FREEPORT, Bahamas ? A first occurred in GBPA history as The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, hosted an ?Open Bid Process? meeting for the construction of the new Grand Bahama Arts and Craft Centre, in July of this year. As a part of GBPA?s modus operandi, a second ?Open Bid Process? meeting was held. This time it was for Downtown Turnaround?s Landscape and Irrigation phase one of the revitalization campaign.

Five landscapers publically presented their bids for the revamp landscape and irrigation proposal which encompasses 37 acres of the designated downtown area. President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, Ian Rolle , stated, ?Today?s procedures, where business owners have an opportunity to publically announce their bid for a proposed GBPA project is right in line with our ?Making It Happen? initiatives,? expressed Mr. Rolle.

The GBPA is now in the process of investigating proposals submitted, as the tender that is chosen will not be solely based on financial submissions. Bids ranged from over $300,000 to just over $425,000. GBPA is now in the process of investigating proposals submitted, as the tender that is chosen will not be solely based on financial submissions.

It is the intent of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited to take the approach where most licensees who are qualified to engage in the particular works, would have the opportunity to do so on all appropriate projects. This event is the continuation of the new era of transparency in project dealings and GBPA?s ?Open Bid Process? is now a permanent part of the way that GBPA conducts business.