As Freeport Harbour Co. officials pursued their channeldredging project, they recognized at the outset that good public relations would be crucial. They resolved to be upfront with their planned agenda by discussing it openly with primary audiences, including all relevant stakeholders, environmental groups, civic groups, port users, employees and government entities.
Originally, criticisms and apprehension were primarily centered around three issues:
- The potential of underwater blasting to cause ecological and environmental damage to surrounding settlements and buildings;
- Growing fears that the excavation would provide fertile soil for large ocean swells capable of sweeping the landscape, particularly during impending storms or hurricanes; and
- Regulatory requirements that necessitate a host of permits, water-quality tests, proper handling and disposal of potentially hazardous materials and projections about the long-term impacts on the Freeport Harbour.
The dredging company utilized a combination of print, audio and video communications to inform the general public and other interest groups of the project's impact and intent. This advertising effort was complemented by several town hall meetings, addressing concerns of local residents.
The town hall meetings proved particularly important, as they provided the forum for the residents to share their concerns and points of view on the overall project. Port officials were surprised at how well-versed many of the residents were, as much of their concerns focused on potential damage to the water table, the impact of the blasting on their homes, the potential impact from flooding caused by dredged material blocking the free flow of water, the potential impact on the environment and so on.
Independent and municipal engineering experts dispelled concerns by conducting and submitting seismographic analyses and feasibility studies that projected minimal impact on the environment. Thus, a combination of engineering ingenuity and project management aptitude melded with the public relations efforts in charting the course for eventual success.
The value received from the communications exercise with the residents played a significant role in the scope of the project being reduced. The public appeal contributed to the dredging company reducing the seismographic impact of blasting to a record low. Also, it was determined that the blasting exercises would be conducted during the course of the work week, during daylight hours. The dredging company was made responsible for notifying the public of times when a blast was to occur.
This communications effort began about six months prior to the start of dredging and is being maintained as the project continues. The effort's total cost did not exceed $10,000 through the $30 million first phase of the dredging.
Matters of international competition and the potential for increased domestic revenue generation contributed significantly to acceptance and involvement on the part of the community and municipal government.
By Freeport becoming the deepest port in the region, a competitive advantage has been gained, as vessels with drafts of as many as 50 feet can call at Freeport Container Port, Grand Bahama Ship Yard and Freeport Harbour. The Bahamas ship registry, currently third-largest in the world, is likely to further benefit, while Freeport Harbour enhances its position as a world-leading maritime hub.
