The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) will take a position with respect to gaming at the upcoming conclave with its sister bodies, its chairman saying it was in support of “free enterprise”.

“Gaming is one of those very emotive issues; we saw that during the referendum,” said BCCEC chairman Chester Cooper. “We will leave the politics of it to the Government.

“We support free enterprise. The Chamber will take a position with respect to gaming, in particular, during the national conclave. This is one of the issues where we want to hear direct feedback from leaders across the Bahamas.

“Suffice to say we support free enterprise and empowerment of Bahamians. We believe that business that is available to foreign direct investment should be available for Bahamian investment. We support Bahamian empowerment and the advancement of Bahamians in every respect.”

The BCCEC is getting set to host the first National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce in the Bahamas. The conclave is set for April 2-3 at SuperClubs Breezes.

Participants will include Prime Minister Perry Christie, who will deliver the keynote address on public-private sector partnerships; minister of state for investments, Khaalis Rolle; minister of state for finance, Michael Halkitis; minister of financial aervices, Ryan Pinder, as well as private sector and industry leaders.