Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville on Friday applauded AML Food Stores for the opening of its new Solomon’s Lucaya store.
He said that the new Solomon’s Lucaya retail food store has unquestionably filled a void that existed in Freeport after the closure of City Market Food Store at the Sea Horse Shopping Plaza.
“The residents of Lucaya, including myself are pleased to once again have a beautiful, well stocked retail food store in close proximity to our residential community.
“Therefore on behalf of government and all of us at the Ministry of Grand Bahama, we would like to express our gratitude to the CEO and Executives of AML Foods for continuously investing into our local economy,” he said.
Mr. Darville told the gathering assembled in the parking lot of the Sea Horse Plaza for the official opening that as Minister for Grand Bahama, it is his ministry’s responsibility to synergistically work with all of his collogues and private sector partners to ensure that the specific needs of the residents of Grand Bahama are identified and addressed while focusing on ways to revitalise the local economy.
He said AML Foods stands as a remarkable success story in business and entrepreneurship and that since its startup in 1989, the Bahamian owned company has grown by leaps and bounds.
He noted that with annual sales just short of $100 million, the company has certainly become a major engine that drives the retail food sector and by extension the Bahamian economy.
Further, he said that AML Foods has demonstrated its commitment to Grand Bahama and its economy by opening a sister location to its wholesale location on Queen’s Highway.
Dr. Darville said this has not only pumped $3.9 million into the local economy, but has provided jobs for 62 full time employees, approximately 25 part time staff, contractors and associates.
“This investment, in my opinion is a testament of investor confidence in Grand Bahama, despite the challenges we currently face in our local economy,” he said.
Continuing, he told the many directors and shareholders assembled that the confidence the company has demonstrated in the Bahamian economy, the economy of Grand Bahama and in the government’s economic policies, is appreciated.
The Minister for Grand Bahama said he was advised that AML has announced plans to add the Carl’s Jr. franchise to its Domino’s Pizza franchise and that was also certainly good news.
“As business leader, the vision and confidence which you have demonstrated through these expansions will inspire other entrepreneurs to follow your example. Therefore, I am optimistic that more developments of this nature are on the horizon, which will create employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians,” he stated.
He also told the store owners that he is aware that like many other businesses across Grand Bahama, the cost of electricity continues to be a challenge to their profitability.
“I can assure you that the government is moving with a sense of urgency through my Ministry and the Ministry of the Environment to identify suitable sources of alternative and sustainable energy, be it solar, bio fuels or ocean thermal energy.
“I am convinced that if businesses are to remain profitable and if Grand Bahama is to remain competitive as a premier tourism destination and industrial centre, we must find a way to reduce the cost of electricity,” Mr. Darville said.
The Minister for Grand Bahama further stated that in addition, the government is putting the necessary legislation in place to ensure that the regulatory body complies with government policy.
“That is why we have established a National Energy Policy that will reduce and eventually alleviate the use of liquid fossil fuels to generate electricity. This will undoubtedly reduce energy costs and increase profit margins for businesses across Grand Bahama,” he stated.
He also told store owners that he was pleased to hear that the residential community and visitors are supporting the store and are very pleased with the quality of service and products.
By Simon Lewis
Bahamas Information Services
