The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

NEWCO opened its new administrative office and call centre in Freeport on Friday, providing 30 new jobs for Bahamians in Grand Bahama.

The new mobile provider unveiled its new brand, Aliv, to guests and pledged to provide meaningful experiences to customers to earn a place as a “digital lifestyle partner of the Bahamas”.

The new call centre in Freeport employs 22 customer care representatives and will serve as the company’s national call centre. Richard Stanton serves as the general manager in Freeport.

NewCo has 22 cell sites in Grand Bahama and plans to install more in East and West Grand Bahama. Its roll-out has been completed in record time, the company said. 

At the opening ceremony on the second floor of the Cable Bahamas building on The Mall, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville called the opening historic because it demonstrates the cellular phone liberalisation in the Bahamas. 

He said that in April, 2014, a cellular liberalisation task force was formed by government, charting the way forward for the opening up the market. After a lengthy process, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) announced that Cable Bahamas emerged as the successful bidder.

Dr Darville said the liberalisation of the cellular phone industry is necessary to provide competition in the communications sector and affordable accessibility to mobile broadband technology to the public.

“As minister I am excited to be part of the official opening of NewCo’s office in Freeport. This opening is a reminder that, despite the devastating effects of Matthew, economic development and job creation are paramount to economic resurgence of the local economy,” he said.

He said that since coming to office, the Progressive Liberal Party administration has helped to revitalise the island by passing the landmark Grand Bahama Incentive Bill, advancing capital works projects on the island, extending duty free concessions to East and West Grand Bahama, which has positively impacted the island’s economy.

“The government is fully committed to the advancement of progressive economic policies, inclusive of the creation of new business services and expanding the industrial sector, while creating employment an entrepreneurial opportunities,” he said.

Dr Darville was impressed with the dynamic leadership at NewCo and about its progressive plans for the island.

He indicated that the opening call centre as promised represents a major investment in the local economy and creation of job opportunities for 30 Bahamians in Grand Bahama.

“I would wish to extend congratulations to Cable Bahamas and the NewCo team, and its leadership for the successful bid and investing in the people of our country, particularly Grand Bahama,” Dr Darville said.

Allison Levarity, a Newco executive, unveiled the company’s brand Aliv. “Without our team we could not have gotten to his point, a record roll out target,” she said.

Mrs Levarity said the company recruited the best talent locally and the best telecom consultants in the world. “Today is a day we should be proud of. Today we make history," she said.

Also attending the opening was Peter Turnquest, Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement, Ian Rolle, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd, and Peter Pinder, Grand Bahama Christian Council president.