We Small But We Tallawa!! These were the penultimate parting words of newly appointed Executive Director, Bernadette Ambrose-Black at a major networking/drinks reception in London hosted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines High Commission to London with the assistance of the Commonwealth Exchange. At this event, Ambrose-Black delivered the keynote address to overseas investors from UK, Europe, Africa and Asia, as well as members of the Vincentian and Caribbean Diaspora. This event was the first of two major gala events that will take place this year; the second being an annual Vincentian Business Awards for Excellence scheduled for November. These gala events will be positioned as unique exhibition points for business enterprises and investment opportunities. Both events will raise greater awareness of St.Vincent and the Grenadines at an international level. Ambrose-Black urged investors to think St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), think SVG, as she took them through a visual and virtual journey, as she awoken their senses to SVG as the Caribbean Island that they seek, the one stop destination and investment jurisdiction. She stated that over the past twenty years, international investment has becoming an increasingly important feature in the globalized economy, having grown much faster that world Gross Domestic Product. The Vincentian economy has experienced reasonable levels of growth for many years and has withstood various exogenous shocks. In referring to SVG, she quoted Jamaican Poet and Folklorist, Dr. The Hon. Louise Simone Bennett Coverley, when she said “We Small, but we Tallawa (strong).” Ambrose-Black conveyed that SVG is a modern nation, with steeped, tried and tested values of our Caribbean Civilization. We have a stable investment climate, an attractive incentive framework and a modern legal and regulatory environment. Through her presentation, Ambrose-Black, created a greater awareness for business opportunities in SVG and also public awareness regarding the International Airport and the opportunities being offered. It is anticipated that there would be even more opportunities that will be created for expansion and innovation among the Vincentian business communities at home and in the Diaspora, as well the access to international markets, and the role of FDI in a small developing State such as SVG.. The event, with Minister Counselor, Doris Charles at the helm of the organizing committee once again demonstrated the High Commission’s commitment to a responsible investment/business agenda. Invitations were sent through the Commonwealth Exchange to their networks as well as to the airline industry, the tourism sector, investors, insurance companies, the Mayor of London, the Member of Parliament with specific interest to the Caribbean; the Archbishop of London; cricket team, football teams to name some of the areas. The event was chaired by Mr. Steve Maingot – Health Informatics Specialist. Present at the event was also First Lady Mrs. Eloise Gonsalves and Master Storm Gonsalves. While in the UK, the team (Ambrose-Black, together with Business Facilitation Manager, Nadine Agard), also hosted individual meetings with a group of more than fifteen investors’ representative of more than ten different investment areas. During these meetings the role of and continuing progress made by Invest SVG was highlighted as well as the preparations being made and investment opportunities vis-a-vis the opening of the International Airport. Invest SVG, together with the Commonwealth Exchange is currently engaged in the creation of a website using the theme, ThinkSVG and this website was also launched at the Networking Forum. This website is available for viewing at: thinksvg.eu/. The UK, Europe and the African continent would be able to use this main portal/website to access more information about SVG in a more timely and relevant manner. These events are all occurring in tandem with Invest SVG’s ten (10) year anniversary celebrations.
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 19:01:34 +0000
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