OECS Business Council Enhances Support for Eastern Caribbean Businesses
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Business Council (OBC) is working to better support businesses in the Eastern Caribbean. This effort is part of a project called "The Revitalisation and Sustainability of the OECS Business Council," funded by the OECS – European Union Regional Integration through Growth, Harmonisation, and Technology (RIGHT) Programme.
A Stronger Voice for Businesses
Since its inception in 2015, the OBC has aimed to give a strong voice to businesses in the region, helping with both challenges and opportunities. However, the OBC has faced issues, such as a lack of support and poor organization for private businesses. To address these concerns, the OBC plans to improve its structure to better support businesses.
Training and Capacity Building
From October 14 to 16, 2024, OBC members attended training on two crucial topics: Strategy Delivery and Governance. The sessions aimed to equip OBC leaders with the skills to improve their work. Penelope Hurndell, a senior officer at the International Trade Centre (ITC), led the training.
A Message from the OBC Leader
Mr. Gordon Charles, who leads the OBC, spoke at the start of the training, saying, "I hope these three days show that the OBC has an important place in the private sector in the region, especially with our new digital platform. If managed well, this platform can help make sure the private sector has strong representation across the OECS."
Workshops and Outcomes
During the three-day training, the group participated in workshops to address OBC’s needs, learning about leadership, better governance, and accountability. The OBC knows it must work better with other business organizations to create a strong economy in the OECS. By improving its structure and performance, the OBC hopes to represent businesses more effectively in policy discussions.
Outcomes and Next Steps
Participants received tools and advice to help their organizations work better, sharing best practices on topics like leadership, strategy, client service, and results. Joel Richards, a leader in the Economic Affairs Division at the OECS Commission, emphasized the importance of working with the private sector, noting that the OBC has had productive conversations on how to improve its organization and governance.
Conclusion
The OBC’s efforts to revitalize and sustain its operations aim to create a stronger, more effective organization that can better support businesses in the Eastern Caribbean. With its new digital platform and enhanced capacity building, the OBC is well-positioned to play a vital role in promoting economic growth and development in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the OECS Business Council?
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Business Council (OBC) is a regional organization that aims to support businesses in the Eastern Caribbean. - What is the goal of the OBC?
The OBC’s goal is to give a strong voice to businesses in the region, helping with both challenges and opportunities. - What is the OBC’s new digital platform?
The OBC’s new digital platform is a tool designed to help the private sector have strong representation across the OECS. - How will the OBC work with other business organizations?
The OBC will work with other business organizations to create a strong economy in the OECS, improving its structure and performance to represent businesses more effectively in policy discussions.
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