CSI officially launches service
Local businesses expected to benefit greatly

By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

(L-R): Dr. Gem Fletcher, Special Adviser to CARICOM; Cosbert Woods, Chairman CSI; Alfred Harley, President CSI

The ceremony, held at the St. Kitts Royal Marriott and Casino, drew a wide range of representatives from the public and private sectors along with prospective business persons.

Trade Policy Officer and Chairman of the CSI Steering Committee Cosbert Woods explained that the main objectives of the CSI are to prepare stakeholders for challenges and opportunities of the services sector in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), to promote export, and to establish favourable partnership with the public and private sectors. He said it also serves to soften the impact of competition on businesses in the region, the smaller ones in particular.

“One of the major functions of the CSI is to organize the service providers into associations as there are many benefits in joining the Coalition. The Coalition would provide incubation services for the new and budding service providers by offering printing, conferences and a number of other business necessities.

“A new subsector may arise in the Federation and we want to mobilize them by organizing and putting their resources together to form an active association. We will provide the necessary training to generate ideas and come up with proposals, and get the exposure that they [service providers] need to establish, develop and maintain viable export opportunities.  ~~Adz:Right~~

Woods said there are lots of people in the Federation who are coming up with new ideas, and if recognized, could be provided with the regional and international exposure. For those apprehensive companies, he suggested the organizing of trade shows and missions, and providing materials and booths to allow them to display their goods and services to the broader market.

President of CSI Alfred Harley noted that the service industry is the most important sector of the economy and contributes significantly to growth and development. He added that CSI must act as a “watchdog guarding against the degradation of service providers within our country” while ensuring that the service providers are given an equal opportunity for lobbying efforts with government and a fair chance at trading and exporting their services across the region.

“We must look at the potential causes of service quality shortfalls and find creative new ways to correct them. Very important is the need to educate persons within all sectors of the service industry of the benefits of keeping abreast of the advancements being made in their special areas of service and expertise,” Harley added.