Premier Serves As Panelist At BVI Conference
Premier Craig Cannonier was a featured panelist at BVI Business Outlook 2014 conference in Tortola, British Virgin Islands this week and spoke on the topic of Smart Government- Critical to the Global competitiveness of Small Territories.
The annual event brought together heads of government of the British Overseas Territories, CEO’s, MD’s and other key influencers to look at the year ahead and the outlook for business in the British Virgin Islands in the context of ongoing global economic challenges.
Premier Cannonier, Governor of BVI Boyd McClear and Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo:
Premier Cannonier said, “The timing and theme of the Conference is vital for the survival of our small nations as we are all facing economic challenges.
“Global competition is fierce for tourism and financial services, as leading developed countries reassess their national concerns regarding tax evasion, tax avoidance and transparency as their economies experience a sustained zero or negative growth.
“One of our imperatives for survival depends on our ability to diversify and collectively reach beyond our borders to tap into new markets.
“I encouraged those at the conference to collaborate instead of compete amongst ourselves as individual entities; to leverage our unique strengths for the betterment of the whole.
“For example, a company from Asia can incorporate itself in the BVI, insure itself through Bermuda and invest its funds through the Cayman Islands. That’s a shining example of collaboration and cooperation. “
The Premier also discussed Bermuda’s efforts to exemplify Smart Government through its SAGE Commission initiative, a concept which captured the interest of those in attendance.
He told participants that in ten years time, Governments will not look and function as they do today and that the SAGE Commission recommendations will be a key initiative for Bermuda’s blueprint to transform the Government.
Conference organizer, Russell Harrigan stated: “Our conference theme for 2014 is Change is in our DNA – Taking our Game to the next Level.
“It was chosen primarily because survival today means formulating a long term economic strategy and literally, the daily management of the same to avoid becoming ‘road kill’ in the global marketplace. Survival today is all about relevance.”
Other panelists included the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, the Hon. Fabian Picardo and Russell Crumpler, Director Advisory, KPMG BVI.
LOL! An absolute waste of time (and money!)
Why do you say it is an “absolute” waste?
Still waiting to hear him on Sherrie J! LMAO
Keep on waiting. Why on earth should he. Hear is a similar example. Obama does not appear on FOX News. Get it.
Ya but I bet Obama wouldn’t be afraid of her anything at all he’ll probably embrace her. LMAO
If you heard the premier on the uk bbc in a heated interview you would realize that he is not afraid just not wiling to engage the other side.
They really must be short of staff.. smdh..
Interesting new direction rather than the confrontational stance taken by the PLP to Cayman previously as an example. Now there seems to be an effort to work together off each island’s strengths. good work Premier Cannonier.
That is an erroneous statement. it was the Cayman who began the confrontational politics.
But the Bermuda Govt. took the bait, rather than find a more positive way forward.
It didn’t take the bait it defended Bermuda’s reputation. As a Bermudian you should appreciate that instead of criticizing everything the PLP done. From your posts you are coming across as someone who is irrational and only interested in bringing down the opposition.
And I am not a PLP member or supporter.
great post,, what is with this you vertical vs horizontal political climate.. personally, i look at faults and strengths of whomever is in power. Anybody who thinks their party does everything correct, and the other party does everything wrong is living in lala land.
It goes deeper then politics, its very subliminal.
My point is that it is far better to find ways to support each other rather than have a back and forth in the media that is unproductive. Surely you would agree that is a better way forward? Below quotes from the Premier’s press release.
“I encouraged those at the conference to collaborate instead of compete amongst ourselves as individual entities; to leverage our unique strengths for the betterment of the whole.
For example, a company from Asia can incorporate itself in the BVI, insure itself through Bermuda and invest its funds through the Cayman Islands. That’s a shining example of collaboration and cooperation. “
Craig when you going to come clean about you being a puppet for the real punks in charge?