the Caribbean region. The same is true for
the Bahamas, especially this island of Grand
Bahama.
“Currently, the Bahamian Government is
doing many things to reinvigorate Grand
Bahama Island as the region’s top shipping
hub. The government has made it a top
priority to highlight the advantages that
Grand Bahama will have in capitalising on
the expansion of the Panama Canal and the
advantages of investing in this particular
part of Bahamian paradise.”
welCome to the Bahamas!
In addition to the ports, the Bahamas
operations have some exciting and
glamorous elements. The Group owns, on
Grand Bahama, the island’s largest resort
property, Grand Lucayan Bahamas. The
cruise ship terminal welcomes over 1.2
million visitors a year coming to enjoy the
famous Bahamian hospitality. Given that
Grand Bahama’s population is just 52,000,
this is a huge flow through for a passenger
terminal on the Island.
Freeport Harbour is one of the largest
man-made harbours in the world. The cruise
ship terminal alone can hold up to three
cruise ships at a time. The size and the
reception of the terminal are equally eye
catching. Tourists are greeted by native
dancing and local cuisine, and souvenirs can
be found abound in the 2,600-square-metre
retail area.
prepare for landing at hutChison
whampoa...
Visitors don’t just arrive by ship. The Port
in Grand Bahama is integrated with HWL’s
only airport operation, which saw another
519,000 visitors hit Bahamian soil. This
little gem is known as the Grand Bahama
International Airport. Known by its handle
‘FPO’, very fewHWL employees know that
our ports business also includes an airport.
This 24 hour operation is a full service
airport with a runway long enough to
accommodate the biggest cargo and
passenger jets – and the full service to
provide for private jets as well. The airport
is one of only two in the Bahamas with US
preclearance facilities, a major advantage
to both the tourists and the port businesses.
The Sea Air Business Centre is another joint
venture between HPH and the Grand
Bahama Port Authority. It offers
warehousing and distribution services
to the port, the airport and the harbour,
integrating operations to a higher scale.
adeveloping partnership
HWL also works with the government of The
Bahamas to recognise and encourage staff
who have been consistent contributors to the
Grand Bahama’s operations and Bahamian
society. In a recent Long Service Award
Ceremony, the Minister of Labour, Shane
Gibson, spoke to those being honoured for
10, 15, 20 and even 25 years of service.
“Your theme this evening, ‘Igniting The
Fire Through Innovation, Integration and
Motivation’ is most timely and appropriate,
particularly as we take this time this evening
to recognise these 58 dedicated employees
for their great passion for, and commitment
to, ensuring the success of the Freeport
Container Port.
“I wish to assure you that the Government
is working diligently to continue to improve
Grand Bahama and intends to introduce
several new initiatives to this island, which
will materialise within the coming months.
The outlook for Grand Bahama is a positive
one as you enter the last quarter of the year
2013. I am confident that it will continue
throughout 2014 resulting in new job
opportunities, and developments which will
improve the socio-economic development
for all Grand Bahamians.”
<<
“Currently, the Bahamian
Government is doing many
things to reinvigorate Grand
Bahama Island as the region’s
top shipping hub.”
Rt Hon Perry Christie
Aerial view of both the
FCP and the cruise ship
terminal.
Below: The Group’s
only airport is at Grand
Bahama.
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