The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

WOMEN will play an important role in the economic advancement of Grand Bahama, said Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson at the opening of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Conference on Monday evening.

FIDA’s 36th Triennial Convention is being held in the Bahamas for the first time at the Grand Lucayan Resort. Jethlyn Burrows is the first Bahamian international president. About 200 FIDA delegates from throughout the world have registered for the convention.

Mr Thompson, who delivered the keynote address, commended Mrs Burrows in her role as international president.

He shared with the delegates the opportunities and major developments that exist on Grand Bahama, particularly in the maritime sector and of the potential development of a technology industry on the island.

Mr Thompson believes women will play an important role in technology, politics, law, business and other industries.

He said The Bahamas has maintained a stable, democratic government since gaining independence in 1973 and the government is actively working to modernise policies and procedures to make it easier for international professionals to do business in Grand Bahama.

“We are currently engaged in discussions to adjust our immigration policies to ease the process of travel and gaining residency in The Bahamas, particularly for the technology industry,” he explained.

The minister said Grand Bahama has established itself as a world-renowned industrial and maritime centre.

“Our close proximity to the United States, just 68 miles off the East Coast of Florida, as well as our deep, clear waters have aided in the development of Grand Bahama’s maritime industry,” he said.

He mentioned major investments such as the Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited, the Freeport Container Port and the Freeport Harbour Company, which is one of the largest man-made harbours in the world and the deepest harbour in the region.

Mr Thompson indicated the government has embarked on marketing Grand Bahama as a technology hub in this region.

He told delegates Grand Bahama is the ideal location to establish a technology hub and that a major cruise line has just opened a technology centre in Freeport.

“The Carnival Corporation has already chosen our island as the ideal place to manufacture the new ocean medallion technology. Our location and ready workforce is ideal for the development of this innovation,” he said, adding that Grand Bahamians are hard-working, adaptive and willing to be trained.”

At the convention - which closes tomorrow - members generally make a comparative study of some particular phase of the law, write and present papers and have discussions after which they come to a consensus, conclusions are published in FIDA’s periodicals, and are embodied in resolutions which are circulated to be acted upon by members in their respective countries.