Consolidated Water (Bahamas) has appointed Ethan Adderley, the Hotel Licensing Board’s chairman, to its board to replace Sir William Allen with effect from year-end 2018.

The Water & Sewerage Corporation’s main water supplier said Sir William, the former finance minister and Central Bank governor, has resigned to pursue his retirement interests and will be replaced by Mr Adderley, a businessman.

Wilmer F Pergande, Consolidated Water (Bahamas) chairman, said: “Sir William has been a very involved board member for all of his 14 years. We came to rely on his oft-times exceptional counsel and good judgment in all matters related to the progress and care of board matters, the company, its people and shareholders.

“We work closely with the Water and Sewerage Corporation to develop solutions to improve the availability of potable water for residents in Nassau. And he recognised the importance of drinking water as a valuable component of nation building and furtherance for The Bahamas.

“I think that’s why he made such a good and productive board member. We warmly thank him for his contributions over 14 years, and we will miss him at our meetings, but know he will answer if we call.”

Consolidated Water supplies the Water & Sewerage Corporation from its two Nassau-based reverse osmosis plants at Blue Hills and Windsor.

Mr. Pergande, unveiling Mr Adderley’s appointment as a director, added: “The board warmly welcomes local Bahamian businessman, Ethan Adderley. We look forward to his contributions including his proven fresh, often innovative solution-based approach, which will greatly assist us in our goal to expand our business beyond New Providence and the island of Bimini.

“We look forward to Mr Adderley adding impetus to our efforts to increase Bahamian ownership in the company. Additionally, his local connections and views on community and government relations we feel will go a long way in helping us convert our current good relationship with the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) and central government personnel into an excellent one. We have a committed board team and I believe we will accomplish all matters arising on our 2019 agenda.”

Mr. Adderley currently serves as chairman of the Hotel Licensing Board for New Providence and Paradise Island, is a board member at the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), is a member of the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) and deputy treasurer of the Free National Movement (FNM).