Grand Bahama Cannot Afford Another Burden

How much more are the people of Grand Bahama expected to take?

Free National Movement spokesperson on Grand Bahama, talk show host, and “chairman of the conchstand” Darren Cooper was heard on a voice note unapologetically and shamelessly agreeing that the Grand Bahama Port Authority should raise water rates. But Michael Pintard, Kwasi Thompson and Frazette Gibson must agree by their silence. At least the people of Grand Bahama who sent three FNM candidates to parliament expect them to fight for them. But judging from the past, no objection against the Port is expected.

That question should rise above party colours, political loyalties and personalities. Grand Bahamians have endured hurricanes, economic stagnation, business closures, population decline, high utility costs and years of uncertainty. Now, just as many families try to regain their footing, another proposed increase in the cost of an essential service is staring them in the face.

The Grand Bahama Utility Company has applied to the Grand Bahama Port Authority for a new water-rate structure. Contrary to claims of a flat $4 increase, the company’s published proposal varies by consumption: customers using 2,000 gallons or less would see an average monthly increase of approximately $2.57, while heavier users would face progressively larger increases. GBUC says the additional revenue is needed to maintain reliable service, modernise infrastructure and fund investment in the water system.

Those explanations deserve to be heard. But so do the people who must pay the bills.

There is also a legitimate question about the regulatory arrangement itself. GBUC is owned by Port Group Ltd., a sister company of the GBPA, while the GBPA is responsible for considering the rate application. Former Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president Dillon Knowles has publicly described this arrangement as presenting an “inherent conflict.”

That deserves scrutiny, not political cheerleading.

Grand Bahamians have already lived through controversy over electricity rates. In 2024, Grand Bahama Power Company proposed a 6.32 per cent base-rate increase. The landscape changed dramatically this year when the Government acquired GBPC’s outstanding shares through the Grand Bahama Electricity Company. The Government says GBPC will adopt the BPL tariff structure and has projected substantial savings for typical households.

Against that background, the water-rate debate should not become another exercise in blind partisan warfare.

Supporters of the FNM, PLP and every other political persuasion live under the same economic pressures. Water bills do not ask how you voted. Neither do grocery bills, mortgages, school fees or insurance premiums.

Grand Bahamians therefore have every right to ask where their elected representatives stand and why. Those supporting the proposed increase should explain why they believe families can absorb it. Those opposing it should explain what alternative they propose for financing necessary water infrastructure.

What Grand Bahama does not need is politics that encourages people to defend institutions or parties at the expense of their own economic interests.

Political loyalty should never become a willingness to suffer in silence.

The old expression warns against “cutting off your nose to spite your face.” Grand Bahama has endured too much hardship for its future to be reduced to red shirts versus yellow shirts.

The question should be simpler: Does this decision make life better for the people of Grand Bahama?

That is the standard every government, political party, utility company and regulator should be required to answer.