The Bahamas Investor

...th senior officials from the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) on the way forward for the College of The Bahamas‘ Northern Campus, and how the Ministry and the GBPA could strengthen collaboration efforts, and improve COB’s campus facilities in East Grand Bahama. Fitzgerald described the talks as being very productive. High on the agenda were the expansion of the hospitality and tourism sector, and the maritime academy. The Education Minister also......

...easily facilitated,” Minister Mitchell stated. He along with China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Xie Hangsheng, signed the agreement during a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs December 19. Government officials including permanent secretary Philip Miller and a Chinese delegation witnessed the event. The agreement allows Bahamian and Chinese nationals to travel un-restricted without a visa for up to 30 days. Mitchell said it is evident that bo......

...top was the historic community of Adelaide, where Prime Minister Christie, Minister Gibson, Minister of State for Investment Michael Halkitis and other members of Parliament spoke to various residents, while NEMA and Department of Social Services representatives, several police officers and Urban Renewal officials worked to ascertain their various needs after the onslaught of Hurricane Matthew. Pictured: Prime Minister Christie (right) and Ministe......

...structure–an electronic backbone. If we do not do that, we will be underperforming.” The Minister said he is also keen to bring airline services online to make it easier for visitors to plan their trips. “We have eight domestic scheduled airlines that, by and large, are invisible [to the international market]. Once you can book electronically we will have made a substantial leap forward,” he explained. To further aid the tourism sector, Minister V......

...k in automation, cyber security, and data intelligence.” “This skilled workforce will provide the foundation for phase two of our project: creating a digital-transformation training centre, where companies will send their employees to learn the latest in cyber, data intelligence, management, and automation. We intend to commit significant company resources to realize this vision. “Phase three of our journey will culminate in the creation of a stat......

...ation, a non-profit trade association, issuing professional certifications for the information technology industry. It is considered one of the IT industry’s top trade associations. It will be providing training modules in corporate digital transformation and cyber security. “We are further pleased to partner with local title sponsors ALIV and GIBC, Our special innovation partner sponsor Grand Bahama Power Co, and our gold sponsor the Grand Bahama......

...,” said Minister Lloyd. Also on the list of speakers at the summit will be Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson (pictured), who will close out the conclave and reveal the way ahead for the GB Technology Steering Committee in their quest to make Grand Bahama a technology hub within the region. Other local speakers at this year’s summit will include Kristie Powell, who will lead a panel discussion on transforming education for the futur......

...people are hopeful of finding employment. These are two very good results for Grand Bahama.” “We are therefore motivated to work even harder. We also recognize that while the numbers show that generally things are getting better, we know things are not getting better for everyone. We all have a lot more work to do until we fulfil Grand Bahama’s true potential.” Minister Thompson also referenced major tourism developments lined up for the island.......

...egation of senior government officials to the three-day meeting, including Minister of Foreign AffairsDarren Henfield, Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar, High Commissioner of The Bahamas to CARICOM Reuben Rahming and Adrian Gibson, MP. Discussion items on the meeting’s agenda include security, the situation in Venezuela, blacklisting and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Caribbean leaders are also scheduled to discuss matters related to......

...fairs; and Kenneth Wallace-Whitfield, foreign service officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Henfield will also attend various meetings on the margins of the General Assembly, including the US-CARICOM Ministerial with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, when the Minister will provide an update on The Bahamas’ Hurricane Dorian response. Minister Henfield will also represent Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at the Western Hemispheric Leaders M......

...ality of our country in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian,” said the Prime Minister. While Abaco and Grand Bahama were affected by Hurricane Dorian, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the strength and diversity of the Bahamian tourism product. “The world is coming to The Bahamas for our spectacular natural beauty. But the world is also coming to experience our culture and heritage, including the visual arts, which are prominently featured......

...etween clients and their financial needs, while helping them to make their financial dreams possible,” the Prime Minister said. He also pointed out that the proposed five-storey, 50,000 sq ft building would employ 150 to 200 workers on site to completion in June 2021. The Prime Minister reminded the guests assembled on site that a leading priority of this government is economic growth, job creation and wealth creation. “There is much work we have......

...ister of Foreign Affairs will attend the Pre-CHOGM Meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers. The Prime Minister, Minister Henfield and High Commissioner Ellison Greenslade will attend the Formal Opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Buckingham Palace. The Prime Minister will attend the Executive Sessions at Lancaster House. The delegation will visit Bahamas House to meet with staff of The Bahamas High Commission and The Baham......

...atherine Morris) Following push back from the private sector, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest defended the government’s proposed 60 per cent value added tax hike this morning as he addressed the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers Confederation (BCCEC )’s annual conclave. “I appreciate these measures are unpopular,” he said of the increase from 7.5 per cent VAT to 12 per cent, which is due to take effect on July 1......

...moting democracy and human rights. The Prime Minister lead a delegation, which included Carl Bethel, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education; Darren Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Joshua Sears, senior policy advisor to the Prime Minister; Viana Gardiner, chief operating officer, Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit; and other officials.......