Tour of Grand Bahama Shipyard – A tour of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, led personally by Mr. Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, provided remarkable insight into the day-to-day operations of the yard. Pictured from left to right: Mr. Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, CEO- Grand Bahama Shipyard, Sarah St. George, Director and His Excellency, Mr. Risto Piipponen, Ambassador of Finland

Police at Abaco are investigating a traffic accident that has left a 20 year old man of dead.The incident reportedly occurred shortly after 3:00 am on Sunday 18th December, 2011.According to police reports the deceased was driving a red Nissan Tida vehicle north along Don Mckay Boulevard, when he lost control and collided into a wall.

The victim was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by the local doctor. Active police investigations continue.

‘Gateway of the Americas’ – His Excellency toured the Freeport Container Port and surrounding businesses by boat. Pictured from left to right: Mr. James Turner, Commercial Manager – FCP Sarah St. George, Director, His Excellency, Mr. Risto Piipponen, Ambassador of Finland and Mrs. Sherry Brookes, Director of Corporate Affairs – FCP.

Sunday, 17th December, 2011 – Freeport – Grand Bahama - During a recent and first visit to Grand Bahama Island, His Excellency, Mr. Risto Piipponen, Ambassador of Finland, was treated to an overview tour of Grand Bahama Island, including Freeport’s industrial, commercial and touristic areas, which boast the many competitive advantages for doing business or pleasure in the 'Magic City'.

The visit, hosted by The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) served as an opportunity to create new relationships and strengthen existing ties which prove beneficial for both countries.  Ms. Sarah St. George, Director, Mr. Graham Torode, President and CEO of the Grand Bahama Development Company along with Mr. Charles Pratt, Commercial Manager for GBPA, provided the Ambassador with a detailed presentation regarding GBPA, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, and the many advantages of investing on Grand Bahama Island.

GBPA rolls out the ‘red carpet’ for Finish Ambassador - Welcoming His Excellency pictured left to right: Mr. Charles Pratt, Commercial Manager – GBPA, Sarah St. George Director, His Excellency Mr. Risto Piippopen – Ambassador of Finland and Mr. Graham Torode , President and CEO – the Grand Bahama Development Company.

Noting the island’s strategic location off the East coast of the United States, Mr. Torode shared how Grand Bahama’s growth over the past 50 plus years, can be attributed to its visionary leadership and astute business strategies of past and present GBPA administrations. “The story of the City of Freeport is amazing and its growth phenomenal.  The dredging of Freeport  Harbour, our partnership with Hutchison to create the Freeport Container Port, along with the Grand Bahama Shipyard facility,  and many others, are a short list of accomplishments that position Grand Bahama amongst the largest transshipment, logistics and maritime centres in the western hemisphere,” shared Mr. Torode.

A tour of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, led personally by fellow Finnish citizen, Mr. Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, provided remarkable insight into the day-to-day operations of the yard and its contributory role, not only to the global shipbuilding and repair industry but also to the local economy as a major employer.  Hailing from Finland, a country ranked amongst the top nations for shipbuilding globally, the Ambassador shared that there is great opportunity for exchange programs between the shipbuilding industry in Finland and the shipyard facility to share ideas, experience and training.

LOIPART Bahamas Ltd.: The Ambassador enjoys a brief tour of LOIPART Bahamas Ltd., a small but prominent provider of services to the Grand Bahama Shipyard for work on cruise vessels. His Excellency, Mr. Risto Piipponen, Ambassador of Finland (centre) is greeted by Mr. Marco Kalbus (right) regional manager for LOIPART, along with his associate.

The Shipyard tour was followed by what is described by the Ambassador as “a purely impressive” tour by boat of the Freeport Container Port and surrounding businesses. Hosted by Mrs. Sherry Brookes, Director of Corporate Affairs and Mr. James Turner, Commercial Manager for the Hutchison Group, this gave the Ambassador yet another glimpse of Freeport, as the ‘Gateway of the Americas’.

“Flying in over the city, you can see its detailed planning and well laid out developments” states His Excellency Piipponen. “I’m very much impressed with all that I have seen and I thank you for your gracious hospitality, it has been absolutely wonderful!”

The day of touring ended with a view of the Bahamian Brewery facility and a brief walk through of Loipart Bahamas Ltd., a small but prominent provider of services to the Grand Bahama Shipyard for work on cruise vessels.  Mr. Graham Torode hosted the Ambassador to lunch with a view of arriving and departing vessels at Pier 1. The Ambassador then toured the touristic and high-end residential developments Freeport.