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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President, Barry Malcolm welcomed the Haitian delegation during an official visit to Grand Bahama. Pictured are His Excellency A. Antonio Rodrigue, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of The Republic Of Haiti, President of the GB Chamber of Commerce, Barry Malcolm, the Haiti delegation and members of the GB Chamber Board of Directors. The Chamber hosted a lunch for the Ambassador and were invited to Haiti to see the progress on the island and to encourage a mutual economic development and trade programs between the islands.
(Photo: Derek Carroll)
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Freeport, Grand Bahama - Last Friday the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) welcomed His Excellency A. Antonio Rodrigue, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of The Republic Of Haiti to its offices. The Ambassador and his team were treated to a lunch along with GBCC President, Barry Malcolm and his board of directors.
"We are honoured today to welcome his Excellency to our chamber," said GBCC President Malcolm. "Having worked in Haiti during my career and knowing the country and the challenges it faces, we at the Chamber are pleased to connect with his team and create a synergy between us."
Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President, Barry Malcolm is pictured with the Haitian delegation during their lunch at the Chamber offices. "We are honoured today to welcome his Excellency to our chamber," said GBCC President Malcolm. "Having worked in Haiti during my career and knowing the country and the challenges it faces, we at the Chamber are pleased to connect with his team and create a synergy between us."
(Photo: Derek Carroll)
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Ambassador Rodrigue spoke to the guests in attendance and thanked them for their time and generosity in welcoming his and his team. "We are very pleased to be with you today," said Rodrigue. "Our countries have identical demographics and we hope to encourage a mutual economic development and trade programs between us." The Ambassador then discussed currently economic conditions in his country and highlighted Haiti's growth since the earthquakes in the last decade. He noted that 80% of the public had returned to living in their homes with 95% of the degree collateral collected. He was very pleased to note the return of 1.25M children to free education.
"We have repaired and built new ports and I am pleased to say our new airport reopened last month," explained the Ambassador. "We are here inviting Bahamians to invest and to explore business opportunities in our country, we are serious about investments and our future." He noted that the Bahamas Chamber in Nassau had visited Haiti and he invited the Grand Bahama Chamber to do the same. Each guest was also giving a guide to "Doing Business in Haiti" and allowed time to meet with the Ambassador and his team.
The recent natural disasters in Haiti have created opportunity out of tragedy. Their government and the international community have earmarked millions of dollars for rebuilding and growth. This is a virgin country that is full of potential. Opportunities in tourism, manufacturing, shipping, building, agriculture, handicrafts and almost all other areas of business abound. Given our close relationship, geographically and culturally, there appears to be many good reasons for the Bahamas and Haiti to work together for mutual benefit.
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