Bahamas News

PM Makes Second Monthly GB Visit and Talks Revitalisation, Re-Growth, Re-Branding

Published

7 years ago

September 23, 2017

#Bahamas, September 23, 2017 – Nassau – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said on Friday at a press briefing, his monthly visit produced productive meetings to help revitalise the economy of the island.

During his second monthly visit to Grand Bahama, the Prime Minister stated that he made the commitment to do this so as to be intimately involved in the revitalisation, re-growth and rebranding of the island.

There is also an office in Abaco, where he will also visit monthly, along with a commitment to establish an office, although it may be temporary, in Exuma, Eleuthera and Central Andros.

Flanked by Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson, and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister for Information and Communication, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Prime Minister Minnis said he had the opportunity to speak with businesses and potential investors who have expressed an interest in the revitalization of Grand Bahama. He also met with the Grand Bahama Port Authority to discuss matters which will positively impact the island’s economy.

“We are committed to working with the GBPA in order to eliminate all road blocks in investment. We are dedicated to streamlining our investment process with the first step being the creation of an Investment Unit in Grand Bahama.

“Our government will review our Immigration, Customs and Exchange Control policies with a view to creating a formula to making it easier to invest and do business in Grand Bahama.”

Acknowledging the urgency of the redevelopment of the Port Lucaya strip, the Prime Minister noted that the government is working diligently to complete the best deal. He said the island’s tourism product needs to be revived.

“Therefore, our discussion with the owner and potential partners are with a view to transforming the property into the first step of an innovative and unique destination for Grand Bahama.

“The government is committed to ensuring that the existing jobs on the strips remain. To this end, we will continue our aggressive discussions until we can unveil our plan for a new tourism product and new destination.”

Steps were made towards the creation of the Grand Bahama Investment Promotions Board, which will be responsible for marketing the island as a destination ready to do business, among other things. “This Board will send the message to the world.”

The Prime Minister was also pleased to announce that the launch of the first in a series of Entrepreneurship Programmes. The Apiary, or honey production programme, will begin on October 26, when some 30 young people between the ages of 17 and 25 will have the opportunity to start their own honey production business.

Minister Thompson said there will be a two-day workshop which will be open to the public. Following this, applications will be received from the potential candidates: those who are unemployed, industrious and prepared to work, to learn and to be entrepreneurs. Additional information will follow.

Addressing concern over the withdrawal of The Bahamas Celebration, Prime Minister Minnis said he met with the Principals of The Bahamas Paradise Cruises and understands the circumstances of the ship assisting the US Government in hurricane relief efforts. “It was a priority under the circumstances,” he said.

What also came out of the discussions is the possibility of a second ship bringing additional cruise and stay passengers to the island. This ship is scheduled to begin sailings in April 2018; however, said Prime Minister Minnis, there is a possibility that it will commence sailing before then.

Also present were Permanent Secretary Melvin Seymour and Senior Undersecretary, Harcourt Brown.

Prime Minister Minnis will be a special guest at ‘A Taste of Port Lucaya’ and he said that it is important that he attend to show his “sincerity in the success of Grand Bahama, and I would hope that others would show just as much interest as I do in Grand Bahama, because Grand Bahama cannot grow only through the confines of Grand Bahamians. It’s all one Bahamas.”

He invited all Grand Bahamians to attend and participate.

By: Robyn Adderley

Photo Caption:

PM’S PRESS BRIEFING – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, on Friday held a press briefing following his second monthly visit to Freeport, Grand Bahama. Following this, he will be a special guest at A Taste of Port Lucaya, in the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Shown from left are: Harcourt Brown, Senior Undersecretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama; Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama; Senator Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama; Prime Minister Minnis; and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister for Information and Communication, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe.

(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

Bahamas News

Bahamas economic growth

Published

5 hours 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

C&W COMMUNICATIONS PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED AS ATHLETES “CHASE THE SUN”

Published

10 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Shanieka

World Relays to be title sponsored by BTC, one of C&W’s local brands.

In just a few days, athletes from over fifty countries will converge in The Bahamas for the BTC World Athletic Relays Bahamas 24. C&W Communications, the parent company of BTC, is proud to be associated with this major event, which will see athletes from The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago competing for a place in the upcoming Olympic games in Paris.

Inge Smidts, CEO of C&W Communications, who also serves as Chair of the BTC Board of Directors will be in the stands to witness the highly anticipated relays. Smidts says, this was an event that she simply could not miss. “We are proud to support our Caribbean athletes, and we wish them well as they vie for a spot in the Olympic games.

The relays will be held one of in our markets, The Bahamas, and we are honoured to be the title sponsor of the event. The world relays represent the spirit of relentless courage and the willingness to succeed of the Caribbean people and of our business. Through partnerships like this we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to connect communities and change lives.”

In addition to its sponsorship of the event, Smidts says it was important that athletes, officials, and fans stayed connected during the games. “As a business we are focused on ensuring that our customers have access to faster, stronger, and more reliable connectivity, and we worked with our partners to make certain that athletes and guests remain connected.

We have offered e-sim cards, and we also worked with the major hotels to set up care centers to ensure that we address any connectivity concerns on the spot. Additionally, I am pleased to announce that BTC will provide free Wi-Fi at the stadium giving patrons and athletes the opportunity to share every riveting moment.”

BTC has hosted a special event just for the Caribbean athletes, at the newly renovated Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, a recently renovated historic landmark visited by thousands of tourists each day. This event gave athletes the opportunity to unwind, mingle, and to learn more about each other right before the competition.

This is the fourth time that BTC and its parent company C&W Communications have title sponsored the world relays. The BTC World Athletic Relays will be held at the Thomas A. Robinson Track & Field Stadium from May 4-5, under the theme, “Chase the Sun, from Paradise to Paris.”

Bahamas News

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

Published

10 hours 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.