Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt, Governor General, hosted the Closing Reception of the Caribbean-Canada Leaders Dialogue 2025 – The Bahamas Study Tour, at Government House on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Giving remarks were Executive Director, Tourism Development Corporation, Ian Ferguson; and Caribbean-Canada Leaders Dialogue Bahamas Steering Committee Co-chairs Lindsay Thompson and Royann Dean (the Vote of Thanks).
Mr. Ferguson said he was pleased to address the closing reception, while pointing out areas where The Bahamas is assuming leadership roles.
“The Bahamas, and by extension the region, are no strangers as leaders in the global arena in many spheres namely tourism, financial services, even venturing now into the rapidly growing specialized niche of aeronautical space tourism.
“Our three year record-breaking tourist arrivals, proves that a small developing country like The Bahamas is making strides, and has become a leader in her own right,” said Mr. Ferguson. “Tonight’s event signals the close of The Bahamas Study Tour that was designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.”
Ms. Thompson, who is also a member of The CCLD Alumni, urged delegates to go beyond their respective countries in implementing best practices and knowledge exchange during their study tour. “We hope you had informative, provocative and engaging dialogue with tour partners, with a view of better understanding this country, the machinery behind the Blue Economy, financial services, and cultural tourism, the challenges being faced, and the way forward. BUT, also, how we all can become game-changing leaders in our respective countries, the region as a whole, and Canada,” she said.
And, Dean thanked tour and sponsor partners for engaging the delegates in dialogue, and donating funds, and in-kind support in order for the study tour to be successful.
Delegate lead Dr. Cornelia Walters-Jones, Jamaica, on behalf of the group thanked the steering committee for an impressive study tour; she highlighted the inclusion and diversity, ground breaking steps in tourism, digitizing government platforms, and observing innate pride in culture, particularly Junkanoo.
The Caribbean-Canada Leaders Dialogue (CCLD) 2025, is an initiative dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders through cross-cultural exchange and immersive learning.
This prestigious programme, hosted by The Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conferences Canada, is being held from May 22 to June 1, 2025, under the leadership of HRH Princess Anne, President; Wes Hall, Chair; and Hemi Mitic, Lead Director.
Under the theme of Impact-Driven Leadership: Creating Positive Change in Our Communities, CCLD 2025 focuses on six crucial sub-themes: diversity and inclusion, sustainability and innovation, ethics, impact, collaboration, and advocacy.
The programme provides 100 emerging leaders from Canada and the Caribbean with a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, explore socio-economic challenges, and develop innovative solutions — enhancing their capacity for critical thinking, collaboration, and sustainable impact across sectors.
After the Plenary Sessions in Canada, the delegates traveled to various Caribbean countries for their respective study tours. The tour countries include The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, and Jamaica.
The Bahamas Study Tour, May 26-28, focused on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, with a sub-theme on the Blue Economy, Financial Services, and Cultural Tourism.
Visiting Delegates: Dr. Cornelia Walters-Jones-Jamaica (Lead); and Mahendra Phagwah- Guyana; Laurene Williams- Canada; Yusuf Mohammed- Canada; Deleen Powell- Jamaica; Alyssa McGee- Canada; Dr. Elon Cadogan- Barbados; Lennard Emanuel- Dominica; Natalie Hiscock- Canada; Adeyinka Fusigboye- Canada; Damien Prescod- Barbados; and Andre Reid- Jamaica.
The delegates left The Bahamas on Wednesday for Barbados, where the Closing Plenary Sessions will be held from May 29 – 31.
Members of The Bahamas Steering Committee are: Royann Dean and Lindsay Thompson, co-chairs; and Ruthann Rolle, Orchid Burnside, and Anastarsia Palacious. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Bank provided entertainment; and Chambers Junkanoo Group thrilled Delegates during a Rushout.
From: Bahamas Information Services
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