The Grand Bahama private sector’s input on the creation of a National Productivity Council will be sought at a May 16 luncheon meeting.
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce-organised event will hear from Edison Sumner, pictured, founder of Sumner Strategic Partners (SSP), who is leading the public and private sector consultation on moves to improve Bahamian workforce productivity.
The National Tripartite Council (NTC) views better worker productivity as critical to enhancing The Bahamas’ regional and international competitiveness. It officially announced the consultation process on draft legislation to achieve this, and create the National Productivity Council, at its 2019 annual general assembly.
A former president and chief executive of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), Mr Sumner believes there is an urgent need to increase productivity in the Bahamian labour force, but advises that all sectors may be required to implement recommendations.
“The first step approach to this process will be the passing of productivity legislation to establish the Bahamian National Productivity Council,” said Mr Sumner. “This would provide the leadership and co-ordination needed to build a more productive labour force, and will also assist with the realisation and full productivity potential of the Bahamian workforce.”
Mr Sumner will be the guest speaker at the Grand Bahama Chamber’s luncheon. He will discuss his company’s plans to engage all relevant stakeholders throughout The Bahamas to gather information that will help craft the proposal to the Government on establishing a National Productivity Council.
“I believe that Grand Bahama has a lot to contribute to this conversation,” Mr Sumner added. “The consultation process is a collaborative partnership between the employers, workers and the Government of The Bahamas. It will take place over a three to five-month period, and we will gather comments, feedback and recommendations for the proposal, so we need to hear from all sectors.”
The Grand Bahama Chamber’s president, Greg Laroda, encouraged the Grand Bahama business community to attend. “The National Productivity Council will change our business landscape. We need to understand what the Council’s role will be, and make our contribution. I invite entrepreneurs, and executives from the public and private sector to attend this luncheon,” he added.
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