Lord Michael Howard, the Patron of the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, with its President, Mr John Kennedy and officers, Dr Ian Kelly, Mrs Pauline Wade, Mr Mandish Singh, Mr George Alcindor and Mr Randy Cato called on the Honourable Dr Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, accompanied by Mrs Annie McGhee, the Resident British Commissioner of the British High Commission to Saint Lucia.
In discussion with Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr Kenny D. Anthony, Lord Howard repeated the positive impression he had gained on this, his first full visit to the Island, and emphasised how the BCCC would be working with both UK investors looking to this region as well as Saint Lucian companies and entrepreneurs wishing to access the UK market in the future.
A wide range of issues was covered during the extensive discussions with the prime minister which included the fact that during the visit the first cooperation between the BCCC and TEPA had been formally initiated during a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations. This marked the news of the presence of a TEPA intern in the United Kingdom working with BCCC.
The Honourable Prime Minister was also advised of the Chamber’s work to include a Saint Lucian cultural delegation during the Hull City of Culture manifestations in the United Kingdom this year, showcasing Saint Lucian Culture. It was pointed out that British Prime Minister David Cameron had announced, to the House of Commons, that he would be visiting the City to mark these celebrations.
Discussions also focused on Prime Minister Cameron’s announcement of a non-returnable infrastructure aid package for Saint Lucia, as part of a three hundred million pound programme of allocation to the region. Lord Howard said that this was part of the British Prime Minister’s commitment to re-engage and refocus the Anglo-Caribbean relationship which had, in recent years, had less prominence than it deserved. The delegation agreed that it would continue with its work in promoting the Island and the region as a place to invest, whilst at the same time offering any assistance it could to Saint Lucian entrepreneurs wishing to access the significant UK market.
I wonder what comfort the Pm was able to offer regarding the safety of future overseas investors, particularly in light of the shambolic state of the justice system. Can they operate in a safe environment? Let’s hope that some of the aid package will be directed to this area, the shortcomings of which the UK government will be aware.