BCCEC Newsletter: February 2026
- BCCEC
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Stay ahead of the curve with the newest BCCEC Monthly Brief. Get the market insights and exclusive local opportunities you need to scale your business in the Bahamas.
News report on BCCEC welcomes halt on wage increase
Dr. Leo Rolle, chief executive officer of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), said in a statement to Guardian Business yesterday that the chamber is pleased the government is not moving forward with more wage increases at this time.
Rolle said: “The BCCEC, though not surprised, welcomes the announcement by Minister of Labor and the Public Service, Pia Glover-Rolle, relative to another minimum wage increase being unlikely before the election. The BCCEC enjoys an excellent working relationship with the ministry, strengthened by quarterly meetings and regular updates.
News report on VAT changes can increase costs for businesses, says BCCEC CEO
Changes in the value-added tax (VAT) rate can frustrate businesses and increase their costs, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation, Dr. Leo Rolle, said on Wednesday night.
Rolle made the comments during the Organization for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) “Impacts of VAT” webinar, hosted by Nassau Guardian reporter Rachel Knowles-Scott.
Why Business Advocacy Matters: How Chambers of Commerce Support Businesses
Written by Tre Saunders - 11th-grade student at The International School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (ISBET)
Located at the intersection of Shirley Street and Collins Avenue in Nassau, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) is a non-profit organization formed in 2011 through the merger of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and the Bahamas Employers’ Confederation. It serves as the primary voice of the private sector and business community in The Bahamas (BCCEC).
Spotlight on the Bahamas Trade Portal
Dive into our Trade Section for a comprehensive look at recent news, exciting trade events, and opportunities, including:
Black Sea Boat Show (27- 31 March 2026): The Black Sea Boat Show is the region's premier marine exhibition taking place in Trabzon, Türkiye, from March 27–31, 2026. It showcases the latest yachts, boats, and marine equipment and serves as a central gathering for the growing Black Sea maritime and blue economy sectors.
This event is part of the Black Sea Blue Economy Summit, a larger platform focused on sustainable maritime growth, coastal tourism, water sports, and regional collaboration.
Furniture, Mattress Accessories, Supply Industry & Technologies Fair, and AFROZUM 2026:
Mark your calendars for May 7–9, 2026, as the Gallagher Exhibition Center hosts AFROZUM—the premier international trade fair for the furniture and bedding manufacturing sectors.
In an era of shifting global markets, AFROZUM serves as a specialized gateway for industry professionals. The event showcases the essential technologies, high-tech machinery, raw materials, and components necessary to power modern production facilities.
EU packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR) WEBINAR: What Non-EU Exporters Need to Know. The EU’s Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR 2025/40) introduces new obligations for non-EU suppliers exporting packaged food to the EU, effective from August 2026. Join this free 90-minute webinar to understand key requirements, implementation timelines, and strategies to prepare.
Session info: 26 Feb 2026 | 10:00 AM EST – English with Spanish interpretation.
Also learn about AGRINFO, the EU-funded service helping exporters stay ahead of regulatory changes.
Welcome, New Members!
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) is thrilled to kick off 2026 by welcoming our newest members. Joining us this January, these businesses span a diverse range of industries, all committed to fueling the Bahamian economy. By partnering with the BCCEC, these organizations now have access to premier advocacy, exclusive networking, and the essential resources needed to thrive. Their arrival strengthens our collective voice as we embark on a year of growth and innovation.
Notices & Events
Your January Member Notices are here! Kick off 2026 by joining Flamingo Bahamas, a new discount network connecting businesses to subscribers with free registration and no monthly fees. Creative talent can also shine through Easy Car Sales’ "Electric Canvas" competition, offering a $5,000 prize for artists to transform a HongQi EHS5; visit easy242.com for details. For those looking to scale, 360 Business Advisors is now offering specialized SME accounting and advisory services via WhatsApp at 1(242) 806-0360, while Caribbean Bottling invites you to celebrate the FIFA World Cup with winning prizes on every 12oz or 20oz Coca-Cola purchase. Finally, please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber members who joined us this January as we drive toward a prosperous 2026!
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