The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Realty has announced that W. Larry Roberts, a two-term president of the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA), has stepped down as its vice-president and chief executive after a career that spanned nearly half-a-century.

Mr Roberts will remain a director and consultant with the company founded by his father in 1949. Donald ‘Donnie’ Martinborough, who has managed Bahamas Realty’s growing commercial division for 30 years, has been named chief executive.

The announcements were made by the company’s president, Robin Brownrigg.

“No one could have served the real estate industry with more integrity and dignity than Larry Roberts,” said Mr Brownrigg. “He was the first to recognise the power of the Internet, the partner who ensured that we would be the first to have a website, the first to computerise all our office systems and listings, and a strong and powerful proponent of the Multiple Listing Service which is now an essential part of how the industry functions. We are pleased that Larry will enjoy more well-deserved leisure time with his wife and soulmate, Liz, and very pleased that he has agreed to remain a director and active consultant.”

Mr Brownrigg said the appointment of Mr Martinborough allowed for a seamless transition, and fulfilled a well-conceived succession plan.

“Bahamas Realty, having established itself as a leader in the Bahamas real estate industry, is now at an exciting threshold as younger stars are rising to take over the leadership of the company,” said Mr Brownrigg. “It brings me tremendous pride to announce that Donald Martinborough is now assuming leadership as chief executive.

“He brings fierce determination, loyalty and trust, and gives us enormous confidence that our future will remain very bright. Donnie’s energised, competitive and focused spirit, coupled with his wealth of expertise in the commercial management department, have proved invaluable to the success of this business. We all wish him the very best in his new role of leadership.”

Mr. Martinborough, as managing director of NAI Bahamas Realty Commercial, handles more than one million square feet of rental space.

“Donnie has continually grown the commercial side of the business while maintaining valuable personal relationships with owners, tenants, vendors and suppliers,” said Mr Brownrigg. “Balancing all of that and doing it well has prepared him for performing well at the helm of this company, with its spectrum of services and diverse range of residential, resort and commercial clientele.”

Mr Martinborough, who began at Bahamas Realty immediately after leaving high school, is an internationally-recognised Sunfish sailing star. He has won the Sunfish World Championship three times, and holds the record for the most wins in the 20th Century in the Sunfish class in Bermuda Race Week, a record that can never be challenged.

“It has been such an honour and a pleasure to work alongside Larry Roberts all these years,” said Mr Martinborough. “He has done such a great job managing and successfully leading this firm, even while he was serving in other roles, whether as president of BREA, or addressing international meetings in Rome or serving as president of the Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau or on one of the many civic boards – Safe Bahamas, Nassau Tourism & Development Board, Downtown Nassau Partnership, Princess Margaret Foundation – that he was appointed to. These are mighty big shoes to fill, and I am proud and humbled by the level of confidence my partners have expressed in me by appointing me the new chief executive of Bahamas Realty.”

Mr Martinborough’s appointment is effective immediately.