BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE nation’s presence as an international force is expected to be raised following yesterday’s (Dec. 22) official launch of the Competitiveness Council of Advisors to the Prime Minister.
Twelve local entrepreneurs and private practitioners have been appointed to serve on the council and would collectively advise the Prime Minister on policies related to private sector development strategies.
The council functions as a think tank and is required to consult with all relevant bodies in both the private and public sectors. It is advisory only and has no decision-making powers, but would periodically publish reports in addition to advising the PM.
In delivering the featured address at the launch, PM Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas explained the need to have the Competitiveness Council of Advisors against the backdrop of developing a service-based economy following the demise of the sugar industry in 2005.
“The establishment of this council marks a further and important step in the impressive progression of our service-based economy. It will ensure that government policy in relation to growth, development and competition is rooted in the realities faced by private sector entities which are the key players in the new service-based economy,” said Douglas.
The launch comes just short of the second anniversary of the St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA) launch, an institution established to proactively market the island to the world as an attractive investment location.
According to the PM, the task ahead remains daunting as the Federation is still a “new player” on the international scene. He therefore called for a creative approach to tackle the challenges head-on.
“We must be able to establish an appropriate institutional framework at the local level to encourage broad-based consultation, to promote the sharing of ideas and to facilitate the formulation of a number of strategies aimed at enhancing our own competitiveness,” he added.
Legal luminary Charles Wilkin QC has been appointed Chairman of the Council and also gave brief remarks at the launch ceremony. Although the council has not yet convened, Wilkin said he is honoured to give national service in an advisory role.
He indicated that the most suitable model for economic life is one that encourages free and competitive enterprise without oppressive regulations.
The Council chair said, “Whether we like it or not and whether or not we think it is fair, the fact and reality are that our country must compete on the global market against small and large countries alike. The members of the Council will bring their experience and skills at competing successfully in business and professions to their advisory role on the council.”
Wilkin explained that recent strategy workshops sponsored by the European Union identified the implementation of a competitiveness council as a top priority. He expressed hope that the council would become a “permanent and influential feature of economic planning”, adding that this may encourage more direct dialogue at the highest levels.
Other members of the council are Earl Kelly, Judith Rawlins, Ernest Amory, Edmund Lawrence, Anthony Kelsick, Ossie Liburd, Kishu Chandaramani, Keisha Archibald, His Excellency Mr. Wendell Lawrence, His Excellency Simon Jones-Hendrickson and Scott Caines.
SKIPA is expected to provide secretarial support for the new council.
