The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) has lost one if its staunchest advocates. Peter Goudie, head of the BCCEC’s Labor and Human Resources Division, passed away on Wednesday.
Goudie, at the time of his passing, was the longest serving board member of the BCCEC, with an extensive track record of service to the organization, the wider civic community, and The Bahamas.
Born on May 22, 1949, Goudie worked for Canadian-based bank CIBC for most of his professional life as its human resources director for the Caribbean. He also worked at Bahamas Supermarkets and also at Winterbotham.
“As our longest-serving board member, Peter’s commitment to the Chamber, disabled community, the BCCEC and the Bahamian private sector was unmatched,” the BCCEC said in an announcement on his death.
Along with serving as a board member of the BCCEC, Peter also served as the president of the Canadian Cultural Committee, advisor for the International Cultural Wine and Food Festival, deputy chairman of the National Tripartite Council, director on The National Council for Persons with Disabilities, and also as a avid Rotarian with Club East Nassau.
Goudie was a friend to the media, and was always available to give open and honest answers to any question about labor-related matters and matters affecting the business community.
Former Chamber president, member of Parliament, and Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar remembered Goudie as a fulcrum that tipped employers and employees closer toward equilibrium.
“Everybody knows he was the go-to man on employer and employee relations, in terms of striking that balance between creating a fairer society for your employees, but also not doing so in such a manner that creates a shock to businesses,” said D’Aguilar.
He added: “He was always our point person in those negotiations, as governments tried to strike the right balance of fulfilling employee demands with what employers could live with.”
Peter leaves behind his wife, Irene and their son, Brian. May his soul rest in peace.
