Grand Bahama | _ | | _ | | | Grand Bahama is the fourth largest of the Bahamian islands, measuring 96 miles
by 17 miles, and its capital Freeport/Lucaya is what Bahamians consider the
nations' "Second City". Situated to the Northwest of New Providence, it's also
one of the closest islands to the Florida coastline. Built in the 60's,
Freeport (the main city) makes Grand Bahama visibly different to the other
islands. Wallace Groves an American started the Grand Bahama Port Authority
(GBPA) with a government grant of 50'000 acres of Crown Land, which eventually
increased to 149'000 acres. Under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the GBPA
built houses, churches, schools and roads. Later a deep-water harbour was
dredged for oil tankers followed by an airport, hotels and casino.
Freeport/Lucaya is very American in style and unlike anything else in The
Bahamas. Built for tropical fun, the area boasts wide tree-lined boulevards,
top hotels with casinos and colourful shows, world-class shopping, superb
beaches and a multitude of holiday activities including five golf courses. | | | _ | | _ | | | If Grand Bahama has an historical capital, it is West End -- a coastal village
flung out on the island's westernmost tip, 25 miles from Freeport. Swimming in
its sea-sleepy streets is a history of arms smugglers, rum runners, and
wreckers.
A stop at The Star Hotel, Grand Bahama Island's oldest hotel, is a must. West
End's most famous historical landmark, it seems like a holdover from the days
of Prohibition, but actually dates back to1946, just before Freeport was born. | | | | | | |
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