By Robyn Adderley From Bahamas Information Services

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Delegates of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) are meeting in Grand Bahama to discuss matters of export development, trade and investment affecting the region. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville welcomed them at a reception at Dolphin Cove Clubhouse on Wednesday evening.

Fifteen member states of the region that include representatives from the European Union (EU) and CARIFORUM are in attendance.

Minister Darville thanked the group for choosing Grand Bahama as the location for their Board Meeting, and CEDA Chairperson Donnalee Bowe was specially thanked for bringing local and regional stakeholders together in one setting.

“While I know these types of sessions prove to be very stressful at times as they require deliberation that is crucial to the success of the countries represented, I trust that, in general, they will be fruitful,” the Minister told the group.

He said: “Visiting delegates, though our countries are similar in many aspects, each has its own unique offerings which makes us all significant global players. Yet, I am certain that each country is in need of additional resources, which through the recent funding approval from the 11th European Development Fund is now possible, and the Caribbean Export Development Agency can now make every effort to fuel private sector growth through the implementation of export development initiatives across various industry sectors, regionally.”

Quoting American Poet, Mattie Stepanek, the Minister said, “unity is strength … when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”

He encouraged the delegates to take some time to enjoy their stay in Grand Bahama.

Among those present were Senators Tanisha Tynes and Julian Russell; Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Grand Bahama; Harcourt Brown, Under Secretary, Ministry for Grand Bahama; Donnalee Bowe, Chairperson, Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA); Dr. Marcus Bethel, Chairperson the Hawksbill Creek Review Committee; Ian Rolle, President, Grand Bahama Port Authority; and Kevin Seymour, President, Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce.

IMAGES:

The Ministry for Grand Bahama hosted a welcome reception for board members of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) at Dolphin Cove Clubhouse in Freeport on Wednesday evening. Shown is the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, at podium welcoming the delegates. Also shown are: Melvin Seymour (at left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Grand Bahama; Dr. Marcus Bethel (second from right), Chairman, Hawksbill Creek Review Committee; and Kevin Seymour, President, Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (right). (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

During a welcome reception on Wednesday evening at Dolphin Cove Clubhouse, in Freeport, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, along with Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Grand Bahama, are seen welcoming delegates on island for the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) Board Meeting. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)