Business owners taking advantage of downtown Freeport's prime locations

PROUD BUSINESS OWNER – Hercules Knowles basks in the joy of opening his new pastry shop in the heart of downtown Freeport.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) has seen a considerable increase in the number of applications for new businesses in the downtown area, this according to GBPA’s Manager of Customer Relations, Nicole Colebrooke. “New GBPA-sponsored initiatives have greatly impacted occupancy levels in the International Bazaar, and now we are experiencing renewed interest from commercial applicants in Freeport’s city centre,” she shared.

As earlier announced by GBPA-President, Ian Rolle, the Port’s business license application has been greatly streamlined with a reduction in required documentation. Additionally, the approval process has been reduced to a mere 48 hours in most cases for Bahamian applicants.

Businessman, Hercules Knowles, was amazed at how quickly his GBPA application was approved, allowing him to open up a bakery in the newly opened Downtown Welcome Centre. “The Port Authority helped me tremendously,” Knowles expressed. “They gave me an opportunity, told me what to do and helped me step-by-step with everything. The business license application process was very easy. I was surprised myself.”

Opened since November of last year, ‘Raspberry’s Pastry Shop’ boasts an assortment of beautifully decorated cakes, tarts, breads, muffins, giant cookies, pies, etc., to satisfy anyone’s sweet-tooth. Ideally located in the Welcome Centre next to Freeport’s bus transit station, Knowles’ pastry establishment caters to locals and tourists alike. He described this prime location as an opportunity of a lifetime. “I’m in the right spot. Also, being in the heart of downtown, I feel like I’m a part of the revitalization that’s taking place,” he added.
BAKING HIS WAY TO SUCCESS – Entrepreneur, Hercules Knowles’ wide selection of delicious desserts are a recipe for business success. The multi-purpose Welcome Centre is an integral component of the Downtown Turnaround project launched by GBPA in 2009. Primary aspects of the 1495 square foot handicap accessible structure include a Royal Bahamas Police Force and Road Traffic Division dual-satellite station, a Welcome Centre, restrooms and a snack shop.

 BAKING HIS WAY TO SUCCESS – Entrepreneur, Hercules Knowles’ wide selection of delicious desserts are a recipe for business success.

Knowles’ pastry shop currently employs 7 persons and is opened daily except Sundays. Its proprietor views this as an opportunity to give back. Recalling his entry into pastry-making when he entered the hospitality industry in the early 1980s, he expressed gratitude for the initial training he received from a foreign chef.

With years of experience under his apron and a yearning for business ownership, Knowles would not be deterred in his entrepreneurial efforts. “Owning a business is a challenge. It may be hard at first and you will have a few challenges but you have to stick with it. Nothing good comes easily and today, I can say I’m beginning to enjoy the fruitage of my labour,” the young businessman said as he sought to encourage others interested in moving up from employee to employer.

Downtown Freeport Gets New Businesses

Freeport, Bahamas – Over 30 new businesses have opened in Freeport’s downtown area from June 2010 through to mid-February. President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) Ian Rolle, describes these figures as encouraging. ‘The success of the Downtown Turnaround Project can be seen in the increase of new businesses in the city centre. The revitalization has brought about a new spirit, which has led to renewed optimism amongst storeowners,” he said.
Rolle further noted that along with the usual retail establishments catering to clothing, hair or footwear, downtown is beginning to attract a new breed of entrepreneurs, including florists, pastry artisans, event planners, lawyers and property management consultants.

“We’re definitely excited at the numbers and the shift in products being offered. GBPA sought to ‘make it happen’ and now business owners are running with their entrepreneurial ideas,” he added.

By GBPA

Freeport, GRAND BAHAMA-The new downtown commercial growth is reminiscent of what has taken place in the International Bazaar since GBPA introduced its one-year business license exemption. Prior to the hurricanes of ’04, ’05, the International Bazaar had 85 businesses in operation. At the end of December 2009, less than 30 businesses were open. Now, with the license fee waiver in effect, new tenants are applying regularly and over 65 businesses are in operation.

New owners in Freeport’s downtown are excited about their own turnaround. Proprietor Denyse Lowe, opened Petal Party Ltd., two days before Christmas and describes sales thus far as phenomenal.

“When we opened, there were no phones, signs on the door, or advertising but we did extremely well through just word-of-mouth and a lot of foot traffic,” she explained.

In fact, it was downtown’s high customer volume that attracted Lowe to her new premises. After considering other commercial areas on the island, she chose to set up two stores in the Seventeen Centre, a location she firmly believes in after enjoying a successful Christmas and Valentines. “For persons considering opening up in the downtown area, I’d tell them not to be afraid. There is a lot of activity, it’s busy and the feel and atmosphere are changing,” she advised

The floral aspect of Petal Party Ltd. has taken off, employing one staff member along with Lowe. Her joint tea house venture is due to open by the end of March, when she plans to employ an additional three persons. Despite the effects of a recession, Lowe said she was not deterred in her entrepreneurial efforts. “People love flowers and are always requesting them for various occasions so we knew there was a niche to be filled. Our floral arrangements and products are different and very appealing and I think if you’re really passionate about something and enjoy what you’re doing, it shows in your work.”

The new business owners are proud to participate in returning downtown to its former commercial glory and a primary venue for other community activities. In commenting on the city’s civic importance, President Rolle stated, “ Research has shown that downtown festivals have and continue to provide the venue for the gathering of people and vibrant expressions of art and culture. As evidenced by the ‘Angels of Hope’ Christmas Concert held in December, business owners and residents are thrilled with the transformation that has taken place downtown and are eager for cultural events and related activities to return to the city’s centre.”

To this end, the Downtown Turnaround Project committee and other governmental and non-governmental agencies have begun initial discussions about planning upcoming activities for the downtown area. “We are excited about the city’s re-development thus far and look forward to increased growth,” Rolle expressed.

Residents express mixed views on Downtown 'turnaround'

Many Grand Bahama residents are appreciative of the aesthetic improvements to the city's centre, which is part of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA)'s downtown turnaround project, and say they are long overdue.

The GBPA project was launched in March 2009, and included the upgrading of parking lots, the repaving of damaged areas, re-striping, re-curbing and landscaping.

It also meant new parking lighting fixtures, new trash containers and new walkways for the downtown area. Businessowners were also asked to refurbish the exterior of their establishments.

The latest phase entailed the construction of a new, 1,495-square-foot, handicap accessible welcome centre and bus transit station, which also houses a jointly-shared Police Force and Road Traffic Division satellite office, restrooms and eateries.
The Freeport News team visited the downtown area to speak with residents and get their views on the facelift.
Terrance Rahming, who works at a carwash in the area, said he is quite pleased with the work.
"I love it, Freeport has been looking drab for too long. it's a nice turnaround," he said.
"They're doing a perfect job and tell them keep up the good work. I feel like they could have given some of the guys who are not working a job, but they're doing a nice job still."
Another resident, Ricardo Saunders, said he felt it was money well spent.
"I appreciate what they did. It looks way better than how it was. You can at least bring people around the downtown area during Junkanoo and Goombay time and it even looks better for when the tourists come around," he said.
Commending the GBPA on a job well done, Isaac Thomas said the project will bode well for the island's tourism industry.
"I think it is worth fixing it up how it is supposed to look because with the tourists coming in if it looks bad they're going to say it makes no sense going there," he said.
Alice Bain shared her opinion that some improvements in the design still needed to be made. The way the curbing was built was not practical for vehicles manoeuvring through the downtown area, she said, but overall the beautification efforts were a welcome change.
Meanwhile, Sidney Laroda was reserved his praise, saying the work should have been carried out much sooner.
"It was supposed to be this way a long time ago. They take too long to get it together," he said, adding that he also wished more fruit trees had been planted.
Back in October 2009, GBPA officials had noted that by this time, it was hoped that the area could have been opened for entertainment purposes, and been more attractive for residents when they shop.
Last weekend, that vision was realized when the organization hosted its Angels of Hope Christmas concert in the area.
Benjamin Miller said the improvements give him a feeling that there will be a turnaround on the island in the coming months.
"I feel like better days are coming. Everything looks good," he said.
Rudolph J. Smith shared a similar sentiment.
"They are bringing Freeport back. What they're doing is a marvelous job," he said.
Another resident also spoke of the benefits of having an aesthetically pleasing environment, especially when visitors to the island are transported to the area.
"It looks nice. It makes the town look more decent and appealing to the tourists. They can go back and tell their friends that Freeport is a nice, clean island and it is more exciting. a lot of people can look around and see the beauty and the addition of the welcome centre," he said.

GBPA hope to spur downtown Christmas spending

By GENEA NOEL
Freeport News

Freeport, Grand Bahama- In an attempt to draw business to the downtown area during the Christmas season, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) will host a Christmas Concert this Saturday.

Stores in the area will be offering sidewalk sale items while schools, churches and other organizations will conduct performances on the theme 'Angels of Hope.'

According to Geneva Rutherford, director of Community Relations for the GBPA, the festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday where the St. Georges High School Band will lead the march around the perimeter of the downtown area.

The event, she promised, will be an inspiring one to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

"It is the first time that we have done this type of activity and it is the aim that as we shop and walk around, we will all be inspired by the real message of Christmas.

"We all need to remember why we have this season ... and what we really want to emphasize as we share in the activities, is that the whole reason is to uplift everyone's spirit."

Arthur Jones, vice president of Building and Development for the GBPA noted that this year was probably the most challenging Grand Bahamians have had in a very long time.

"We know that there are many persons who have had very difficult times and we are very conscious of that, and as we decorate the city for this season we are very mindful of so many persons who are in need," he said

"This year we thought that it was more important to share a lot of what we had with those who were in need."

With the assistance of a local art group, made up of students, Jones said that residents can expect to see the art work of these students depicting the GBPA's versions of angels of hope with inspiring messages, draped from lamp posts along the downtown centre, as the holidays draw closer.

The GBPA has also teamed up with the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) for the window decoration competition. Business-es in the downtown area have been invited to decorate their windows depicting the 'Angels of Hope' theme. The winner from the downtown area will receive a one year licence fee wavier.

GBCC president, Peter Turnquest said that they are targeting the downtown area for special recognition and the aim is to get as many of the downtown businesses and the wider community to participate.

Judging for the competition will take place on December 23.

New Downtown Welcome Centre Officially Opens

NEW WELCOME CENTRE FOSTERS PARTNERSHIPS – GBPA executives officially welcome members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Road Traffic Department during a walkthrough of the new downtown facility. (Pictured left to right): Basil Rahming, Deputy Controller, Road Traffic Department; Ginger Moxey, Vice President-GBPA; Ian Rolle, President-GBPA; Sr. Asst. Commissioner of Police, Quinn McCartney; and Allison Campbell, Deputy Director of Business & Development Services-GBPA

Freeport, Bahamas – With the opening of the new Downtown Welcome Centre and Bus Transit Station, officials of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) are pleased with the increased police presence the facility brings to the area.

Referring to the Downtown Turnaround Project launched by GBPA in April 2009, GBPA-President, Ian Rolle, described the new multi-purpose building as an integral part of the project.

“Last year, we unveiled a three-phase plan that included a full-scale clean-up of downtown Freeport, the introduction of new landscaping, signage, benches, lighting and other aesthetically pleasing features into the area,” explained Rolle.

“As we revitalize the city’s centre, our focus is on encouraging business development. We want to create opportunities for greater economic activity and provide an environment in which businesses can flourish,” he added.

Primary aspects of the 1495 square foot handicap accessible building include a jointly-shared Royal Bahamas Police Force and Road Traffic Division satellite station, restrooms and snack shops.

Rolle was enthusiastic about the partnership. “Onsite presence of Police Force and Road Traffic officers bodes well for the safety of all parties involved,” he stated.

DOWNTOWN PROJECT BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO CITY CENTER – ‘Port Authority’ officials and representatives from various agencies celebrate the opening of the new Downtown Welcome Centre and Bus Transit Station. (Pictured left to right): Valentine Knowles, Sr. Supervisor, Road Traffic Department; Kelly Russell, Secretary, Downtown Association; Wilfred Seymour, President, Downtown Association; Arthur Jones, Vice President, Building & Development Services-GBPA; Ginger Moxey, Vice President-GBPA; Sr. Asst. Commissioner of Police, Quinn McCartney; Ian Rolle, President-GBPA; Basil Rahming, Deputy Controller, Road Traffic Department; Almondo Talbert, President, Ground Operators Association; Timothy Nottage, President, Bus Association; and Nakira Wilchcombe, Environmental Manager, Building & Development Services-GBPA

 The location of law enforcement officers in these new premises follows on the heels of a GBPA presentation of two state-of-the art Segways to the Royal Bahamas Police Force late last year. Donation of the new two-wheeled, self-balancing electronic vehicles greatly added to police mobility in patrolling the town’s center.
Under the oversight of GBPA’s Building and Development Department, construction on the new Downtown Welcome Centre and Bus Transit Station began in June of this year, by local contractors, Michael Swann and Larry Robinson of Quality Construction Limited. The building features a unique Bahamian architectural design.

On-hand for an official walkthrough of the facilities were members of GBPA, Police Force and Road Traffic officials, along with representatives from the various Downtown, Bus, Taxi and Ground Operators Associations.


As facets of the Downtown Turnaround Project aim to breathe new life into the city center, ‘Port’ officials are already planning a holiday concert to be held on December 11, in the facility’s parking lot. The program will feature a local high school marching band, various choirs, carolers and other musicians. Food donations will also be made to the Red Cross and Salvation Army for needy families on the island.

Reviving Downtown

By GENEA NOEL

Freeport News Reporter

Preparing to move into phase two of the "Downtown Turnaround" initiative undertaken by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), officials say that once all phases are completed, businesses in the area would be better positioned to benefit for better times. GBPA En-vironmental Manager Nikira Wilchcombe said phase two is expected to begin as early as February of next year, moving into the core of the downtown area – City Market parking lot, Churchill Square and Bank Lane.

Before the project began, Wilchcombe explained that a survey was conducted on some of the things that the stakeholders would have liked to see in the area in terms of improvement to the general aesthetics.

She said the project seeks to bring about a transformation making downtown more appealing to the community. Since the project began back in April, Wilchcombe said they have already conducted a vagrancy study with the College of the Bahamas to find out the contributing factors of vagrancy in the area.

They have also paved Woodstock Road and placed handicap accessible sidewalks on Explorer's Way.

"We will continue to add some curbing and trees," she said. "Then we also had some building owners commit to painting their buildings before the end of the year."

By December 2010, Wilchcombe said it is hoped that the area can be opened for entertainment purposes to make it more festive and appealing for people, where residents would want to come to the city's centre.

"We hope that at the end of the day you can see increased commerce and productivity in the downtown area and a level of compensation that this is someplace that you want to be," Wilchcombe said.
Read the full ARTICLE HERE

History 101- Answers please.

As our nation (and Island) gears up to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I thought it would be fitting to go back in time and see how Grand Bahama & in particular Freeport has changed over the decades.
Luckily for me I came across these vintage postcards from a vendor at the Vendors market downtown. 5 for $1!!! WHAT A STEAL.
As you can see things have definitely changed, But what I need is some identification of the people and places shown.
Leave your answers in the comment section. CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
"Ring Ring, School's in session!"




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