Grand Bahama’s $400 Million Question: Power Debt, a New Hospital, and the 54th Year of Cracking Conch

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 · 6:30 PM Bahamas time

The Chamber of Commerce president warns that taxpayers could be “saddled” with more than $400 million in debt tied to GB Power. Businesses still expect to grow, the airport tops the wish list, Doctors Hospital’s $25 million Freeport facility nears completion, and McLean’s Town cracks conch for the 54th year.

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The money

Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president Ralph Hepburn warns that taxpayers could end up “saddled” with more than $400 million in debt linked to Grand Bahama Power Company.

Hepburn called the missing $80 million “shocking” and questioned whether the company’s 90 to 95 percent supply reliability will last.

Hepburn also says the island cannot rely on cruise tourism alone. He wants more overnight visitors who spend money outside the cruise lines’ private destinations, and says the airport is critical to making that happen.

What business says

That lines up with the Chamber’s new 2026 Business Climate survey of 114 employers. Redevelopment of Grand Bahama International Airport was the top five-year priority, chosen by 82.5 percent. There is optimism too: 62.5 percent of businesses expect to grow over the next year, and only about 6 percent expect to shrink. But more than half say doing business on the island is difficult, and nearly two-thirds named the cost of doing business as the biggest obstacle. Hepburn also wants more investment in farming and marine industries, to boost food security and cut reliance on imports.

Health: a new hospital in Freeport

Our News got an exclusive tour of Doctors Hospital’s new $25 million facility in Freeport. It is nearing completion, with property inspections expected soon. CEO Dennis Deveaux says it is designed to separate emergency and outpatient services. Young people from across Grand Bahama also gathered in Freeport for a free mental health symposium about breaking the stigma and talking openly about emotional well-being.

Culture: 54 years of cracking conch

On National Heroes Day, Monday, October 12, East Grand Bahama hosted the 54th annual McLean’s Town Conch-Cracking Festival, a tradition dating to 1972. The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation partnered with the McLean’s Town Conch-Cracking Association. The lineup included the traditional conch-cracking competition, cultural activities, kids’ events and live music, with Top Tier Band as host band.

If you are visiting, East End is worth the drive. Stop at Lucayan National Park to walk through the mangroves, see the cave system and finish at Gold Rock Beach, which is stunning at low tide. In Freeport and Lucaya, Port Lucaya Marketplace offers shopping, local crafts, food and live music by the water.

Boating tip: the north side is shallow and the Little Bahama Bank is huge, so plan your route and watch your depth. The weather service forecasts northeasterly winds around 10 knots in the northern Bahamas, with seas of two to four feet.

Next, in our final part: Nassau and New Providence, with the national news and sports.