#Nassau, July 17, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis said his government is focusing on ensuring smaller companies have access to capital as a means of economic empowerment.
He made the statement while addressing the Former Hospitality Professionals
Awards Banquet on the evening of Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Melià Nassau Beach
resort, Cable Beach.
The association honoured trailblazers
in the tourism and hospitality industry for their hard work and dedication.
“Just as
many of you worked through the tourism sector, we need to create opportunities
for more young Bahamians to take greater advantage of the tremendous
possibilities in the sector,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime
Minister Minnis serves as the quasi-cabinet member for Tourism within the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“In this
capacity, I am pushing for the more small businesses and entrepreneurs to
become bigger players in the tourism sector,” he said.
During
the recent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, the chairman of
the CARICOM Commission on the Economy (CCE) stressed the need for member-states
to develop more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and equitable development.
“I noted
that this will require that government find ways to empower its people by
improving access to capital and assets.
“I told
them that The Bahamas is on the right track when it comes to providing free
education at the tertiary level, but that we must find a way for smaller
companies to access more opportunities to grow their businesses,” the Prime
Minister said.
He then added,
“So, a major focus of my government, moving forward, will be to ensure that
smaller companies have access to contracts that were previously held mostly by
larger companies.”
According to the Prime Minister, the
only way smaller companies can grow is if they are given the opportunity
to bid for larger contracts.
“This is necessary if our people are
to advance from poverty, to middle class, to wealth,” he said.
This
vision will guide government’s efforts in the redevelopment of the Fish Fry,
Junkanoo Beach and the Western Esplanade, as it moves to make the Bahamian
experience even better for visitors.
“In this
spirit, I hope that the current and a new generation of Bahamians in the
hospitality sector will exemplify the same quality of service, creativity and
dedication as our honorees,” the Prime Minister said.
He
acknowledged the work of the honorees, namely: Bessie Serette,
Anthony
Hepburn, Roslyn North, Reginald Smith, Florida Young, Chef Charles Smith,
Monica Flowers, Melvin Brown, Carlton Haven, Joe Mott, Dr. Pandora McKinney
Smith, Nathaniel Williams, Frederick Wallace and the late Thomas Pratt.
And, he recognized Berkley Williamson
and George Myers, who both received The Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award
for their remarkable contributions.
“Indeed, the history of our modern tourism industry cannot be told without reference to individuals like George Myers, Berkley Williamson and so many of you,” the Prime Minister said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo
Captions:
First insert: The Former Hospitality Professionals Awards Banquet on Saturday evening honoured trailblazers in the tourism and hospitality industry for their hard work and dedication. Pictured from left: Paulette Dean, President/Former Hospitality Professionals; George Myers, ‘The Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award’ honouree; and Prime Minister Minnis at Melià Nassau Beach resort.
Second insert: The Former Hospitality Professionals association honoured trailblazers in the tourism and hospitality industry for their hard work and dedication. Pictured from left: Paulette Dean, President/Former Hospitality Professionals; Berkley Williamson, ‘The Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award’ honouree; and Prime Minister Minnis at Melià Nassau Beach resort on Saturday evening.