The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE opening of two new businesses in Freeport by Bahamians is a sign of investor confidence in the Grand Bahama economy, according to Grand Bahama Minister, Dr Michael Darville.

Dr Darville attended the official openings on Friday of the Pineyard Technical Centre, Oak Street, and Emporium Caskets, Settler’s Way, and commended the business entrepreneurs – both men – for creating employment opportunities which will help to revitalise Grand Bahama’s economy.

Emporium Distributors Bahamas is a business specialising in caskets, urns, accessories, tent rentals and printing services and occupies the old Savemore Building. Proprietor LaQuay Laing, who is also an attorney, invested $100,000 to start the business, which employs three Bahamians.

“In our country today, we are constantly bombarded with negative images of our Bahamian men,” Dr Darville said. “Yet today we are witnessing the achievement of a young Bahamian male, who has stepped out on faith and is now making positive strides to empower himself and others.”

Dr Darville said services provided by Emporium Caskets would not be limited to Grand Bahama, but would also be available at affordable prices to people in the Family Islands and New Providence.

“Death is inevitable and though not a pleasant experience, it is one that we all will encounter, and therefore this type of business is providing products and services that are not always readily welcomed, but are essential,” he said.

“This ribbon cutting ceremony is a testament of investor confidence in Grand Bahama. I appreciate the confidence that Mr Laing has demonstrated in the Bahamian economy, the economy of Grand Bahama and the economic policies of the Bahamas Government.”

Pineyard Technical Centre is a private training facility that will provide training for young people in various technical areas. Commending Edney Anderson Dr Darville said the programmes offered at the centre will be aligned with the National Training Agency. He said the centre will help to provide those individuals who have fallen through the cracks gain technical skills that are in demand in the industrial sector.