National

GBPA Customer Relations Department Engages Investors

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The Customer Relations Department at The Grand Bahama Port Authority doesn’t just focus on issuing licenses and training the local community, they also actively engage with investors and anyone interested in the island.

Published

12 months ago

February 26, 2025

Italia Hall

Business Development Officer Sharmaine Johnson explains, there has been a surge of interest, not only from local entrepreneurs but foreign direct investors.

There was somebody who visited the island from Canada, and immediately saw the potential for business, and we had a pop up meeting with him. He explained what his product offering was, and we were able to guide him in the process, should he, you know, decide to go ahead and pursue his license with us,” says Johnson – Business development officer, GBPA

To promote Freeport, a series of initiatives have been launched, including a recent trade mission to Houston and Canada.

Johnson noted, as a result of the Houston trip, several investors are now planning to come to Grand Bahama based on initial discussions.

They’re coming really to experience what we have been talking about and sharing and explaining, as far as what the investment opportunity is. When you look at the American climate right now for investment, we represent political stability in the Bahamas compared to so many other global areas, and that was one of the reassurances with investors, business owners looking to expand a presence, and so we are very, very happy about that,” says Johnson

And as it relates to the Canadian market,

“Savvy business owners. Investors are looking for other types of opportunities. Grand Bahama presents that the Canadian market, I will say the interest right now seems to be real estate. Persons are looking in that area,” says Sharmaine Johnson

And these trade mission trips are both strategic and well planned.

“Which means relationship building with our partners, which include, and I’ll get to that, a lot of the embassies of the Bahamas. So we reach and make partnerships with them to arrange particular meetings with businesses organizations that they are aware of” says Johnson

As for why these initiatives are important?

“The world still needs to know what this wonderful opportunity is here. We get to live here, and this is something that I’m very passionate and proud about. To be very honest with you, when people hear about what we have to offer, and then they’re able to come and experience it, I can tell you we’ve never had a disappointing moment says Sharmaine Johnson