Recap: BCCEC Explores The Power of Connections at 2026 Power Brunch
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) hosted its 2026 Power Brunch on Friday, October 2, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, bringing together members of the business community, government representatives, entrepreneurs, international partners and friends of the Chamber.
Setting Sail
The day began at The Pointe Parking Garage at Margaritaville, where guests checked in before boarding the shuttle to Allure of the Seas. Once aboard, guests were welcomed with breakfast and treated to an exciting ice skating performance, setting the tone for a memorable morning.
The Power of Connections
This year’s Power Brunch theme, “The Power of Connections,” explored how relationships, partnerships and collaboration can create opportunities and strengthen the Bahamian business community.
In his opening remarks, BCCEC Chairman Don Williams highlighted the progression from making a connection to building something meaningful from it, noting that a conversation can become a relationship, a relationship can become a partnership, and a partnership can create an opportunity for a business, an entrepreneur or the wider Bahamian economy.
The Conversation
The importance of partnership was also reflected in remarks from Wendy McDonald, Regional Vice President, Government Relations – Caribbean for Royal Caribbean Group. She spoke about the value of bringing together stakeholders who share a common vision and highlighted Royal Caribbean’s ongoing engagement with the Chamber and the opportunity to learn from one another while contributing to conversations about the future of The Bahamas.
The theme was brought to life through a panel discussion moderated by Timothy Ingraham, Immediate Past Chairman of the BCCEC, featuring Don Williams, Chairman of the BCCEC; Hon. Randy Rolle, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Tourism; Naomi Wilson, Founder of Native Travels; and Ingrid Higgs, Founder of I Dream of Sugar.
The discussion explored the importance of relationships and collaboration, with tourism providing a natural example of how interconnected the Bahamian business community is. From cruise lines and hotels to tour operators, restaurants, transportation providers, retailers and local entrepreneurs, each plays a role in shaping the visitor experience and contributing to the wider tourism economy.
Connecting Beyond the Panel
Following the event, guests continued the spirit of the day during a cocktail hour, where they were able to mix and mingle while continuing the conversations and connections sparked throughout the morning.
In his closing remarks, BCCEC Vice-Chairman Keith Roye encouraged attendees to take those connections with them beyond the event by following up on the conversations they had started and considering where those new relationships could lead.
The BCCEC extends its sincere appreciation to Royal Caribbean and the entire Allure of the Seas team for their hospitality and continued partnership. We also thank our moderator, panelists, Board of Directors, Patron Sponsors, members and guests for contributing to the success of this year’s Power Brunch.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Power Brunch a memorable day. Your support, participation and presence helped bring the theme of “The Power of Connections” to life and made the event a meaningful celebration of conversation, collaboration and community.
Sea you at the next event!
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