Caribbean news. yet again CaribDirect Multi-Media surpasses the expectations of guests at the recently held CaribDirect International Business Network (CIBN) held at Thursday 15th May at the Saint Lucia High Commission.
In spite of the speculation that the event would in no way attract a fraction of the over-sized crowd that graced the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission signalling the launch of CIBN on March 13th 2014, the numbers at the Saint Lucia High Commission were more than impressive as again there was only standing room!
High Commissioner for Saint Lucia Dr Ernest Hilaire. Photo courtesy Gareth Havard Photography
Host of the event H.E Dr Ernest Hilaire who delivered the keynote address on the viability of Saint Lucia as an investment destination, was very pleased with the turnout and conduct of the event. His co-presenters, Director of Marketing UK & Europe Caribbean Tourism Organization Carol Hay,; Former Mayor of Southwark and entrepreneur Althea Smith; Creator / Director All About The McKenzies, Samuell Benta; UKTI International Trade Adviser, Bryan Treherne; Multi award-winning entrepreneur and CEO Rich Visions, Mavis Amankwah; director of Paradise Prints, Fiona Compton and Invest Saint Lucia CEO McHale Andrew who provided a video message, all provided informative and inspiring presentations. Guests were impressed and have expressed an interest to follow this unique business networking concept that focuses on highlighting the investment priorities of Caribbean countries while providing a platform and environment for general trade and investment discussions and activities.
CIBN Membership Director Tracey Williams (right) with Antigua and Barbuda High Commissioner Dr Carl Roberts B Roberts (left) and Grenada Carriacou and Petit Martinique High Commissioner Joslyn Whiteman. Photo courtesy Gareth Havard Photography
The sales pitches rendered by the two CIBN members, Lillian and Ricardo Allen of Caribbean Media House; and Patrick Wasawo went down a treat and attracted many questions and interest in their respective businesses that may lead to deals being made.
One feature which took all by surprise was the impromptu presentation of an academic masterpiece on UK Caribbean business. Dr Christopher A Johnson, author of the acclaimed, British Caribbean Enterprises – A century of challenges and successes made a formal presentation of his book to High Commissioner Dr Ernest Hilaire. The gesture which took the High Commissioner quite by surprise was intended to highlight the fact that the achievements of Caribbean entrepreneurs from a myriad of disciplines over the past century have not gone unnoticed and have been chronicled for the edification and reference of our community thereby providing a literary sounding board or repository to guide the aspirations, thought processes and decisions of new age Caribbean entrepreneurs.
Guests in business discussion at CIBN saint Lucia.Photo courtesy Gareth Havard Photography
Also in attendance were High Commissioners Dr Carl B W Roberts of Antigua and Barbuda and Mr Joslyn Whiteman of Grenada Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Director of the British Virgin islands Overseas Office, BVI House, Mr Kedrick Malone represented the British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands and The Cayman Islands. Mr Euclid Goodman, Minister Counsellor for Barbados represented Acting High Commissioner Mr Donville Johnson; Mrs Althea Vanterpool-Banahene also represented Antigua and Barbuda; Mrs Doris D. Charles Minister Counsellor for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Ms. Christine Dale representing Jamaica High Commission.
This event was recorded for television by BEN TV, OH TV and CaribDirect Diaspora News In Brief (CDNIB), photographed by Gareth Photography and supported by Black 100+. The event was sponsored by: Saint Lucia Tourist Board, SN Travel and RhicsNet Web Solutions. Keep following CaribDirect.com for further photos of the event.
Group photo of CIBN executive with speakers. (l-R) Roy McEwen CIBN Trade & Strategy Director, Tracey Williams CIBN Membership Director, Mavis Amankwah CEO Rich Visions, High Commissioner Dr Ernest Hilaire, David F. Roberts CEO CaribDirect Multi-Media, Ron Belgrave Director Sankofa Televisual, Samuell Benta, Director All About The McKenzies,Carol Hay UK Marketing Director CTO, Bryan Treherne International Business Advisor UKTI and Althea Smith Former Mayor of Southwark
The next CaribDirect International Business Network (CIBN) is Thursday 7th August 2014 and will be under the theme British Overseas Territories.
CaribDirect Multi-Media thanks the following for their invaluable support:
High Commissioner H.E Dr Ernest Hilaire
Lorna Stewart – Black 100+
Sonja Scantlebury – Silverstone Tropical Foods
Gareth Havard – Gareth Havard Photography
Decarlo and Wimbo Oakley –
Saint Lucia High Commission –
Saint Lucia Tourist Board –
SN Travel –
RhicsNet Web Studios –
McHale Andrew – Invest St Lucia
Bernard Fanis – Calabash TV St Lucia
Hazel Jordan – Tama Ra Event Designers
Gulsie Suleman
All the speakers
CaribDirect team of volunteers
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