Bahamas News

Small Business Development Centre Hosts Afternoon Tea Reception for Female Entrepreneurs

Published

1 year ago

May 1, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

By BETTY VEDRINE

Bahamas Information Services

#NASSAU, The Bahamas, May 1, 2023 – Donning beautiful spring fashions, complete with pearls, gloves and fascinators, over two hundred women representing a cross-section of businesses gathered together for an afternoon of fellowship and camaraderie on Sunday, April 23 at Margaritaville. The event, a high tea party hosted by the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), was held under the patronage of the spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, under the theme, ‘Get Comfortable with being Uncomfortable.’ Mrs. Anastarcia Palacious served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

While delivering remarks, Mrs. Davis said that she was delighted to partner with this Small Business Development Center’s Women Entrepreneurs Initiative. She congratulated the SBDC for hosting the tea party and congratulated the graduates of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurs in attendance.

“I wholeheartedly endorse the objective of providing women with the resources they need to launch their own enterprises and expand industries through funding and mentorship,” said Mrs. Davis. “It is a privilege to address you at such a significant and influential gathering today. We must use opportunities like this to continue to keep each other informed and sharp while also celebrating the accomplishments in our lives.”

Speaking to the theme chosen for the event, she said that it aptly described a meaningful and important lesson that can be applied to any and every aspect of our human experience.“Entrepreneurs in particular are continually up against obstacles that call for them to go outside their comfort zones. This is good. More precisely, it is a balancing act for women to carve out a career path while still managing households or other obligations. We must keep in mind, nevertheless, that it is through these challenging times that we develop and succeed,” she said.She discussed the importance of resisting the urge to fall prey to fear and encouraged the women to keep pressing on despite their discomfort.

“Entrepreneurship is not an easy path, but it is a rewarding one. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. We must have the confidence to take chances and follow our passions, while learning to trust our abilities and vision. It is vital,” she said.

” I urge all of you to embrace the uncomfortable moments that come your way. You will have moments where it will hurt, it may feel discouraging, it may feel disappointing, it may be lonely, and it may involve sleepless nights. But in these uncomfortable moments are also opportunities for growth and learning. Remember to trust yourself and your abilities, and very importantly, surround yourself with supportive communities and mentors, like this gathering here today, who can help you overcome your doubts and provide guidance.”

Also bringing greetings was Executive Director of the SBDC, Ms. Samantha Rolle, who congratulated the graduates and encouraged all of the entrepreneurs to persevere despite challenges they may encounter along the way. Guest Speaker for the event was Bahamian-American Entrepreneur, Sherrel Sampson, Founder & CEO of Canviiy, an innovative health and wellness brand focused on scalp care.

Mrs. Sampson delivered an inspirational and very personal account of her journey as an entrepreneur and encouraged the attendees to be persistent, to persevere and to remain focused, never allowing fear to hold them back.

PHOTO CAPTION

Photo highlights of the tea party.

In the ‘SBDC Tea Party Group Photo’ — Front row, from left: Michaela Munnings, SBDC Corporate Communications Manager; Judith McKenzie, SBDC Project Analyst; Suemayah Abu-Douleh, Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy; Samantha Rolle, SBDC Executive Director; Mrs. Ann Marie Davis; Sherrel Sampson, CEO of Canviiy; Phyllice Bethel, Interim Deputy Executive Director; Nashan King, Executive Assistant, SBDC; Richenda Knowes, Senior Administrator, SBDC; and Denise Johnson, SBDC Advisor. Back Row, from left: Azasha Collie, RCL Project Analyst, SBDC; and Ebony McPhee, Client Services Liaison, SBDC. (BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

Bahamas News

Bahamas economic growth

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

The Bahamas’ economy is in good standing according to reports from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute which released the Quarterly Gross Domestic Product Series. They indicate that quarterly GDP trends for 2023 saw increases compared to 2022, a sign of recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic.

The most significant increase was 9.9 percent in the first quarter of 2023, and the industries responsible for the growth include Accommodations and food, construction and Arts.

Bahamas News

RBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.

King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.

King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “

Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.

“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.

Bahamas News

Get your laugh on, March On show coming to Turks and Caicos with box office at IGA Friday and Saturday

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

After resounding success in the Bahamas, hit play ‘March On, The Story of Us’ has been inundated with requests to take their show on the road, and the first location they’ll be hitting is Providenciales Turks and Caicos with tickets on sale this weekend from May 3 to 5.

Magnetic Media spoke to Gea Pierre, playwright, who told us the TCI was a natural first choice for the cast and crew.

“We started ‘March On’ in November 2023 and it was really an opportunity for us to tell a story, the story of the Bahamas and to encompass the nations that we have an amazing relationship with like the Turks and Caicos,” she continued “We really got a lot of people calling [for the play] from [the TCI], so much so we really had to pay attention.”

The response to ‘March On’ at home and abroad was overwhelming.

“To say it went well is an understatement, even before we opened we got calls from Canada, from all over the US with people wanting us to come and perform.”

And take the show on the road they did! Gea and her team have launched “March On: The Tour” and will be in Providenciales to perform on May 10th and 11th. It’s the first of a number of stops which include Nassau and several US locations.

A ticket booth will be set up from today, Friday May 3 in the foyer of IGA grocery store beginning at 1 p.m. Friday and then again all day on Saturday, allowing residents to purchase with cash.

Online tickets are available for purchase with credit cards. Then the full team returns on Friday, May 11 for the actual showing at 8 pm and their two showings on Saturday at 4pm and 8 pm. The venue is Brayton Hall, Providenciales under the patronage of Washington Misick, TCI Premier and First Lady Delthia Misick.

Describing the close familial relationships between the TCI and the Bahamas, for many on the crew it will be like coming home Gea told us, for others it will be a treat to visit for the first time, the places that their grandparents described.

Tickets are only $60 for general seating and $75 for VIP seating.

Gea maintained that the team wanted to keep the show as accessible to residents as possible.

As for why you should come out and see the play, other than the great price point:

“The way that people have responded to it is non stoplaughter, people have been moved to tears because there’s some emotion. It does not only lend to Bahamians. It’s a family drama, and anyone who’s ever been a part of a family is going to get something out of it, and something moving.”