Opposition Leader to speak at CIC Banquet

Hon Mark Brantley

ZIZ News…28 06 2010 – The St. Kitts-Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce has announced that local barrister-at-law and Leader of the Opposition, Hon Mark Brantley of Nevis, will be the featured speaker at the 28th Annual Private Sector Banquet scheduled for Saturday, July 10, 2010 at St. Kitts Marriott Royal Beach Resort in Frigate Bay, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors has requested that, among other matters, Mr Brantley’s speech address the major socio-economic challenges facing the Federation at this time, such as (a) escalating gang violence and gun crimes among our young men; (b) the protracted global recession; and (c) our inordinately high national debt. Mr Brantley will also be sharing with the business community his vision on how best St. Kitts and Nevis can capitalise on the opportunities for advancement under the CARICOM Single Market & Economy (CSME) and the recently signed OECS Economic Union Treaty. On this score, it is expected that, as Leader of the Opposition, Mr Brantley will also focus on national attitudes towards competitiveness, productivity and performance improvements.

The Chamber’s Banquet will also be addressed, as usual, by its President, who will present the annual Private Sector Report. Brief remarks are usually delivered by the Prime Minister as well. The Banquet, which attracts about 150 persons from the local private and public sectors, is normally attended by the Governor General, Deputy Prime Minister, the Premier of Nevis, other Government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. Entertainment for this year’s Banquet will be provided by Modern Image Band. Some lucky Banquet guests can also expect to win attractive door prizes.

A customary feature of the Chamber’s Annual Private Sector Banquet has been the recognition of entrepreneurs who have contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of our Federation. This tradition will be maintained this year. However, the announcement of this year’s outstanding, well-deserving awardees is being withheld until a subsequent media release is issued.

Persons interested in attending the Chamber’s 28th Annual Private Sector Banquet are advised to contact the Chamber at telephone number 465-2980, or by e-mail at sknchamber@caribsurf.com as soon as possible. Registration closes on July 8, 2010, or sooner – should full capacity be reached.