Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville on Thursday said he thinks Grand Bahama will continue to see economic growth once certain variables are in place.

Dr. Darville addressed participants at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook held at the Grand Lucayan, where the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie, Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of the Bahamas and Minister of Finance gave the keynote address.

Among those in attendance were: Senator the Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; the Hon. Khaalis Rolle, Minister of State for Investment in the Office of the Prime Minister; other officials; the Grand Bahama Port Authority, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, the College of The Bahamas, Bahamas Tourism Development Corporation and business owners.

Minister Darville acknowledged Kevin Tomlinson and the members of The Grand Bahama Youth Choir, and congratulated them for their performance. He said, "Through the support of my ministry and private sector partners Mr. Tomlinson continues to identify, train and mentor many young, talented Grand Bahamians who represent our island with distinction."

During his welcome remarks, he said the theme of the forum, 'Securing Grand Bahama Through Planning, Partnership and Productivity,' "coincides with my ministry's mandate which is to lead a holistic synergistic effort to ensure that the economy of Grand Bahama is diversified, revitalized and works closely with our private sector partners to ensure that the people of Grand Bahama are not only contributors, but benefactors of the country's ongoing economic success.

“As the world economies are slowly recovering, establishing and working together to implement a sustainable national development plan is one of the defining challenges we face. I am therefore humbled to be a part of a progressive administration who has recognized this fact and has at the very core of its principles and initiatives the strengthening of the economy, the creation of sustainable jobs, tackling of social ills and the improvement of the overall quality of life for all Bahamians.”

Grand Bahama, said Dr. Darville, has much to look forward to in 2015 and beyond. "Though the road to recovery has been long and difficult and yes, many obstacles remain in our way, I am convinced, from where I sit that with diligence, acknowledgment of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and setbacks -- and collective goals to address pressing issues forthrightly and exploit favorable opportunities vigilantly, we will continue to see growth of the various sectors of our economy.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this administration believes that the success of Grand Bahama is vital to the success of the entire country. Therefore, you can rest assured that every decision we make as your elected government, will be in the best interest of this island and by extension the entire country. Nevertheless, as stakeholders you each have an intricate role to play in the recovery process and together we can accomplish much.”

The Minister continued with, “There is no question that the local Grand Bahamian economy is turning the corner and the macroeconomic signs are there to prove it. Our tourism sector is finally rebounding and hotel occupancy and air lift is up, the industrial sector is positioned for further growth and development, energy reform is high on the government's agenda, and government funded training programs are in place to ensure that young people are able to capitalize on opportunities in the job market.”

“There is much work to be done to tackle the high unemployment rate on Grand Bahama, particularly young unemployment and the issues associated with urban poverty. Today our keynote speaker would address the government's plans for further economic growth for Grand Bahama in 2015 and beyond.” The Prime Minister then gave the keynote address.