The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) really deserves high marks for its aesthetic outlook over the last several years. The “I Love Freeport” campaign was simply excellent and should not have been stopped. It heightened the imagination of visitors in a positive way and made residents proud as they travelled along the Mall and engaged in activities included in the program. When one sees someone in the “I Love Freeport” shirts and spots the campaign van, it brings back memories of what the attitude of “pride” in Freeport used to be like. A few years ago, the GBPA undertook a massive Christmas outreach through lighting and decorations at roundabouts and key areas, like the entrance to Lucaya, off Sunrise. There was a short-lived joint operation with the Urban Renewal and the Police to remove a few derelict buildings. The GBPA also took the initiative to give a facelift to several old landmark buildings. These were great efforts, though short-lived. The streets of Freeport were addressed as well. Certain sections that had deteriorated, badly, were paved and made comfortable for drivers once more. Just recently the GBPA earmarked several junctures for paving and motorists and residents of those respective areas were appreciative. Indeed, the GBPA had an excellent overall aesthetic program going on. What about a continuance? For what reasons has such an excellent aesthetic outlook not been continued and even more, expanded? Once ago, attention to the pristine look of Freeport was ongoing. It was that consistency in maintaining the beautification of Freeport that earned the “Magic City” reputation. Now, its’ as if the GBPA takes but a few steps in the direction of the “classy culture” of yesteryear and then pauses or stops completely. For instance one wonders how long will it be before that terribly deteriorated section of roadway adjacent to the Castaways Hotel at the Mall roundabout is fixed. If drivers are not careful, there is a spot that could cause serious damage to cars. There is no particular intent here to be critical of the GBPA, but more so, an attempt to remind the powers that be at that all important institution in Grand Bahama, that its obligation in accordance with the Hawksbill Creek Agreement is to keep the city looking fresh, clean, unblemished. Granted, there is a lot that has to happen to bring Freeport back to how it was in the good old days, an unsullied healthy environment. However, let’s keep working in hopes of reaching that stage, once again.