The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

It is refreshing to hear and read about Bahamians who are excelling in the business and professional world here in our wonderful nation. We have been so caught up in the woes of Dorian and the body blows inflicted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that often times I would wonder: ‘Where is the good news’?

Well in recent times we have seen the elevation of Timothy Smith to full partner at Mario Carey’s Real Estate and Better Homes. This is an amazing accomplishment in that Smith is under 30 years of age. He hails from a prominent real estate /business family. His father is Phil Smith of The Bahamas Feeding Network and a grandson of the founders and owners of Palmdale Furniture.

He has been the top broker/producer with his firm for quite sometime now and has brokered real estate deals in the multiple million dollars range. He and his associates are also the owners of a truck rental business which has seen its initial fleet expanded. No doubt, he will go on to even greater heights considering his tender age and excellent mentors in the form of his parents and his associates at Mario Carey’s Real Estate. Kudos to you brother Timothy and all the best going forward.

A newly established farming entity Eden Farms has been launched at the Airport Industrial park by two young Bahamians, Messrs. Lincoln Deal and Carlos Palacious. I first met Deal some years ago when I hosted ‘Real Talk Live’ on MORE 94.9 FM. From then to now, he’s been brimming over with entrepreneurial ideas and actual projects. I do not yet know young Palacious, but I have followed his stellar career in coastal management and other ventures. I believe that he is a son of Reverend Dr Angela Palacious and Archdeacon James ‘Jimmy’ Palacious.

They partnered and came up with the very novel idea of hydrophonic farming in shipping containers! This method allows them to use the same, specially designed and outfitted to grow leaf vegetables in commercial quantities. Not only is this good for them and their business partners but it guarantees selected produce for local restaurants like Manuelo’s, et al, and food stores. I would urge Bahamians to patronise their business Big Time. Food security at affordable prices and utilisation of scarce land is of paramount importance.

It is my hope that this current administration and the ones to come will encourage Bahamian entrepreneurs to become engaged in similar projects. Decades ago, one Minnis used to operate a fish farm up in Nassau Village for Talapia, a fresh water fish. Bahamian taste and preference back then did not accommodate the success of such a venture But now is the time to take a fresh look, pardon the pun, at fresh or salt water farming.

I do believe that the current Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, my good friend and fellow Fox Hillian, the Hon Michael Pintard (FNM-Marco City) is faring/agricultural friendly and I would urge all Bahamians who are interested in these areas to please contact him. With general elections just around the corner I have no doubt that both the Minister and the Prime Minister will be supportive of such ventures if only to make themselves look good.

Lastly, kudos go out to Dr Charles Diggis and his team up at Doctor’s Hospital. I have known of Dr Diggis at a distance for decades. He has evolved as one of our premier medical practitioners and executive. Doctor’s is recognised and board certified as the #1 health care provider here at home and in the region. Dr Diggis, along with Mr Barry Rassin, et all, inclusive of another good friend and benefactor, Mr Felix Stubbs, former Bahamian Managing Director at IBM (Bahamas) Limited and brother Sealey, have done a wonderful job at positioning their establishment as the ‘go to’ medical facility.

Now Doctor’s has announced that it is planning to raise some $12.5m through a Canadian based financial firm for investment and expansion purposes. That company has made it clear that it is making such an investment by purchasing unissued shares mainly because of the stellar leadership of Chairman Felix Stubbs and Dr Diggis, et al. This injection of funds is not to service any outstanding loans or obligations, but for pure new investments.

I would be remiss if I did not give honorable mention to the Watson family at AID. This automotive supply company, inter alia, is committed to quality parts and great customer service. The company has been around for a number of years and has gone from strength to strength under the Watsons’ leadership.

In the midst of the pandemic AID is rapidly completing a brand new store on Blue Hill Road. The contractors are doing a wonderful job at that store which should be opened by this summer if not before. AID has also expanded into the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre and is about to open a flagship store in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

These individuals and businesses besides providing good and well paying jobs for Bahamians are true nation builders who are fearless and determined to make a difference in the economy of this nation regardless of COVID, Dorian or come what may. Kudos to these Bahamian entrepreneurs. To God, however, in all of theses things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr

Nassau,

February 27, 2021.