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Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Signs MOU with Black Innovation Alliance

Fri, Nov 17th 2023, 11:30 AM
Business Politics

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Black Innovation Alliance, in keeping with the government’s pledge of creating an innovator support ecosystem in The Bahamas. 

The historic signing took place, November 14, 2023 in a ceremony at Baha Mar resort on Cable Beach.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper underscored the importance of the MOU.

“Our shared vision is clear: to establish a strategic partnership for the development of an innovator support ecosystem in The Bahamas.

“This ecosystem aims to provide capacity-building resources to Bahamian innovators and entrepreneurs, cultivating a culture of innovation for the future,” he said.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, BIA is a coalition of 116 member organizations closing the racial wealth gap by building pathways that provide equitable access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities to Black entrepreneurs, tech founders and creative technologists. And, since its inception in 2020, BIA has been committed to the full inclusion of Black people in the innovation economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper noted that the first initiative is the groundbreaking Bahamas Innovator Support Organizations Census —an endeavor that goes beyond numbers and statistics but will be a voyage of discovery into the country’s innovation landscape.

And, undertaking the first-ever Bahamas ISO Census will result in unraveling the intricacies of the country’s innovation ecosystem, identifying strengths, and uncovering opportunities for growth, he said.

“In our commitment to addressing the pressing challenges faced by The Bahamas, we are launching Innovation Challenges focused on Tech Tourism and Climate Tech.

“By focusing on these critical areas, we aim to harness the collective creativity, technology, and expertise to develop tangible solutions that will contribute to the resilience and sustainability of The Bahamas,” he said.

The deputy prime minister also observed that in order to nurture the growth of Bahamian Innovator Support Organizations, a custom capacity-building curriculum would be introduced.

Through both virtual and in-person events, such as the Sustainability Summit, he also spoke to the creation of a dynamic learning environment, fostering expertise and ensuring that innovators have the tools they need to flourish.

“In a strategic move to expand the reach of our entrepreneurs through exports and trade, we are exploring opportunities for Bahamian entrepreneurs to join BIA Trade Missions. By participating in these missions, we open doors to new markets, fostering economic growth and prosperity,” he said.

This journey involves collaboration with local stakeholders and participation in BIA’s 2024 Sustainability Summit. Additionally, by engaging with stakeholders and participating in the Sustainability Summit, the minister said this allows minds to converge and shape innovative solutions and strategies for the challenges that lie ahead.

“This initiative is not just about addressing local challenges; it's about making a global impact. By nurturing solutions that resonate locally, we contribute to the broader conversation on sustainability and climate action, making a meaningful difference on a global scale.

“We are also dedicated to increasing the visibility of Bahamian and Black entrepreneurs and fostering a sense of community,” he said.

The commitment also calls for the reduction of environmental impact and dedication to sustainability. And, the MOU will also see the appointment of a brand ambassador who will create awareness and effectively carry out the objectives of this MOU.

“We anticipate this will be a journey of innovation, collaboration, and shared success that represents a commitment to resilience, and development.

“Together, The Bahamas and the Black Innovation Alliance embark on a journey that will not only help shape the entrepreneurial landscape but contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for us all. We look forward to a fruitful partnership,” the deputy prime minister said.

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Black Innovation Alliance, in keeping with the government’s pledge of creating an innovator support ecosystem in The Bahamas.
 
The historic signing took place, November 14, 2023 in a ceremony at Baha Mar resort on Cable Beach.
 
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper underscored the importance of the MOU.
“Our shared vision is clear: to establish a strategic partnership for the development of an innovator support ecosystem in The Bahamas.
 
“This ecosystem aims to provide capacity-building resources to Bahamian innovators and entrepreneurs, cultivating a culture of innovation for the future,” he said.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, BIA is a coalition of 116 member organizations closing the racial wealth gap by building pathways that provide equitable access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities to Black entrepreneurs, tech founders and creative technologists. And, since its inception in 2020, BIA has been committed to the full inclusion of Black people in the innovation economy.
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper noted that the first initiative is the groundbreaking Bahamas Innovator Support Organizations Census —an endeavor that goes beyond numbers and statistics but will be a voyage of discovery into the country’s innovation landscape.
And, undertaking the first-ever Bahamas ISO Census will result in unraveling the intricacies of the country’s innovation ecosystem, identifying strengths, and uncovering opportunities for growth, he said.
“In our commitment to addressing the pressing challenges faced by The Bahamas, we are launching Innovation Challenges focused on Tech Tourism and Climate Tech.
“By focusing on these critical areas, we aim to harness the collective creativity, technology, and expertise to develop tangible solutions that will contribute to the resilience and sustainability of The Bahamas,” he said.
The deputy prime minister also observed that in order to nurture the growth of Bahamian Innovator Support Organizations, a custom capacity-building curriculum would be introduced.
Through both virtual and in-person events, such as the Sustainability Summit, he also spoke to the creation of a dynamic learning environment, fostering expertise and ensuring that innovators have the tools they need to flourish.
“In a strategic move to expand the reach of our entrepreneurs through exports and trade, we are exploring opportunities for Bahamian entrepreneurs to join BIA Trade Missions. By participating in these missions, we open doors to new markets, fostering economic growth and prosperity,” he said.
This journey involves collaboration with local stakeholders and participation in BIA’s 2024 Sustainability Summit. Additionally, by engaging with stakeholders and participating in the Sustainability Summit, the minister said this allows minds to converge and shape innovative solutions and strategies for the challenges that lie ahead.
“This initiative is not just about addressing local challenges; it's about making a global impact. By nurturing solutions that resonate locally, we contribute to the broader conversation on sustainability and climate action, making a meaningful difference on a global scale.
“We are also dedicated to increasing the visibility of Bahamian and Black entrepreneurs and fostering a sense of community,” he said.
The commitment also calls for the reduction of environmental impact and dedication to sustainability. And, the MOU will also see the appointment of a brand ambassador who will create awareness and effectively carry out the objectives of this MOU.
“We anticipate this will be a journey of innovation, collaboration, and shared success that represents a commitment to resilience, and development.
“Together, The Bahamas and the Black Innovation Alliance embark on a journey that will not only help shape the entrepreneurial landscape but contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for us all. We look forward to a fruitful partnership,” the deputy prime minister said.
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