Mayor of Atlanta Kasim Reed was welcomed at a working luncheon hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and sponsored by BTC, where the Mayor discussed possible trade and investment opportunities between the country and Atlanta.
The Mayor and his entourage, escorted by Bahamian Consul General to Atlanta Randy Rolle and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, were introduced to Minister of State for Investments Khaalis Rolle, BTC CEO Leon Williams and members of the BTC Executive Management Team, US Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson and the Embassy team, CEO of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Edison Sumner and Chamber Chairman Gowon Bowe.
BTC CEO Leon Williams gave the official welcome at the luncheon, stating that with Atlanta having the largest population of Bahamians of any American city outside of Florida, it is more than fitting to enhance the relationship between the city and Bahamas. On behalf of BTC, Mr. Williams also presented Mayor Reed with a sculpture of a Junkanoo dancer as a token of thanks and a memento of his visit.
Stating that he already felt very at home in The Bahamas, Mayor Reed said that he feels optimistic about the relationship.
“I think we have terrific opportunities together, that’s why I decided to come,” said Mayor Reed. “For example, sitting with Mr. Williams and hearing about his plans for his company and the potential and opportunity not just in The Bahamas but in all the Caribbean lets me know that I am in the right place. What I hope happens after this luncheon today is that Bahamas feels that it has a friend in the City of Atlanta.”
The Mayor went on a round of courtesy calls with Bahamian officials to establish ties between Bahamas and Atlanta and to offer advice on curbing crime. In Atlanta, Mayor Reed has lowered crime through increased police presence, innovative technology, and developing youth programs.
Mayor Kasim Reed meets Executive Assistant to the CEO Ivy Walkes and BTC CEO Leon Williams
The Honorable Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed meets the BTC Executive Management Team at a luncheon hosted by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and BTC. (l-r): Eldri Ferguson-Mackey, VP of Marketing; Alban Smith Chief Information Officer; Valerie Wallace, VP of Human Resources ; Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed; CEO Leon Williams, Nigel Broghan, Chief Technology Officer, Neisha Butler, VP of Financial Planning and Analysis; Naaman Ellis, Chief Network Officer and VP of Operations; and Talbot Collie, VP of Northern Bahamas.
