Chamber President Raymond Winder said the organisation is committed to fulfilling its overall mission of “representation, advancement and enlightenment” in the business community.
Mr. Winder said The Bahamas must reposition itself to remain competitive in the global arena, and called on: The government to do its part to provide an environment conductive to investing; businesses to become more efficient, and employees to increase their productivity.
Meanwhile, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Philip Simon, said the organisation has assumed a trade coordination mode to assist with the reviewing of all relevant trade negotiations that affect the country.
The Bahamas is evaluating membership in the World Trade Organisation, the Free Trade Area of the Americas, and the Caricom Single Market and Economy.
Messrs Winder and Simon urged Bahamians to educate themselves about such trading blocs and how their lives would be affected.
The week is being held under the theme, “It’s Our Business”, during which time the chamber will attempt to make the business community aware of the latest business trends impacting the economy.
Mr. Simon explained over the weekend that the chamber has embarked upon a trade coordination mode to assist with the reviewing of all relevant trade negotiations that affect the country.
He said that the theme was not meant to project any selfish intent, but was chosen because of the chamber’s view that any shift in the global economy that affects The Bahamas, whether good or bad, is everybody’s business.
“Our theme also says that no matter what is going on during these trade talks, it is very important that we make it our business to seek ways of becoming proactive, to become more productive and positioned so that we remain more competitive,” he said.
He said it is very important for Bahamians to recognise the significance of trade liberalisation as it could help to build the economy and give insight on ways to enhance how business is done in The Bahamas.
In addition to a variety of planned activities, the chamber will host a special report on trade liberalisation presented by Dr. Trevor Hamilton on May 20, at the College of The Bahamas.
Mr Simon said the event is expected to be very informative, as interested persons from the private sector will learn first-hand the latest changes taking place as it pertains to the FTAA, WTO and other trade treaties.
A special feature will be added to this year’s week of activities, namely the Corporate Spelling Bee finals.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service, Fred Mitchell is also scheduled to speak at a luncheon.
The listed goals of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce include:
* The promotion of a local environment for businesses to excel.
* Providing private sector (business community) input to the government regarding legislation and policies that affect Bahamian businesses, and,
* Being in the forefront in the promotion of Bahamian trade, industry and commerce.
Businessman Alvin Braynen, and Sir Roland Symonette, now deceased – the first president, founded the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce. Sir Alvin now is an Honorary Member of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce.
In 1966, the chamber constructed and moved into its present headquarters on the corner of Collins Avenue and Shirley Street.
It was structured in order to be effective as an organisation representing the private business sector in The Bahamas. The membership is divided into six trade divisions, allowing all sectors to have a channel through which problems and related projects might be discussed and dealt with. These Trade Divisions are:
* Construction
* International Companies and Professional & Business Services
* Manufacturing
* Sales
* Tourism Industry
*Transportation Industry
Although the Chamber operates through a number of committees, there are various methods by which it expresses the views of its membership whereby recommendations are made to the government in private communications, and even when such recommendations are implemented, the chamber seeks no recognition.
By Lisa Albury, The Nassau Guardian
