PRESS RELEASES

In Their Own Words, Hosts and Participants Caribbean Multi-National Business Conference

“In times of adversity, opportunities usually come knocking and so it is with this conference, offering participants the opportunity to renew alliances, forge new ones and a platform for dialogue between key regional stakeholders and United States public and private policy makers and industry shakers. Real chances for new alliances and investment ventures are in the offering, amidst the workshops, which have been carefully selected to address themes that are timely and of interest to developing societies.” Commissioner Sara A. Wescot-Williams Leader of Government, St. Maarten, 2008.

“The Caribbean Multi-National Business Conference comes at an opportune time for our twin-island nation (Antigua and Barbuda). Our government of three years old, has made a clean break with the past, and our nation is now redefining itself wit new values in governance. “It is my belief that the hosting of this conference will serve us well as we confront the new challenges that come with the Caribbean Single Market and Economy and as we confront the increasing stresses of globalization.” Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister, Antigua & Barbuda, 2007

“It was my first time at the conference and the benefits were obvious.” Sam Hinds, Prime Minister, Guyana In Antigua, 2007

“As we have done across the U.S. and Africa, we are open for business, to buy from the Caribbean. We are looking for designers and other creative people whose products may find a niche in our stores.” Ed Goldberg, Senior Vice President of Government affairs, Macy’s In Antigua, 2007

“The results of this conference went far beyond our original expectations when we began the effort to host this marvelous conference. The process of bringing families together, of sharing a vision for our countries, couldn’t have been scripted. It allowed us to share so much. The sessions brought out ideas, options and other benefits, which should be long-lasting. It was more than we expected.”  Juan Carlos Navarro, Mayor of Panama, 2006.

“Over the years, this conference has been a premiere event, merging Caribbean public and private sector leaders together with their counterparts from the United States in order to address key issues in Caribbean development, in particular, areas of new ventures and trade alliances.

“This year’s theme, “Building Strategies for Global Competitiveness,” proves it is in our best interest to continue discussions geared towards making critical decisions on issues that affect business initiatives in the community that will prepare us to achieve greater economic growth.” Charles W. Turnbull Governor, United States Virgin Islands, 2005

“This conference will not only provide the opportunity for an enriched atmosphere of social intercourse but a meaningful cross fertilization of ideas and best practices that can be emulated and implemented to bridge the social, economic and digital divides and enhance the betterment of peoples of the region. “Your presence here (in St. Kitts-Nevis will certainly motivate and inspire us and I am certain that the contents of the agenda of this four-day conference and the benefits that would accrue would not only make St. Kitts Nevis a more prestigious destination but would reposition us more securely and conspicuously on the map of the world.” Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Prime Minister, St. Kitts-Nevis, 2004

“Ironically, it was in Grenada in 2001, a few weeks after the terrorist assaults on the United States that we introduced the health forums as an essential item in the conference program. The forum has certainly brought a new dimension to our deliberations. “ Dr. Pat Hazlewood, (Ret.) Professor of health services, Kingsborough Community College of the City University of New York St. Kitts-Nevis, 2004

“I am very glad I came. The discussions and the dialogue with the member of the (U.S.) Congress were invaluable and should help the Caribbean. I am glad I Came.” Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General, Caribbean Community, CARICOM, Conference in the Bahamas, 2003.

“Those who don’t attend are missing a golden opportunity.” Julian Hunte, President United Nations General Assembly, After attending the conference in the Bahamas, 2003.

“Once again it has facilitated a dialogue at a crucial time when we are negotiating the Free Trade of the Americas and when we have a major financial challenges caused by the need to spend large sums of money to boost our security in the region. We are committed to the fight against terrorism but it comes with a price, a heavy price on our budgets which must be met.” Dame Billie Miller, Barbados’ Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Conference in the Bahamas, 2003.

“It was an outstanding success. It has certainly helped to strengthen our relations with the Congressional Black Caucus and African-American Business people.” Perry Christie, Prime Minister, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, 2003

“I do feel a sense of time and urgency that speaks to the question of if I’ve done enough to advance the cause of my people. History has been tenacious in its demand on us.” Dr. Harry Belafonte, Internationally known movie, stage and television actor, 2003 Multi-National Business Conference, the Bahamas.

“There are opportunities for the Caribbean to outline its problems to members of Congress but it may very well take some special hearings by a Congressional Committee to bring the issues to the members of the House (of Representatives).” U.S. Representative Donald Payne, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, In the Bahamas, 2003

“We must look at how we can help alleviate some of these problems confronting the Caribbean in the areas of security, terrorism, trade and tourism, to mention a few.” U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, Member, House of Representatives, In the Bahamas, 2003

“We started with a little mom and pop fast food place in the Bronx over 20 years ago and with hard work we are able to developed our baked goods and then Caribbean Food Delights that now mass produces frozen Jamaican foods for wholesale. We have come a long way.” Vincent Hosang, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Caribbean Bakery, the Bahamas 2003.

“St. Maarten has been committed in its resolve to attract such events to our shores, recognizing the impact on our tourism product and the economic spin-offs thereof. As such, it is envisioned that the conference will not only re-affirm existing alliances, but that it will also serve to establish new, strong linkages between various governmental and non-governmental entities, beneficial to all concerned, including the island of St. Maarten. Franklyn Richards, Governor of St. Maarten, 2002

“We stand firm with the United States and count ourselves as an ally in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. “The various workshops of this timely conference, address key areas of the development for the (Caribbean) region. I have no doubt that presentations by the distinguished speakers and the ensuing discussions among participants will provide significant insight and direction for the policy makers and leaders in both the public and private sectors.” Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister, Grenada, 2001

CLICK TO VIEW CONFERENCE FLYER