The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

IMPROVING the ease of doing business must be a “high priority” if Grand Bahama is to transform itself into an international business centre, its Chamber of Commerce president said yesterday.

Greg LaRoda told the Grand Bahama Business Outlook: “Today, I can say that among the many issues that we face, the ease of doing business continues to be of high priority if we are to transform as an international business community. I am pleased to see that this area has been identified also by the Government as one of priority, and efforts are being made to address this on many levels.”

Mr LaRoda praised the Government for introducing the annual Technology Summit to the island and seeking to attract technology firms. “We want them here. They are not yet part of our economic critical mass,” he added.

“We are talking about net positive inflows to the country, and Grand Bahama in particular. To increase that mass we must be creative, open and fiercely competitive. Furthermore, we must be prepared to eradicate the obstacles that block the ease of doing business.”

Mr LaRoda continued: “Transformation of our economic landscape will also be realised through the development of micro and small businesses. This is a period of our development when entrepreneurship must be encouraged and supported in an effort to spur and encourage growth and expansion.

“The net result of several SMES’ can have a positive impact on the economy of Grand Bahama. The recent launch of the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre in Grand Bahama is timely and will serve the community well as we position ourselves for the transformation of our island’s economy.”