The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

SCOTIABANK (Bahamas) top executive yesterday said he will focus on technology solutions for the country’s financial services access ills at next week’s Business Outlook conference.

Roger Archer, also the bank’s vice-president and district head for the northern Caribbean, told a conference preview that providing physical banking services in the Family Islands was especially challenging because of the high costs involved.

“Serving the Family Islands is a challenge because the cost is extremely high to service,” he explained. Mr Archer said he will discuss using technology to evolve the Bahamas’ banking system and changes that have already been made. “Another key point that we will consider is the impact of technology and communications on financial services. This is a game changer,” he added.

Mr Archer’s address will take place during the conference’s first session, which is titled ‘Forward: Moving ahead with purpose and speed’. It will focus on how The Bahamas can progress in business, banking and technology. Joan Albury, TCL Group’s president, and the Business Outlook’s main organiser, said of next Thursday’s event: “I think it is going to be extremely insightful, exciting and very, very important.”

Amber Carey, Cable Bahamas and Aliv’s vice-president for consumer solutions and marketing, said she will next week discuss ways this nation can progress in technology and communications during her presentation. “We are significantly invested in our Family Islands because we think that investment is key to growth,” she added.

Vivian Moultrie, one of the composers of The Bahamas’ national motto, will recount how this was developed during the lunch session plus discuss the future of Bahamian educational, scientific and technological advances in a fast-evolving world.

Also speaking will be George Smith, special advisor to the 50th anniversary celebrations; Christel Sands-Feaste, partner, Higgs & Johnson; Toni B. Seymour, chief operations officer, Bahamas Power & Light; Neko Meicholas and Patricia Glinton-Meicholas, principals, Guanima Press; Erik Rolland, president and chief executive, University of The Bahamas; Robert Sweeting, chief executive, Fli Drone; Dion Cunningham, pianist and educator; Dennis Deveaux, chief financial officer, Doctors Hospital Health Systems; Karen Panton, executive director, Bahamas Protected Areas Fund; Karlos Mackey, chief executive, MoneyMaxx; and Haldane Chase, professor emeritus, University of The Bahamas.