Good morning, everyone.
Today, as we gather for the groundbreaking and cornerstone laying ceremony of the Bahamas Mineral & Manufacturing Corporation Ltd (BMMC), it is with immense pride that I stand alongside a remarkable young Bahamian, Mitchell Thurston. His journey and entrepreneurial spirit are emblematic of the vast potential residing within our youth, a testament to what many young Bahamians can aspire to and achieve.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is crucial to recognize how the government of The Bahamas is committed to meeting entrepreneurs like Mitchell halfway. By providing the necessary tools and resources, we ensure that their journey towards success is not lonely. This approach is not just an investment in individuals but a strategic investment in the very fabric of our nation’s economy and future.
Today’s event marking the inauguration of the construction phase for BMMC’s new facilities is a cornerstone in itself – not just for the company but for the entire Bahamian economy. Established in 2020, BMMC is a beacon of national pride, being a 100% Bahamian-owned company dedicated to producing high-quality construction-grade products, starting with PVC pipes and fittings. This venture is grounded in sustainability and environmental stewardship, aiming to employ sustainable practices at their state-of-the-art facility, BMMC Square.
BMMC’s initiative to revolutionize and diversify the Bahamian mineral and manufacturing industry, particularly in building materials manufacturing, perfectly aligns with our government’s Blueprint for Change. This blueprint envisions an economic revolution that supports new ideas, ingenuity, and creativity, propelling The Bahamas towards a future of progressive and economic success. By reducing reliance on imported PVC products and establishing a local production facility, BMMC supports Bahamian infrastructure and aligns with the nation’s environmental sustainability goals.
Our government’s Blueprint for Change emphasizes various key areas, such as rescuing the economy, empowering Bahamians, revolutionizing education, promoting health and wellness, and developing a plan for each island. It introduces economic clusters, focuses on the blue economy, and champions the E-Bahamas revolution, amongst other initiatives.
In line with these commitments, the BMMC groundbreaking event heralds a future where the local industry and economy are strengthened, job creation for Bahamians is prioritized, environmental sustainability through local manufacturing is enhanced, and Bahamian excellence and innovation in the building materials sector is promoted.
Furthermore, our commitment to revitalizing inner cities and urban communities, creating a resilient Bahamas capable of withstanding hurricanes, and building a nation that empowers Bahamians is echoed in the establishment of BMMC’s facilities. This is a step towards realizing a future where every initiative outlined in ‘Our Blueprint 2022’ revitalizes our economy, enhances our systems, and focuses on strengthening all islands for the benefit of our people.
Grand Bahama must and will be the blueprint for growth and development. Here, the seeds of progress, innovation, and sustainability are being sown, with the establishment of BMMC being a prime example. The future envisioned by our Blueprint for Change is not a distant dream but a tangible reality being built today, with the efforts of companies like BMMC and the support of the Bahamian government.
Today’s event is a reaffirmation of our commitment to our nation’s progress, to the empowerment of our youth, and to the realization of a Bahamas where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. It is a stepping stone towards a brighter, more sustainable, and prosperous future for The Bahamas.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless Grand Bahama!
