The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BRADFORD Marine has made several senior management appointments that have placed Bahamians in charge of its Grand Bahama operations.

The company, in a statement, said Ray Lightbourne had been selected to assume the role of general manager with responsibility for the company’s 55-member Freeport team.

It added that his appointment marks the first time a Bahamian has led Bradford Marine’s Grand Bahama operations as it seeks to attract and engage a new crop of maritime professionals.

Mr Lightbourne, who has been with Bradford Marine for more than a decade, has worked in various departments with the company over the course of his career.

“One of the things I’m really proud of here is the fact that our clients, no matter where they are in the world, know that they can depend on us for professional services,” he said. “I am excited to lead the team here, and am even more proud of the work our crews put out on a daily basis.”

Joining Mr Lightbourne as one of Bradford Marine’s newest Bahamian executives is Deepak McSweeney, another long-time employee who joined as its first-ever summer student. Mr McSweeney has up to 17 years’ industry experience and recently assumed the role of yard superintendent.

“I had the good fortune of coming on board right out of high school,” he explained. “I have worked in every single department of the company. It not only taught me the in’s and out’s of the business but helped clarify what direction I wanted my career to take.”

Describing the maritime industry as a living environment, both Mr Lightbourne and Mr McSweeney have predicted that the industry’s future will not only depend heavily on client demand but on the availability of properly-trained personnel. This, they added, will be a major thrust of Bradford Marine’s growth plans.

“What our team envisions is the creation of opportunities for more Bahamians through education, job training and internships. We want to provide opportunities for interested young people to learn and explore all aspects of the maritime field,” Mr Lightbourne added.

Mr Lightbourne says his team will continue to work to meet the demands of the company’s international business model. For more than 50 years, Bradford Marine has been a leading provider of both short-term and long-term dockage, yacht servicing and yacht sales.

“Above all else, Bradford Marine has proven that a small island in The Bahamas can provide world-class marine services,” Mr Lightbourne said. “I hope that with the right mix of experienced and fresh personnel we can build on the reputation which Bradford Marine has built for itself.”