Castries, St. Lucia – November 28th, 2024 – The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the reelection of Mr. Ross Gardner, Managing Director of Carasco & Son, as President of the Chamber, for the 2024/25 financial period.
Mr. Gardner’s hard work, dedication, and vision for a stronger, more resilient business environment where business and community will prosper remains his focus in the second term.
Continued growth in membership, expanded business development, knowledge and best practice sharing, re-energizing of the smaller members support program, more and consistent member and stakeholder engagement, increased networking and member recognition will be the hallmark of 2025, according to Mr. Gardner.
Gardner Returns for Second Term as Chamber President
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture successfully hosted its 140th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 27th November at The Harbor Club, under the theme "Building Resilience and Shared Prosperity in Uncertain Times."
Mr. Ross Gardner, Managing Director of Carasco & Son, was re-elected as President of the Chamber for a second term, by acclamation. Mr. Gardner had served on the Chamber Board of Directors for many years prior to being elected President at the 139th Annual General Meeting. Chamber Presidents have traditionally been encouraged to serve a minimum of two consecutive terms. Mr. Garnder in his President’s Report highlighted many of the challenges that the Chamber needs to pursue in the near future.
Joining him on the leadership team are:
Other Members elected to serve on the Chamber Board of Director’s include:
Mr. Trevor Louisy, Chairman of WASCO, will continue to serve as Immediate Past President.
The Annual General Meeting was a powerful and informative event where expert and well-informed speakers shared critical information on Trade matters under the Chapeaux; ““Let’s Talk Trade”: What every Businessperson Needs to Know”.
Mr. Titus Preville, Director, CARICOM Single Market, and Dr. Jan Yves Remy, Director, Shridath Ramphal Centre, delivered outstanding presentations on the subject matter.
Mr. Preville spoke to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, focusing on the exercise of the Rights of Establishment and the contingent rights that CARICOM Businesses exercise highlighting, the provisions and opportunities for local businesses to expand regionally.
Dr. Remy shared a powerful message as she illustrated how the many issues being debated and negotiated at the global level are already impacting local business activity. She took time to alert the meeting that these impacts will continue and intensify.
Dr. Remy strongly urged that the Chamber membership and the wider business community support the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce and work with it to ensure that interests of local business get heard at the regional and international levels as a matter of urgency and priority.
This year’s AGM, held at the Golden Grove Ballroom, also celebrated the continued expansion of Chamber membership with a small showcasing and introduction of six new Chamber member businesses:
Chamber 2024 Annual Report Final.pdf
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/EYdHe8K
Dr. Jan Yves Remy's Presentation:
Mr. Titus Preville's Presentation:
https://www.stluciachamber.org/resources/annual-general-meeting-presentation--mr-titus-preville
It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is fast approaching! Christmas is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to transform your business house to bring in the busy Christmas Season.
As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, your customers are seeking warmth, joy, and a little holiday magic. There’s no better way to bring that festive spirit to life than by decorating your space.
Holiday decorations do more than brighten up your business; they create an inviting atmosphere that makes customers feel right at home. Whether it's twinkling lights, seasonal colors, or cozy holiday touches, these decorations bring a sense of comfort and excitement and willingness in customers to splurge a little—an experience your customers will love.
As you prepare for this busy season, think about how your holiday decor can inspire joy, increase foot traffic, and make your business stand out as a destination for both new and returning customers and of course the children.
