Abaconians hope TCL Group’s 15th Annual Abaco Business Outlook (ABO) will allow them to “come, learn and connect.” The forum will take place on Thursday September 20, 2018 at the Abaco Beach Resort.
ABO aims to connect local and external industry experts with stakeholders in a conducive space, where all participating parties can discuss issues plaguing the island, and identify opportunities for economic growth. Among the subjects under consideration will be the island’s economic challenges which currently include a decrease in airlift and high unemployment numbers.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Michael Pintard. Also on the slate are: Kerry Fountain, Executive Director, Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board; James Albury, MP, Central and South Abaco; Ken Hutton, President, Abaco Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle, Director, National Insurance Board; Patrice Rolle - Sunshine Insurance; Karlos Mackey - Principal, Prime Finance and Consulting; Donovan Ingraham, Corporate Wellness Coordinator, Atlantic Medical Insurance; Samantha Williams - Graham Thompson Co; Alistair Chisnall - Graham Thompson Co; Kevin Seymour, Chief Financial Officer, PharmaChem Technology GB Limited.
Joan Albury, creator of the Outlook believes that under this year’s theme “Creating a World-Class Abaco”, the event could strengthen the community’s resolve to confront problems, given the wealth of talent that speakers and residents are bringing to the table.
“Many of our islands are experiencing hard times and find themselves struggling to survive,” she said. “Outlook’s mandate is to be a beacon of hope, providing solutions and opening doors of opportunity.”
The Abaco Chamber President Ken Hutton said the island is currently experiencing “many, many, many” challenges, which he plans to address in his presentation.
“We're looking to rile some feathers and get people motivated to attend, so we can stop the complacency and start to demand results,” Hutton said. “Again, all of which can lead to a more prosperous Abaco and more economic activity.”
According to Wynsome Ferguson of the Abaco Tourism Office, the annual Outlook is viewed as a “family reunion”.
“It’s more like a family reunion where all key stakeholders and the leaders in Abaco come together to discuss the island’s challenges and bring new ideas as to the way forward,” Ms. Ferguson said.
Those interested are asked to contact Wynsome Ferguson at the Abaco Tourism Office at: 242-699-0152; 242-669-0161 or wferguson@bahamas.com. Persons can also register at www.tclevents.com
