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Appointment of New Directors – Bahamas Power and Light (BPL)  

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#TheBahamas, March 9, 2024 – The Ministry of Energy and Transport advised the Cabinet Office on Tuesday of the resignations of two members of the Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) board. In response to this development, the Honorable Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis has subsequently appointed Christina Alston and Dylan Sawyer as Directors,  building on a new chapter in the organisation’s drive towards innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Christina Alston is an accomplished leader with over three decades in the electric utility sector and brings to BPL an unparalleled depth of international experience. Her tenure as Transmission Development Manager at Georgia Transmission Corporation in the United States and her strategic roles in supply chain management underscore her adeptness in navigating complex utility landscapes. Her substantial contributions to large-scale US power companies, such as Florida Power & Light (FP&L) and Duke Energy Corporation, have solidified her reputation in developing sustainable energy solutions and operational excellence.

As Chief Operating Officer (2017-2019) at BPL, Christina was instrumental in the comprehensive oversight of planning, engineering, operations, maintenance, and the path to renewable integration across the Bahamian archipelago, managing an extensive network of generation facilities across multiple islands. At Florida Power & Light (FP&L), her role as Major Account Manager focused on delivering exceptional customer service to the industrial sector, including crisis management during outages and storms – showcasing her adeptness in both strategic planning and customer relations. Ms. Alston’s global perspective and expertise will be pivotal in aligning BPL with international best practices to enhance energy affordability and sustainability for Bahamians.

Her leadership in demand-side management and development of microgrid projects aligns with BPL’s strategic goals to transform the energy landscape of The Bahamas into one that is more affordable, reliable, and sustainable.

Dylan Sawyer, known for his multi-disciplined approach and entrepreneurial success in the petroleum, real estate, and manufacturing industries, brings a fresh perspective to BPL. His expertise in managing complex capital projects, optimizing operations, and implementing cost-effective strategies is expected to contribute significantly to reducing operational costs and, by extension, energy costs for the Bahamian people. His commitment to sustainable practices and strategic procurement will be instrumental in steering BPL towards a more robust and future-proof organization. With a distinctive background in the financial sector, Dylan offers a fresh perspective crucial for BPL’s financial and operational turnaround. His expertise in managing complex capital projects, coupled with his innovative approaches to supply chain management and procurement, will address BPL’s current challenges head-on.

These appointments come at a crucial time as BPL and the government reaffirm their commitment to transforming the energy sector. The collaboration of Christina Alston and Dylan Sawyer with the existing team is anticipated to drive the government’s efforts in making energy more accessible and affordable, while ensuring the long-term sustainability and strength of BPL.

As we welcome these new directors, the Ministry and BPL look forward to the innovative solutions and strategic direction they will bring to the table. Their contributions are not only expected to change BPL for a stronger future but also to make a lasting impact on the energy sector of The Bahamas for generations to come.

 

6th March 2024

Ministry of Energy and Transport

Commonwealth of The Bahamas

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CIBC Caribbean announces the closure of Bay Street Branch

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CIBC Caribbean today announced that its Bay Street branch will close permanently on 31st May 2024.

CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, in making the announcement said: “We regret this development; however, our bank recognizes that our clients’ needs are changing, and we remain committed to meeting these evolving needs. We are even more focused within the climate of evolving technology advancements on creating product options that focus on security, convenience, and ease of doing business.”

Dr. Bend noted that there will be no job losses as a result of this closure and employees will be redeployed to other branches.

She observed, “Additionally, the closure of the Bay Street branch represents a continuation of the work previously started to repurpose our branch network to serve our clients more efficiently across the region.”

Dr. Bend said the decision to end operations at Bay Street was made with the knowledge that clients will continue to be adequately serviced by a strong branch presence that already exists in The Bahamas. She said the bank has written to its Bay Street clients informing them of the closure and has outlined their future banking options.

“We understand that the closure of Bay Street may be inconvenient to our some of our clients, but we hope that this will be tempered by the knowledge that they have many more avenues available to conduct their banking that are also convenient, safe and practical, using our mobile or online banking platforms or our other branch locations.”

 

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Freeport Business Expo to connect Grand Bahama businesses and entrepreneurs to expert resources  

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Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited

 

 April 29, 2024 – Freeport, The Bahamas – In line with its mission to create a stronger, more connected Freeport economy, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) is pleased to share details of the upcoming Freeport Business Expo: Tourism Edition, taking place on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Grand Lucayan Convention Center in Grand Bahama.

“As the GBPA continues its work to attract investors to Freeport, we offer this showcase of local and international businesses offering services and opportunities to potential and existing licensees,” stated Ian Rolle, GBPA President. “This Expo will not only connect unique international service providers with Bahamian entrepreneurs aiming to introduce new tourist attractions, but also bring together financing institutions to support Bahamian-owned start-ups and existing businesses in the industry.”

The emphasis on tourism at the 2024 Expo ensures that those in tourism-focused businesses are certain to benefit. The event will offer opportunities to meet potential business partners, gain insight on financial opportunities, engage with leaders in workshops and one-on-one sessions, and get answers on starting a Freeport business and obtaining a GBPA license.

“We regularly host community business expos,” said Glendia Sweeting, Manager of Quality Assurance and Special Projects.  “But we recognize the significant benefit of an expo focused on enhancing tourism business offerings through connecting international service providers and Bahamian entrepreneurs. We have more than thirty local and national exhibitors taking part on May 2nd, along with several international service providers.”

Multiple investment projects currently in progress and planned in the city of Freeport is creating anticipation for existing and potential entrepreneurs and this expo is geared towards preparing them for these opportunities.  “Grand Bahama is going to experience a significant growth spurt in the next one to three years.  I would strongly encourage everybody who wants to get involved in business to look at Grand Bahama as one of the top choices, especially over the next three years,” said Mr. Rolle.

The Expo opens on Wednesday, May 1st with a welcome reception from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A full day of learning and networking opportunities follows on Thursday, May 2nd. GBPA’s partners in the Freeport Business Expo include:

  • Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board
  • Ministry for Grand Bahama
  • Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce
  • Ministry of Tourism
  • Bahamas Immigration
  • Bahamas Customs
  • Five Star Shipping Company
  • Viva Wyndham Fortuna
  • Bahamas Air
  • Grand Lucayan Hotel

Registration for access to the Expo’s exhibitors is free, and all-access passes are available for purchase. Event details and registration information may be found at freeportbusinessexpo.com.

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Pacesetting Cohort of Eleuthera Residents Graduate from Leading Light Programme

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Office of University Relations

22nd April 2024

Eleuthera, THE BAHAMAS – A pioneering cohort of 43 Eleuthera residents graduated from the University of The Bahamas’ (UB’s) free Leading Light Programme, sponsored by Disney Cruise Line (DCL) on Friday 19th April, 2024.

The programme, launched in February 2024 and delivered through UB’s Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN), offers a series of courses to ensure Eleuthera has a proficient workforce capable of delivering unparalleled hospitality leadership as the island experiences a sharp growth in tourism arrivals. The graduation ceremony was held at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce Business Hub in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.

The courses focused on tourism and hospitality skills, leadership development and effective communication. They were taught by UB faculty and included guest lecturers such as former Director General of Tourism, Minister of Tourism and Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Vincent Vanderpool Wallace and veteran hospitality professor Dr. Lincoln Marshall.

“This programme represents the mission-driven collaboration and skills-building that University of The Bahamas is committed to fostering, supported by an important industry partner like Disney Cruise Line,” noted UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder. “Given the importance of the tourism industry to our nation, we know how vital it is that we continually equip our workforce with diverse expertise to uphold our reputation for excellence in hospitality. We are grateful for this collaboration with Disney Cruise Line which has facilitated programme delivery in Eleuthera, enabling UB to broaden access to much sought-after professional development.”

As training and skills development programming grows across the island of Eleuthera, the Leading Light Programme experience was tailored to be free of charge, accessible and conclude with participants earning a UB certification that signals the high standard of education for which the University is recognized. Students came from all walks of life and traveled from as far away as Hatchet Bay in the North, and Bannerman Town in the South to Rock Sound for classes. Programme participants also received a stipend to defray the cost of commuting and other personal expenses.

Nora Smith, a manager at the picturesque Jack’s Bay Club, yearned to increase her skills.

“I would recommend this programme to anyone because The Bahamas is known as a tourism destination. Taking this course in tourism and hospitality, can help me to go far in dealing with tourists daily in my workplace,” she said.

Graduate Javonne Richards appreciated the comprehensive curriculum and the ease of access to the courses that were offered.

“This programme not only fills a gap in our Eleuthera education offerings, but also equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in dynamic work environments,” he noted.

Director General of Tourism Mrs. Latia Duncombe, who delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, shared three essential qualities for successful tourism professionals: energy, creativity and a welcoming personality.

“Your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are invaluable to creating unique, unforgettable customer experiences,” said Mrs. Duncombe. “While technology such as Artificial Intelligence, also have a role to play, human interaction remains essential.”

Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera the Honourable Clay Sweeting commended the partnership that is supporting community growth.

“I am proud of every Eleutheran who came from near and far to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Minister Sweeting. “As Eleuthera’s economy continues to grow, especially in Central and South Eleuthera, I encourage more corporate partners to invest in the local community in innovative ways, like the University of The Bahamas and Disney Cruise Line have, so that we can continue to strengthen our local communities.”

Two additional cohorts will be offered this year, increasing the pipeline of Eleutherans who are optimally skilled as hospitality and tourism ambassadors.  Registration for the summer programme will open on May 17 and the second cycle of courses begins June 17, 2024.  Fall programme dates are September 23 through November 29, 2024. To learn more about the Leading Light Programme and how to enroll, please email atynes@eleutherahambercommerce.com.

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