14th Annual Eleuthera Business Outlook Set for April 16–17
April 7, 2026
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The 14th Annual Eleuthera Business Outlook is set for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Eleuthera Business Hub in Rock Sound, followed by Friday, April 17, 2026, at Valentine’s Resort. Under the theme “Strengthening Foundations for Long-Term Prosperity,” the two-day event will examine opportunities and challenges facing Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, while outlining strategies for sustainable economic growth and investment.
Thomas Sands, President of the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce, said the island’s economy continues to show steady momentum. “In general, the economy of Eleuthera continues to see positive movement. Some of it has slowed a little after major construction projects, but overall, there is confidence that the economy is moving forward in a positive direction,” Sands said.
He added, “Sustained growth is being supported by the diversity of investments from different groups. Most of these developments are funded by groups with the resources to weather challenges—they are not relying solely on banks for financing. This is a positive sign for the island.” Sands also emphasized long-term planning, noting: “Maximizing foreign direct investment requires a strategic plan. We need to empower the backbone of the economy so that incoming investment is retained and reinvested in local communities.”
Eric Carey, President and CEO of One Consultants, who will speak on sustainable development, said tourism activity across Eleuthera remains strong. “Generally, tourism is really looking up on this island. Harbour Island and Spanish Wells are booming, whether it’s golf carts buzzing around Spanish Wells or private jets at North Eleuthera Airport,” Carey said.
He added, “Tourism impact is gradually extending south, with projects like Cotton Bay fully operational and the Disney Cruise Port in Southern Eleuthera. This growth is exciting, but infrastructure must keep pace.” Carey also noted: “We embrace development, but it must not outpace the community’s capacity.”
Ben Simmons, owner of The Other Side and Ocean View, said differences across the island chain require targeted strategies. “Eleuthera versus Harbour Island is very different. Harbour Island has benefited from a touch of fairy dust—but Eleuthera requires educating visitors about its unique opportunities,” Simmons said.
He added, “We’ve grown from 10 employees to 120 across multiple businesses. The lesson is that small, precise businesses, scaled thoughtfully, create sustainable growth,” while noting that industry collaboration remains critical to long-term success.
The first day in Rock Sound will feature a keynote address from the Hon Clay Sweeting, Minister of Works & Family Island Affairs, alongside presentations by Javier Rodriguez of Marriott International on economic opportunities and Amber Carey of Cable Bahamas on artificial intelligence and small business. The agenda will also feature first-time presenters including Prince Rahming, Bryan Glinton, Patrice Jackson, Keith Roye and Candace Fields, bringing fresh perspectives to discussions on tourism, business development, entrepreneurship, workforce challenges, infrastructure and emerging economic sectors, alongside contributions from Roger Archer of Scotiabank and other industry stakeholders.
The second day at Valentine’s Resort will feature a keynote by Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting, with a featured address from Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe highlighting national tourism priorities. Sessions will also include presentations by Shakera Johnson of Cable Bahamas and Roger Archer of Scotiabank, along with panel discussions involving Henry Rolle, Lee Rosenjack and Jay Jay Percentie, as well as contributions from Keyron Smith of the One Eleuthera Foundation and other stakeholders focused on workforce development, infrastructure and sustaining investment across the island.
Sands said, “The pace of growth is faster than what our communities were prepared for. While there are challenges, this is a moment of tremendous opportunity for Eleuthera to plan, invest, and thrive for the long term.”
Carey added, “Tourism, development, and community must move in tandem. This is the moment to ensure sustainable, long-lasting prosperity.”
Simmons said, “By thinking strategically, acting locally, and connecting meaningfully, Eleuthera can achieve growth that benefits everyone.”
The Eleuthera Business Outlook provides a platform for networking and collaboration, positioning Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells for continued economic expansion. For more information, contact Audrey Tynes, Executive Director, Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce -- atynes@eleutherachamberofcommerce.com/ 699-6551; Margaret Albury at 322-1000 or malbury@tclbahamas.com.
Registration is available at tclevents.com
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The British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Mrs. Smita Rossetti, will be among the key international figures participating in the 27th Annual Grand Bahama Business Outlook, set for February 12, 2026, at the Pelican Bay Hotel, as Grand Bahama’s economic revival, workforce transformation and expanding investment pipeline take centre stage. Mrs. Rossetti, who was appointed British High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in August 2025, will join policymakers, investors and business leaders at the one-day forum to share perspectives on economic development, trade and the long-term partnership between the United Kingdom and The Bahamas. “I am delighted to participate in the GB Outlook, which provides an important space for thoughtful economic dialogue about Grand Bahama and The Bahamas,” said Mrs. Rossetti. The British High Commission in Nassau maintains and develops diplomatic relations between the UK and The Bahamas, with shared priorities including trade, climate resilience, security and education. Mrs. Rossetti brings extensive experience in international diplomacy, development and national security, having served across several continents on issues central to sustainable economic growth and global cooperation. The conference, spearheaded by The Counsellors Limited under the theme “Strengthening Foundations for Long-Term Prosperity,” comes at a pivotal moment as Grand Bahama continues to rebuild and reposition its economy. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, MP, will deliver opening remarks and introduce Prime Minister the Hon. Philip E. Davis, KC, MP, who will deliver the keynote address, outlining the government’s vision for Grand Bahama’s continued economic recovery, investment expansion and long-term national development. In addition to the headline speakers, the forum will feature a broad cross-section of public- and private-sector leaders, including Derek O. Newbold, Chief Investment Officer of the Grand Bahama Port Authority; Rick Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises North America; Chris Earl, Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Bahama Shipyard; Keshala Knowles, Vice President of Human Resources at Cable Bahamas Group of Companies; Duran Humes, CEO of Plato Alpha Design and Triblock HR; Jevon Butler, Managing Director; Roger Archer, Managing Director of Scotiabank Bahamas; Gerhard Beukes, Vice President and Group Head of Fund Development and Management at RF Bank & Trust (Bahamas); Senator Randy Rolle, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission; KimDashe Sherman, Vice President of Quality, Safety, Risk and Legal at Doctors Hospital Health System; and Denise S. Barnes, Vice President of Human Resources and Vice President of UB North. Organisers say the conference is designed to deliver practical, actionable insights and foster strategic collaboration in support of sustained, inclusive economic growth in Grand Bahama. Registration is available at tclevents.com or by contacting Margaret Albury at (242) 322-1000 or malbury@tclbahamas.com.
Grand Bahama’s economic revival, workforce transformation, and expanding investment pipeline will take centre stage at the 27th Annual Grand Bahama Business Outlook, to be held at the Pelican Bay Hotel on February 12. The one-day forum, spearheaded by The Counsellors Limited, is being held under the theme “Strengthening Foundations for Long-Term Prosperity,” and will bring together government leaders, investors, and senior executives at a pivotal point in the island’s economic development. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, MP, will deliver remarks, followed by the keynote address from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, MP. His address is expected to outline national investment priorities, tourism performance, and Grand Bahama’s role in The Bahamas’ broader economic expansion. Workforce readiness and digital transformation will anchor several discussions. Keshala Knowles, Vice President of Human Resources at the Cable Bahamas Group of Companies, will present “Human Resources & AI: The Future Landscape of Work,” examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping talent management and organisational strategy. Building on this theme, Duran Humes, CEO of Plato Alpha Design and Triblock HR, will address “Job Security: Preparing for a Workforce Shaped by Artificial Intelligence and Automation.” Digital innovation in the commercial space will also be explored by Jevon Butler, Managing Director, who will present “Digital Transformation: The New Commercial Norm.” Global cruise investment will be examined by Rick Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises North America, in a presentation titled “Cruise Tourism & The Bahamas: Building Opportunity, Together,” as cruise tourism continues to emerge as a key pillar of Grand Bahama’s economic diversification strategy. Industrial and infrastructure development will take centre stage with Derek O. Newbold, Chief Investment Officer of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, delivering a presentation on “Strengthening Foundations for Long-Term Prosperity,” followed by Chris Earl, Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, who will detail “Grand Bahama Shipyard Investment and Revitalisation: The Catalyst for an Industrial Ecosystem.” Financial services, capital formation, and investment discipline will be examined by Roger Archer, Managing Director of Scotiabank Bahamas, in “Supporting Economic Transformation Across the Archipelago,” as well as Gerhard Beukes, Vice President and Group Head of Fund Development and Management at RF Bank & Trust (Bahamas), who will present “How to Develop an Investment Philosophy.” Consumer protection and market fairness will be addressed by Senator Randy Rolle, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Commission, in “Protecting the People: Shaping a Fair Marketplace,” while healthcare quality and national resilience will be highlighted by KimDashe Sherman, Vice President of Quality, Safety, Risk and Legal at Doctors Hospital Health System, through her presentation “Strengthening Foundations for Quality Health Outcomes.” The afternoon session will feature Denise S. Barnes, Vice President of Human Resources and Vice President of UB North, who will present “UB North: Strengthening the Foundations of Our Citizens.” Organisers say the conference is designed to move beyond discussion and deliver practical, actionable insights to help strengthen Grand Bahama’s economic foundations while positioning the island for long-term, inclusive growth. Registration is available at tclevents.com or by contacting Margaret Albury at 322-1000 or malbury@tclbahamas.com.
