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News report: BCCEC plans to meet with each new Cabinet minister

Published by Chester Robards, The Nassau Guardian, May 22, 2026

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) Chairman Don Williams said yesterday that the Chamber plans to meet with each Cabinet minister appointed by the government to see how the business community can help bring each ministry’s plan and mandate to fruition, and inevitably benefit from the fruits of those plans.


According to Williams, who made the remarks during an appearance on the radio talk show Morning Blend Business on Guardian Radio, said the Chamber plans to begin direct engagement with ministers through a series of courtesy calls in the coming weeks.


“We are going to be having courtesy calls with all of the ministries, coming soon. So, ministers, if you’re listening, please be aware when you get that phone call from the Chamber, we’re on our way,” said Williams.


He explained that the Chamber wants to see stronger coordination and collaboration across government ministries, particularly as the administration advances digitization and modernization initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and ease of doing business.


“I obviously want them to take a strategic approach,” said Williams.


“While each government and each ministry wants to have their plan, how are you now coming to the table and collaborating, to ensure that if the Passport Office, let’s say, gets a new computer system and software, are we making sure that that software, before it’s purchased and installed, is compatible with what NIB [National Insurance Board] will be bringing on stream? Is it compatible with what the Customs Department is going to be bringing on stream? Is it compatible with the Department of Inland Revenue? Because you have to have that continuity.”


Williams said the Chamber intends to monitor the government’s progress closely and maintain pressure for accountability, adding that government efficiency directly impacts the private sector’s ability to operate and grow.


“We’re looking forward to them having a lot more dialog in between the various government ministries, and like I said, we are going to be there as much as possible to keep them accountable,” he said.


“Accountability is not just about us ensuring that the government is doing what they’re doing, to be as efficient as possible, but that it translates into what we are now capable of doing as business owners within the economy. We’re the ones who necessarily drive the country. So, are you giving us the necessary foundation so we can do it? What does that look like?”


Williams also pointed to the creation of new ministries, including the Ministry of National Development, as areas the Chamber is closely watching to determine whether government priorities align with the needs of the business community.


“Now that we’re seeing new ministries, such as National Development, we’re looking to see what the plans of those ministries are, do they align with the Chamber, the business community? ” Williams said.


“How are we going to now develop the country to decrease the cost of living, increase the level of efficiency in the country? So, we’re looking forward to those parts.”


He added that the government’s stated commitment to digitization across the public sector will be critical to reducing bureaucracy and improving the business environment.





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