The Government of The Bahamas – and its collaborative partners the University of the Bahamas (UB) and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) – are pleased to announce that Davinia L. Blair has been appointed Executive Director (ED) of the imminent Small Business Development Centre (SBDC). Blair’s appointment signals the government’s commitment to building and supporting the institutional framework and the national support programme for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The SBDC is the product of a tripartite arrangement between the government, UB, BCCEC and the Ministry of Finance. The centre works to guide the development and funding of MSME throughout the country.
“We are excited to have Ms. Blair as our executive director, to assist in developing and carrying forward our vision for economic and entrepreneurial development for Bahamians,” according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest.
“She will be supported by a team of professionals and will have the necessary resources to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme, and we anticipate significant results under her leadership.”
Turnquest said the appointment shows the government and its partners are “making tangible investments in both human talent and treasure to facilitate the growth, development and real economic emancipation of the Bahamian people”.
The SBDC will connect to the Caribbean Small Business Development Centre Project, through which the Organization of American States (OAS) is supporting member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in bolstering their MSME regime.
Blair is a highly skilled economist with a facility for strong financial and quantitative decision analysis. Her private and public sector experience encompasses the pursuit of economic and national development in the service of diverse entities ranging from small businesses to multi-million dollar institutions.
Blair has served as a BCCEC director for two terms and most recently served at UB as the vice president of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs. While at UB, she also served as secretary for the Canadian Friends of UB as well as served on UB’s Investment Committee.
The SBDC concept is one that has worldwide endorsement and affirmation. According to Turnquest, such centres help prospective entrepreneurs realize their dreams of business ownership and help existing businesses remain competitive in a complex, ever-changing national, regional and global marketplace.
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This article was written by Bahamas Information Services.
