The DAIC, at the invitation of the Government of St. Lucia, attended the “Third Regional Caribbean Growth Forum”, Pigeon Island, St. Lucia, June 16-17, 2015.
Dominica had representation from the Dominica Manufacturers Association and the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce. Other local private sector representation invitations were included however not all were able to participate.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Planning, Economic Development and Investment, Mrs. Gloria Joseph was in attendance as well as representatives from the Reform Unit and the Ministry of Finance. The high level forum included regional representation of a wide base from Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, all the way to Belize and Suriname to name a handful.
Ministers attended from across the region, alongside their Economic Advisors. A critical element in this forum was the presence of Civil Society, Academia, the youth and Private Sector representation, all of whom were given the task of formulating the original input in each of their countries at the onset of the Forum in 2012 and monitoring the implementation of the development of the policy reforms in each of their respective islands.
The Caribbean Growth Forum (CGF) is a facilitated methodology for public-private dialogue around issues central to private sector development and growth. It brings a non-traditional approach to the greatest challenge currently faced by the region – creating sustainable and inclusive growth. The Forum also aims to facilitate an action oriented dialogue around key policy reforms needed.
Ok, so DAIC and DMA attended the forum. What do they now say to the wider private sector?