About Candia Ferguson
Her Inspiration
As a teenager growing up in The Bahamas, Candia Ferguson spent many family vacations with her family in the breathtaking Exumas. She was mesmerized then and still by the spectacular white and pink sand beaches of The Bahamas, accented by turquoise, aquamarine and jade waters.
Her late father, a veteran with the Ministry of Tourism, instilled in her a love and appreciation for the Family Islands and an understanding of why so many international investors were eager to invest in the country.
As an adult she came to further appreciate why so many international guests and aspiring residents continue to visit, revisit and build or purchase homes in our far-flung coral and limestone archipelago.
In 2014, Candia became the Director of Investments for The Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) in the Office of the Prime Minister. As a bridge between the Government of The Bahamas and international investors, the Investment Authority is the lead agent and focal point for investors and their advisors.
Her Experience
Today, Candia is a leading expert on investing in The Bahamas. She has analyzed scores of investment proposals of various scales and scope for various locations in the archipelago.
As a government attorney/advisor in the Office of the Attorney General from 2006 to 2014, and as Director of Investments from 2014 to 2021, Candia helped to negotiate Heads of Agreements for projects which resulted in billions of dollars in investment to the Bahamian economy, This involved, cruise ship lines’ private destinations including Ocean Cay, Coco Cay and Lighthouse Point, and hotel projects.
She served as Chairperson of the Government’s Negotiating Committee for the redevelopment of the new Port of Nassau, a $300 million dollar project.
She has extensive experience conducting and reviewing projects to monitor compliance with obligations under Heads of Agreements and other government regulations and agreements.
Candia has an extensive network of working relationships in the private and public sectors. She helps clients to meet the many requirements necessary before projects are presented to the BIA for approval by the National Economic Council, a subcommittee of the Cabinet of The Bahamas.
Having served as Secretary to the Investment Board, Candia has reviewed applications and made recommendations for approval of certificates of registration and permits for non-Bahamian purchasers of real estate in The Bahamas under the International Persons Landholding Act.
An attorney, she worked for over 16 years in the public service, including as a legal counsel for The Bahamas Government, attaining the post of Assistant Director of Legal Affairs in the Office of the Attorney General.
A jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, Candia helps clients to solve complex problems, while also helping them to assemble the myriad pieces required for the completion of a successful investment.