Economic growth and diversity, small business relief and crime and public safety are some of the priority areas that President Barry Bodden and the new Council will address in 2015. Bodden accepted the top leadership role at the Chamber at the AGM on 14th January.
In his first address to the membership, invited guests and the press, Bodden urged political leaders to be proactive in their approach to create opportunities for new and existing businesses, to act as an enabler of business, to be fiscally responsible and to move forward with public sector reform. “We wish to see a government that has embraced the need to be lean and efficient. To not compete with private sector, but instead, to work in collaboration with the business community.”
He believed the Cayman Islands are uniquely poised for growth after years of a down economy with several development and infrastructure projects expected to begin in 2015. “We expect these developers to be mindful of the Caymanian community by putting an emphasis on hiring Caymanians and local companies. We ask our Government to hold these developers accountable to the Caymanian people and to ensure these projects are completed in a manner that is befitting of our heritage and culture,” he said.
Small business relief will feature prominently in the Chamber’s agenda in 2015. Many Caymanian small businesses are struggling and are in great need of relief. Unfair competition and new policies and fees threaten to push the cost of doing business even higher. Small businesses are not able to absorb any additional costs. “The Chamber was encouraged by the Government’s recent initiatives to alleviate some of these struggles for the small business owner, but more relief is needed. We encourage our political leaders to look into more relief measures, in particular for the small to medium sized businesses,” he said.
Incentives to promote and encourage retail trade are needed and the Chamber will bring forward recommendations to Government for consideration in 2015. Bodden said the Chamber wants to see action taken against businesses that don’t play by the rules. “Those (businesses) that operate illegally to gain an unfair advantage in the market should face dire consequences. Why does it take years and multiple agencies to address these illegal operators, if at all,” he questioned. Quick and decisive action is needed and punishment to fit the crime.
Crime and public safety will also feature prominently in the Council’s agenda in 2015. Keeping Cayman safe and protecting businesses and communities from all forms of crime must remain a national priority and Chamber members have become victims to break-ins and burglaries involving firearms and violence and Bodden is calling for a more collaborative approach to address the problem. “We intend to keep an open dialogue with those directly responsible for public safety and we intend to push even harder for solutions by polling our membership and seeking input. We will bring proposals forward for consideration and will expect the courtesy of open communication. This is a serious concern for all residents and one that must be addressed as a matter of extreme urgency,” he said.
Click here for President Bodden’s full address.