Lowe assumed the position following last week’s decision by Dr. Doswell Coakley to resign office as president of the Chamber to pursue his political interest in the High Rock constituency.
“With Dr. Coakley’s departure, in addition to my taking on the presidency, Christopher Lowe moves up to the position of first vice-president and Kevin Seymour will now serve as second vice-president. Donald Ward will also take on the role of chairman of Economic Development Council and Malvese Capron will continue as the secretary,” explained Lowe.
The team of directors includes: Carey Leonard, Janet Albury, Cyril Cox, Angela Gibson, Christopher Gouthro, Dr. Barry Iseard and Greg Langstaff.
Mercynth Ferguson continues to serve as executive director and administrator and Beverly Johnson, administrative assistant.
“With this outstanding team of seasoned focused individuals, we look forward to continuing our mission of serving our 250 Chamber members and the greater community of Grand Bahama,” said Lowe.
Noting that he has worked with four past presidents, Lowe said that he can truly say Dr. Coakley is one that leads by example.
“From the time he started in 2004 and coined the Chamber theme ‘All hands on board, no community to be left behind’ he served both the officers and members of the Chamber well,” added Lowe.
Listing some of Coakley’s accomplishments, Lowe said they include:
* The unprecedented doubling of the Chamber’s membership to over 250 businesses and organizations;
* The establishment of Regional and National networks, including the enhancement of working relationships with The Bahamas Government, local administrators and councillors and the Grand Bahama Port Authority; Publishing Chamber information in the schools;
* The introduction of the new Chamber logo and the revitalization of the Chamber building and
* Implementation of ‘Friends of the Chamber’ and the ‘Past President’s Council.
“I know I speak for the officers and members of the Chamber in saying we have mixed emotions in seeing Dr. Coakley demit his position, but we all recognize that significant opportunities await him where he can further serve the community and The Bahamas in greater areas of responsibility,” said Lowe.
By BARBARA WALKIN, Senior Freeport News Reporter
