The roadshow which took place under the theme “Investing in progress through the implementation of the Afreximbank mandate in The Bahamas” built on the current achievements between the Bank and The Bahamas

NASSAU, The Bahamas, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) today announced the appointment of Nikolai Sawyer and Debra Symonette to its Board of Directors, effective April 20, 2026.

These appointments follow the company’s recent transition to a fully independent, Bahamian-led operating model, including the conclusion of Island Grid Solutions’ management role and the appointment of new executive leadership.

Mr. Sawyer is a senior financial attorney with over 20 years of experience across corporate law, banking, and financial services. He brings deep expertise in regulatory strategy, risk management, and corporate governance.

Ms. Symonette is President and Director of Super Value Food Stores Limited and a Certified Public Accountant with over 25 years of financial leadership experience. She has held senior roles in accounting, audit, and corporate governance, and currently serves as a Director of Commonwealth Bank.

“With these appointments, BGC continues to strengthen its governance as we move forward as a fully Bahamian-led organization,” said Anthony Ferguson, Chairman of BGC. “Nikolai and Debra bring extensive legal, financial, and operational experience that will support the company’s long-term performance and accountability.”

“This is an important step in BGC’s continued evolution,” said Dareo McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to working with the Board to drive long-term performance and reliability across the system.”

The company’s Board of Directors now comprises Anthony Ferguson (Chairman), Nikolai Sawyer, and Debra Symonette.

About Bahamas Grid Company

Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) is a utility company in New Providence responsible for upgrading, maintaining, and operating the island’s transmission and distribution infrastructure, with the goal of delivering reliable, resilient, and sustainable power to all residents and businesses.

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NASSAU, The Bahamas, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Six months after the launch of its Foundational Grid Upgrade Project and one year since providing restoration and maintenance activities, the Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) has released its first comprehensive Progress Metrics Report. The report highlights major upgrades to the transmission and distribution systems serving New Providence, paving the way for greater reliability, resilience, and power quality.

Early results show the project is already transforming electricity delivery, with outages declining sharply and thousands of customers now experiencing enhanced service quality.

Building a Stronger, More Resilient Grid

Progress on the $130 million initiative is well ahead of schedule—28% faster than planned—with major infrastructure improvements completed or underway:

• 144 new steel poles installed, replacing aging wooden structures and providing Category 5 hurricane-grade resilience.
• 153,120 feet of transmission cable reconductored with double-sized wire to accommodate future load growth and new generation sources.
• 42,240 feet of distribution cable reconductored to remediate system vulnerabilities and support expanding customer demand.
• Three new substations under construction to enhance system protection and enable rerouting of power to prevent large-scale outages.

Leveraging Smart Technologies to Reduce Outages

The deployment of advanced grid technologies is delivering measurable results in outage reduction and faster response times:

• 47 IntelliRupters installed on high-risk feeders to reduce both the number of outages and the customers affected by them.
• 137,280 feet of OPGW fiber cable replaced to enable remote operations, protection devices, and the integration of smart technologies across the grid.
• A new integrated Work Management System is being implemented to track upgrades and customer connections while providing real-time outage response — a first for The Bahamas.

Direct Public Benefits Already Visible

The positive impact of these upgrades is being felt by homes and businesses across New Providence:

• 49,000 homes in historically outage-prone areas are now experiencing far fewer interruptions.
• 16,000 homes have benefited from load-balancing efforts that improve power quality and extend the lifespan of home appliances.
• Proactive patrols and maintenance on 70 circuit miles of high-risk areas are reducing potential storm damage before it occurs.
• 86% reduction in outages for customers downstream of IntelliRupters.

Six months into implementation, the Foundational Grid Upgrade Project is already delivering measurable reliability improvements, laying the groundwork for a more secure and sustainable energy system for New Providence.

About Us
Bahamas Grid Company (BGC), established through a public-private partnership, is a wires company that operates and manages the transmission and distribution system (T&D System) – i.e., the poles, wires and substations that distribute power – across the island of New Providence in The Bahamas.

Website: https://bahamasgrid.net/

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NASSAU, Bahamas, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) has accelerated its recruitment drive, hiring 25 new employees since July 2025 across field operations, technical support, and corporate leadership. The expansion marks one of the most ambitious workforce growth initiatives in the local energy sector and supports BGC’s long-term goal of building a team of more than 150 employees.

The company’s 23 new Bahamian workers bring decades of expertise spanning construction, utilities, energy, and technical services. Among the new recruits are 11 former Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) employees, strengthening BGC’s operational capacity as it continues to modernize New Providence’s grid.

“I’ve worked in the energy industry for over 30 years. I saw BGC and Pike work together and it made me start to dream again,” said Darrio, Manager of Field Operations. “I wanted that experience to be a part of my country’s development and clear the path for the younger Bahamians.”

The additions include:

• Leadership & Management: Four senior leaders with a combined 100+ years of experience in energy, construction, and utilities.
• Field Operations: Over 30% of the new hires are groundmen, the entry-level role for future line workers.
• Specialized Roles: Experienced technicians and operators with nearly 70 years of combined industry expertise make up another 20% of the new workforce.
• Foremen: Three new crew leaders with 90+ years of utility experience.
• Warehouse & Procurement: Three new specialists to strengthen material and inventory management.

This recruitment push is part of BGC’s phased strategy to build a modern, resilient grid for New Providence. Alongside infrastructure upgrades to both the transmission and distribution systems, the company is investing heavily in recruiting, training and partnerships with local institutions to develop home-grown talent who will continue to manage New Providence’s grid.

“As a proud Bahamian and HR professional with international experience, I am excited to help shape the future of Bahamas Grid Company,” said Steven, Manager of Human Resources. “Our focus is on building a professional and hard-working culture where safety, innovation, and growth define how we work.”

BGC’s investment in both people and technology reflects its mission: to modernize The Bahamas’ energy infrastructure and to empower the Bahamian workforce that will sustain it for generations to come.

Website: https://bahamasgrid.net/

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2782283/Island_Grid_Company_at_job_site.jpg

]]> https://caribpr.com/bahamas-grid-company-accelerates-recruitment-to-strengthen-new-providences-grid/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/the-d328eco%e2%84%a2-is-ready-to-meet-the-demand-for-regional-connectivity-across-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/ https://caribpr.com/the-d328eco%e2%84%a2-is-ready-to-meet-the-demand-for-regional-connectivity-across-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/#comments Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:07:11 +0000 caribpr https://caribpr.com/?p=15826 CARIBPR WIRE, Nassau, Oct. 21, 2024: German aircraft manufacturer, Deutsche Aircraft, will attend this year’s ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum in Nassau, Bahamas to share further insights about the new D328eco. This commercial aviation conference is a leading forum for industry leaders and government representatives to discuss current challenges and promising solutions for aviation in Latin America.

Regional aviation in South America and the Caribbean is expanding considerably, fuelled by robust GDP growth, a significant increase in tourism activity and the emerging middle class. This has created a crucial need for a reliable and efficient regional air transportation solution that can connect remote areas across diverse geographical landscapes.

The D328eco is uniquely positioned to meet all these requirements with its 40-seat capacity, outstanding operational efficiency and flexible operational configuration. This next-generation turboprop is the right aircraft to fulfil the demands of the regional aviation market, allowing operators to establish new routes and support the continued expansion of airports and infrastructure.

The high-performing solution for regional aviation in Latin America

Regional aviation plays a pivotal role in boosting tourism, stimulating local economies and strengthening regional development. Tourism is one of the key markets in the region, with more than 117 million international tourists visiting Latin America in 2023 (a 12% increase from 2022). To maximise on this potential, regional airlines need to offer efficient and accessible transportation services, expand their network connectivity and prioritise passenger experience.

The turboprop from Deutsche Aircraft sets the bar for performance and efficiency in its class, making it a perfect match for this developing regional market. With a nominal range of 600NM, a high service ceiling of 30,000ft, a top speed of 324KTS and a climb rate of 2,355ft, the D328eco can handle the wide-ranging landscapes across this continent. Combined with its unpaved runway and 800m STOL capabilities, it is ideal for serving smaller, remote airports across the region.

The D328eco has elevated the concept of comfort with its contemporary cabin layout, which includes a spacious stand-up aisle. Passengers will enjoy plenty of room, including generous overhead bins for their belongings. Its modular galley can be tailored for both hot and cold service, ensuring that all passenger requirements are satisfied.

A path to profitability

Regional aviation in Latin America and Caribbean is crucial for connecting remote areas and providing essential transportation services. Served by numerous smaller carriers, the 30–50-seater aircraft market presents significant opportunities for growth and profitability.

The D328eco from Deutsche Aircraft sets new standards for operating economics, offering up to 50% improvement in operating costs compared to similar sized aircraft.

Versatility for any mission

The aircraft’s versatile payload capacity and ability to operate in extreme hot-and-high conditions and high -altitude runways, make it ideal for navigating the mountainous terrain and vast territories of Latin America under the toughest conditions.

Multi-role aircraft plays a vital role in addressing the diverse challenges faced by countries in the region. The adaptability and robustness of the D328eco allows it to be modified for different missions as required, offering remarkable operational flexibility and the capacity to adapt to a variety of special mission requirements, from emergency response and humanitarian aid to cargo, border patrol and ISR missions.

Talk to our team at the ATLA AGM

Curious about this state-of-the-art turboprop? Nils Heuer, Sales Director at Deutsche Aircraft, will be available to connect with potential operators and discuss how the D328eco represents the future of regional air travel in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Attachments

• D328eco
• Nils Heuer

]]> https://caribpr.com/the-d328eco%e2%84%a2-is-ready-to-meet-the-demand-for-regional-connectivity-across-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/fcca-cruise-conference-and-trade-show-open-for-business-with-the-cruise-industry-limited-time-to-guarantee-meetings-discounts-and-more/ https://caribpr.com/fcca-cruise-conference-and-trade-show-open-for-business-with-the-cruise-industry-limited-time-to-guarantee-meetings-discounts-and-more/#comments Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:24:43 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=15672 MIRAMAR, Fla., July 15, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Time is running out to lock in key elements for the FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show, the only official cruise conference taking place in and representing the Caribbean and Latin America, will be held in St. Maarten from October 22-25. As preparations and registrations continue to ramp up, with 100+ cruise executives expected to attend, now is the time to register and guarantee features such as one-on-one meetings and discounted rates for the official conference hotels.

“This is the only event in the region that puts any attendee in direct contact with cruise executives that can drive business,” said Micky Arison, Chairman, Carnival Corporation and FCCA.

“We are proud of this event’s continued success for attendees and so many throughout the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “The FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show has been the birthplace of everything from new tours to entire destination developments, so we are excited about what this year can bring for all.”

Anyone registering by August 15 will have the guaranteed ability to schedule a series of 15-minute meetings with participating executives to pitch their product and receive individualized input. These meeting sessions serve as the main feature of the event’s revamped format – with last year reaching another record through 700 one-on-one meetings between delegates and cruise executives – and a record number of executives expected to participate this year.

Additionally, there are still limited openings for a new and exclusive networking function on the evening of Tuesday, October 22, which will serve up a dinner event with a side of potential business with top cruise executives hosting tables at the Conference’s first-ever ‘Presidents Dinner.’ While still in planning, the function will feature Presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines, and five have already confirmed attendance: Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International; Chris Ivy, CEO, Margaritaville at Sea; Frank A. Del Rio, President, Oceania Cruises; Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA; and Harry Sommer, President and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. A ‘VIP Registration’ provides a seat for the event, and more opportunities are available by contacting FCCA.

This is also the last chance for early discounts on rooms in the official hotels, which will host all functions. Business functions will take place in Sonesta Ocean Point, and registration will be in Sonesta Maho Beach. To reserve a room at the current discounted rates that expire July 21, please click the respective link above.

More information, including workshop topics and panelists, will be released shortly. Registration and updates are available at www.FCCAConference.com.

About Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)
Created in 1972, FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents the mutual interests of the cruise industry and destinations’ private and public sectors. By building bilateral relationships with cruise tourism stakeholders and providing them a forum to work with executives from its Member Lines, FCCA fosters bilateral success for all parties. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

ST. LOUIS, June 2, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Enterprise Holdings, the world’s largest vehicle rental business, today announced new franchise locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Morocco and the Bahamas. Each of the three new markets will feature car rental options from the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the company plans to open locations and provide service on the three main islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, beginning with the buildout of a location at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, the largest international airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Expansion plans in the Bahamas include an initial location at the Lynden Pindling International Airport and one additional branch in Nassau. Another location will be added at the Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport at a later date. In Morocco, plans include downtown locations in both Marrakech and Casablanca along with a presence at major airports.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve executed an aggressive global growth plan designed to ensure our customers have greater access to the brands they know and love, no matter where they travel,” said Peter Smith, vice president of global franchising at Enterprise Holdings. “Franchisees appreciate the Enterprise standard of excellence and have transformed our business by helping us grow a significant international footprint. Around the corner, or around the world, Enterprise has you covered.”

With a presence in more than 90 countries and territories, Enterprise Holdings employs 75,000-plus global team members with a focus on becoming the best mobility provider in the world by listening to and exceeding customer expectations. The company partners with local providers that have a strong reputation for customer service excellence.

For more information about Enterprise Holdings, visit www.enterpriseholdings.com.

About Enterprise Holdings
Enterprise Holdings, Inc. is a leading provider of mobility solutions, owning and operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries. Enterprise Holdings and its affiliates offer extensive car rental, carsharing, truck rental, fleet management, retail car sales, as well as travel management and other transportation services, to make travel easier and more convenient for customers. Privately held by the Taylor family of St. Louis, Mo., Enterprise Holdings manages a diverse fleet of more than 1.85 million vehicles through a network of nearly 10,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport rental locations in more than 90 countries and territories.

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Cruise Line to Offer New 7-night Itineraries from Nassau, The Bahamas, Starting in June

107 Properties Earn New Five-Star Accolades

Largest-Ever Global Expansion as Awards Launch in 16 New Countries

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Triumphs as Hotel Brand with Most Five-Star Hotels

London Takes Starring Role as the Five-Star Capital City of the World

MIRAMAR, Florida, Sept. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – While the slow-moving nature of Hurricane Dorian caused unspeakable destruction in Grand Bahama and Abaco, business is fully operational in Nassau – the second-most populated cruise destination in the Caribbean – and a host of private islands, and the rapid response of The Bahamas, neighboring destinations and Member Lines of Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is helping Bahamians not only recover their livelihoods, but also regain cruise tourism: the lifeblood of their economy. After less than a week since the historic event, FCCA Member Lines have already committed more than $5 million in donations, as well as support including delivering provisions and engaging the local communities to ascertain needs and how to best help. Additionally, destinations around the region are both assisting The Bahamas and evaluating how to best prepare for and then handle similar events moving forward, including relief efforts by Saint Lucia and a site visit by Saint Lucia Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman Hon. Allen Chastanet.

“Our hearts are with all of those throughout The Bahamas impacted by this historic event, and we hope this support will provide some normalcy to their lives, along with solace in these trying times,” said Michele Paige, president of FCCA. “However, the people of The Bahamas have proven their resiliency time and time again, so there is no question that those affected will build back even better. Fortunately, Nassau and cruise lines’ private islands in The Bahamas are open, fully operational and ready to welcome guests with a smile – and the knowledge that an average cruise call to The Bahamas represents more than $650,000 in local economic benefits.”

Carnival Corporation’s philanthropic arm, Carnival Foundation, and its nine global cruise line brands together with the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation have pledged to donate $2 million in funding and in-kind support for relief efforts in The Bahamas.

Carnival Foundation and the company’s nine cruise line brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) – are pledging a total of $1 million in monetary and in-kind donations in support of immediate relief and recovery efforts in The Bahamas. Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine are matching the corporation’s commitment with a $1 million donation from the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation.

A portion of the combined pledge will immediately go to support efforts being managed by Direct Relief, an international humanitarian organization that provides critical medications and supplies during emergency situations. In addition, Carnival Corporation and its brands are working together with local officials, community leaders and key relief and recovery organizations to identify the most timely and urgent relief needs and immediate allocations for additional funds and support.

Separately, the company has launched an effort to collect and deliver food and supplies donated in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties for the people of The Bahamas, through a partnership with Tropical Shipping and The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) – including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – has relaunched Hope Starts Here, the company’s hurricane relief campaign in partnership with All Hands and Hearts, and pledged a minimum commitment of $1 million dollars toward immediate short-term relief for those affected by Hurricane Dorian. It has also vowed to match donations dollar-for-dollar to assist with rebuilding efforts across the Bahamas, including debris cleanup and removal, and the delivery of supplies and temporary shelters.

NCLH is also coordinating with local Bahamian authorities to bring needed provisions to the affected areas, “as quickly and as humanly possible.” Tomorrow, Norwegian Breakaway will depart Miami with hurricane relief supplies donated by NCLH and its employees, in addition to items collected by the City of Miami, Baptist Health South Florida, the 305 Gives Back foundation, and other Miami-based organizations, to be delivered to Nassau, Great Harbor Cay, the company’s private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. – including Azamara, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International – has committed $1 million to disaster relief for Hurricane Dorian, with an additional $100,000 to be donated by ITM Group, its partner in the Holistica joint venture that is developing the Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport, while also pledging to match donations by guests and employees to PADF and use its ships to deliver supplies such as generators, water, cleaning supplies, clean sheets and towels.

“The Bahamas has always been more than a destination for Royal Caribbean and our guests,” said the line in the announcement. “For more than half a century, we’ve made many friends and many memories. The Bahamas is also home to more than 500 of our colleagues who work at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Grand Bahama Shipyard.”

The Walt Disney Company, led by Disney Cruise Line, has made a commitment of more than $1 million to help relief and recovery efforts in The Bahamas – including, but not limited to, a $1 million donation to non-profit relief agencies who will be undertaking recovery and rebuilding efforts, as well as the provision of supplies such as food staples and basic construction materials to those in impacted areas. Additionally, Disney employees with immediate needs in The Bahamas will have access to a range of resources. Disney Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in The Bahamas, employs more than 60 Bahamians from Abaco and Grand Bahama, as well as several employees from other Bahamian islands.

“We stand with the Bahamian people,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Disney Cruise Line. “As the needs in these communities are assessed, we are prepared to aid the relief and recovery efforts through funding, the provision of supplies and by providing support to our Bahamian Crew Members.”

MSC Group – one of the world’s leading container shipping and logistics conglomerates as well as the parent company of MSC Cruises – has pledged support from across all its businesses for Hurricane Dorian relief in The Bahamas. In addition to providing and delivering goods of primary necessity, MSC Group’s efforts will initially focus on semi-permanent prefabricated modular housing for the population as well as making available MSC geared ships for cargo relief service from the U.S to The Bahamas.

A high-level delegation comprised of members of MSC Group’s U.S. senior management team as well as leadership of its philanthropic arm, the MSC Foundation, also scheduled meetings in Nassau with local officials, community leaders and key relief and recovery organizations – with the objective of promptly identifying first-hand and through engagement with local officials, community leaders and key relief and recovery organizations the most timely and urgent relief needs and how the Group can support the immediate and longer-term in-kind and funding needs of the local population and businesses as they look to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) has announced a two-fold support initiative following Hurricane Dorian’s impact. The company is accepting monetary donations online through its partner, Mission Resolve, as well as donated supplies at its Riviera Beach warehouse.

“Our hearts go out to all of those impacted, and we felt it was imperative to issue a rapid response, demonstrating our support through action,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO of BPCL, who is engaged in direct communications with the Bahamian government, including Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Peter Turnquest, to determine specific areas of need and serve as a liaison for those looking to assist in the Hurricane Dorian recovery effort.

BPCL has also planned a humanitarian cruise on Grand Celebration, which will be loaded with food, water, and other supplies, as well as first responders and volunteers. Departing this evening, the ship will transport the supplies, volunteers and Bahamian residents who were stranded in South Florida – and will have no cost for any volunteer or Bahamian resident – before its planned return on Sept. 7 with Bahamian residents who wish to evacuate to the U.S. and have proper documentation.

Additionally, countries in the region have provided support. Ms. Dorine Gustave, Acting Director of Saint Lucia’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), said Saint Lucia is in the process of determining how best to help, including finding the best way to transport water, and the the Government of Saint Lucia has set up accounts at selected banks for those that wish to assist with recovery efforts.

Saint Lucia Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman Hon. Allen Chastanet also traveled to The Bahamas, where he was greeted by Bahamian Prime Minister Hon. Hubert Minnis before heading into a situation briefing with several agencies in order to attain a status update to best plan a course of action in assisting both The Bahamas and the entire region in preparing for and handling similar situations in the future.

About Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)
Created in 1972, FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that provides a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issues and builds bilateral relationships with destinations’ private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ]]> https://caribpr.com/rapid-response-and-recovery-efforts-show-most-of-the-bahamas-is-open-and-affected-areas-will-build-back-better/feed/ 0