The St Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry & Agriculture was founded in 1884, and is in fact the oldest organization of its kind in St Lucia. It was originally known as the St Lucia Agriculture and Commercial Society. In 1945 the name was changed to reflect the emphasis of the times. It became known as the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. As recently as 1981, as more members began to explore the manufacturing and industrial sectors, it became known as the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry & Agriculture.
The Chamber Board of Directors is elected annually at the Annual General Meeting which is traditionally held on the last Wednesday of November. Every body is eligible for reelection and there are no restrictions on who and how long one can serve for. The only requirement is that the 1st Vice President must come from the Commercial Sector while the 2nd Vice President shall come from the Manufacturing Sector. The immediate Past President remains on as part of the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is not elected but is in fact appointed by the Board of Directors. The tradition is for the President to serve two consecutive one year terms at a minimum.
Board of Directors 2011- 2012
Mr. Gerard Bergasse (President) - Tropical Shipping
Mr. Chester Hinkson (Immediate Past President) - Bank of Nova Scotia
Mr. Gordon Charles (1st Vice President) - J Q Charles Group of Companies
Odilia serves as the lead administrative officer in the Chamber, maintaining the diary and schedule of the Executive Director, coordinating Board Meetings and meetings of the Board with all Government Ministries. Additionally, she is responsible for the accounts and finance of the Chamber. She has lead responsibility for the Annual General Meeting, President’s Dinner and other special projects assigned from time to time. Odilia is a graduate of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.
Cyrillia Lucien - Office Assistant
Cyrillia is the glue that makes the Chamber Secretariat operate as a solid and coordinated team. She ensures that all correspondence reaches its destination on time and keeps the Secretariat well supplied and running.
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