Subchapters:
- Introduction
- Addressing
- Business Meeting
- Communication
- Recommendations
- Public holidays
Introduction
Bahamian business culture is heavily influenced by the US and Great Britain, so the meetings will reflect a combination of these cultures. The Bahamas is known for its people being friendly, welcoming and informal. They maintain a sense of propriety and are very polite. They are hospitable and like to meet new people. Sharing a meal is the most common way to build a relationship.
- Baglib: Overview of Bahamas, including popular places to visit, UNESCO World Heritage List, climate, geography and travel advice.
Addressing
Business partners are most often addressed by academic title and surname. Addressing by name is not frequent, it requires an already advanced mutual relationship.
Business meeting
Punctuality and formal attire are expected from the business partner. Dressing too casually can be misinterpreted as a lack of respect towards a business partner. It is recommended to bring a little attention to the partner. The handshake should be firm and eye contact should be maintained throughout the meeting. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. Business cards should be treated with respect. When you receive the business card, place it in the business card holder. The way you handle business cards is considered a sign of how you handle a relationship. Writing on someone’s business card in front of them is considered rude.
- Programingplease: Yearbook 2010 of nation Bahamas, including population, politics, and abbreviations.
Communication
English is the official language and is widely spoken in the Bahamas. Spoken English is known as Bahamian English, which is a product of British English combined with rich linguistic influences from African languages. Creole is used among Haitian immigrants. Bahamians are successful communicators, they are also very adept at modifying their language to sound friendly. Humor is a common part of their communication style.
Recommendation
The meeting agenda serves as a guide only and may not always be followed by the Bahamian partner. Since personal relationships are highly valued, it is recommended to start a conversation on non-business topics during the meeting as well.
Public Holidays
New Year
Good Friday Easter Whit Monday (7 weeks after Easter)
Labor Day (first Friday in June)
Independence Day – July 10 – Independence Day (1973)
Emancipation Day (first Monday in August) Discovery Day â October 12
Christmas – December 25 and 26
Holidays that fall on Saturday or Sunday are usually replaced by Friday or Monday.
Contacts
Subchapters:
- Contacts to Czech embassies in the territory
- Practical telephone numbers (emergency services, police, firefighters, information lines, etc.)
- Important Internet links and contacts
Contacts at the embassies of the Czech Republic in the territory
Embassy of the Czech Republic in Havana
Ave Kohly 259, entre 41 y 43 Nuevo Vedado La Habana, Cuba
Phone: (+53) 78833201, 78833467 Fax: (+53) 78833596
e-mail: havana@embassy.mzv.cz commercial and economic department: commerce_havana@mzv.cz
Facebook: facebook.com/EmbajadaChecaLaHabana
Territorial jurisdiction of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Havana: Cuba, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Information and a map with the location of the ZĂ can be found at www.mzv.cz/havana in the chapter “How to find us”.
Czech Trade, Czech Invest and CzechTourism do not operate in the Bahamian archipelago.
Practical telephone numbers (emergency services, police, firemen, information lines, etc.)
First Aid/Ambulance – 352-2689 or 352-6735
First Aid/Air â 352-2628 or 911
Fire Rescue -352-8888 or 911
Police – 911
Important web links and contacts
Government website â www.bahamas.gov.bs
Central Bank – Statistics – www.centralbankbahamas.com
International Investment Center – www.bfsb-bahamas.com
Bahamas Chamber of Commerce – www.thebahamaschamber.com
Association of International Banks and Trusts – www.aibt-bahamas.com
The Nassau Guardian – www.thenassauguardian.com
