This was announced by Chamber President Gwendolyn Newbold at the chamber’s annual installation of officers banquet held on Saturday night at the Westin at Our Lucaya.
Headed by Dr. Doswell Coakley, a director of the Chamber, the “think tank”team includes Mrs. Newbold and Grand Bahama Port Authority executive Carey Leonard, who is also a director of the Chamber.
“The plans will include investment attraction, economic, social, infra-structural and educational and labour issues,” Mrs. Newbold told Chamber members and their guests.
She saids a a clear, concise plan for development is these areas and a few others is “necessary for our future economic success.”
“My contention has always aligned with the adage that you’re either a part of the solution, or a part of the problem,” Mrs. Newbold said. “The board of the Chamber of Commerce feels it is time that as stakeholders in this community, we present our vision to the powers that be with the full expectation that the efforts will be appreciated and adopted.”
Disclosing a few of the Chamber’s plan for the upcoming year, Mrs. Newbold noted that a thorough study of the impact of FTAA, WTO and CSME on licensees of the Grand Bahama Port Authority under the Hawksbill Creek agreement is a set objective for this year.
“Under the agreement, licensees are an equal partner to the GBPA in any negotiations which potentially alters their rights, benefits or obligations
under the agreement,” the Chamber president explained.
She added that because licensees are “not united and not fully aware of their position,” they are often left out of discussions on issues that impact them.
“The Chamber proposes to open the study sessions and results to all members throughout the year,” Mrs. Newbold said. “The scriptures state that … people perish for the lack of knowledge … Well businesses perish too.”
The president said that the Chamber will endeavor to do all possible to provide Grand Bahama businessmen with the opportunity to gain knowledge through hosting informative seminars.
Explaining the mandate of a Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Newbold said that it is to keep its membership informed of legislative, societal and global issues that will impact the businesses and the economy within which it operates.
She added that the Chamber should also provide networking opportunities and provide access of it membership to those individuals that have legislative or regulatory authority within the jurisdiction.
“As your new board we are committed to do just that,” she said.
Lemuel Sweeting, second vice-president of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, performed the installation ceremony for the incoming officers.
By Barbara Walkin, The Nassau Guardian
