(BAHAMAS CHRONICLE EDITOR’S NOTE: Although this article is on an event that took place almost two weeks ago and is no longer considered to be news, it reports on a very important event in which the Bahamas High Commission in Ottawa was involved, so I decided to share it – along with a selection of photos.– with readers of my online publication, BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.)
OTTAWA, Canada — The Bahamas High Commission — Ottawa (BHCO), under the visionary leadership of High Commissioner V. Alfred Gray and with the pivotal support of First Secretary Nahaja Black, has achieved a significant milestone in global tech collaboration. The event on December 11th, co-hosted with the Bahamas Tourist Office — Canada (BTO), celebrated this achievement, highlighting the crucial role of the BHCO in fostering the INNOVATE242 initiative.
The reception, attended by over 30 specially invited guests and dignitaries, showcased the successful outcome of persistent efforts by the High Commission. High Commissioner Gray — delivering remarks on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment, and Aviation, I. Chester Cooper — underscored the transformative potential of the partnership with Hub350 and Kanata North Business Association for Bahamian innovation and technology.
Special acknowledgment was given to First Secretary Nahaja Black, the architect of this partnership. Her strategic vision and negotiation skills were instrumental in bridging The Bahamas with Canada’s largest tech park, Hub350, enhancing the Bahamian presence in the global tech arena.
Sir Terry Matthews, founder of Mitel and Wesley Clover, and key guest speaker, emphasized The Bahamas’ potential as an emerging innovation center. He advised maintaining a steady and unwavering approach in the tech sector, foreseeing The Bahamas as an upcoming hub for global businesses.
The event also highlighted collaborations with Growcer, an Ottawa-based vertical farming company; Mr. Peter Nicholson, owner and operator of The Grand Isle Resort, Exuma; and Algonquin College, set to revolutionize agriculture and technical education in The Bahamas.
The Bahamas Beach Front Boardroom at HUB350, unveiled at the event, symbolizes the opening of new doors for The Bahamas in tech innovation. This initiative, marked by an INNOVATE242 mural with a QR code, is a direct outcome of the High Commission’s dedication to positioning The Bahamas as a global innovation hub.
The Bahamas High Commission’s efforts exemplify the power of diplomatic engagement in shaping a brighter, tech-forward future for The Bahamas.
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