NEW INITIATIVES FOR THE BUSINESS SECTOR IN 2001
The business community will continue to benefit from strong representation from the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) during the year 2001, according to its Chairman Kedrick Malone. “We’re going to undertake other initiatives to understand how the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association can become stronger and more effective,” the Chairman indicated. He made the remarks as he presented his Chairman’s Report at the association’s annual general meeting February 21st at Pusser’s Fort Burt Hotel.
It was during the year 2000 that the association changed its name from the BVI Hotel and Commerce Association to reflect a broader mission. The Chairman said last year was a very good year, continuing several projects and introducing some new initiatives. He admitted that they are still trying to understand the functions and the responsibilities of a Chamber of Commerce. He said they are looking to establish a relationship with other Chambers in the Caribbean, but more immediately another Chamber in Cape Cod, through one of its former members Dan Wolf of Cape Air/BVI. One of the objectives set for 2000 was to increase the financial base of the Chamber.
An in-room publication for the hotel and charter boat industry produced as part of this programme is now ready for distribution. The Chamber also worked closely with the BVI government last year in the fight against crime. A delegation from the BVICCHA met with the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Police Commissioner. According to Mr. Malone: “The victims of crime in most cases are businesses and I think we’ve made some progress; we’ve had a follow-up meeting with the Chief Minister and he made us aware of some initiatives that were being undertaken as a result of the petition that was put forward.” Some of the new initiatives will involve changes in laws and changes in procedures and processes within government departments. There was also an initiative with the Public Sector Development Programme, in an effort to improve the quality of service received from government.
The Chamber was mandated to develop a policy paper outlining the issues the business community needs to see addressed. Such issues would cover labour, immigration and trade licenses. The annual meeting between the Chamber and Chief Minister Hon. Ralph O’Neal to discuss matters of concern for the business community was scheduled for last week. The association continues to be active on a number of government committees, including the Road Traffic Advisory Committee, the BVI Citizens Charter Committee, the Customs Reform Committee and the Holiday Review Committee.
The Chamber undertook several training programmes last year and intends to expand its offerings this year. Mr. Malone spoke to the success of the BUY BVI Trade Show and indicated that thought is being given to outsourcing the coordination of this event this year. He announced that a new sponsor - AT&T- is on board with the BVI Spring Regatta 2001. The Chamber is responsible for the regatta village and coordinating the sponsorship. This is a major revenue earner for the association.
In terms of the goals of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association for this year, the Chairman mentioned the intention to strengthen the organization through increased marketing and public relations. He said the Chamber would be taking a more pro-active approach in collaboration with the government to further develop the economy of the British Virgin Islands. Other initiatives for this year would include a summer promotion programme with the BVI Tourist Board, increased training through the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, further increasing the financial base of the Chamber, the introduction of the Junior Achievement Programme to the BVI and continuing the Right Start Programme.
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