A former director of the Grand Bahama Power Company has laid out claims in an affidavit, which essentially accuses Grand Bahama Port Authority Chairman Hannes Babak of being commercially dishonest.

http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=45&a=10473

It seems that with the increasing accounts and witnesses of the unfavorable practices of Mr. Babak, it seems to me that he should just step down. There are too many people against him and Freeport cannot work in this way. Too many attacks coming from the left right and center. Lady St. George is afraid of him and Sir Jack, the shareholders are seemingly antagonistic, the licensees greatly disapprove so strongly that they are starting to band together for the first time in some years. It is getting to big for anyone to ignore of pass off. The leaders are showing their disunity with more and more people are voicing their opposition. It's almost like a statement growing louder......."Like hell he shall remain chairman". It was a lovely soap opera, but now its just not cute anymore.

It seems that with the increasing accounts and witnesses of the unfavorable practices of Mr. Babak, it seems to me that he should just step down. There are too many people against him and Freeport cannot work in this way. Too many attacks coming from the left right and center. Lady St. George is afraid of him and Sir Jack, the shareholders are seemingly antagonistic, the licensees greatly disapprove so strongly that they are starting to band together for the first time in some years. It is getting to big for anyone to ignore of pass off. The leaders are showing their disunity with more and more people are voicing their opposition. It's almost like a statement growing louder......."Like hell he shall remain chairman". It was a lovely soap opera, but now its just not cute anymore.


Personally I don't know him or the way he does business but Port executives have operated like this for decades. It really makes one wonder why Julian Francis was really forced out. It also makes me wonder about the other executives that were forced out because they have been around a long time and we all know they had to have been aware of questionable business morality in the past. Or is Mr. Babak that much worse than his predecessors?

I think it is because he is touching businesses that really effect the Bahamian economy or more competative industies like construction. He had interests in the concrete company not to mention his own contruction company. And I always thougt there was a cirtain grudge against him from the beginning because he was a foreigner.......a foreigner that replaced a Bahamian.

I think it is because he is touching businesses that really effect the Bahamian economy or more competative industies like construction. He had interests in the concrete company not to mention his own contruction company. And I always thougt there was a cirtain grudge against him from the beginning because he was a foreigner.......a foreigner that replaced a Bahamian.


Well The Port needs a wake up call, and not restricted to Mr. Babak.

Then what should happen? Should the PA be persuaded to recognize themselves out the ordinary category of private business, and defined more a semi-governmental organization (which we know it mostly is but curently it is strctly seen, at least by this administration as a private entity) thus creating actuall ethics for its Executives?

I think that for alot of people especially the Bahamians and technally termed foreigners born and living in Freeport, it is a special place, being administered extremely different from the rest of the counrty. That has intern led to some good such as better infrastructural management and during its better days, seen as an island with a larger per capita income than the capital itself. That alone has sustained support to keep the PA in Freeport to keep in some way or form their own communal interest apart from the vision any central governement has offered to date, like in the other Islands.

There is also another view, that we see the Port Authority as some hybrid corporation, that, like a democratic government would uphold public interest, but like a corporation maintain their business vision, which people also support because the plan promotes more diversification than anything (eg. shipworks, phamecuticals, oil). That kind of theory has been held up by some...including the departed executives and I believe by Mr. St. George, who with their expertise or resources, expended that for the public good or interest.

The executives, mostly the reaming ones who were either the surviving founders or relatives of the founders of Freeport, or within the circle or close aquaintances however see thier organization as it is....a company. And a company will ultinately do what it desires (once in the bounds of the law) even the most favored in the Port Authority never forget or abandoned this "master plan". In Mr. Francis' case, we already saw what it looks like when that occurs. In my opinion Sir Jack and for the most part Mr. Babak are hardcore at this theory.....and Babak could very well be blatantly exploiting it as people are now saying.

Then what should happen? Should the PA be persuaded to recognize themselves out the ordinary category of private business, and defined more a semi-governmental organization (which we know it mostly is but curently it is strctly seen, at least by this administration as a private entity) thus creating actuall ethics for its Executives?

I think that for alot of people especially the Bahamians and technally termed foreigners born and living in Freeport, it is a special place, being administered extremely different from the rest of the counrty. That has intern led to some good such as better infrastructural management and during its better days, seen as an island with a larger per capita income than the capital itself. That alone has sustained support to keep the PA in Freeport to keep in some way or form their own communal interest apart from the vision any central governement has offered to date, like in the other Islands.

There is also another view, that we see the Port Authority as some hybrid corporation, that, like a democratic government would uphold public interest, but like a corporation maintain their business vision, which people also support because the plan promotes more diversification than anything (eg. shipworks, phamecuticals, oil). That kind of theory has been held up by some...including the departed executives and I believe by Mr. St. George, who with their expertise or resources, expended that for the public good or interest.

The executives, mostly the reaming ones who were either the surviving founders or relatives of the founders of Freeport, or within the circle or close aquaintances however see thier organization as it is....a company. And a company will ultinately do what it desires (once in the bounds of the law) even the most favored in the Port Authority never forget or abandoned this "master plan". In Mr. Francis' case, we already saw what it looks like when that occurs. In my opinion Sir Jack and for the most part Mr. Babak are hardcore at this theory.....and Babak could very well be blatantly exploiting it as people are now saying.


It seems that you are suggesting that anything The Port does is well done?

Personally I think that the past practices of The Port, coupled with these new allegations should give anyone pause. Maybe someday you will be made aware of the issues here, hopefully it won't be a costly lesson, because that is what many Bahamians are receiving in Freeport every day.

I am so glad that people in Freeport called into Issues of the Day today and called out Fred Smith for the liar and hypocrite that he is.

As long as he was being allowed to clock major figures representing the GBPA and Edward's estate all was well with the Port. But since Jack told him the gravy train is over, all of a sudden he is the protector of the Bahamian people?

That man has axes to grind all over the place. He hates the PLP and is pissed with the FNM, so now he is on a mission to cause as much noise and make as much rucous as he can in an event to destabilise what he can, because at the end of the day he will still make tons of money as the lawyer who is fighting for hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of those who cant see past their own greed.

I am no Babak fan, but let us not forget that the people who are now saying he is evil were just a few weeks ago singing his praises.

This whole debacle boils down to greed, ego and spite.

Fred claims to be a human rights man, but the only human he has ever been interested in advancing is himself, because tell me how will thousands of Grand Bahamians benefit from his crew causing instability just so that a few rich people (including him) can get richer?

Say what you want to say about the team of Jack and Edward, but they kept the machinery going. Governments are full of corrupt Ministers too, but once the country doesnt fall apart we are looking to give those same crooks another 5 year term in office.

Fred is a "master" at PR. He knows that the more noise someone makes, the more chance he has of convincing someone that what he is saying has merit.

When the black leaders in the Port were forced out, Fred and his crew were silent. Didnt have a word to say.

Now the tables are turned and Fred cant get greased from both ends and so suddenly its a problem? Now Jack tells him to get off his property causing havoc and NOW its time to sue the heads of the Port eh? All he wants is for the estate he represents to get more assets so he can get more money - plain and simple.

And while these scavengers fight over the spoils, those who live on Grand Bahama are left to suffer from whatever fallout they create.

I am so glad that people in Freeport called into Issues of the Day today and called out Fred Smith for the liar and hypocrite that he is.
As long as he was being allowed to clock major figures representing the GBPA and Edward's estate all was well with the Port. But since Jack told him the gravy train is over, all of a sudden he is the protector of the Bahamian people?
That man has axes to grind all over the place. He hates the PLP and is pissed with the FNM, so now he is on a mission to cause as much noise and make as much rucous as he can in an event to destabilise what he can, because at the end of the day he will still make tons of money as the lawyer who is fighting for hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of those who cant see past their own greed.
I am no Babak fan, but let us not forget that the people who are now saying he is evil were just a few weeks ago singing his praises.
This whole debacle boils down to greed, ego and spite.
Fred claims to be a human rights man, but the only human he has ever been interested in advancing is himself, because tell me how will thousands of Grand Bahamians benefit from his crew causing instability just so that a few rich people (including him) can get richer?
Say what you want to say about the team of Jack and Edward, but they kept the machinery going. Governments are full of corrupt Ministers too, but once the country doesnt fall apart we are looking to give those same crooks another 5 year term in office.
Fred is a "master" at PR. He knows that the more noise someone makes, the more chance he has of convincing someone that what he is saying has merit.
When the black leaders in the Port were forced out, Fred and his crew were silent. Didnt have a word to say.
Now the tables are turned and Fred cant get greased from both ends and so suddenly its a problem? Now Jack tells him to get off his property causing havoc and NOW its time to sue the heads of the Port eh? All he wants is for the estate he represents to get more assets so he can get more money - plain and simple.
And while these scavengers fight over the spoils, those who live on Grand Bahama are left to suffer from whatever fallout they create.


So you don't have any problem with the practices of the executives at The Port?

Personally I don't like Fred Smith or his duplicitous ways either but I think The Port has issues, and I thought this before Babak was chairman, even before Julian Francis was.

So you don't have any problem with the practices of the executives at The Port?
Personally I don't like Fred Smith or his duplicitous ways either but I think The Port has issues, and I thought this before Babak was chairman, even before Julian Francis was.

There are always issues to have with companies that make millions of dollars, because no conglomerate or robust firm makes tons of money by doing everything right all the time.

My point though is that people need to see alot of this fervor for what it is, and recognise the players behind the smoke to recognise that not all that is being put out there is legit.

There are always issues to have with companies that make millions of dollars, because no conglomerate or robust firm makes tons of money by doing everything right all the time.
My point though is that people need to see alot of this fervor for what it is, and recognise the players behind the smoke to recognise that not all that is being put out there is legit.
Hmm!

There are always issues to have with companies that make millions of dollars, because no conglomerate or robust firm makes tons of money by doing everything right all the time.
My point though is that people need to see alot of this fervor for what it is, and recognise the players behind the smoke to recognise that not all that is being put out there is legit.


The reason I can't let go of the issue is that what Babak is being accused of now I know can be attributed to certain of his predecessors. I also noticed that the people that are speaking up now were there when these persons were doing the same thing they now accuse Babak of doing but said nothing (read my earlieer post) but even though I can see the hypocrisy I think something stinks at The Port.

It seems that you are suggesting that anything The Port does is well done?
Personally I think that the past practices of The Port, coupled with these new allegations should give anyone pause. Maybe someday you will be made aware of the issues here, hopefully it won't be a costly lesson, because that is what many Bahamians are receiving in Freeport every day.


I suggest that many Bahamians, esspecially those outside of Freeprot tend to see the Port Authority as something that even the Hawksbill Creek agreement does not, and try to hold them to that view. I suggest that maybe that view should finally be legally upheld.

I was also attepting to read the natures of the executives that run my home. Perhaps to understand why they act the way they are currently acting. Have you tried empathizing redhead? Does this mean that I back the fight that is ongoing on Pioneer's Way? No....I growing weary of it. As if the Hurricane wasn't enough.......people are rising up out of nowhere, making noise, with no near end in sight.

Tell me, why do you think the government is not interferring? Why is interfering now a problem for this or any government. I think part of it has to do with the fear of the government wrecking some of what was going on in freeport...some in regards to infrustructural management..that Freeport would be destoyed....I also think it had to do with three words that turned this island off from the present ruling party....."Bend or Break". Those words alone took Freeport into its first econmomic slump. Governments have no problem with dealing with hotels which are private entities......its all the result of the wonderful world of GB politics. (BTW there is still the issue of the accountability of the St.George and Hayward donation which I am sure has not not Sir Hayward in a very pleasurable mood with the present gov. I don't think the the government wants to go lecturing on about accountability on that 75% claim when that $1,000,000 is still out there somewhere.)

Clearly we would not see the same view of the port authority. I see my money (airport fees etc. in addition to shareholders money) being put into the upkeep of my Freeport. You see it as robbing the people blind. I see some things as good administration, you see it as me somehow being blinded by old vestiges. Maybe many of us do not understand the nature of what a company town is. Well.....take a look. If it gives you issues that is fine. Like I said some things have to change if us Freeporters want a more ethical and accountable Port Authority, that is if we still want a Port Authority after this.

Just like Bakers Bay, Fred KNOWS this case brought before the Courts will not be sucessful, because the courts have NOTHING to do with the heirarchy of a private company.

Its like me asking the court to remove Sol Kerzner as owner of Kerzner International because I feel he is a racist and is a monopolist.

That is not a matter for which the court can rule and over which the court has jurisdiction. Fred knows this. He always knows the end from the beginning of these schemes of his.

well all of this will have to be answered in the courts......if only this was supposedly high profile enough to be fast tracked.....