Abaco’s infrastructure needs, investment prospects and economic resilience will take centre stage at the 20th Annual Abaco Business Outlook on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Abaco Beach Resort.

Under the theme, “Strengthening Foundations for Long-Term Prosperity,” the conference will bring together government officials, utility providers, business leaders and tourism stakeholders to assess Abaco’s progress and identify solutions to challenges affecting commerce and future development.

Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting will deliver the keynote address, outlining the government’s plans to strengthen the island’s physical and economic foundations.

Abaco Chamber of Commerce President Chantelle Sands, who will deliver the welcome and provide an update on the Chamber’s work, says the conference will give businesses access to timely information on policy developments, emerging trends and economic opportunities.

“The upcoming Abaco Business Outlook is an important opportunity for our business community to come together, listen, learn, and prepare for what lies ahead,” Sands said. “We are pleased to have this conference coming to Abaco once again, bringing current insights, developments in policy, emerging trends, and opportunities directly to our island.”

She says business owners must understand not only current developments but also what lies ahead and how those changes could affect life, investment and commerce in Abaco.

“Having experts and industry leaders here from both the public and private sectors to share their knowledge gives our business owners an opportunity to gain valuable information that can help them make informed decisions and identify opportunities for growth,” Sands said.

She encouraged established business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes and industries to attend.

“The more information we have, the better positioned we are to adapt, plan, and take advantage of the opportunities available to us,” Sands said. “Come prepared to listen, ask questions, build relationships, and take away information that can help you and your business, and ultimately help move Abaco forward.”

Doctors Hospital Health System CEO Dennis Deveaux will discuss the opening of the organisation’s state-of-the-art hospital in Grand Bahama and the range of medical services the new facility will offer.

A major focus of the conference will be a discussion on the infrastructure needed to support Abaco’s continued development.

The session, “Delivering High-Quality Sustainable Infrastructure: Challenges, Constraints and Solutions,” will examine the reliability and capacity of Abaco’s electricity, water and telecommunications systems and their impact on business growth. Central and South Abaco MP and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs Bradley Fox will moderate the discussion.

The panel will include Bahamas Power and Light Chief Operations Officer Anthony Christie; Water and Sewerage Corporation Manager II of Family Island Operations Chrishano Edgecombe; and Cable Bahamas Group of Companies Director of Consumer Sales Keiran Chase.

The discussion will build on commitments made during the 2025 Abaco Business Outlook. At last year’s event, utility providers outlined plans to improve Abaco’s communications, water and electricity infrastructure.

The proposed investments included expanding fibre connectivity, strengthening the island’s water system against hurricanes and other disruptions, and upgrading electricity generation and distribution. This year’s panel will provide updates on those initiatives and the progress made over the past year.

Business resilience will also be examined during a session featuring Victoria Albury, group assistant vice-president of business development for the Northern Bahamas at Leno Corporate Services; Robert Albury, managing director and principal technology consultant at Waves Innovation & Technology Company Ltd.; and Brooke Greene, vice-president of sales and merchant engagement at Kanoo.

Albury says businesses across Abaco are demonstrating increased confidence, with entrepreneurs launching new ventures and established companies investing in technology to strengthen and expand their operations.

“We’re seeing through our work with businesses across Abaco a real sense of growth and confidence, with new businesses opening and established businesses reinvesting, expanding and strengthening their operations with modern technology,” he said. “As we grow, however, resilience, business continuity and cybersecurity must remain priorities.

“The Abaco Business Outlook gives the private sector, government and other stakeholders an important opportunity to discuss these challenges, exchange ideas and help strengthen the foundations for Abaco’s long-term prosperity.”

Victoria Albury says Abaco’s record of overcoming adversity and working collectively remains one of the community’s greatest strengths.

“Whether you have lived here for 10 years or all your life, you know how resilient this Abaco community is,” she said. “From the mainland to the outer cays, people work together to learn, improve, build and grow together.”

She says continued resilience will be essential as the island seeks infrastructure improvements that can support its growth and ensure Bahamians benefit from expanding economic opportunities.

“How can we get the needed improvements, though, in basic infrastructure to follow our growth trajectory? How can we help Bahamians benefit from this growth in our communities and safeguard their future?” she asked. “By continuing to adapt, learn, improve and be resilient.”

The impact of artificial intelligence on the tourism industry will be explored during a session moderated by Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board Executive Director Kerry Fountain. The discussion will feature Luis Barberi Jr., chief reservation systems officer at Tambourine; Bahamasair Holdings Managing Director Tracy Cooper; Hotel Traffic Builders Managing Director Tom Hill; and Ministry of Tourism Senior Director of Global Communications Andre Miller.

Entrepreneurship, investment and economic diversification will also be discussed during a session moderated by Tourism Development Corporation Executive Director Ian Ferguson. Additional participants in that session are being confirmed.

The conference will also examine workforce development, with contributions from Baker’s Bay Director of Human Resources Anne Lightbourne and Deborah Pratt of DAPS Corporate Training and Business Services.

Persons interested in attending the 2026 Abaco Business Outlook may contact Margaret Albury at The Counsellors at malbury@tclbahamas.com or telephone (242) 322-1000. Registration is also available online at www.tclevents.com.