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All-Access Pass Holders can attend all Expo Sessions and will have access to speaker presentations after the event. Sessions are subject to change. Check back often for updates and additions.
President, Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited
Ian Rolle was appointed President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority Group of Companies in February 2009.
Born on Grand Bahama Island, Ian Rolle considers himself an entrepreneur at heart, with a passion for the sustained economic advancement of Freeport. He expressed, “I am excited about the opportunity to assist in directing the Group to ensure that we better the lives of the Grand Bahama community, and by extension, the entire Bahamas, through the use of the unique features offered by Grand Bahama Island”.
In 1995 while employed with Ernst & Young as a Senior/Knowledge Steward, Mr. Rolle passed the Georgia State Board of Accountancy exam and became a Certified Public Accountant. He also held the post of Finance Manager at Hutchison Lucaya Limited where he was responsible for the management of a 450 million dollar budget for the redevelopment of Lucaya Hotel property.
Mr. Rolle joined The Grand Bahama Port Authority as Group Financial Analyst in 2000 and also served as Group Financial Controller. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of the Group. Mr. Rolle is a member of The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, The Georgia Society of CPA’s, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Rolle is married to Barbara Rolle and they are the proud parents of Nia, Ian, Dana and Jade.
Minister for Grand Bahama and MP for Pineridge Constituency
The Honourable Ginger M. Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for Pineridge was born and raised in Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama. Minister Moxey made history as the first female appointed by the Cabinet of The Bahamas to serve as the Minister for Grand Bahama. Immediately after assuming office in October 2021, she crafted a plan to launch ‘Collab: Partnerships for Development’, a new unit and the execution arm of the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Collab identifies issues in the community, brings relevant parties together, and creates a plan of attack to get matters resolved .quickly. The unit partners with NGOs, businesses, other government agencies, and the community at large to assist with meeting the basic needs of residents, and the growth and development of Grand Bahama Island.
Before serving in the Cabinet of The Bahamas, Minister Moxey was CEO of Immerse Bahamas, a premier, full-service Destination and Project Management Company in Freeport. During her tenure, she created the “Entrepreneurship Empowerment Initiative” to provide opportunities for small businesses operating in sectors under the Orange Economy. She also founded ‘700 Partners’, a non-profit that brought organizations and people together to give back to the community and help those in need.
Before launching Immerse Bahamas, Minister Moxey served as Vice President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited and Port Group Limited with responsibility for Group Corporate Affairs, Employee Relations, Business Relations and Development, Public and Community Relations, and Government Relations.
She previously served as President of The Bahamas Chapter of People to People International, a member of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festival and Folk Arts (CIOFF), and The Bahamas and Caribbean Representative for Sister Cities International, an organization founded in 1955 by President Dwight Eisenhower for business, cultural, tourism, humanitarian and educational exchanges between cities. President of the United States of America, Joe Biden currently serves as Honorary Chair.
VP, Operational Strategy at Carnival Corporation
GBPA Customer Relations Manager
How to Start a Business in Freeport
Nicole Colebrooke has been employed with The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited for more than three decades, starting as a summer student and a part-time secretary in the Licensing Department the day after graduating high school.
She has worked her way up through the ranks in the Licensing Department to clerk, executive secretary, supervisor and licensing manager. In September 2009 she was appointed Customer Relations Manager with responsibility for business licenses and Payment Systems. She is a business professional with various certifications including Certified Professional Manager with James Madison University, Virginia and a Degree in Business Management
In addition to her accomplished professional role, Nicole was appointed as a Justice of the Peace for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; She is an entrepreneur and also a licensee of GBPA and believes her business acumen and experience have aided her in providing her clients with insightful information to excel in their own business. She is actively involved in community building as a Business Consultant and Mentor and also gives community services through the vehicle of the Pilot Club of Lucaya, a non profit organization.
Committed, Dedicated, Driven, Passionate, Integrity and Humble are character traits that define Nicole in her pursuit of excellence as she gives more, do more and strives to be more every day.
Managing Director, Island Pay Group
A native son of Chippingham in Nassau, Bahamas.
He received his education at Nassau Christian Academy, College of The Bahamas, and Tennessee Temple University, (BA/MBA Business & Marketing) & The PGA School of Business.
He is a veteran of the hospitality sector, having worked with several global brands; Princess Hotels, Atlantis Resort and One & Only Ocean Club, PGA Tour Marketing, Nassau Cruises Ltd. He also played a key role in the development and operations of several Private Family Island Cruise Destinations.
Today, he is the principal of Jeffrey Beckles & Associates where he specializes in Business & Corporate Advisory Services, Organizational Development Consulting & Recruiting Services. He also serves as Managing Director of the Island Pay Group, one of the country’s leading digital payments providers.
He is also a small business advisor helping businesses owners and budding entrepreneurs, turn their ideas into successful entities. Coaching them on basics like, business plan preparation, budgeting, market research, and preparing to meet funders.
An well-known local and international business speaker, his passion is for the development and sustainability of the Small Business Community.
He is the Former CEO of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers’ Confederation and currently serves as Managing Director of The Island Pay Group Ltd., He is a board member of The Bahamas Strong Alliance, the Rotary Club of East Nassau, and serves as a committee member of the Bahamas’ Sustainable Development Goal Unit.
He has a strong passion for the island of Grand Bahama where he lived and invested for more than half his life.
He is married to Sonia Wallace-Beckles, and they have four children and one grandson. He is an avid cyclist and golfer.
International Investor Presentation
Director of Shore Excursions Operations and Revenue, Carnival Cruise Lines
(No Photo Available)
A seasoned Senior Level Operations Leader with over 25 years of invaluable global experience within the dynamic Hospitality and Travel Industry, specializing in Cruise Line Hotel operations. Having dedicated 19 years to nurturing unparalleled onboard Guest experiences at sea in various leadership capacities, Caroline recently transitioned to Carnival’s shoreside team as the Director of Shore Excursions Operations and Revenue. In this exciting role, Caroline’s passion is to perpetuate and enhance the exceptional experiences for our guests as they explore over 60 diverse ports of call. It’s a thrilling opportunity to continue creating unforgettable memories for our guests while they’re ashore.
Director of Business Development, HiWater
Co-Founder and CEO, Triton Submarines
Patrick Lahey is the co-founder and CEO of Triton Submarines, a company with manufacturing facilities in both Sebastian, Florida, and Barcelona, Spain. Patrick was Born in Ottawa, Canada and started diving in 1975. Patrick is a fully qualified air, mixed-gas, and bell saturation diver with a background in electronics and instrumentation. Patrick began work as a commercial diver in 1982. During his 41-year long career in the underwater business, Patrick has participated in the design, manufacture, testing and operation of numerous underwater vehicles and diving systems including more than 60 human occupied submersibles.
In his role at Triton Submarines, Patrick has overseen the development of their entire range of products, including the Triton 36000/2, which is the first and only full ocean depth capable submersible to be fully accredited by an internationally recognized third party classification society (DNV) with an unlimited diving depth noted on the certificate. This remarkable craft is intended for daily use in the most extreme and least understood area of our ocean, the hadal zone, which lies between 6,000 and 11,000 meters (20,000 – 36,000 feet).
Patrick has made five dives in the Mariana Trench, including a certification dive in 2019 with DNV surveyor Jonathan Struwe, during which they successfully completed the world’s deepest ever salvage operation at a depth of 35,865 feet (10,932 meters). In 2021, Patrick completed three additional dives in the Mariana Trench accompanied by fellow explorer and astronaut (Axiom 1 Civilian Mission Commander) Larry Connor.
Patrick is an ardent ocean advocate and passionate supporter of all initiatives aimed at furthering our knowledge and understanding of his favorite place on Earth, the ocean.
Fire-Side Chat: Tourism Industry Outlook
Executive Director and CEO of the Tourism Development Corporation and the Hotel Corporation of the Bahamas
Ian Ross Ferguson- Executive Director and CEO of the Tourism Development Corporation and the Hotel Corporation of the Bahamas received his formal education at the College of The Bahamas, The University of The West Indies, St. Johns University and has earned a Master of Science Degree in Education from the University of Miami, Coral Gables and a Master of Religion from Gordon Conwell University.
He has served the system of Education (both Secondary and Tertiary) in The United States and The Bahamas for several years as teacher, college lecturer, National Examiner, Senior Master, Vice Principal and Principal. He has also served industry as Director of Training and Recruitment in Human Resources for Kerzner International (Atlantis), Chancellor for the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s Training Institute, regional consultant with the Inter-American Development Bank, Director of Training in the Ministry and Executive Director of Administrative Operations.
In his current assignment, Mr. Ferguson leads the agency of government charged with developing the local tourism product and businesses in the sector. He is the local advisor for the Hospitality Assured Program and is a weekly columnist in the Tribune newspaper.
Chief Investment Officer, Grand Bahama Port Authority
Holding a Master’s degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in business strategy, and certifications from the Ivey School of Business and Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Derek Newbold is a business executive with demonstrated leadership experience in numerous corporations and industries.
After an eight-year career in banking, he joined Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate, Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL) based in Hong Kong. At Hutchison Port Holdings, he held a number of different positions, including Terminal Planner, Commercial Officer, and Sales and Marketing Manager for the Freeport Harbour Company, Grand Bahama Airport Company, Freeport Container Port, and Sea Air Business Centre.
As a serial entrepreneur, he is the proprietor of several business ventures on several islands in The Bahamas, spanning several industries. His passion for entrepreneurship and business made him an exceptional candidate to develop and lead the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s Business Development department, which he was tasked with on joining Port Group of Companies in 2009. Since joining the team, he has been the architect behind the development and branding of the internationally recognized Invest Grand Bahama campaign, and the visionary behind initiatives such as the Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau, My Grand Bahama Campaign, Contact Centre Education Initiative, the Business Diversity Waiver, Micro Business License, and various grant programs. Newbold also orchestrated Freeport’s winning of the 2016 Best Free Trade Zone award, beating out 60 other Free Zones.
In his current capacity as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, he is responsible for research and analysis, management of the Customer Relations and Business Development departments, marketing and promotions and investor programs for international and domestic investors through the GBPA promotional arm, Invest Grand Bahama.
He is the President of the Kingdom Business Empowerment Network (KBEN) Freeport and is married to Harveyann Newbold and they are the proud parents of Hannah and Skye.
Director of Commercial, Sales, and Marketing at Bahamasair
Samantha Lookie, a distinguished leader in the aviation sector, currently holds the position of Director of Commercial, Sales, and Marketing at Bahamasair. Her association with the national airline of The Bahamas commenced in 2004 when she assumed the role of Charter Sales Manager, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.
Ms. Lookie is deeply involved in exploring advanced concepts in business management, particularly focusing on disruptive strategies, showcasing her aspirations as a thought leader and an eager learner. Her academic pursuits run parallel to her professional commitments, ensuring she remains abreast of industry trends and adopts best practices.
The journey of Samantha Lookie from her initial role as Charter Sales Manager to her current position as Director of Commercial, Sales, and Marketing at Bahamasair underscores her exceptional abilities and dedication to excellence. Her dual role as a leader in aviation and a student at Harvard Business School reflects her enduring passion for continuous learning and her drive to foster innovation within the business landscape.
Owner Operator Electric Bicycle Tour and rental Company, CocoNutz Cruisers
Sessions are subject to change. Check back often for updates and additions.
Lunch & Learn
Managing Director at Bahamas Development Bank
Executive Director, Access Accelerator – SBDC
Samantha is a dynamic and results-oriented leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, program development and business support management. As the Executive Director of Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) Bahamas, she is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
With a strong background in business and entrepreneurship, Samantha has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. Under her leadership, SBDC has implemented innovative programs and initiatives to provide access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities to aspiring and established business owners.
Prior to joining SBDC Bahamas, Samantha held various leadership positions in both the public and private sector where she successfully led teams to achieve strategic objectives and deliver impactful results. Her passion for fostering economic development and creating sustainable solutions has earned her recognition as a thought leader in the local business community.
Samantha holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Barry University and continues to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices. She is a firm believer in the power of collaboration and community building, actively engaging with stakeholders to create a supportive ecosystem for small business development.
Outside of her professional endeavors, she is most proud of her 3 year old son.
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