Anguilla Chamber of Commerce members with UK Chamber of Commerce representatives John Bowers and Pauline Wade, Chief Minister Victor Banks, Lord Ahmad and Governor Tim Foy.
ANGUILLA--Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with responsibility for the Overseas Territories, included two British Chamber of Commerce representatives in his travel contingent during his visit to Anguilla. On Monday, May 28, Ahmad along with John Bowers and Pauline Wade of the British-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce met with the President of Anguilla’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACOCI), Desron Bynoe and other members, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to encourage and invigorate business partnerships between the UK and Anguilla.
The MOU was signed by both Lord Ahmad and Anguilla’s Chief Minister Victor Banks, and then witnessed by both the British and the ACOCI representatives respectively, Wade and Bynoe.
Ahmad said, “When my trip to Anguilla was being planned, I was very keen to ensure that the voice of business and the voice of the private sector would be represented and I see today the coming together of both the British-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce together with the ACOCI as a reflection of that relationship and the importance of how we can set the framework to further the relationship. It is important that Britain look at Anguilla in terms of offerings for diversification of industries and sectors and business opportunities. The signing of the MOU is the beginning of strengthening the collaboration, cooperation and business relationship between Anguilla and the United Kingdom.”
Banks added that he was very happy to have Lord Ahmad come to Anguilla to see for himself what Anguilla had to offer. He said, “Anguilla’s Chamber of Commerce is a strong entity which has the confidence of the private sector. It has always wanted more British involvement and this is an important time to strengthen our ties with the UK in anticipation of upcoming Brexit arrangements.”
Bynoe said, “The signing of the MOU represents a cooperation between the two chambers for mutual growth and benefit for both Anguillians and UK economies in the areas of tourism, culture, renewable energy and investment opportunities, to name a few, serving as a catalyst for advancement of Anguilla/UK relations.” Wade, Deputy Chief Executive of the British-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce congratulated the ACOCI for their timely efficiency in assisting with the creating of the MOU, and added, “This partnership will open up a network of 95,000 British companies that are members of the chambers throughout the UK. We will be led by you as to what sectors your country would like to pursue and will share technical expertise with you. We look forward to a very positive relationship with ACOCI.”
