BCCI Chamber Bulletin September - December 2021

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CHAMBER BULLETIN

September - December 2021

THE LEAD

COLLABORATION AND AGILITY – MOVING THE BCCI FORWARD why we emphasised a more collaborative approach to problem solving and employed a strategy of building partnerships to successfully achieve our goals. This strategy has enabled us to navigate the challenges while remaining responsive to the needs of our membership.

Misha Lobban Clarke, Executive Director To say that 2021 has been an extremely busy one for the BCCI would be an understatement. During the last three months, the Chamber has been active, collaborating with partners on several events and initiatives designed to meet members’ needs and to support their efforts to reposition their companies and build sustainability for 2022 and beyond.

In the face of a persistent COVID-19 pandemic that is still testing the resilience of the Barbados economy, businesses have been forced to become agile and adapt to this evolving environment. The BCCI, like many of our members and partners, has had to be more innovative in our approach to service delivery. That is

Among the activities/initiatives that we accomplished during the last quarter were: • Building on and forging new ties with foreign Embassies and Consulates in Barbados, including the Canadian High Commission (Senior Trade Commissioner), EU Delegation (new Trade Affairs Manager) and the UK Trade Envoy to the Caribbean.

• Engaging regional and international entities, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Barbados, towards exploring new external markets for local businesses. In this vein, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) in October and another tripartite MOU with Suriname and Guyana in July, to formalise a commitment to exploring trade and investment cooperation between the countries.

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2 Even as Barbados grapples with the big issues related to the global supply chain and its impact on food security, climate change and adaptation, economic diversification, and sustainability for the future, the ease of doing business in Barbados remains a key focus on the BCCI’s agenda. This is pivotal to our members who can ill-afford for the trade and investment gains over the years to be compromised by inefficient and ineffective ways of doing business. Thankfully, the BCCI and members had an opportunity to engage the Prime Minister, the Hon. Mia Mottley at our annual business luncheon “Building Bridges for a Successful Economic Recovery” held in October.

Discussions with the Government of Barbados, the Social Partnership and the BPSA on these issues are ongoing.

Given the contribution of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to the Barbados economy, and in the face of the devastating impact of the pandemic on SMEs, the BCCI determined that they should receive support and valuable tools to help sustain their operations.

Against this, the Chamber launched its Survive & Thrive Small Business Series in November, which attracted participation from across diverse sectors.

The BCCI, in launching this new initiative, recognises that the success of the small business sector is crucial to ensuring a strong and vibrant Barbados economy.

We move into the New Year with great anticipation, on the winds of change brought about by Barbados’ transition to a Republic. This is a significant moment in our history as a young independent nation – an exciting time, because with change comes new opportunities.

The BCCI eagerly looks forward to these opportunities and most of all, to enhancing our level of engagement with all stakeholders as we continue to positively impact the business

environment and create sustainable economic progress for all Barbadians.

As we reflect on all that we have overcome and accomplished this year, we know we could not have done it alone. To you – our members; Council Members, Chairs and members of our Working Committees; sponsors; partners, and secretariat staff, thank you for your support and invaluable contribution during the year.

Wishing you a Safe and Blessed Holiday Season and a Prosperous and Productive 2022.

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CHAMBER IN ACTION BCCI Signs MOU with Kenya Chamber The BCCI and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 6, 2021 to advance trade and investment cooperation between Barbados and Kenya.

The MOU was signed by KNCCI President, Richard Ngatia and BCCI President, Anthony Branker during the Safari-Ocean Business Alliance Forum coordinated by Export Barbados at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

The event was part of an official visit by President of Kenya, H.E. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta CGH, and was attended by 21 CEOs of major companies in Kenya and many Barbados business leaders.

The Forum focused on key sectors, including: • food & beverage • digitalisation • professional services (financial and consulting services) • energy/solar energy • cultural industries • port and logistics trans-shipment On October 7, 2021 the BCCI President and Council members met with the KNCCI President and representatives from Kenya’s private sector, and discussed opportunities for trade and investment in both countries. They also explored areas for collaboration between the two Chambers.

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The BCCI extends appreciation to Export Barbados for the invitation to be a partner for Safari-Ocean Business Alliance Forum and for facilitating the MOU signing.

BCCI President, Anthony Branker (left) and KNCCI President, Richard Ngatia sign MOU. Looking on is Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya, Fredrick Matwanga.

UNCTAD Side Event – UN Global Compact October 1, 2021 marked the date of the UN Global Compact Local Network in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean event. At this event, BCCI President, Anthony, Branker delivered remarks endorsing the Global Compact initiative.

Immediate Past President, Trisha Tannis, was also took part in the event, giving her perspectives on advancing the regional private sector growth, and paving the way for a Global Compact for the Caribbean.

The BCCI will be collaborating with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and KNCCI to advance discussions on key actions towards identifying trade and investment opportunities that may be leveraged between the Barbados and Kenya private sectors, in keeping with the objectives of the respective MOUs.

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Barbados-Guyana-Suriname Tripartite MOU

Committee Makes Submission on National Vending Bill, 2021

Potential private sector plans for Guyana and Suriname was among the topics discussed when the Chamber met with Barbados Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Hon. Sandra Husbands, M.P. and other Ministry representatives on September 22, 2021.

On October 20, 2021 the BCCI Retail and Distribution Committee made a formal submission to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament, set up to examine and report on the proposed legislation – National Vending Bill, 2021.

The meeting was held to advance talks on the MOU signed by the BCCI, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (SITA) in July 2021. The parties also discussed ways to improve Barbados-Guyana-Suriname relations; challenges that may be encountered, and government’s support to better engage Guyana. Discussions on this initiative are ongoing.

BCCI Meets with Canada’s New Senior Trade Commissioner BCCI President, Anthony Branker and Executive Director, Misha Lobban-Clarke met with the Canadian High Commission’s new Senior Trade Commissioner, Marthe Lemay on September 28, 2021. The party discussed the state of play of the Barbados economy; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses in Canada and Barbados; the High Commission’s objectives, and new partnership opportunities between the two entities.

BCCI COURTESY VISIT WITH KNCCI BCCI President and members of Council met with representatives of the KNCCI at the Hilton Barbados Resort on October 7, 2021 and discussed aspects of Barbados and Kenya markets and how the private sector in both countries can leverage opportunities for bilateral trade.

The Chamber received notification from the Barbados Parliament that the Committee was appointed to commence work from October 4, 2021, and that the public was invited to make written submissions on the proposed legislation or appear before the Joint Committee.

The Retail and Distribution Committee reviewed the proposed Vending Bill and submitted member concerns for consideration.

The National Vending Bill, 2021 was passed in the Senate on December 6, 2021 to allow vending to be conducted across Barbados within prescribed zones.

BCCI and UK Trade Mission Talk Trade and Investment The BCCI assisted with facilitating B2B meetings as part of a UK trade and investment mission to Barbados, organised by Invest Barbados and the Department of International Trade, British High Commission, Bridgetown.

5 Representatives from the trade mission, members of the Scotland Renfrewshire Business Network (RBN), and business owners from other parts of the United Kingdom (UK) met with local business representatives in meetings arranged by the Barbados Chamber.

BCCI Executive Director, Misha Lobban-Clarke, greets UK Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean, Darren Henry, M.P.

As part of the mission, held from November 22-27, 2021, the BCCI participated in a welcome briefing to showcase opportunities in Barbados for overseas investors. Executive Director, Misha Lobban-Clarke presented on the Chamber’s role in facilitating trade and investment for companies entering the local market, and the support services that BCCI offers for those companies that wish to partner with private sector entities in Barbados. Invest Barbados, the Barbados International Business Association, and Export Barbados also made presentations to the trade team.

During the trade mission, the BCCI Executive Director met with the UK Trade Envoy to the Caribbean, Darren Henry, M.P. and discussed ideas for greater collaboration between the UK and the Barbados private sector.

BCCI Duty-Free Sector Gets Update from Customs & Excise Department The BCCI received a request from the office of the Comptroller of Customs to

facilitate a meeting between the Barbados Customs and Excise Department (BCED) and the Duty-Free Sector members of the BCCI. The Comptroller, Owen Holder, advised that the liberalisation of the dutyfree sector could not occur until the department acquired new software to manage the process of stock movement in duty-free stores, and that this process required funding from the Ministry of Finance. He also informed the group that the BCED would like the sector to share relevant information on their stores’ inbound duty-free stock that was near expiration or had already expired.

He committed to sharing any further information on the process with the Chamber for dissemination to the sector.

BCCI Makes Representation to Comptroller of Customs Arising out of a member engagement meeting previously held with business owners in the automobile industry, the BCCI facilitated a meeting between representatives from the Barbados Automobile Association and the Comptroller of Customs, Owen Holder, to discuss challenges being experienced by the sector and measures being implemented by the Barbados Customs and Excise Department (BCED) to address the issues raised.

At the meeting, held on November 11, 2021, the Comptroller informed the Chamber of the following: • liberalisation of the sector is still on the table • there has been increased activity of late • there is a need to manage the system and thus a need for warehousing software to facilitate this activity, which would provide real-time information

6 • the BCED has demonstrated a system from a local supplier and found it to be satisfactory; however, depending on the source of funding, it may be necessary to bid to the countries providing the funding as well • the software needs to provide details of all sales data

TAKE NOTE IPP Trisha Tannis Appointed Chairperson of BPSA

Chairperson of BPSA, Trisha Tannis

Congratulations to Immediate Past President of the BCCI, Trisha Tannis, on being elected the first female Chairperson of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA).

CHAMBER EVENTS PM Addresses BCCI Business Forum & Luncheon “Building Bridges for a Successful Economic Recovery” was the theme of this year’s annual luncheon address to the BCCI by Prime Minister, the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P. The hybrid event, held on October 27, 2021 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, set the stage for discussions on Barbados’ economic future and the role that Government and the private sector can play in ensuring its successful recovery over the next 12-18 months. The Prime Minister outlined Government’s economic framework for the next 2-3 years,

Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P. addresses participants at the BCCI Business Forum & Luncheon.

We wish our IPP every success in her new role. We thank her for her exemplary service to the Chamber and look forward to working together as she carries out the BPSA mandate.

(left to right) Chairman of BCCI Economic Advisory Committee, Christopher Sambrano, PM, Mia Mottley, and BCCI President, Anthony Branker lead discussion at the business forum.

7 describing how it will address the ease of doing business, raised by BCCI members.

She also spoke to the critical issues of transportation, energy, and importation costs that continue to impact the viability of businesses in the current environment; and to the issue of managing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic while rebuilding the economy and formulating creative strategies from economic diversification.

During the interactive session with the Prime Minister, BCCI members raised a number of issues impacting businesses and island’s economic recovery, including the issues of banking fees and high import duties, which have contributed to rising food prices and cost of living in Barbados.

virtual workshops focused on the following key topics for small businesses: Enabling Held on Innovation & Digital November Transformation for 12th Business

Presented by – Roger Hennis (Deloitte)

Marketing & Service Excellence as a Winning Strategy

Held on November 16th

Presented by – Ron Johnson (Blueprint Creative)

Financing Options for Small Business

Held on November 26th

Presented by – Raymond Haynes (Deloitte)

From There to Here Held on and Everywhere: December Efficient Shipping 3rd Logistics

Presented by – Collis Williams (RDL Eagle Trade)

The forum, moderated by Chairperson of the BCCI Economic Advisory Committee and Partner, Ernst & Young, Chris Sambrano, attracted members of the business sector, as well as Ministers of Government and government technocrats. The BCCI Secretariat extends its appreciation to sponsors of the event.

The Chamber acknowledged and extended appreciation to the sponsors and presenters of the series, as well as to all BCCI members who participated in the workshops.

Chamber Launches “Survive & Thrive Small Business Series” In an effort to enhance the Chamber’s support to small businesses within its membership, the Secretariat introduced its “Survive & Thrive Small Business Series.”

As a follow up to joint discussions held earlier in the year, the BCCI and the National Agricultural Health and Food Control Group (NAHFCG) hosted a virtual meeting on the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) legislation, to sensitise and engage members (importers and exporters) on the Bills.

This series featured four educational webinars to help small business owners develop more operational efficiencies, as well as enhance their knowledge and acumen around key business pillars such as finance, marketing, leadership, and strategic planning.

The session, held on October 11th, focused on informing stakeholders of the proposed changes and what they would mean for businesses and individuals. Members of the private sector, particularly those in retail and distribution, raised a number of concerns.

The series, launched on November 12, 2021, is considered a new signature thought leadership event for the Chamber. The

The BCCI continues to engage the NAHFCG on this matter and a follow-up meeting with all key players is to be scheduled.

BCCI and NAHFCG Engage Stakeholders on SPS Legislation

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Roundtable Advances Progress on BCCI/BPSA/KEPSA MOU

BCCI and ACCA Share on Future Proofing Business

In keeping with an MOU signed in December 2019 between the BCCI, the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the three parties hosted a business roundtable on October 6, 2021. This was an additional side event of Export Barbados’ Safari-Ocean Business Alliance Forum and high-level state visit by President of Kenya, H.E. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta CGH, and his country’s delegation.

The Chamber, in partnership with ACCA Caribbean, held a free virtual session on “Future Proofing Business for Success through Sustainability”. The session focused on sustainable approaches for business practices and strategies.

The Business Forum was intended to advance progress on the MOU and was designed to explore opportunities for business facilitation and engagement between the private sector delegation from Kenya and the Barbados private sector.

Invitations to the roundtable were extended to BCCI members and companies initially targeted by BPSA Trade Consultant, Danielle Maycock, who had conducted research to support the advancement of the MOU. Key speakers included: • Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade – the Hon. Sandra Husbands, M.P. • Barbados’ High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya – Alex McDonald • Vice Chair, KEPSA – Jaswinder Bedi • Executive Director, BCCI – Misha LobbanClarke • Executive Director, BMA – Shardae Boyce BCCI President, Anthony Branker moderated the discussion session.

View recording of the BCCI/BPSA/KEPSA Forum here

Featured speakers included BCCI Councillors, Ronaele Dathorne-Bayrd and Patrick Hinckson, and moderator was BCCI Immediate Past President and Chairperson of the BPSA, Trisha Tannis. BCCI Executive Director, Misha Lobban-Clarke delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the BCCI. View recording of BCCI-ACCA Webinar here

BCCI and UWI Focus on CARICOM Food Security The BCCI joined resources with the Shridath Ramphal Centre, UWI in the staging of the Centre’s Food for Thought Lunchtime Series, held on September 15th.

Following the release of Part 1 of the Food for Thought Policy Brief Series, this webinar aimed to bring greater public awareness to the broad-based concept of food security, and more specifically, to CARICOM’s food security challenges.

Opening Remarks was delivered by the BCCI President, Anthony Branker.

View the recording of this session here

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BCCI and Partners Host Session on Outreach to the UAE

This session was held to provide the business community with valuable information and updates on Expo 2020 Dubai UAE, which has been running from October 1, 2021 and will continue through March 31, 2022. The Expo features 190 participating countries, representing the range of opportunities for local businesses to forge partnerships with potential buyers, suppliers and businesses from across the world.

The hosts of the information session collectively invited the local private sector to take advantage of the unique opportunity to have access to such an array of businesses, by joining Team Barbados in the UAE for the Expo. They provided the attendees with key updates for activities taking place in the UAE during the Expo and shared information on travel and accommodation for business representatives wishing to actively participate in Dubai.

NEW MEMBERS In December, the BCCI welcomed the following three entities into its membership: • Cloud Carib • Trusted Care Provider Inc. • WestTech Shipping

THE TESLA POWERWALL 2

The BCCI jointly hosted an information session on December 2nd with the Barbados International Business Association (BIBA) and Invest Barbados on Barbados’ ongoing trade and invest outreach to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Tesla Powerwall 2: Bringing Energy Resiliency and Independence to Barbados

There is no doubt that here in Barbados and in countries around the world, we are moving to a cleaner energy future. The need to move away from fossil fuel generation is urgent – the evidence is all around us in the form of rising sea levels, increasingly extreme weather, and other impacts of climate change.

Barbados has long been a leader in the adoption of solar energy, and now storage technology – the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time – exists to enable complete and reliable energy independence. ECRL is pleased to be the first to bring the Tesla Powerwall 2 to the Barbados market.

Long known as a champion in the progress toward clean energy technologies, Tesla’s Powerwall 2 is a compact, simple-to-install energy storage product that reduces reliance on the grid by storing solar energy for use when the sun isn’t shining.

The Powerwall 2, which not only stores energy but also detects outages and automatically becomes the main energy source to your home or business when the grid goes down, can provide full or partial power backup to the loads at your premises. Full load backup provides backup power to your full electrical panel, while partial load backup provides backup supply to loads that have been deemed critical in a utility grid power outage.

Without storage, grid-tied solar home systems will not act as an independent power source. With storage, the battery enables your solar energy system to operate independently during a grid outage.

The Powerwall 2 is reliable and flexible, meeting energy consumers’ unique needs. The battery can be configured in two modes: backup only or self-consumption. In backup only mode, the battery will only discharge in the event of a utility power outage while, in self-consumption mode, the battery will cycle itself on a daily basis, providing for your home’s energy needs independently every day.

At ECRL, we provide expert engineering design, procurement, construction and after sales support of renewable energy solutions. Together with the Tesla Powerwall 2, a home battery designed to store energy for use when the sun isn’t shining or the grid is unavailable, we are bringing complete, customized, flexible and reliable energy solutions to Barbados.

Call or email ECRL today to learn more about the Tesla Powerwall 2! renewables@emeracaribbean.com 246-626-5007

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IN THE CHAMBER

CARICHAM UPDATES

The Chamber Increases Efforts to Engage Members In alignment with its strategic initiative to increase membership engagement, the BCCI’s Senior Business Development Officer, Valarie Hope and Executive Director, Misha LobbanClarke continued to faciliate one-on-one engagement sessions during the period under review.

They continue to share the BCCI’s Strategic Plan and discuss current membership needs, while receiving feedback on how the Chamber may improve member communication and enhance membership benefits.

Engagement sessions were held with the following companies and individuals during the period: • Director, ADEB Consultants – John Griffith (September 29, 2021)

• General Manager, Platinum Motors – Mark Hamilton (September 27, 2021) • Managing Director, The Business & Employment Centre – Rosette Tasker (October 8, 2021)

Click here to download the 360° Resilience: A Guide to Prepare the Caribbean for a New Generation of Shocks (worldbank.org)

TAKE A MOMENT