Second Future of Cayman forum launched
Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce along with Deputy Governor Hon Franz Manderson on Wednesday launched the 2012 Future of Cayman forum, a one-day event that will examine how the country can plan for development of its human resource talent and infrastructure.
The second of its kind, the Future of Cayman forum will be held on 23 November at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. A similar national private—public sector initiative took place in 2010, which was defined by a comprehensive national debate, led by the Chamber of Commerce. Out of this forum five key areas crucial to the development of the Cayman economy were identified: to develop talent; create a business-friendly climate, diversify the economy, enhance quality of life and build a smarter infrastructure.
At the media launch at the Chamber’s Governors Square office on Wednesday, Chamber CEO Wil Pineau described the forum as a “collaborative initiative between the public and private sectors.”
Deputy Governor Hon Franz Manderson saw it as a “critical undertaking” that will focus on two of the five driver areas – developing talent and building infrastructure and would also examine the role of the public sector in these areas.
“The focus on talent is particularly critical for the development of these islands, especially in the context of rising unemployment, even among well qualified people today,” Mr Manderson stated.
Noting that the public sector has been involved in the Future of Cayman initiative since 2010 when it was approached by the Chamber, Mr Manderson said that the sector remains committed to the programme and that Chief Officers have been co-opted to co-chair the five identified driver groups.
“This initiative is crucial to the future of these islands, a future that is economically robust, population friendly and environmentally sustainable,” Mr Manderson said.
He noted that many of the outcomes from the initiative are being, and can be implemented by the Chief Officers and although there were some that required major policy decisions, the political leadership has been fully supportive of the effort.
Chamber President David Kirkaldy noted that since the first forum in 2010, five subcommittees were formed for each of the driver areas that had been identified.
Chairpersons for the two driver areas that will be in focus at the forum are Mary Rodrigues, Chief Officer in the Ministry of Education (develop talent) and Tristan Hydes, Deputy Chief Officer in the Ministry of District Administration, Works, Lands and Agriculture (building smarter infrastructure).
Each driver area was given specific objectives and over the past two years, many achievements have been noted. He said under the ‘developing talent ‘ area, some 32 achievements had been noted and six in the area of building infrastructure.
“The upcoming forum will continue the process of uniting our thinking and pulling our resources together,” Mr Kirkaldy stated. “This forum will have a slightly different format to the 2010 event and will be open to a wider group of attendees. We felt it was critical to chart the successes achieved and to enable everyone to see where effort had been focused to date,” he added.
Outlining the objectives of the forum, Shayne Howe, Chairman of the Future of Cayman Steering Committee said that the objectives of the forum are to raise the profile of the event, attract and involve new participants, update the public and private sector on achievements so far and challenges experienced, stimulate debate and develop a blueprint for the country’s future.
The forum is expected to attract some 200 participants, who will deliberate in three one-hour breakout sessions for each driver group. The deputy governor will address the event.
Registration for the public will be open at 1 November and further information on the forum is available at www.futureofcayman.com.
