The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) held its annual general meeting on Thursday, November 30th, at the Baha Mar Resort.
After successfully serving two consecutive terms as Chairman, Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson concluded her tenure, with Timothy Ingraham succeeding her in that post uncontested.
At the AGM, Don Williams was elected Vice-Chairman, Charnette Thompson was elected Secretary, and Kendra Culmer was elected to the position of Treasurer.
The BCCEC’s new Board of Directors now includes Antoinette Russell, Cristobal Gomez, Davinia Bain, Ja'Ann Major, Joan Dilworth, Kimberly Bodie, Odetta Morton, Peter Goudie, Royann Dean, and Sean Moree.
Mrs. Rutherford-Ferguson during her remarks at the AGM noted that the organization has “come a long way” having navigated challenges posed by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 crisis, both unprecedented events.
She further acknowledged that despite the challenges of lockdown restrictions during the pandemic, the Chamber actively lobbied for the easing of restrictions as well as the reopening of businesses, and financial support to the business community through tax deferrals and credits. She expressed delight at the thriving state of the country’s tourism market currently, with ancillary businesses benefiting from increased arrivals.
Mrs Rutherford-Ferguson noted that the BCCEC has and continues to adopt a collaborative approach to advocacy for the business community, engaging industry associations, stakeholders, multinational agencies, and the government. She encouraged BCCEC members to continue to voice their concerns so that the organization can continue to effectively advocate on their behalf.
Describing her work at the Chamber as a “labor of love,” Rutherford-Ferguson expressed pride in the efforts undertaken during her tenure as well as the financial strides made by the organization. “The future of the BCCEC is a bright one,” said Mrs. Rutherford-Ferguson, who expressed special thanks to the dedicated staff at the BCCEC for their unwavering support and to Mr Ingraham who has served as vice-chairman. She noted that in 2023, the BCCEC proudly welcomed 20 new members, further expanding its growing community of businesses.
Immediate past Treasurer Don Williams speaking to the 2022 audited financials, done by the accounting firm Baker Tilly Gomez noted that income generated, totaled $513,000, with the organization’s revenue total remaining consistently more than 500,000. Expenses for the period totaled $492,000.
To view the photo album of the event, click here >>> https://bccec-annual-general.thebahamaschamber.com/
Picture from left to right: Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson (Immediate Past Chairman), Peter Goudie (Director), Kimberley Bodie (Director), Don Williams (Vice-Chairman), Timothy Ingraham (Chairman), Kendra Culmer (Treasurer), Joan Dilworth (Director), Ja’Ann Major (Director), Antoinette Russell (Director), Charnette Thompson (Secretary)
Picture from left to right: Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson (Immediate Past Chairman), Don Williams (Vice-Chairman), Timothy Ingraham (Chairman), Kendra Culmer (Treasurer), and Charnette Thompson (Secretary)