Cayman will host an inter-island conference on economic development next month.
On Friday, 17 December, heads of government from seven northern Caribbean countries will gather at the Ritz-Carlton for the first annual Northern Caribbean Conference on Economic Development and Co-operation.
In attendance will be Premier McKeeva Bush, Bruce Golding of Jamaica and representatives from private and public sector agencies from Dominican Republic, Haiti, the Commonweath of Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Cuba, explained Dunbar McFarlane, general manager of the National Building Society of Cayman, which along with parent company Jamaica National Building Society is presenting the conference.
“The event comes at a time when the Cayman Islands is re-examining its relationships with our Caribbean neighbours… [it is important] for regional governments to leverage strengths and establish partnerships in core areas for the mutual benefit of all countries,” he said.
Issues discussed
Some of the issues to be discussed at the conference include air passenger duty, which has attracted much debate over the last 18 months, plus the problem of multiple visas that are needed for travel between Jamaica, Cayman, Haiti and Cuba. The largest segment of the region’s population lives in the Northern Caribbean and 70 per cent of all tourist arrivals to the region visit the north.
Also on the agenda are security issues including drug and people smuggling, health crisis management and policy, immigration, trade and education and training. There will, in addition, be a talking shop for tourism ministers of the region.
“The changes in our economic and social environment demand increased collaboration and as more developed countries establish their own economic partnerships, at the international level we will have to develop initiatives that take into account our unique cultural and geographic needs if we are to compete successfully as a region in the global marketplace,” added Mr. McFarlane.
The one-day conference is intended to become an annual event and according to organisers is designed not to increase bureaucracy but to bring about serious co-operation, said Mr. McFarlane.
“We are looking to stimulate dialogue that leads to the development of practical solutions from both government and the private sector.”
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