The Tribune

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Caribbean Tourism Organisation have this week ‘come to our shores’. Ministers of Tourism and leading industry professionals are meeting over how to build capacity, and strengthen our individual nations and region as a whole. These meetings, and similar conclaves where we get to interact with our Caribbean counterparts, remind us we are stronger together than we are apart. They also tell us that our common heritage, ancestry, geology, history and social foundation should push us towards a more consistent and healthy relationship.

The question I ask today, in light of the Caribbean Marketplace gathering, is: What opportunities do we miss when our singular daily business focus is on North America, almost to the point of ignoring these nations in our very back-door? Indulge me, then, as I provide three opportunities for greater and more meaningful engagement with the West Indian family.

Missed Opportunity 1

International Trade

The Caribbean has long been viewed as a wealthy land, with rich primary resources that range from gold to oil, other natural stones, rich agricultural production and fishery beds.

From bauxite in Jamaica, petroleum in Trinidad, sugar in Barbados and the spices of Grenada, the Bahamas has yet to fully tap into these resources via trade agreements.

Since more than 85 per cent of the primary and secondary goods consumed in the Bahamas are produced outside the country, some effort ought to be made to source consumer goods from the region.

Missed Opportunity 2

Tourism and Travel

Bahamians are a well-travelled bunch. Many boast of crossing the world’s continents, yet few celebrate having visited (perhaps outside of cruise vacations) the many islands of the Caribbean.

These islands possess sufficiently diverse topographic and social environments to broaden the exposure and experience of the Bahamian traveller. A week-long vacation in Jamaica, Barbados, Haiti, the Dominican Republic or Antigua has the ability to reprogramme frequent visitors to Florida, or persons seeking excitement, rejuvenation and reconnections. Direct flights to many regional destinations give us less excuse to ignore Caribbean traves.

Missed Opportunity 3

Education and Training

No one questions the academic prowess that exists in these islands. New York, London, Toronto, Miami and many of the world’s great cities will admit that the Caribbean has blessed them with amazing talent and gifted professionals serving in all spheres of society.

The region has also been known for its consistency in training institutions, colleges and universities, which provide a learning environment to prepare individuals for the world of work.

In any room where people from the Caribbean are assembled, there is no question that the wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom is tremendous, and could easily serve and transform the world. Tapping into the Caribbean’s academic competence and universities, which generally cost Bahamian students less, is worth exploring.

Spend a moment today becoming reacquainted with how vast and rich the Caribbean really is.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.