BASSETERRE St. Kitts, July 28th 2011 - Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs continued his familiarization tour of the manufacturing and industrial sector.  Dr Harris visited the St Kitts Brush and Tropical Call Centre at the C A P Southwell Site.

While at the two facilities Dr Harris held discussions with Chief Executive Officer, Mr Graydon Walker and his wife, interacted with employees and toured the operations at the two facilities.

Dr Harris said that he was pleased by the overall contribution of the manufacturing sector to foreign exchange earnings, job creation and the socio economic life of the country.  In commenting on the rationale for the visit, Senior Minister Harris said “as this period of austerity continues it is important for me to reach out and gain a better understanding of the realities facing not only individual entities but the sector as a whole.  This sector contributes over two thousand jobs and near ten of the economic pie in the country.

We have done well to be able to supply products of an international standard and which are competing against merchandise supplied by other grants.  We need to continue to improve on what we do and create strong support infrastructure for our export manufacturers”.

Dr Harris explained that government’s support includes fiscal incentives, trade agreements which create new markets for our export manufacturers, advice and technical assistance.

Asked about the significant challenges faced by the sector, Dr Harris said the sector is being challenged by significant increases in electricity costs which add a large burden to the manufacturing costs of several entities.  The sector is just adjusting to cash flow differences created by VAT and declining prosperity in key export markets, particularly the USA.

Turning his attention to the call centre operations, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris said that “call centres have potential to provide interesting work for many of our young people particularly those interested in customer services, and the rewards can be great.  Our own experiences in this area tell us that this is a highly competitive field. 

The closure of Clear Harbour which at one time employed over two hundred persons was a serious setback for many young people.  Many of these persons are yet to find work.  Tropical Call Centre seems to have found a niche in the construction sector and I want to wish them well.

We have to do a study of this sector to determine what potential niches are available to us”.

Minister Harris was accompanied by Mr Andrew Satney, Trade Policy Adviser, and `Dorothea Jefferson, Accounting Officer in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

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