the Port of Palm Beach could also assist The Bahamas in its ongoing efforts to expand its ship registry. The Bahamas Ship Registry is one of the world's most prestigious, and currently is globally ranked as the 3rd largest, with merchant ships representing some 35 million gross tons.

Wayne Richards, Chairman of the Board of the Port of Palm Beach confirmed that discussions with local officials included the boosting of the Bahamian flag registry at the Port. Other items of common interest discussed included hurricane preparedness, security and the sharing of technology.

Minister Foulkes envisaged talks with other port officials, including those throughout the Caribbean, as part of his Ministry’s plans going forward.

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