By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday commended Bahamian Ginger Moxey for the level of success she has attained at the age of 40, resigning from her executive post at the Grand Bahama Port Authority, to open Immerse Bahamas, a 700 Partners non-profit organisation.

Mr Christie said she has made an enormous sacrifice and has taken a huge risk to pursue her dream. He noted that Ms Moxey, who came from humble beginnings and ascended to a position of immense responsibility at the GBPA, is an exemplar in her community having achieved so much as a young woman.

“To vacate her vice-president’s position to pursue a dream - the enormity of such a decision, the risk associated with it is such a profound one that no matter what other obligations I had, I had to come here to support her,” said the Prime Minister.

Immerse Bahamas describes itself as a premier full service destination and project management company specialising in the design and implementation of authentic Bahamian experiences for individuals, local organisations, corporations, churches, schools, sports teams and others who require their talents and expertise with producing social celebrations, reunions, fundraisers and employee events.

Immerse has ties with Sister Cities International, People to People International, global organisations and corporate Bahamas. The incorporation of 700 Partners, a non-profit organisation, comprises four major components – community restoration projects, scholarship foundation, culture and community annual awards and grants to Bahamian artisans.

Mrs Mary D Kane, president of Sister Cities International, travelled to Freeport to attend the opening. Mr Christie said Mrs Moxey’s association with Sister Cities International and other global associations are very significant for the Bahamas.

“Mrs Kane, you represent a mighty organisation... which brought me to the conclusion that there could be economic benefit to the Bahamas by way of our association with your organisation. In GB, that is why this is so significant,” Mr Christie said.

Mr Christie said there is an abundance of investment opportunities in Grand Bahama and the Bahamas. He said that Immerse Bahamas would help to stimulate the economy, create employment and encourage new entrepreneurial intervention.

Mrs Kane said Sister Cities International is committed to strengthening the sister cities networks. She said relationships and global connection help communities thrive. She cited examples such as when the tsunami hit Japan, its sister city Riverside, California, raised $600,000 for the recovery of its sister city Sendai; and when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, she said their sister city Netsu in Japan raised close to $40m for the relief efforts.

Mrs Kane said there are several sister city relationships already established with the Bahamas, including New Jersey, Albany, New York; St Augustine, Florida; Westin Salem, North Carolina and Miami Dade.

Mrs Moxey said Immerse Bahamas seeks to create Sister City relationships for all of the inhabited islands of the Bahamas. Mr Christie and officials were taken on a tour of Immerse Bahamas offices on Bank Lane. A number of vendor booths, displaying authentic Bahamian foods, were also on display.