Tuesday, 7th December, 2021 – Freeport, GB, The Bahamas: – Ian Rolle, President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Port Group Limited, today announced the promotion of four GBPA Executive Team members, who are charged with creating and executing a renewed vision for the revitalization of Freeport, and by extension, the island of Grand Bahama.
“We are pleased to recognize our newly promoted executive team, who are all skilled and talented Bahamian leaders in our organization. We are confident in their ability to lead and share the future of our home here in Freeport. So, today we wish to applaud the continued excellent efforts of Karla McIntosh, Philcher Grant, Derek Newbold and Nakira Wilchcombe, who have all made valuable contributions to the team in their various capacities.” he said.
Newly appointed Vice President of Legal Affairs, Karla McIntosh joined the company in September 2010, as a Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer and within two and a half years, was promoted to Senior Legal Counsel. After proving to be result-oriented with solid business instincts and impeccable judgment, in 2015 Ms. McIntosh was appointed General Counsel and also serves as the Secretary to the Board of Directors as well as serves on the Regulatory Committee. She is responsible for the development of corporate policies, procedures and programs and provide continuing counsel and guidance on all legal matters and legal implications while managing all litigation for the Legal Department for the Group of Companies.
Philcher Grant, in her new role as Chief Operating Officer for the Grand Bahama Utility Company and Public Affairs has responsibility for overseeing the Grand Bahama Utility Company, Government Relations, leading engagement plans and initiatives with key stakeholders, communications, hurricane preparedness and serves as a member of the Regulatory Committee. She joined the company on January 13, 2020 as Director of Group Corporate Affairs and since then, her portfolio has expanded to include disaster restoration planning, metering, billing, management, call center administration and regulatory compliance. She has over 15 years of communication, asset management and utility operation experience.
Chief Investment Officer Derek Newbold in his new capacity will be responsible for research and analysis, management of the Customer Relations and Business Development departments, marketing and promotions and investor programmes for international and domestic investors through the GBPA promotional arm, Invest Grand Bahama. Mr. Newbold joined the company in May 2009 and brings more than 10 years of experience in business operations and strategy, sales and marketing, as well as economic development and project management.
Nakira Wilchcombe, Vice President of Building & Development Services, has been a part of the GBPA team since 2006. In her new role, she will oversee the environmental regulatory functions, including the management of all matters pertaining to the development, operation and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure such as roads, rights of way, public spaces, traffic management, signage, lighting; land-use planning, zoning, mapping, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Keep Grand Bahama Clean, for which she has served as Chairman for more than 16 years.
Sarah St. George, Acting Chairmen of GBPA stated, “We are tremendously proud of all their hard work, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and during the most uncertain times of COVID-19. Their commitment has not waivered nor has it gone unnoticed and we look forward to their role in shaping the future of the GBPA.”