GB Chamber of Commerce
Grand Bahama Chamber Installation "Catalyst for Change"
By Sarah Kirkby, GB Chamber of Commerce
Feb 22, 2013 - 2:21:28 PM

February 16th, the local business community of Grand Bahama came out to induct its new Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2012/13. 13 directors were sworn in at a cocktail party that was heralded as a "catalyst" to get the island back on track. Pictured (left to right) front row: Randy Thompson, Mercynth Ferguson, Ivan Chestnut, Donna Jones, Fiona Bellott Daniels, President Barry Malcolm, Tish Simmons, Lisa Tunquest, Terrance Carey, Raquel Beneby-Hart and Charles Pratt. Top row: Sarah Kirkby, Tony Lopez and Leigh Termath (not present Jacy Whittaker and Manuel Ruiz). Photo: Derek Carroll

Freeport, Bahamas – On February 16th the local business community of Grand Bahama came out to induct its new Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2012/13.  Held in the Delphine’s Lounge of the Canal House at Pelican Bay Hotel, 13 directors were sworn in at a gala cocktail party that was heralded as a ‘catalyst’ to get the island back on track.

The evening’s formalities centered around the official induction of Mr. Barry J. Malcolm as President and the Board of Directors who represent a unique cross section of the Grand Bahama business community.  The speeches were deliberately kept brief and the atmosphere was light and inviting.  Second Vice President and Chairman of the event, Lisa G. Turnquest brought welcome remarks saying, “This event will hopefully stir the process of change which we so desperately need here in Grand Bahama,” she explained. “By demonstrating how the utilization of individual creativity, mixed with an embracing of unique talents and skills and the application of hard work can and will result in ultimate success and enjoyment.”

Turnquest continued “I know that I echo sentiments of the other 13 directors on this year’s board and our President when I say we in Grand Bahama can no longer do the same, think the same, or be the same any longer, because as John Lilly once said - our only security is our ability to change.”

Against that backdrop and the “Catalyst” theme the evening took complete departure from the usual installation banquet format. The board was officially sworn in and Former Senator and newly elected President, Barry J. Malcolm addressed the crowd.  Malcolm summarized Grand Bahama‘s current economic status and echoed his Vice–president’s comments that change must come and Grand Bahamian’s also must help build the economic future we all want for our Island.

“I challenge you all,” said Malcolm. “We must realize that not one stakeholder here has all the answers and we must be willing to hear and consider other ideas.  Only if we are willing can we identify and make such necessary choices as to effect the development and sustained economic growth we all desire.”

He noted that he and his directors have been mandated by its members to “consolidate licensee engagement, advise concerns of industry, support small business growth, engage its regulators (GBPA), engage policy makers and be open, constructive and creative.”

With that Malcolm thanked the large and diverse crowd for the wonderful support and ended official business for the night. The evening then turned very lively as guests hit the dance floor for non-work related networking.

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce installation event organizers hope that this function will help more local businesses to see the Chamber’s leadership as approachable and accessible. The quality of the Chamber is only as good as the members who make it up. The more businesses that join the Chamber of Commerce, the more varied the input. This in turn will help the Chamber become stronger in order to be a real voice and advocate for the business community. Grand Bahama is encouraged to stay tuned in to the GBCC and to look forward to more dynamic events  this year as they seek to become the catalyst for positive change on this island.


The Grand Bahama Chamber is an action agency designed to advance businesses and the community in the areas commercial, financial, industrial and civic needs. The "Chamber" is a voluntary organization of individuals and businesses who band together to advance the commercial, financial industrial and civic interests of a community.

Mission: “To provide the network, to sustain, promote and support business development in an effort to encourage growth and expansion in the Grand Bahama economy and within a healthy and clean community environment.”

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