HGCHRISTIE - Key Persons
Cara Christie was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, and spent most of her childhood summers in the English countryside with her mother's family. As a teenager, Cara attended schools in Switzerland and New York State, and studied for a year in France. In 1981, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Smith College and Hampshire College in Massachusetts, and later completed a Physician Assistant and Bachelor of Science degree at the Hahnemann in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon her return to Nassau, Cara coordinated clinical trials of hypertension medications at Princess Margaret Hospital on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. She then moved to Brazil, where she taught English and sang in numerous choirs. In 1997, Cara came back to The Bahamas to study for her Real Estate Agent certification and become part of her family's business. After spending several very busy years learning the ropes at H. G. Christie Ltd., she now specializes in sales, rentals and residential management for the company. Cara speaks Portuguese and French and is an accomplished singer, having performed in choirs in such far-flung places as the Patagonia in Argentina, Prague, and the celebrated Carnegie Hall in New York City. Her other hobbies include traveling, skiing, sailing and playing tennis. Cara lives in Nassau with her husband Cairo, whom she met while living in Brazil.
Catherine MacLeay was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada July 10, 1960. (This fact alone makes her a natural for The Bahamas; July 10th is Bahamian Independence Day) Cathy, to all she meets, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science Degree and a primary teaching certificate while specializing in Dyslexia. Shortly after graduating university Cathy arrived in The Bahamas to teach for the Bahamian government. That was way back in 1988. After spending 13 years in the teaching profession, Cathy decided to expand her horizons and jumped into the exciting world of real estate.
Cathy's first love is the water and has spent many an hour both on top and below the turquoise waters of The Bahamas. She swam competitively at the national and international levels in Canada for 10 years and she continued her involvement in the sport once she arrived in Freeport. She worked as an assistant coach for the Freeport Wave Runners and was asked to serve as an assistant coach for the Bahamas Games. She continues to officiate at swim meets whenever she can. She periodically is involved with Freeport YMCA. Since Cathy was a Y Rat from her swimming days, it is only fitting that she continue here in the Bahamas
Cathy began her real estate career in 2001. After 15 years with Coldwell Banker James Sarles Realty, Cathy is thrilled to move on and become a part of the HG Christie Team, the oldest and most prestigious real estate firm in The Bahamas. Having co-brokered many sales and rentals with HG agents over the years, Cathy already felt at ease working with friends in their comfortable and stress free environment. Cathy has always been impressed by the professionalism and concern the agents of HG Christie have for their clients. She shares HG Christie's attitude and philosophy that integrity and market knowledge, above all else, are the most important aspects of selling real estate. Cathy is deeply committed to her clients, offering her full attention to all she meets. She believes in assisting her clients find the most appropriate property, no matter how long it takes. She is particularly mindful of how newcomers to The Bahamas feel - being in a new county with different customs and attitudes. She remembers her trepidations upon first stepping on these tranquil shores. In addition to assisting her clients with their purchase, she is always ready to assist in whatever her clients need - anything from finding a new hair dresser to which school or babysitter is the most appropriate for their child.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Banker, Realtor
- Real Estate Professional
Daren Charles Seymour, Chartered Banker, Realtor & Certified Investment Property Specialist, successfully transitioned from 2 decades of service in the local and international financial industry into the real estate industry, where he finds his innate passion. A Chartered Banker, MBA, he served 11 years at Credit Suisse Private Banking, initially as an apprentice, while simultaneously completing his first degree in Economics at The University of The Bahamas. He matriculated through various institutions including, Queen's College, Nassau, The Institutes of Bankers, Scotland & Bahamas, Manchester University & Bangor University, United Kingdom, at the graduate and post graduate levels.
A qualified trader, successfully obtaining the U.S.A National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Series 7 Broker/Dealer designation, Daren was promoted to various positions at Credit Suisse Bahamas including Trader and Deputy Head of Execution Desk, before obtaining a position in the Geneva Office, providing him additional international exposure. His responsibilities included trading of all money market, foreign exchange, securities and derivative products on behalf of individual and corporate clients, management of proprietary bank positions, at the centralized execution desk, cash management & portfolio management.
After 11 years as a Swiss Banker, at the heart of the global crisis, Mr. Seymour, successfully transitioned into the Canadian Banking system, reknown for faring well during the financial crisis. Daren accepted a position at Scotia Bank Caribbean Treasury Limited, with the affirmation of his former British Head of Private Banking. Seymour assumed this position gracefully at the the Latin American and Caribbean Central Funding Unit of the International Treasury office, based in Toronto, with the Caribbean Treasury satellite office in picturesque Nassau, Bahamas. As Senior Trader and Assistant General Manager, he had the opportunity to operate from the Nassau & Toronto offices and also conducted contingencies and trained in Florida and Caribbean locations such as Cayman, Jamaica & Trinidad. His mandate was to manage the funding book of more than 5 billion in assets, with signatory power as Senior official Il for Central Bank purposes. With a highly skilled and cohesive team of 6, he reported directly to the Regional Treasurer & Managing Director, with confidence, timeliness, consistent efficiency and a solution-oriented mindset. Daren reached the plateau of his banking career, achieving the gold standard for professionals working in the banking industry, earning the internationally acclaimed "Chartered Banker" designation.
After two decades in the financial industry, Mr. Seymour establised Eden Enterprises, managing real estate assets for personal clients. A descendent of real estate developers, Daren followed his passion and joined H.G.Christie Limited as licensed estate agent 573, also conducting appraisals.
Daren is personable and family oriented, with a zeal for life. He loves to travel purposefully and is gifted in coordination and events management. A seminarian and orator, Seymour contributes as a community builder and activist, authorized as a licensed and ordained minister of good news, that has afforded him to commute far and near to Asia, The Caribbean & beyond. However, the apple of his eye is found in the Islands of The Bahamas and to him, there is no place like home in these beloved, bejeweled islands. Daren is the recipient of various international and community awards including the Bronze, silver and gold medals of the Duke of Edinburgh's international award program, The Most Distinguished Award of The Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, New Providence, Bahamas, and is a former Assitant director, of the oldest established Children's Choir in The Bahamas, having given 25 years of service travelling nationally and internationally. His motto is, "If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain!" With a diversified portfolio of commercial, residential, luxury properties, appraisals, leases and sales, Daren Seymour sees more and is available to facilitate your estate needs amongst the most dynamic and experienced team at H.G.Christie, the recognized and first name in real estate in The Bahamas of international distinction.
Elbert is an accomplished, trusted, luxury real estate broker and senior appraiser in The Bahamas.
He is a native of Nassau with extensive knowledge and over 16 years of innovative real estate experience. His strong global and local networking reach assists clients to realize their goals in a timely manner. His experience and education in finance, sales and communications have been proven to provide clients with unmatched expertise in real estate management, negotiations and client relations.
He has earned many real estate professional designations in The Bahamas and globally.
Elbert is committed to making your real estate dreams come true with greater ease, efficiency and professionalism.
He loves public speaking, photography and experiencing various people, cultures and adventures around the world which includes parachuting off a mountain in France or bungee jumping off a bridge in New Zealand. His declared mission " to inspire, enlighten and communicate truth to the world."
John Christie was born on November 10, 1963. He attended St. Andrew's School in Nassau and later The Millfield School in Somerset, England, where he received his "O" and "A" Level exams. In 1987 he graduated with a B. A. in Music and Social Science from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. After graduation, John spent six years living in Northampton and Boston, running a small moving business and pursuing a career in music where he was the lead for a successful band, "The Floating Boats", that performed throughout the northeastern United States. In 1993 he returned to The Bahamas to join H. G. Christie Ltd., where his father, Peter, is President. The first task that John set himself was to update all technology being used by the firm. An early believer in the power of the Internet, he then spearheaded the creation of a website for the company and, in 1995, H. G. Christie Ltd. became the first local real estate firm to go online. For many years, this site was the only one of its kind to be interactive, allowing users to search through the company's extensive portfolio of properties. Today, www.hgchristie.com -- which has more than 2,400 listings and is updated daily -- has become a crucial component of the firm's business. In 2003, the site swept the First Annual Bahamas Web Awards, taking home the coveted Best of The Bahamas Award, the Best Programmer Award, and the Judges top prize in the Non-Tourism category. John is currently overseeing HGChristie's continuing expansion in the Out Islands of The Bahamas, which his great uncle -- the founder of the company, Sir Harold George Christie, K.T., C.B.E. -- did so much to promote during his lifetime. John is a fully licensed real estate broker and has served as Director of the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA), where he continues to take professional courses. A skilled photographer, John shoots many of the pictures for HGChristie's website and additional promotional materials. His other hobbies include sailing, hiking and snow skiing. John lives in Nassau and has two sons, Dylan and Kai.
Job Titles:
- Broker
- Real Estate Professional
John Constantakis youngest of five children was born in Nassau Bahamas in 1959. He attended St Andrew's School in the Bahamas until his graduation in 1976. His family owned a small hotel where he spent many summers working and learning about the hospitality business. He attended the College of The Bahamas as well as Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada. On his return to Nassau he opened his own pizzeria and sports pub located in the hotel's property. The venture proved successful and the business became popular and went on for ten years. John married on June 1990 to Charlotte Albury who was also born in the Bahamas. They have two sons Alexander who is attending college in Florida, and Matthew, who will soon be following his brother. After the family hotel business was sold, John continued in the hospitality sector for two years working for one of the top tour companies in Nassau, Majestic Tours. John and Charlotte decided to open their own retail store which grew from one store to three, two in Nassau and one on Paradise Island. They eventually sold all the stores and John always makes mention that selling his stores spring boarded him into the real estate business. He became a licensed real estate agent and joined the HG Christie team in 2005. His enjoyment of meeting people and working with them to find their ideal property is credited to past work experiences. John enjoys travelling with his family and has visited many interesting places. He loves visiting the many beautiful islands of the Bahamas and enjoys fishing. He has been a member of the band, Modern Vintage for 25 years and has played at a number of functions including weddings, Balls and other private parties. He is also an active member of his church and parish community.
Job Titles:
- Broker
- Real Estate Professional
Judy, born and raised on Long Island, Bahamas, gained her great knowledge of the island. As a native Bahamian she enjoys the real island style of living.
Philip was born and raised in The Bahamas. Following his bachelor's degree in management and Marketing from the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology in England. Philip moved to New York where he obtained an Associate Degree in Fashion Merchandising Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology. He then went on to work for Estee Lauder and consulted for his family's businesses in the Bahamas.
In 2006 he relocated to London to take up a new career in the property market. He attracted the attention of firms in Belgravia and Chelsea, where he became known for his honest advice and helpful recommendations to enhance the marketability of properties. His nine years of working with High Net Worth clients and his long list of contacts have provided him with an excellent foundation as a trusted property agent and advisor.
In May 2015 Philip accepted an offer to be a Sales Executive at Baha Mar and returned to the Bahamas to sell the residences at the much-anticipated resort. Not to be discouraged by Baha Mar's delay at the time, Philip sat his real estate exams and obtained his license in January 2016. He had the good fortune to been invited to join the oldest Real Estate firm in the Bahamas, H.G. Christie, as a Sales Associate. Over the years he has ranked in the top tier of luxury real estate agents, won top producer for 2019 and is a member of Christie's Masters Circle.
Outside of the office Philip is an avid art collector and tennis enthusiast. He is also a board member at The Lyford Cay Foundation and a proud supporter of The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF).
Before becoming involved in the Real Estate Industry, Rosalyn spent over 26 years in the related Private Banking and Financial Services Industry in The Bahamas. With a degree in Economics from The University of Western Ontario, her experience has equipped her with negotiating skills and tools to navigate the complex cross border transactions and financial process of a real estate transaction, Investment Board approval, Permanent Residency and Government applications.
A substantial market knowledge extending to post-closing property management needs, and being able to advise clients on investment and financial components of the process, is valued by Rosalyn's international clients when looking for the best investment, tax mitigation benefits and a return on their sizeable investments offshore. Most importantly, she believes that one's living space should be not only an investment, but also a home.
Rosalyn has an extensive list of professional contacts and Introducers throughout the United States and Canada and is in an excellent position to receive referrals and advise foreign clients on returns available offshore. She offers expertise in marketing and new business development and will be speaking at seminars and conferences both internationally and locally to develop interest in Bahamian properties, ensuring the broadest possible advertising opportunities and comprehensive service for her clients.
Canadian by birth with a Bahamian father, Rosalyn is a long-term member of The Rotary Club of East Nassau and Nassau Lawn Tennis Club. An avid tennis player and golfer she enjoys traveling while marketing The Bahamas throughout North America, Europe, East Asia and South America.