Royal Caribbean hosts BCCEC Annual Power Brunch in Bahamas

The Royal Caribbean International hosted a Power Brunch for the annual Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employer’s Confederation (BCCEC) on the Utopia of the Seas in Nassau, Bahamas. The agenda of the meeting was to discuss the progress of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and the small business development programs in the region.

The BCCEC Annual Power Brunch with Royal Caribbean was attended by officials from the Tourism Development Corporation, the Small Business Development Centre, the vacation brand, and other stakeholders in the industry. The gathering was also joined by several civic leaders and top business representatives of the Bahamas.

This is the third time in a row that the Royal Caribbean International stepped up to host the event for BCCEC. This stage brings together community leaders and influential entrepreneurs on the same platform for a panel discussion. The aim of BCCEC is to focus on business development in the region.

Some of the major points of interest in the meeting were Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and the SBDC Access Accelerator’s Programme, TDC’s 50×50 and Venture Pitch Competition. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island by the Royal Caribbean is a highly anticipated project that is coming to Nassau by the end of 2025.

Philip Simon Jr, the President of Royal Caribbean International Bahamas and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, expressed his views on the project during the power Brunch. He discussed the experience that will be provided to the visitors along with offerings that will also impact local talent and businesses in a positive way.

President Philip Simon Jr shared his insight on the measures taken to invest in the project and also the updates on the demolition and construction. He stated, “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.”

Philip also added, “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 R Ferguson, the Executive Director and CEO of the Tourism Development Corporation, also shared his words in the BCCEC Power Brunch on the power of partnerships. He shared the testimonials coming from the winners of TDC’s 50×50 and Venture Pitch Competition.

Ferguson also expressed his gratitude towards the Royal Caribbean for their consistent support and engagement in their endeavors. His words highlighted the competition in tourism and hospitality, which helps with funding opportunities and also provides entrepreneurial training.

Dr Leo V Rolle, the Chief Executive Officer of BCCEC, said at the annual Power Brunch, “I am elated for another opportunity to partner with Royal Caribbean and thank them for their unwavering commitment to the business community nationwide.”

He continued, “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 an economic impact that fosters growth and prosperity.”

CEO Rolle also said, “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 the Royal Caribbean, the Small Business Development Centre, and the Tourism Development Corporation.”

The BCCEC Annual Power Brunch with Royal Caribbean was also attended by Tom Hartley, the British High Commissioner to the Bahamas; Leon R Williams, the International Telecommunications Union Ambassador; and R Kenneth Romer, the Deputy Director General of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

Russell Benford, the Vice President of Government Affairs and Americas at Royal Caribbean Group; Samantha Rolle, the Executive Director of the Bahamas Small Business Development Centre; Rafique Symonette, the Chairman of the Tourism Development Corporation of the Bahamas; and Don Williams, the Vice Chairman of BCCEC were also at the gathering.