NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The 16th Annual Andros Business Outlook (ANBO) is set for Thursday, June 27 at The Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club.
This year’s theme is “Future Andros: Branding Our National Identity & Planning For Success.” Leon Lundy, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, responsible for Disaster Risk Management and Member of Parliament for Central Andros, South Andros, and Mangrove Cay, will deliver the keynote address.
Lundy stated, “I am excited about the upcoming Andros Business Outlook event and what it means for the business community. I am particularly enthusiastic about our distinguished lineup of speakers, who will offer valuable perspectives and innovative ideas to empower attendees to contribute to Andros’s vibrant economic landscape. This gathering represents a unique opportunity to network, learn, and collectively shape the future of our island.”
He added, “We encourage businesses and organizations to participate actively, as your involvement is crucial to unlocking new opportunities and enhancing the prosperity of Andros. I also urge Andros residents and students to attend for the wealth of knowledge that can be gained from the information shared at the event. It may change your outlook on the business possibilities in Andros. I look forward to your contributions and seeing the positive impact we can achieve together.”
The Andros Business Outlook will be held at the Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club, located in the heart of Fresh Creek. The Yacht Club, a beacon for boaters and visitors to the Bahamas since 1951, offers 33 slips and a full range of marina services, including fuel, 24-hour security, and Wi-Fi. The club also provides excellent accommodations for those wanting to spend a night or two on shore, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and general store.
Today, the Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club is in the midst of a redevelopment exercise, this plan includes the addition of a 120-room luxury hotel, a 60-slip inland marina, and 160 private residential villas and townhouses. The project is led by Brian Hew, Chairman of Coconut Bay Ltd, and Dana Wells, a 45-year veteran at Graham Thompson, known for his expertise in land law, residential projects, and hotel developments. Together, they bring over 75 years of experience in hotel and marina development, management, and operations, and a commitment to the economic development and success of Andros.
Brian Hew said, “With the relaunch of this historic Yacht Club and Marina, my hope is that Fresh Creek, Andros, will once again be celebrated with a stylish hotel and marina; one that builds on the history of the lighthouse and revitalizes this long-overlooked area of Andros, expanding tourism, creating jobs, and providing economic prosperity for the people of Andros. I have lived in Andros for more than thirty years and am pleased to reinvest in the Island and its people.”
Dana Wells added, “Economic investment and development in the family islands of the Bahamas is essential to the future success of our country. I am proud that the Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina will play an important role in the expansion of family island boutique hotel and marina projects, not just in Andros but across the family islands.”
Also speaking at the outlook is Director General of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, Latia Duncombe.
Other speakers scheduled for the outlook include Rory Major, General Manager of Mobility Sales and Loyalty at AlivBusiness, Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism and Director of Aviation at the Ministry Of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Sherrexcia Rolle, CEO and President of Western Air, Sarah Swainson of MakersAir, Stuart Hanley of Aztec Airways, Garnett Dorsett of LeAir, Sharon Meadows of Flamingo Air, Michael King-Hew of CocoBahama Seaplanes, Carlisa Belle, Assistant Manager of the Currency Department at the Central Bank, Dr. Raveenia Roberts Hanna, President of BAMSI, Dr. Burnell Cadron, General Practitioner and Owner of Pompey Medical and Heastie’s Farm, Philip Galanis, Chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission, Ian Ferguson, Executive Director of the Tourism Development Corporation, Cheryl Bastian, Owner of Swain’s Cay Lodge, Brian King-Hew of Kamalame Cay Resort and Lighthouse Yacht Club, Margaret Gratzinger, General Manager of Caerula Mar Club, Juliette Newbold of Andros Island Bonefishing Club, and Darin Bethell, President of the Andros Chamber of Commerce.
Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board Executive Director Kerry Fountain noted, “From a tourism perspective, the Andros Business Outlook will feature two important panels. The first is the Airport Infrastructure and Airlift Development panel, which will provide attendees with an update on the progress of Andros’ year-to-date air stopover performance and the challenges this sector faces, along with plans and opportunities. During the second panel, we will hear from some of our hotel stakeholders, including an update on the newly renovated Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club. Hoteliers will also share their operational challenges, recommended solutions, and business opportunities.”
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