NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The 19th Annual Exuma Business Outlook (EBO) will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Grand Isle Resort & Residences under the theme “Prioritizing Inclusive Sustainable Growth.” The keynote address will be delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Hon. Chester Cooper.
The premier business conference series, hosted by The Counsellors Ltd., will bring together government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to examine Exuma’s economic landscape and explore opportunities for future growth. With a focus on sustainable development, tourism, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship, the series seeks to foster collaboration and deliver practical strategies for long-term progress.
Hon. Clay Sweeting, Minister of Works & Family Island Affairs, will deliver the first address on the event theme, followed by the Keynote Address by Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper.
The programme will feature a wide range of presentations and discussions designed to provide insight into Exuma’s growth potential. Tourism will take center stage with the panel discussion “Tourism Is Everybody’s Business,” moderated by Kerry Fountain, Executive Director of the Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board. Panelists include Emmett Saunders of the Exuma Chamber of Commerce, Tracy Cooper of Bahamasair, Sarah Swainson of Hocher Holdings, Candice Moncur of L.N. Coakley School, Superintendent Deanza Cash of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and Shona Perry of the Grand Isle Resort.
Senator Hon. Randy Rolle, Executive Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission, will address consumer protection issues, while Dr. Lincoln Marshall, Adjunct Professor at Bowling Green University, will present on maximizing the benefits of regattas and festivals. Shakera Johnson, Director of Information Security at Cable Bahamas, will focus on cybersecurity, and Keith Roye, Founder and COO of TriblockHR, will examine the role of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
The challenges of delivering sustainable infrastructure will be explored in a session led by Ayla Isaacs of the Water & Sewerage Corporation and Anthony Christie, Chief Operating Officer of Bahamas Power & Light. Ian Ferguson, CEO of the Tourism Development Corporation, will also share insights on opportunities for tourism growth. The day will close with an entrepreneurial panel featuring Alvin Clarke, a farmer; Keiron Sears, a fisherman; and Shenifer Rolle of Exuma Home Rentals, highlighting the grassroots innovation driving the island’s economy.
Ehren Hanna, President of the Exuma Chamber of Commerce, extended thanks and recognition to The Counsellors Ltd. for organizing the Bahamas Business Outlook series, particularly in Exuma. “Their dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue and supporting the business community has been invaluable, and the Chamber expressed its gratitude for their continued partnership in making events such as this a success.”
Hanna continued: “The Exuma Chamber of Commerce believes that this event will serve as a critical platform for collaboration and networking, helping to connect local businesses with the resources and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving global market. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, discuss pressing issues, and be part of shaping the future of business in Exuma.”
Dr. Lincoln Marshall added perspective on the value of cultural events, noting: “I’ve attended many regattas and festivals, and I want to provoke thought about their broader value. Too often, people see these events as just opportunities to enjoy themselves. But there’s more to it. We need to consider how the community benefits—how it develops pride, how economic activity is generated, and how cultural and social aspects can be enhanced. I want to challenge those in attendance to think about how we can maximize the impact of our festivals and regattas.”
With discussions on tourism, infrastructure, energy, consumer protection, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, the Exuma Business Outlook 2025 promises to be an invaluable opportunity for networking, knowledge-sharing, and strategic dialogue, connecting local businesses with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in an evolving economic environment.
To register, visit tclevents.com or contact Margaret Albury at 322-1000 or malbury@tclbahamas.com.
