President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Paul Inniss has outlined a one-year action plan which he says is “a strategic mandate to reposition the Chamber as a dynamic catalyst for business innovation, inclusive growth and meaningful collaboration”.
Speaking during the BCCI’s gala dinner and awards ceremony in celebration of the institution’s historic 200th anniversary recently, Inniss noted the organisation had come a long way since its inception, going through and surviving significant changes in Barbados, from colonialism to independence and republicanism.
He outlined a plan with “four key priorities” to a Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle ballroom filled with people from the business sector, diplomats and parliamentarians. President of Barbados, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, was guest of honour at the glamorous black-tie event.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, we look to the BCCI’s strategic action plan for the next year designed to reflect our revenue, amplify our collective voice and deepen our national and regional impact,” Inniss said.
“It is more than a document. It is a strategic mandate to reposition the Chamber as a dynamic catalyst for business innovation, inclusive growth and meaningful collaboration.”
He listed the first of its four “key priorities” as “ensuring that the Chamber is financially sustainable so that we operate from a position of strength and deliver on consistent value to our members.
“The fourth is reinforcing the BCCI’s role as a permanent voice of business in Barbados…”
Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn congratulated the BCCI on its milestone and thanked the members for the sacrifice they made “to keep Barbados functioning” during the recent years when the island was experiencing serious challenges.”
He said that in spite of their difficulties, many of the business people still continued to provide services and goods to the Government of Barbados to deliver to our citizens and for that I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Several business were recognised for their “years of excellence”, ranging from 100 years to 150 years.
Well-known names traditionally known as pillars in the business sector, such as Goddards Enterprises, Duty Free Caribbean (the former Cave Shepherd), Collins (now Aventa Barbados), Sagicor General Insurance and Mount Gay Distilleries were among the awardees line-up.
The Sustainability Award went to Harris Paints, the Best Business Award in the micro category to Modern Woman, while A&B Music was the winner in the small business category.
The award of the night, the Service Excellence Award was won by Carter’s Lumber, Hardware and Homeware Stores.
One of the highlights of the night was the premiere staging of Cicely Spencer-Cross’ multi-media production Becoming.
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