Photo: Derek Carroll

REMARKS   BY   THE HON. NEKO GRANT, MP MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORT     AT THE   OFFICIAL RE-OPENING OF JOHN BULL (GRAND BAHAMA STORE)   ON   FRIDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 2010   PORT LUCAYA MARKETPLACE FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA        

It is a pleasure for me to participate in this event that contributes to the further enhancement of product offerings at the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

Since its establishment in 1929, John Bull has built a solid reputation within The Bahamas’ business sector and internationally. Its product line has grown from its earlier days as a tobacco and toy shop, to the marketing and sale of a wide variety of designer goods to Bahamians and visitors alike. Since its earlier days, its number of store locations has also grown.  In addition to its flagship store on Bay Street and its boutique stores in Nassau and Paradise Island; John Bull has established stores in Harbour Island, Abaco, Bimini, Exuma as well as this store in Grand Bahama.   

Ladies and Gentlemen: In reflecting on the history of this store, it is interesting to note that its founders as well as its current management team have both confronted the challenges of an unfavorable economy with remarkable courage and entrepreneurial spirit.  At the time of John Bull’s establishment in 1929, The Bahamas’ economy was experiencing the effects of the depression.  Today, as The Bahamas’ economy weathers the current global downturn, John Bull has expanded this store in Grand Bahama, which boasts an even greater selection of products than its previous location.

Photo: Derek Carroll

We are grateful for this demonstration of confidence in the strength of our country’s economy and the contribution that it brings to the Grand Bahama community as a whole.  I am told that this larger store now employs six (6) persons, with the possibility of this number of employees increasing in the future.  It is also evident that the ‘new look’ of this store brings much delight to shoppers, as John Bull builds further on its reputation for meeting the needs of its customers.

Ladies and Gentlemen: On this occasion, I take this opportunity to congratulate the Principals of John Bull Ltd., on the expansion of this store, which is a substantial investment.  It is my hope that the John Bull Group of Companies will continue to maintain its position as the ‘shopping mecca of the Caribbean,’ and it now gives me great pleasure to declare this store officially open!