#Freeport, GB, May 10, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson says while doing business in Grand Bahama has its share of challenges, he’s moved by business owners who, despite the challenges, have continued to persevere.
During
the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new KMW Plaza, on Thursday,
May 9, 2019, Minister Thompson said the owners of the new plaza provide
motivation and hope for all Bahamians in Grand Bahama.
“The
work of these entrepreneurs, like Mr. Jones and Mr. McCartney are in alignment
with the government’s commitment to small business development and
entrepreneurial empowerment,” added Minister Thompson. “And this is
what we like to see, Bahamians owning their country and empowering other
Bahamians to do the same. We’ve set out to create an environment
especially conducive to the creation and expansion of small and medium-sized
businesses, which are essential to the communities.
“These
are the kinds of businesses that should really be our focus, because they are
the strength and the backbone of our economy.”
KMW
Plaza houses several businesses such as Mulligans Meats and Spices, two beauty
supply stores, a church, and a section of Terreve College. Expansion
of the Plaza has enabled other businesses to set up shop in the establishment.
Senator
Thompson said that small business development is important for the island, and
that’s why there has been the establishment of the Grand Bahama Small Business
Development Centre this year as part of a national initiative, in which there
will be millions of dollars available for small business startups.
Minister
Thompson said that the expansion of KMW Plaza provides motivation for all those
small entrepreneurs who believe that they can make a difference in Grand
Bahama. “It is truly pleasing to see Grand Bahamians pouring into
the economy that they want to see thrive,” said Minister
Thompson. “It’s always an exciting and proud moment, to not only
witness, but to share in local businesses achieving major milestones. This
plaza is certainly a testament to the growing confidence with the owners having
injected some $600,000 into the economy, through this renovation and expansion
project over the past several years.
“I
wish to extend commendation to you who originally started the operation of KMW
Batteries and Tires in 2004 and later purchased this facility as a dilapidated
building, making steady progress in the renovation work. “You have
certainly come a long way and for that applaud you.”
Minister
Thompson pointed out that in addition to the expansion carried out by KMW
Battery and Tires, the government has also seen an increase in investor
confidence among both foreign and Bahamian investors. He cited the
start up or expansion of businesses like Pirate’s Cove, Goombay Land Skating Ring,
FOWLCO Logistics, Sawyer’s Super market, Home Fabrics, the expansion of Omni
Financial, expansion of Pharma Chem, Elnet Maritime, Pelican Bay and other
projects coming on stream.
“We
would like to see more such businesses in Grand Bahama expanding their
business, which continues to be proof of their confidence and hope for the
Grand Bahamian economy,” said Minister Thompson.
By Andrew Coakley
Release: BIS
Header: Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson (second right), who was the guest speaker at the official opening of the new KMW Plaza, looks on as Joetha Jones cuts the ribbon to the new Plaza, following a ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Also looking on are Michael Jones (centre), manager of KMW Plaza; Member of Parliament for Pineridge, Frederick McAlpine (third right) and Mr. McCartney, one of the owners of the Plaza.
Insert: Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson (right), along with Member of Parliament for Pineridge, Frederick McAlpine (left) stand in front of the KMW-sponsored student art competition ‘first place winner’ painting, in the hallway of the new Plaza. Michael Jones, KMW manager, is second left, with Mrs. Joetha Jones.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)