BAHAMAS: Minister Thompson: ‘Grand Bahamians must be prepared to create own successes’

#Bahamas, February 27, 2018 – Nassau – Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson says that a hopeful outlook for Grand Bahama is based not just on direct foreign investment, but on local investments by Grand Bahamians like Curtis and Glennett Fowler, owners and operators of FowlCo Marine and Logistics Management.

The new Logistics Company, which is 100 percent Bahamian-owned, held its official opening on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the facility on Grand Bahamian Way. The investment totals some $1.6 million.  In his remarks, the Minister of State for Grand Bahama noted that FowlCo is a testament to self-sufficient Bahamians who put in the labor, skills, finances and innovation to create something substantial.

“We should commend and congratulate them for it,” said Minister Thompson. “I look forward to this company’s growth and the jobs it has and which it will create locally.

“Grand Bahamians must be prepared to create our own success.  Innovative entrepreneurship is the solution to the downturn in our economy.  As such, the government has committed to creating an environment conducive to the creation and growth of Small Businesses, by way of provisions for funding, training programs and business mentorship.

“We want to make it increasingly easier for Bahamians to maximize their potential for business ownership and long-term careers in various industries.”

Minister Thompson noted that by virtue of Grand Bahama’s deep waters, climate, proximity to the United States and open geographical path to the rest of the world, the maritime industry has long proven to be a perfect fit.  He said that the government intends to capitalize on those benefits to ensure that Grand Bahama maintains its status as a major maritime and industrial hub in the region.

“FowlCo has already, notably, employed 16 Bahamians and will provide services to the Grand Bahama community including customs brokerage, port agency & husbandry, dry dock logistics and facilitation of special projects,” said Minister Thompson.  “Your expertise and experience is much appreciated.

“I wish to commend FowlCo, because in addition to these services, one of the company’s major goals is to develop and facilitate a training model and institute that will allow Bahamians an opportunity to engage in certified training and decrease the skills gap that currently exists in the industry.

“This is an issue that the government has prioritized as we seek to facilitate more technical training to ensure that Bahamians are skilled and are equipped to pursue long-term employment opportunities, especially considering several new businesses are slated to be birthed in Grand Bahama this year and in the coming few years.”

Also bringing remarks during the opening ceremony for the new marine and logistics management company was Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, who noted what the Fowlers have been able to accomplish, will bode well for the future of Grand Bahama and the entire Bahamas.

He noted that the establishment of the new company represents what the Government of The Bahamas is trying to create throughout the country – upwardly, mobile, intelligent Bahamians, who have a vision for the future of the country.

“We will do our part to help give our citizens the most advantageous position that we can in order for them to be successful,” said Minister Turnquest.   “All around us, we see success in this industry and people are doing well, and we celebrate that.  The economic impact on the country from this industry has been significant.  It is time now though, for us as Bahamians to take more of an active stake in this industry.

“I am proud of those who have done so already and who have shown tremendous success in providing service to the industry.  But there is more room and so we welcome this addition today in the opening of this new company.”

The Deputy Prime Minister reminded Grand Bahamians to continue to focus on the good things that are taking place in the country.  He said that there is enough negative talk both locally and internationally, but he noted that as long as Grand Bahamians maintain a positive attitude and mindset and work together, great things can be accomplished.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS

BIS Photos/Andrew Miller

PROUD MOMENT – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest (third from left) and Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson (right) stand for a photo with principals of FowlCo Marine and Logistics Management, following opening ceremonies for the new company on Saturday, February 24, 2018. Bahamian owners of the company Curtis Fowler, Founder (second from right) and Glennett Fowler, Managing Director (third from right) have joined forces with Juan Sancho Ovejero, Managing Director of Blue Parrot Offshore (second from left).

LOOKS AT OPERATION – Mr. Juan Sancho Ovejero, Managing Director of Blue Parrot Offshore (right) explains to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest and Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson his company’s role in the operation of the newly established FowlCo Marine and Logistics Management, during a tour of the facility located on Grand Bahamian Way, following opening ceremonies on Saturday, February 24, 2018.