The Tribune

US Embassy officials met with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) last week during a visit to the island.

The Embassy’s new political, economic and commercial chief, David Allen, accompanied by political officer, Yancy Caruthers, and Hank Ferguson, its economic specialist, met with several GBPA executives.

They included GBPA president Ian Rolle; Deann Seymour, its chief financial officer, and senior business development manager, Derek Newbold.

Mr Rolle said talks focused on key issues relating to the island’s economic growth, the attraction of new projects, and opportunities for trade missions to Grand Bahama.

“We were pleased to host the visit of Mr Allen, in his new capacity as political, economic and commercial chief, and we look forward to working with him over the course of his tenure,” Mr Rolle said.

“He has shared some exciting opportunities that could be of great benefit to the island, which we will definitely pursue.”

Visiting officials were given a tour of the city’s industrial and commercial sectors, which was preceded by a detailed ‘Invest Grand Bahama’ presentation given by Mr Newbold.

“Grand Bahama has a great deal to offer by way of investment opportunities,” Mr Newbold explained, as he provided an extensive overview of the island’s tourism, commercial and industrial sectors.

“Freeport offers significant investment incentives to businesses in a broad range of sectors. Areas such as real estate development, alternative energy, near-shore logistics and valued addition services are all growth sectors we are working vigorously to promote. We welcome opportunities to attract investors who can add value to these areas.”

Mr Rolle added: “We have enjoyed a very beneficial, ongoing relationship with Embassy officials in the past. I’m certain that our relationship with Mr Allen will be no different, and will produce great results not only for Grand Bahama but the entire country.”