This event marks the third consecutive year that BCCEC and Royal Caribbean have collaborated to bring together influential entrepreneurs and community figures for an insightful panel discussion featuring stakeholders from The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), and the vacation brand. The discussions focused on various business development initiatives and updates regarding the highly anticipated Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, set to debut in late 2025.
Notable attendees included Tom Hartley, British High Commissioner to The Bahamas; His Excellency Leon R. Williams, International Telecommunications Union Ambassador; R. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; Philip Simon Jr., President of Royal Caribbean International Bahamas and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island; Russell Benford, Vice President of Government Affairs, Americas at Royal Caribbean Group; along with Samantha Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas’ Small Business Development Centre; Rafique Symonette, Chairman of the Tourism Development Corporation of The Bahamas; Ian R. Ferguson, Executive Director and CEO of the Tourism Development Corporation; Don Williams, Vice Chairman of BCCEC; and Dr. Leo V. Rolle, Chief Executive Officer of BCCEC.
Samantha Rolle provided an update on the significant impact of the SBDC Access Accelerator’s Royal Caribbean Kickstarter Programme, launched in 2022 to assist tourism-related startups with essential business training and funding. So far, the initiative has empowered over 100 small businesses, facilitating entrepreneurial training and securing more than $350,000 in approved funding.
Philip Simon Jr. shared progress on the upcoming beach club experience at Paradise Island, discussing investments in local talent and partnerships with local businesses, along with updates on demolition and construction efforts.
“Once again, Royal Caribbean International is proud to host the annual Power Brunch with the voice of business in The Bahamas, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation,” said Simon. “I know firsthand the important role that it plays in the stability and growth of the Bahamian economy, and the partnerships with the Small Business Development Centre and Tourism Development Corporation only help to strengthen the many benefits for members.”
Ian Ferguson shared testimonials from the winners of TDC’s 50×50 and Venture Pitch Competition, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Royal Caribbean for their unwavering support of these initiatives. The competition aims to inspire and uplift both established and budding entrepreneurs by offering training and funding opportunities tailored to the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“I am elated for another opportunity to partner with Royal Caribbean and thank them for their unwavering commitment to the business community, nationwide,” said Dr. Leo V. Rolle. “As a member-based nonprofit, the Chamber of Commerce relies on the generosity of companies like Royal Caribbean to help us execute our mission, shape fiscal policies and create economic impact that fosters growth and prosperity. Our mantra at the BCCEC centers around creating pathways that lessen the burdensome cost and unease of doing business, which would not be possible without the strong support of organizations like Royal Caribbean, the Small Business Development Centre and the Tourism Development Corporation. I am pleased that, collectively, our commitment to corporate social responsibility transcends our corporate walls into the communities we serve.”
Royal Caribbean’s SEA the Future initiative exemplifies its dedication to invigorating communities and fostering economic growth, as demonstrated by its support for the BCCEC’s annual Power Brunch. The cruise line actively collaborates with local organizations in The Bahamas, including the Agricultural Development Organization, The Bahamas Feeding Network, and entrepreneurial training programs such as the SBDC, along with its Royal Caribbean Kickstarter Programme and TDC’s 50×50 and Venture Pitch Competition.
Tags: The Bahamas, Samantha Rol Royal Caribbean Kickstarter Programme, Philip Simon Jr., Paradise Island, Dr. Leo V. Rolle, Royal Caribbean International