NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The 13th Annual Eleuthera Business Outlook is set for Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at the Hub in Rock Sound and Friday, April 4th, 2025, at Valentine’s Resort in Harbour Island.
This two-day event, under the theme “Prioritizing Inclusive Sustainable Growth,” will showcase the growing potential of Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and Spanish Wells, examining the opportunities and challenges the island faces as it continues to evolve.
Thomas Sands, Eleuthera businessman and Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce President notes that Eleuthera is experiencing positive growth. “In the past, we would have talked about recessions in Eleuthera, challenges in Eleuthera, and a lack of growth in particular areas. We are growing. Through most of the island of Eleuthera, there is growth. We’re very thankful to see that happen. There’s a lot of new opportunities evolving on the island of Eleuthera.”
However, with growth inevitably come challenges, and Sands emphasizes the need for preparation. “The level of growth has happened very quickly. Essentially, we were not prepared for it on several different levels. In terms of civil infrastructure, it would appear that in recent times, there is this recognition that there needs to be a solution. There needs to be a solution that is actioned quickly. In recent times, we’ve seen contracts for road construction. We’re seeing BPL step up to the plate and make the investment in manpower. They’ve also had a series of meetings in Eleuthera outlining their plan to upgrade not only the transmission but power generation and distribution, speaking about the reality of what the challenges were, and a solution to move forward.”
Sands also points to ongoing efforts to address water and sewage infrastructure needs, underscoring the importance of clear communication about where Eleuthera is heading. “It’s important for everyone to understand where we were, where we’re going, and what the needs will be,” he says.
Looking ahead, Sands says he is optimistic about the island’s future and its potential to diversify the economy of The Bahamas. “Eleuthera will be a significant growth market for the country, and investment must take place to ensure we can sustain that growth,” he asserts.
To seize these opportunities, Sands stresses the importance of understanding the data behind Eleuthera’s growth. “As a chamber, we believe it’s essential to have both government and investment data to help us understand where growth is headed and how we can position ourselves accordingly.”
Sands also highlights the diversity of economies within Eleuthera. “Eleuthera is a long island with several constituencies that feed into one another. South, Central, and North Eleuthera each have their own unique dynamics, but they’re all interconnected,” he adds. “You can drive from North Eleuthera to South Eleuthera and experience different landscapes, cultures, and communities along the way.”
The event will feature a cocktail reception on the evening of April 2nd, offering a social setting for visitors and presenters to mingle and prepare for the days ahead.
Day one in Rock Sound will focus on South and Central Eleuthera, with an emphasis on infrastructure investments and solutions. The following day in Harbour Island, discussions will center on the northern part of Eleuthera, including Spanish Wells and Harbour Island.
“Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, and Harbour Island are essentially one larger ecosystem with individual economies,” Sands explains. “We are excited to continue using this format, which allows us to address the unique challenges and opportunities of each region while acknowledging their interconnectedness.”
On Thursday, April 3rd, the keynote address will be delivered by Hon. Chester Cooper, MP, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. Other confirmed speakers will include Shakera Johnson, Director of Information Security at Cable Bahamas; Toni Seymour, Chief Executive Officer, Bahamas Power and Light; Daniel Zuleta, Project Director at Cotton Bay Holdings Ltd.; Giana Charlton, Human Resources Manager, Rock Sound Properties; Vibert Williams, Chief Operations Officer, Bahamas Striping Group of Companies; Montgomery Miller, Senior Manager, Strategic Coordination Office, Water & Sewerage Corporation; Nicholas Higgs, Managing Director, Bahamas Development Bank; Tim & Selima Hauber, One Eleuthera Foundation and Keyron Smith, President & CEO of the One Eleuthera Foundation; Bradley Watson, Bahamas Conservation Programme Manager; Tim Smith, Partner, Better Homes & Gardens; and Colin Lightbourne, Licensed Partner, Engel & Volkers.
On Friday, April 4th, the keynote address will be delivered by Hon. Clay Sweeting, MP for Central and South Eleuthera, Minister of Works & Family Island Affairs. Other speakers will include Shakera Johnson, Director of Information Security at Cable Bahamas; Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism; Toni Seymour, Chief Executive Officer of Bahamas Power and Light; Lee Prosenjak, Owner Valentine’s Resort & Marina Ben Simmons, Owner of The Other Side/The Farm/Ocean View; Montgomery Miller, Senior Manager, Strategic Coordination Office, Water & Sewerage Corporation; Melanie Roach, Bahamas Striping; Keyron Smith, President & CEO, One Eleuthera Foundation.
The event will also include presentations on business banking, insurance, real estate, creative commerce, and sustainability. Speakers will include Ian Rutherford, Simplified Lending; Itahalia Ellison, recording artist; and James Malcolm, BPG Real Estate. Other real estate professionals include Robert Arthur from Lightbourne Realty and Colleen Carey from Damianos/Sotheby’s.
The day will continue with sustainability presentations, including topics on community empowerment and agri-tourism by Keyron Smith, President & CEO of the One Eleuthera Foundation, and Ben Simmons, Owner of The Other Side/The Farm/Ocean View. Andy Fowler, Senior VP and Master Distiller of Bahamas Botanicals Ltd will also present on the topic of valuing value-added.
The event will conclude with a Mix & Mingle lunch, providing an opportunity for networking and collaboration, followed by booth presentations.
This two-day event promises to be an important platform for fostering collaboration, empowering local communities, and positioning Eleuthera as a prime destination for investment and sustainable development.
To register for the Eleuthera Business Outlook, visit tclevents.com or contact Margaret Albury at 322.1000 and malbury@tclbahamas.com.
