The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Bahamian entrepreneurs have called for increased anti-corruption measures, saying permit applications “go to the bottom of the pile” unless officials are paid off.

Alexandra Maillis-Lynch, managing partner and caterer at Events By Alexandra, a full-service event planning and catering company, said this was one of just many challenges confronting Bahamian entrepreneurs and businesses.

She was among five Nassau-based businesspersons addressing the Rotoract Club of East Nassau’s fifth annual Entrepreneurial Panel, entitled: ‘Entrepreneurship: The Leap of Faith’.

The others were Jarell Hall, the founder of the Bahamian-themed sock company, Relish; Jason Kinsale, president of Aristo Development, the developer of One Cable Beach, Balmoral and Thirty/Six on Paradise Island; Lincoln Deal, chief executive and founder of JetLink Adventures; and Charles Johnson ,owner of Crossfit Potcake.

Ms Maillis-Lynch said: “We need more anti-corruption measures. It is very difficult to do business if you know that your application or whatever you are submitting is going to go to the bottom of the pile unless you pay. That’s huge, and it often goes unsaid. It’s a massive problem in this country.

Mr Kinsale added that the Bahamas is ripe with entrepreneurial opportunities, with a lack of competition in many sectors. “It’s not hard here. We just need to find that consistency to get up and go every day. That is one of the biggest road blocks,” he added.

“One of the things we really underestimate here is to be successful in the Bahamas. All you have to do to get a start is to be on time, return phone calls and be proactive. If you can do that you’re well on your way. You would be amazed how many people can’t return a phone call or can’t answer within eight hours. Some of the wealthiest people in the world that I deal with, billionaires, answer within 10 minutes. If they can find the time you can as well.”

Mr Deal, a pioneer of hydro-jet products in the Bahamas, suggested that easing government regulations and facilitating businesses could spur more entrepreneurial opportunities.

“When I first approached the Government with the idea, they said that there was no legislation to govern the industry. Instead of looking at different procedures around the world, which we provided, they said no,” Mr Deal said.

“There was a back and forth over the issue for three years. We ended up going to court and that was the only way we got the license. Not many people have the persistence to pursue something like that for three years. We need easier procedures.”

He added: “The reason I got into the business is because persons complain about the lack of adventures in the Bahamas, and they are looking for things to do.

“Interestingly, 50 per cent of our employees came from Baha Mar who, had JetLink not come around, might still be unemployed. Small businesses help our economy and take the burden off the Government.”

Mr Johnson urged aspiring and budding entrepreneurs to find themselves a mentor. “You can save yourself a lot of time and sleepless nights. Sometimes it’s good to drop the ego and just ask questions. Learn from other people’s mistakes and see where they were successful,” he said.

Hall said established and budding entrepreneurs should understand that their personal effort is all they can truly control. “What you put in is what you get out.”