For Immediate Release:
Chamber’s Power Breakfast Provides Critical Insights on Global Trade and Logistics
Castries St. Lucia – February 5, 2025 – The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Tropical Shipping and Kestrel Liner Agencies, successfully hosted an extremely informative Power Breakfast at the Harbor Club Conference Room. The event, themed "Global Connectivity and YOU," attracted number of members of the business community both members and non-members of the Chamber, small and large businesses in addition to several public sector agencies invited as special guests of the Chamber, all eager to better understand the evolving global trade and logistics landscape.
Featured Speakers included Jhonatan Eduardo Baez Cuas, Regional Manager, TropicalShipping’s Dominican Republic and Global Trade, and Jeff Botsford, Business Development Sales Manager, Kestrel Liner Agencies, who both provided invaluable insights into global trade patterns and challenges including disruptions and their implications for businesses in St. Lucia. The Presenters spoke about the common features in many regional transshipment ports, congestion and high levels of cargo. Many major transshipment hubs, (Caribbean and Latin America) as well disturbances at the Suez Canal, and drought conditions at the Panama Canal, were complicating trade and reinforcing those logistical challenges which St. Lucia is confronting as all part of broader global trends.
ThePower Breakfast also discussed the future of shipping costs and emerging alternative supplier markets, and the extensive near shoring that was taking place globally. Mention was also made of the trend of increasing imports from countries such as Turkey for cement and iron, that is becoming an attractive option for Caribbean importers due to more competitive pricing. These insights emphasized the need for businesses to adapt, rethink their supply sources, remain informed, and strategically aligned with reliable logistics partners to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity.
In his closing remarks, Chamber President, Mr. Ross Gardner, emphasized the importance of global connectivity in sustaining economic growth. "As our economy continues on a path of steady growth—projected at 4.3% in 2025, leveraging these strategic shipping networks will be essential to sustaining our business success."
Here affirmed the Chamber’s commitment to advancing the interests of its members, stating, "As ‘The driving force for sustainable business and community prosperity’ in St. Lucia, the Chamber will continue to engage with like-minded individuals and organizations to stay the course towards this vision. We remain focused on those critical matters that can have a significant impact on our business sector and the economy as a whole."
Participants expressed appreciation for the timely and practical insights shared at the breakfast event, particularly the value of being kept informed and aware of the shifts and trends in today’s evolving trade environment. The interactive discussions provided a valuable opportunity for networking, knowledge-sharing, and direct engagement with industry experts.
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce remains committed to hosting impactful events that strengthening its members and wider business community through information sharing events that enhance the capacity of participants.
For more information on upcoming events, contact the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce at 758-452-3165 or email info@stluciachamber.org.
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