A nation able to sustain capital, engender national investment and heighten knowledge can fashion itself as a viable force in the global arena.
“The country in which we live, our Bahamas, its people, should always be aware of the fact that we have an opportunity to be the greatest little country in the world,” said Prime Minister Perry Christie Wednesday, as he delivered the keynote address at the 7th annual CEO Network Conference at British Colonial Hilton Hotel.
The conference convened under the theme “The Role of Sovereignty in a Globalised World.”
Mr. Christie said the avenue by which The Bahamas becomes the most celebrated nation in the world would begin with the inward flow of capital.
He said for too long the majority of capital in The Bahamas has flowed outward with 80% out of every $1 going out of the country.
“My government is therefore assiduously working at causing there to be a sustained inward flow of capital into The Bahamas,” he said.
Mr. Christie stressed the need for Bahamians to be meaningfully involved in the economic success of the country.
He said the possibilities are real for Bahamians with a business spirit.
Mr. Christie said substantial investments plans were on the drawing board and urged the delegates to become real participants in the future of the country’s economic stability.
He said: “There are people who in their own right are successful elsewhere but who have come in by way of this connection (CEO Network) to make things happen.”
It is therefore logical, it is therefore, imperative that we take advantage of the connection, not just the proximity.”
Mr. Christie also warned against viewing the economic situation with narrow parameters.
Instead he encouraged Bahamians to “see the importance of a transforming experience for ourselves”.
“So there are new opportunities in abundance for Bahamians who would wish to move to the new frontiers of development,” he said.
The nation’s leader said perhaps the most vital tool for The Bahamas taking the lead in the global market rested in the preparedness of the Bahamian populace.
He said training and education in all sectors in the country need to be embraced.
“There are areas in our national life where we have to do better,” he said.
He said Bahamians need to elevate their learning to become adept individuals in the workplace and ultimately the global market.
“Notwithstanding our size,” said Mr. Christie, “once we understand who we are then it is just natural for us to understand the need to help one another and to help one another become the best we can.”
The conference will conclude on Saturday with breakout sessions to allow the delegates to get hands-on experience in computer systems operation.
By Lakeisha McSweeney, The Nassau Guardian
