PM to lead-off Cat Island conference

THE PRIME Minister will deliver the keynote address when the Cat Island Business Outlook (CIBO) conference is held in-person for the first time next Thursday.

Philip Davis KC will present “a bold vision for Cat Island”, his constituency, during the event at Fernandez Bay Village in Smith’s Bay. The conference, to be held under the theme ‘Forward, Upward, Onward, Together’, is being held in celebration of The Bahamas’ 50th Independence anniversary.

“We believe that Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay are some of the best-kept secrets of our archipelago, and that it is our national responsibility to support industry in those islands for the betterment of residents and the country at large,” said Joan Albury, TCL Group president and the conference host.

“We have spent time talking to Cat Island residents to find out what are the strengths, challenges and opportunities on Cat Island.

We have secured the participation of stakeholders with a keen interest in these islands, and whose continual investments prove that our smaller Family Islands like Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay have something grand to offer.”

Presentations will also be made by Kenneth Romer, deputy director of tourism and acting director of aviation, at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, plus Bacchus Rolle, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Public Works & Utilities.

Other presenters include Tracey Boucher, vice-president of engineering, Cable Bahamas Business Solutions; Kimwood Mott, project manager, digital currency implementation, Central Bank of The Bahamas; Nikita Shiel-Rolle, founder and chief executive, Young Marine Explorers & Cat Island Conservation Institute; and a representative from the Lewis Family, part owners, Fernandez Bay Village.

Moderators will be Mark Daniels, associate principal - environmental, BRON Ltd; and K Karlos Mackey, founder, Orange Creek Redevelopment Partnership.

There will be two panel discussions. The tourism and hospitality panel, moderated by Kerry Fountain, executive director, Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board, will feature Yvonne Rolle, owner, Rollezz Beach Villas, and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Western Air Limited.

A panel on heritage and stakeholder engagement will feature Danson King, owner, Cat Island Experience Tours; Sidney Isaacs, public relations officer, Cat Island Rake N’ Scrape Festival Association; and other Cat Island stakeholders.

Mrs Albury said: “As we look forward to these important discussions, we are excited to showcase new speakers like the Lewis family, new part owners of Fernandez Bay Village. Since we expressed interest in hosting Cat Island Business Outlook at their property, they have been exceptional with accommodating us, which is most impressive considering that they have only recently taken ownership of the property.

“Likewise, I must also recognise Sherrexcia ‘Rexy’ Rolle, vice-president of operations and general counsel, Western Air, and her team who have gone above and beyond to accommodate us. Both organisations are offering special rates for Cat Island Business Outlook attendees. I must also thank Cable Bahamas Business Solutions for their continued support of the Bahamas Business Outlook series.”

The Cat Island Business Outlook is part of TCL Group’s Bahamas Business Outlook (BBO) conference series, which covers economic and social issues relevant to various islands of The Bahamas. Though focused on Cat Island, the conference also covers San Salvador and Rum Cay.

The Cat Island Business Outlook will run from 8.45am to 3.30pm on Thursday, May 18. Attendance in person is $75 or $50 via Zoom. Attendees can register at tclevents.com, and call 322-1000 to inquire about special Cat Island Business Outlook rates with Fernandez Bay Village and Western Air.