The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HUNDREDS packed the convention centre at the Grand Lucayan Resort yesterday for the first ever Grand Bahama Technology Summit opened by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who revealed that legislation has been put forth to enable new technology businesses to come to the island.

The government, according to Dr Minnis, has recently tabled the Commercial Enterprise Bill which, once passed, will streamline business applications and adapt immigration policy.

"Grand Bahama is certainly open for business and welcomes international business representatives, particularly those from Google, Microsoft and HP to discover what this island has to offer," Dr Minnis said.

"I also want to encourage Bahamian professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs, at home and abroad, to establish your businesses here at home," he said.

He believes Grand Bahama is uniquely suited to become an internationally recognised science, technology, and innovation hub, and highlighted the recent soft opening of a technology development centre in Grand Bahama by Carnival Corporation for its Ocean Medallion Project, which involves the manufacturing of cutting edge technology for the cruise industry.

The two-day summit - themed 'Making Grand Bahama the Gateway to Innovation and Technology' - features some talented individuals in the information and technology industry, including people from Google, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft and Silicon Valley.

During his keynote address, Dr Minnis indicated "a new day is on the horizon for Grand Bahama".

"This island has endured many struggles. But today there is the promise of a new and exciting future for Grand Bahama," he said.

"The government of The Bahamas has embarked on a mission to establish Grand Bahama as a world-renowned technology hub."

With some of the brightest minds in technology at the summit, Dr Minnis said the meetings would be instrumental in the strategic planning process of promoting the information and technology industry.

He believes Grand Bahama's proximity to the US, its modern and superior infrastructure, as well as reliable electricity supply and high-speed internet, makes it attractive for international business, such as the Freeport Container Port.

Dr Minnis said that it is the deepest container terminal in the region, and serves as a major transshipment hub between the US, Latin America, and Europe.

He also said the country has a stable democracy, committed to the rule of law, with one of the best banking systems in the region.

Dr Minnis noted that government would embrace the expertise of Bahamians, including some in Silicon Valley, who are at the cutting edge of innovation and technology, to establish and develop Grand Bahama as a technology hub.

He also noted that the development of Bahamian human capacity through education and training is very important to realising this goal.

"I am therefore pleased that the Grand Bahama campus of the University of The Bahamas is playing an active role in this summit," he said.

"I am also pleased that there are many high school students present today. We are encouraging students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and information technology," said Dr Minnis.

The prime minister told participants about the recent soft-opening in Grand Bahama of the Carnival Corporation's Ocean Medallion Project, which has provided employment opportunities for Bahamians.

He noted the cruise line has identified Grand Bahama as the ideal location for the manufacture of the Ocean Medallion concierge system.

"This interactive technology will change the cruise industry," he said. "Its development centre in Grand Bahama will provide an avenue for Bahamian IT and electrical technicians to gain employment in their fields. I congratulate those who were recently hired and are being trained in this technology.

"Grand Bahama will now be the place where industry meets technology. In many ways, it is a new beginning," the prime minister said. "The government will closely follow your discussions, and the recommendations following this summit."

He also said: "Our jurisdiction will be promoted as a cybersecurity hub to operate in Grand Bahama."

Presenters on the first day of the conference were Kristie Powell of Google, Bahamian Dr Gardyn Higgs of Silicon Valley, Xerxes Beharry of Microsoft, and Sebastian Tickle of itelbpo Smart Solutions.