The first in the new instalment of HR- Connect, a Chamber event designed to connect HR Managers and Professionals of Chamber member companies was a resounding success. HR Connect aims to facilitate networking, best practice and knowledge sharing through greater collaboration on issues of mutual interest and benefit through the Chamber.
With Sponsorship support from Bank of St. Lucia, the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce, triumphantly hosted its first HR Connect for 2024 dialogue successfully. “The Strategic Role of HR” a groundbreaking event sought to bring Human Resource Development and Human Resource Management professionals from Chamber Member Companies together to explore and discuss the strategic role of HR and share ideas and experiences on the “Evolving Role of HR”.
HR Connect is envisioned by the Chamber as a networking, knowledge and best practice sharing forum for Chamber members. It is expected to help HR Managers more appropriately address contemporary workplace issues. HR Connect was held at the Palmville Conference Room, Coco Palm, and brought together HR professionals and thought leaders in the field of human resources for an open and insightful discussion and exchange of ideas.
The event featured a Keynote Address delivered by Mr. Francis Lewis, Principal Consultant at Res Consulting, was well received for its thought-provoking insights and relevance to today's corporate landscape.
The highlight of HR Connect was the very informative and captivating interactive panel discussion which followed. The Expert Panel featured prominent industry figures such as Mrs. Adella St Rose from Heineken St. Lucia, Mrs. Thecla Deterville from Celestial Self Development Centre, Mrs. Nickler Velinor-Paul from Massy Stores, Mr. Sherlon Leon from Sagicor Life, and Dr. Cletus Bertin from CARILEC. Mr. Lewis served as the moderator. The panel explored contemporary issues including the inter-generational workforce, psychological safety, embracing agility, use of data insights, talent management and the integration of AI in the workplace to name a few.
Executive Director of the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce, delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude to sponsor Bank of St Lucia, speakers, panelist, and attendees for their contributions to the success of HR Connect.
The event concluded with a number of give aways provided by some of the Panelist that included gift certificates for coaching sessions, workshop placements, and other company paraphernalia.
HR Connect is a clear affirmation of the Chamber's continued delivery of its value proposition on business development and upskilling services that meets the ever-evolving needs of members through the provision of networking opportunities, information and critical knowledge to members.
Members can look forward to the Chamber continuing to provide relevant and exciting programs in the upcoming months.
There was an excellent turnout at the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Executive Luncheon of February 21, 2024, addressed by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
President Dr. Ifran Ali provided a comprehensive and engaging overview of his governments’ strategic development of the oil rich Caribbean Nation located on the continent of South America. The President highlighted the four pillars upon which the country's focused and deliberate strategy is built on: "Human Resource Development, climate Change, Food Security and Energy Security. Dr. Ali weaved a riveting exposition on the work being executed by the Government of Guyana in a number of critical areas that all link back to improving the quality of life of the people of Guyana and the transformation of the nation.
Dr. Ali beaconed the St. Lucia Business Community and the large Guyana Diaspora in attendance to visit Guyana to appreciate the transformation taking place and to explore and participate.
The Executive Luncheon was part of the hectic program of activities that the President of Guyana enjoyed as a Guest of Honor as St. Lucia celebrated its’ 45th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations. Earlier that day His Excellency President Irfaan addressed a Joint Session of St. Lucia’s Parliament.
The event was a unique opportunity for attendees to garner firsthand knowledge of the offerings, perspectives, and prospects within the Guyanese economy, with the President extending a warm invitation to all to visit and explore investment opportunities in his country.
"The Chamber is deeply honored to host His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in this engagement event, where profound information was shared as well as insight provided on opportunities for closer business and economic collaboration between St. Lucia and Guyana," said Brian Louisy, Executive Director of the Chamber "The outstanding turnout and the positive signals and calls by participants for a Chamber organized Business Mission to Guyana underscores the strong interest in Guyana within our business community.”
The subject of the Original Jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice was the most poignant topic at the second in the Power Breakfast Series of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture. Held in collaboration with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the event was rated as successful and of a high standard by attendees in their evaluation of the Power Breakfast. Held at the Palmville Conference Room, Coco Palm, on Tuesday, February 29th, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. a small but attentive group was educated and informed about the original jurisdiction of the CCJ and the private sector.
The session aimed to deepen awareness and understanding of the CCJ's Original Jurisdiction in the business community. The event featured esteemed speakers The Honorable Mr. Justice Peter Jamadar, Judge and Chair of the Caribbean Association for Judicial Officers, and Dr. Jan Yves Remy, Director of the Sir Shridath Ramphal Centre, University of the West Indies, CAVE Hill Campus.
By use of practical illustrations Honorable Mr. Justice Peter Jamadar was able to explain and demonstrate the way the CCJ works with and for the business community to resolve trade and other disputes that arose out of the operations of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Additionally, Justice Jamadar elucidated on the meaning and implications of the rights provided for under the CSME and how these refer to both individuals and cooperate bodies.
By way of explanation the Honourable Justice Jamadar took time to point out the unique nature of the CCJ as two courts in one, in that it was the final appellate Court for some CARICOM States that had moved away from the Privy Council and the CCJ was also as a court with compulsory and exclusive jurisdiction to interpret and apply the rules set out in the Revised Treaty of Chagaramus and to decide disputes arising under it.
Dr Jan Yves Remy, during her presentation went to great lengths to explain and demonstrate the various key rights granted to CARICOM persons under the CSME, noting that CSME was not as deep a regional integration endeavor as the OECS Agreement, (Treaty of Basterre) and as such, individuals and businesses in countries like St. Lucia should be aware of the opportunities and rights these arrangements offered. Her presentation underscored the need for St. Lucia Business to invest time in understanding and informing themselves about the OECS and CSME Arrangements that seek to expand the markets and provide a larger economic space for businesses to operate in.
The interactive segment of the Power Breakfast saw numerous questions asked and answered by the two presenters. The event attracted a diverse audience from various sectors, and continued the crucial effort of business education and upskilling of members that the Chamber provides. This venture Sponsored by the Bank of St. Lucia was a collaborative one between the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, and the Caribbean Court of Justice as they both seek to enhance awareness, knowledge, and engagement on the legal mechanisms that underpin regional integration and economic development.