District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce Visits The Bahamas

Mutually beneficial business and investment opportunities are envisaged

A District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce delegation, headed by President Vincent Orange, visited The Bahamas from Monday, April 29th to Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 to explore mutually beneficial business, trade, and investment opportunities with the members of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC).

The Bahamas Trade Mission took place as a result of a BCCEC led Trade Mission to Washington, DC, in partnership with the Bahamas Embassy in Washington, DC, in March of 2018. During that Mission, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the DC and Baltimore Chambers and the BCCEC, and a commitment was made to ensure that a reciprocal Trade Mission took place in the near term.

Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, brought remarks on behalf of the government.

After several months of planning, the group arrived safely in Nassau and kicked off their week with a Welcome Networking Reception at Luciano’s of Chicago. The reception was attended by BCCEC Executives, Directors, and members, the local business community, and government officials. Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, brought remarks on behalf of the government. There were also remarks from His Excellency Sidney Collie, Ambassador, Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States; His Excellency Vincent Orange, President of the DC Chamber of Commerce; and Jeffrey Beckles, Chief Executive Officer of the BCCEC.

The delegation makes a call on the Governor General

The delegation makes a Courtesy Call on Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling

The second day of the Trade Mission began with a Courtesy Call on Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling followed by an all-day business meeting at the British Colonial Hilton where the delegation benefited from presentations outlining businesses opportunities throughout the country.

The following organizations gave presentations: Small Business Development Centre; Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources; McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes; Ministry of Financial Services, Trade and Industry, and Immigration; Grand Bahama Development Company Limited; Bahamas Financial Services Board; and Darville Wong Realty.

Two members of the delegation also provided an overview of their businesses – the CEO’s of Black Mermaid’s Bath & Body and Smith & Sons, LLC.

The Mission included business matchmaking sessions and site tours

Business Matchmaking Sessions

After the business presentations, a business matchmaking session took place which allowed members of the delegation to meet with local business persons in their related fields for a series of scheduled 15-minute meetings. The day ended with a networking lunch and tour of The Pointe.

During the remaining days of the Trade Mission, the delegation toured Baha Mar, Arawak Port Development Company Ltd., Cable Bahamas, Pompey Museum, John Watlings, and Graycliff Humidor where they were able to engage with senior staff and also network.

The BCCEC is certain that the experience was of great benefit to the delegation and looks forward to continued partnership with the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce in the future.