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 In Freeport, city management and economic development are the mandates of a private corporation, The Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited (GBPA). The GBPA is responsible for nurturing and regulating all commercial and residential development within the 230 square mile 'Port Area' of Grand Bahama. During the early 1950s American investor, Wallace Groves, and British financier, Sir Charles Hayward pioneered development on Grand Bahama Island. Their vision for development led to negotiations with the Government of The Bahamas and the signing of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. The Agreement, executed on August 4th, 1955, created, the 'Port Area', and gave birth to the City of Freeport. The agreement required the dredging of a deep-water harbour at Hawksbill Creek in the western sector of the Port Area. It also granted to GBPA responsibility for the provision, management, and administration of all infrastructure, municipal and community services, and for development of 50,000 acres of crown grant land which was later extended to 138,000 acres. This, together with an additional 12,000 acres purchased by the GBPA from other parties, forms the 160,000 acre 'Port Area'. The agreement also conveyed to the area the legacy of a "free port" with substantial tax concessions for financial, commercial and industrial enterprises. The guarantee of these rights through the year 2054 distinguishes Freeport, Grand Bahama, as a business centre with unsurpassed competitive advantages within the region.
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 With the signing of the landmark Hawksbill Creek Agreement, Grand Bahama began its transition from a pine forest into the thriving international business centre it is today.
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Hawksbill Creek Agreement
