The unpredictable future is upon us as the unclear and unscripted pronouncements of American President Donald continues.
The St. Lucia Chamber has had to ensure that it remains integrated in global trade policy network conversations like never before. And even more gingerly seek to provide sensible commentary on the issue to a probing local media, patently aware that comments from our Chamber have and continue to be quoted in regional and international fora.
The rapid and deliberate steps taken by the Caribbean Private Sector Organization to convene regional private sector players should not go unnoticed and shows the importance of well-resourced institutions who are fit for purpose.
The reach of the International Chamber of Commerce and its information network have been indispensable to the Chamber and once again demonstrates the value of being part of a global brand and network that imbues you with timely relevant information and insights. Additionally, speaking regularly with regional counterparts has been invaluable and crucial.
The Chamber has taken its role on the Inter-Ministerial task Force on President Trump's America First Policy, seriously and has through determined and pointed interventions ensured that three critical matters have been included in the scope of the discussion and brought to the attention of the Cabinet of Ministers.
(1) the China Ship Building Issue.
(2) The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Carbon levy
(3) The plethora of serious challenges currently being faced by the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority.
These issues the Chamber has argued, are all worthy of careful and studied attention. The Chamber goes further to strongly suggest that the St. Lucia, with limited control and or influence in global affairs, gives in-depth and immediate attention to the SLASPA issues where it has more direct control over. The Chamber's Executive Luncheon at which SLASPA spoke, pointed to the precarious nature of the situation of the damaged berth which can have abysmal impact on trade if SLAPSA and Government do not chart, from early a sound plan (back up and fall back as well) to mitigate the potential calamity that can occur.