The Tribune

Haiti’s Ambassador to the Bahamas has undertaken a first official, fact-finding visit to Grand Bahama to coincide with the Bahamas International Investment and Business Forum.

Speaking about the visit of A. Antonio Rodrigue, GBPA chairman, Ian Fair, said: “Discussions at the forum parlayed nicely into our talks with the Haitian delegation.

“The main focus of the conference was maximising Grand Bahama’s potential as the destination of choice for foreign direct investments. Coincidentally, the visiting group was eager to discuss potential opportunities for partnerships between our two countries.”

Also on hand to welcome the group was GBPA president, Ian Rolle. “Owing to the sophisticated infrastructure that we have here, we see Freeport as a potential platform for Haiti to export its goods to the world. We’re here for our Caribbean neighbours, for them to make use of our trans-shipment facilities and advantage as a free trade zone for the mutual benefit of both our countries,” Mr Rolle said.

The possibility of packaging fruits grown in Haiti in Grand Bahama-based factories was touched on, as well as the option of Freeport serving as a distribution hub for Haitian handicrafts.

As dates near for the upcoming Caribbean Design Trade Show, to be held in Grand Bahama in June, it is expected that additional discussions will ensue as GBPA partners with the Ministry for Grand Bahama and other agencies to host this event.

Ambassador Rodrigue: said: “The reason why we’re here is because there are enormous possibilities we can develop and work on between Haiti and the Bahamas.

“The Port Authority plays a very important role in the development of the island, and we were happy to discuss possible commercial trade or business investment opportunities that will benefit everybody.”

A brief video, ‘Grand Bahama Island - Discover Endless Opportunities’, was viewed, prompting an invitation for GBPA officials to visit Haiti for a first-hand glimpse of possible areas of interest.

“It would be good for us to visit your country and see what exists there, so that we can speak more intellectually on synergies,” said Mr Fair.

“We’ve enjoyed a long association with Haiti, so whatever doors we can open we will be delighted to do so, to bring about an increase of trade in some form between Haiti and the Bahamas.”