The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE City of Concord, North Carolina, is interested in establishing a sister city relationship with Freeport, raising the possibility of bringing top level stock car racing to Grand Bahama.

Officials of the City of Concord Sister Cities Association are in Freeport on a three-day fact-finding mission. On Monday John Dunlap, president of Concord Sister Cities Association, Rosemary Loftus, the past president, and Jim Loftus paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville. The Grand Bahama Port Authority hosted the Concord officials to dinner at the Flying Fish Restaurant.

According to Ginger Moxey, president and CEO of Immerse Bahamas, the sister city relationship with Concord aims to foster educational, business, tourism and humanitarian exchanges.

“The opportunity for an even greater push toward NASCAR racing for Grand Bahama Island is exciting,” said Mrs Moxey. “It is anticipated that once an agreement is signed, there will be many spin-off benefits for our island.”

Mrs Moxey said Immerse Bahamas is a member of Sister Cities International, formed in 1956 by President Dwight D Eisenhower. President Barack Obama, the current US President, serves as Honorary Chairman.

Sister Cities International advances peace and prosperity through cultural, educational, humanitarian and economic development exchanges. Immerse Bahamas is charged with developing sister city relationships with all islands of The Bahamas and cities within the US. Twin town relationships are also being formed with other countries.

Immerse Bahamas is a new company, specialising in destination management that focuses on lifelong relationships and repeat visitors. The company also promotes and develops authentic Bahamian experiences for visitors to the Bahamas.

Perry Christie, the Prime Minister, is expected to officially open the Immerse Bahamas offices on Bank Lane, Freeport, on June 30.