The Tribune

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) new retail strategy will create more small business opportunities for qualified entrepreneurs, the company's chief executive believes Geoff Houston. The company recently launched its Pioneer's Way retail store in Grand Bahama, and Geoff Houston said: "As you know, BTC has said that as it moves around the archipelago updating outdated stores and upgrading the network, it will make many of those stores and many smaller retail outlets available to qualified entrepreneurs." The company has announced that it will open as many as 50 stores throughout the Bahamas, most of them to be owned and operated by Bahamian entrepreneurs. Minister of Public Works, Neko Grant, who was present for the opening, said: "We are grateful that this project by BTC to demolish and rebuild has resulted in the creation of various job opportunities on Grand Bahama. "I am told that during the life of the project to recreate this area now occupied by the store, approximately 100 Grand Bahamians in the construction industry were employed to complete necessary works. As Minister of Public Works, I have been impressed by the reports regarding the efficiency of the work schedule of this project to renovate this 2,000 square foot space." Beyond employment for construction workers, the renovation project provided an opportunity for a Bahamian artist and graphics company to produce a life-size mural, a significant design element featured in the store. Lamaro Smith and FDK Laminators & Graphic Design were commissioned to produce the 216-square foot mural of fishermen, entitled Bonefishing in the West. Additional persons were hired to serve as event hosts, hostesses, caterers, performers, security and customer service representatives during the grand opening weekend.