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Community : Service Organizations : GB Chamber of Commerce Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM


Grand Bahama Chamber installs new president and board of directors
By Raquel Hart
Feb 22, 2012 - 11:26:28 AM

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GB Chamber installation banquet on February 18th, 2012. Front: The Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson, Mr. K. Peter Turnquest, Mrs. Leigh Termath, Mrs. Tanya Carey, Mrs. Lisa Turnquest, Prime Minister, Mr. John Swain, Mr. Tony Lopez, Mr. Wayne Russell Back: Mr. Charles Pratt, Mr. Ivan Chestnut, Mr. Terrance Carey

Freeport, Grand Bahama – Under the theme, ‘ Reset, Restart, and Restore’; Mr. John Swain, Senior Manager of Deloitte, was officially installed as President of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. 

It was evening set with much pomp and pageantry as the Grand Bahama business community converged on the ballroom of the Grand Lucayan in support of the new President and the Board of Directors of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce.

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham also showed his support of the Grand Bahama business community as he extended congratulations to the President and the Board of Directors during the Jazz and Art Welcome Reception.

According to the incoming President, he is of the view that the economy of Grand Bahama will get better and that things will turn around; but we can’t wait for this to come to us – we have to be proactive and productive. ‘We cannot allow the times we live in to define us, we have to define the times!” Mr. Swain further stated in the coming months, the agenda will include initiatives that will spur economic growth and provide opportunities for new businesses. The Chamber is currently working to strengthen our small and medium size businesses providing funding through grant opportunities which currently exists; as well as training and other resources. He emphasized that Chamber is working closely with the Government of the Bahamas and quasi-government authorities as the effort is made to address the decline in our tourist sector. Additionally, the Chamber will be working with the industrial sector to secure their presence on the island and ensure that trade agreements address their interests and concerns.  He closed in stating that he is ready to work to see things change and new things happen. He once again encouraged Grand Bahamians to Reset, Restart and be Restored.

The installing officer, immediate past President, Mr. K. Peter Turnquest, gave a timely charge to the incoming officers to be committed to the task although it can be challenging.

The evening’s power speaker was Bahamian born and raised Mr. Fred Perpall, Managing Director of the Beck Group in Atlanta. Mr. Perpall, who was recently name to the 100 Black Men of Atlanta Inc., addressed the audience on current trending in business. He explained the difference in the mentality of entrepreneurs and investors and that the Grand Bahama community needs both to thrive. He encouraged specialized services, niche markets and having the right conversations to bring about the necessary changes to grow the economy. He concluded by saying he sees a bright future on the horizon for Grand Bahama.

The Installation banquet was also graced by Mr. Winston Rolle, President of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and other officials.

Amidst great prizes and entertainment by the Grand Bahama Youth Choir, Raquel Oliver and the Grand Bahama Police Pop band, the overriding message was one of hope for growth of the Grand Bahama’s economy which is contingent on the involvement of ALL to Reset, Restart and be Restored!

Board of Directors 2011- 2012

Mr. John Swain – President

Mr. Tony Lopez – 1st Vice President

Mrs. Lisa G. Turnquest – 2nd Vice President

Mr. Wayne Russell – Treasurer

Mrs. Tanya Carey – Secretary

Mrs. Donna Laing Jones – Director

Mr. Christopher Baker – Director

Mr. Terrance Carey – Director

Mr. Ivan Chestnut – Director

Ms. Raquel Beneby-Hart – Director

Mr. Charles Pratt – Director

Mr. Manuel Ruiz – Director

Mrs. Leigh Termath – Director

Mr. Randy Thompson – Director

Mr. Jacy Whittaker – Director

Mrs. Mercynth Ferguson – Executive Director  
 


The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce is an action agency designed to meet community needs. It is a voluntary organization of individuals and businesses that band together to advance the commercial, financial, industrial, civic interests of a community. It is a civic clearinghouse, public relations counselor, a legislative representative at the local and national levels of government, an information bureau and a research and promotion medium.

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