Government of The Bahamas Statement on the Historic Ruling - Tribunal Confirms the Grand Bahama Port Authority Must Make Annual Payments to the Government and People of The Bahamas Until 2054, Tribunal Rejects Port Authority's Claim to Exclusive Authority over Freeport - Office of the Prime Minister - 3 March 2026
Country
Year
2026
Summary
Nassau, Bahamas - The Government of the Bahamas confirms that the arbitral tribunal has issued a Partial Award in the ongoing arbitration between the Government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority ("GBPA") concerning the Hawksbill Creek Agreement ("HCA") and related arrangements.
The Partial Award confirms the GBPA 's liability to make annual payments to the Government for the remainder of the HCA, with sums payable in respect of earlier years to be addressed in the next phase of the proceedings.
The Partial Award also rejects the GBPA's claim to exclusive authority over the administration of Freeport and the Port Area. It confirms that the Government has continuing legislative and regulatory authority in relation to Freeport and the Port Area, and in particular, that it has had regulatory authority or right of approval for over half a century in relation to licensing, immigration, customs, land acquisition, environmental regulation, development approvals and the setting of charges and tariffs for utilities.
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TDM
