Statement on the Occasion of Presentation of Letter of Appointment to Dr. William F. Pickard Bahamas’ Honorary Consul, Michigan, USA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Dr. William F. Pickard, The Bahamas’ Honorary Consul to Michigan, USA, received his Letter of Commission from the Hon. Darren A. Henfield, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs this morning at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre. 

On hand for the presentation were, His Excellency Sidney Collie, Bahamas’ Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Peter Deveaux-Isaacs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mrs. Sharon Brennen-Haylock, Director-General. 

Following the Presentation of Commission Letter, Minister Henfield and Dr. Pickard discussed matters of mutual interest. Dr. Pickard holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University, a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan and a PhD from Ohio State University. 

Dr. Pickard, a well-known and respected Businessman and Philanthropist in Michigan, is chairman and Executive Founder of GAA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, GAA New Ventures, Co-Managing Partner MGM Grand Detroit Casino, CEO of Bearward Management McDonald’s, and co-owner of five black-owned newspapers. 

His entrepreneurial career began with a McDonald’s franchise in Detroit, Michigan. Since its founding in 1989, GAA has generated more than $5billion dollars in sales with eight plants in the U.S. and Canada, servicing corporations such as Boeing, Mercedes Benz, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Delphi, Johnson Controls, Starbucks, Home Depot, and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Pickard is also creating a new generation of entrepreneurs with Millionaire Moves – Seven Proven Principles of Entrepreneurship (vision/attitude, opportunity, relationships, talent/skillset, finance, failure and faith). 

While in Nassau, Honorary Consul Pickard is scheduled to pay a Courtesy Call on His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor-General, Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis. 

His passion for Agricultural Science and the potential in this area in The Bahamas will be highlighted in discussions with Minister Michael Pintard M.P.  In addition, he will visit a successful agricultural program at a local high school on the Island of New Providence. 

Prospects of opportunities in tertiary education and a proposed Friendship Alliance Program will head the list of items to be discussed with the Hon. Jeffery Lloyd, M.P., Minister of Education. 

Dr. Pickard is excited about his appointment and anticipates a meaningful and productive tenure as Honorary Consul in Michigan. 

Joint Communication 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Office of the Governor-General 
3rd March 2021