The Tribune

Due to the impact of Hurricane Matthew on some areas of the Bahamas, the highly anticipated International Women’s Empowerment Summit (IWES), initially scheduled for October 21 – 22, has been postponed until the first half of 2017.

Director General at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Joy Jibrilu noted that the damage caused by the hurricane on the islands of Grand Bahama and Andros, and in some areas of New Providence, has changed the country’s focus to reconstruction.

“The impact of the hurricane on the country, especially our most affected islands, has resulted in catastrophic damage, with severe devastation and losses even among our own staff.

“As a result, we are in disaster recovery mode and all efforts are centred on rebuilding. Therefore, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has taken the difficult decision to postpone the event,” said Mrs Jibrilu.

Current registrants will be given the option to receive a refund or to have their registration rolled over to the new date, which will be communicated shortly.

Guests that were scheduled to attend included Africa’s second richest woman, the daughter of TD Jakes, and some of the Bahamas’ most successful businesswomen.

Mrs Jibrilu said she hopes for understanding as the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism shifts its focus to relief and rebuilding efforts.

“We hope that all those persons from around the world who were looking forward to IWES understand the situation that we are facing, and are willing and able to attend in 2017. IWES will return, with many exciting speakers on the line-up,” she said.

The IWES is a forum for women professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world and the Caribbean to meet, inspire and learn from each other.

Persons interested in attending the rescheduled IWES can visit www.bahamasiwesummit.com to stay updated.

For further information on our disaster relief efforts, or to make a contribution, please visit www.bahamas.com/relief.