#Bahamas #Nassau #Bahamas Grid Company #Dareo McKenzie #Gladys Fernander

Bahamas Grid Company Transitions to Complete Bahamian Leadership

On April 20, 2026, the Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) announced a pivotal leadership change, appointing Dareo McKenzie as the new Chief Executive Officer and Gladys Fernander, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer. This transition signifies BGC’s commitment to becoming a fully Bahamian-led utility, moving away from its previous management structure under Island Grid Solutions (IGS).

Leadership Transition

This announcement comes at a significant moment for BGC, as it also marks the conclusion of IGS's management role. Former Chair Eric Pike and team members, including Mei Shibata, have stepped down, handing over the reins to an entirely local leadership team. Reflecting on the past few years, Pike noted, “We are honored to have had the opportunity to set up BGC and conduct the biggest grid upgrade project for New Providence. The hard work and commitment of the IGS team were instrumental to this achievement.”

Anthony Ferguson, Chairman of BGC, expressed gratitude towards IGS for their leadership and expertise, especially in enhancing the transmission and distribution system in New Providence. He further emphasized the organization's new direction: “We now move forward as a fully Bahamian-led organization, focused on delivering long-term performance for our country, our children, and our grandchildren.”

Profiles of the New Leaders

Dareo McKenzie brings over 30 years of experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors to his new role as CEO. His background includes senior operational positions at GE Vernova and Consolidated Edison of New York, where he led large-scale projects aimed at modernizing energy grids and managing billion-dollar capital portfolios. McKenzie’s emphasis on reliability and resilience is particularly relevant as BGC embarks on its next chapter.

Gladys Fernander, the newly appointed CFO, is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in financial leadership within regulated environments. Previously, she served as the CFO of Commonwealth Bank, where she directed the financial strategy, capital planning, and regulatory compliance. Her deep understanding of governance and financial discipline is poised to support BGC in its quest for operational excellence.

Ferguson highlighted, “Together, Dareo and Gladys bring the operational and financial expertise required to grow a resilient, high-performing utility. This leadership transition reflects the strength and capability of Bahamian leadership at every level of our organization.”

Recent Achievements and Future Goals

In the past two years, BGC has made remarkable strides in upgrading New Providence's electricity network, enhancing reliability by nearly 50% due to a $130 million grid upgrade initiative. With full independence achieved, the company is now committed to managing its systems carefully to ensure sustained performance and reliability.

The goal of BGC remains clear: to provide reliable, resilient, and sustainable power to residents and businesses throughout New Providence. As the company moves forward under McKenzie and Fernander's leadership, the emphasis on local management aligns with its mission to serve the Bahamian community effectively.

About Bahamas Grid Company

Bahamas Grid Company is a pivotal utility provider for New Providence, tasked with upgrading, maintaining, and operating the infrastructure responsible for electricity transmission and distribution. With a mission centered around delivering sustainable power solutions, BGC is set on a course for continued improvement and accountability to its stakeholders, ensuring a brighter future for the island's energy landscape.