Akeem Palmer Codes the Future of The Bahamas

(NASSAU, BAHAMAS) – When Akeem Palmer looks at The Bahamas, he doesn’t just see sun, sand and sea, he sees potential. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Lakehead University and supported by the Loretta Rogers Memorial Scholarship through The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation, Akeem is determined to return home equipped with the skills to drive meaningful digital transformation.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can solve real-world problems,” Akeem says. “Growing up in The Bahamas, I saw so many opportunities for innovation, especially in the way businesses and communities access and use digital tools.”

That curiosity began early, as he took apart computers, phones, and game consoles to learn how they worked. His passion grew through hands-on experience at a local cable provider and formal training at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI). Today, he is diving deep into advanced topics like scalable backend systems, fintech infrastructure, blockchain applications, and digital payment platforms. But his goals go far beyond personal achievement.

“I want to see a more inclusive, technology-driven economy in The Bahamas where small businesses and everyday Bahamians can participate fully in the digital age,” he explains. “Access to digital tools and secure financial services shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be the foundation of our economic growth.”

Akeem’s vision includes developing scalable fintech solutions that support small businesses, improve online payments, and foster financial literacy. He also sees himself playing a key role in mentorship and education, encouraging young Bahamians to move beyond just using technology to becoming builders, developers, and innovators.

“My personal mantra is: Build with purpose, lead with impact. Everything I create, whether it’s code or a company, should uplift people and communities. That’s what keeps me focused.”

Akeem laid out his larger vision to address key national challenges. For instance, he’s exploring how automated greenhouses powered by renewable energy and sensor technology could reduce The Bahamas’ food import bill. He’s also part of a team mapping local bus routes using GPS data to lay the groundwork for real-time transit information systems, an innovation hindered by the lack of a central transportation authority.

In the financial sector, Akeem wants to launch a company that supports the financial institutions with R&D services, helping them remain competitive in the global digital marketplace. From transportation to agriculture to banking, he sees opportunities to build better systems that improve quality of life.

“I believe The Bahamas has what it takes to lead in the region’s digital transformation,” he says. “But we have to invest in our own talent, our own tools, and our own ideas.”

Akeem Palmer is doing just that. With the support of Lyford Cay Foundations, he is preparing to return not just as a computer science graduate, but as a changemaker, ready to build a smarter, stronger Bahamas for everyone.