Steel takes presidency of SVG Chamber of Commerce

A Grenadian is the new head of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and while he understands why some may be concerned about his nationality, Angus Steele, Chief Executive of Cable & Wireless, believes that the concerns aren’t necessary.{{more}}

“I am heading a business here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and whatever happens here affects that business too,” said the Cable & Wireless manager, who ironically took over from Jerry George, the Cooperate Communications Manager of his company’s bitter rival, Digicel.

The election took place on Wednesday, July 16, at the Chamber’s annual general meeting.

Steele noted that as the Caribbean moves towards closer unity, and the eventual establishment of a fully functioning Caribbean Single market and Economy (CSME), persons of different nationalities will be serving in various companies.

“CSME will bring this type of thing more and more,” Steele said.

“I am elated that the membership decided that I was the person to lead the chamber,” Steele said.

Steele’s appointment isn’t being taken well in some sections of the Chamber though.

A reliable Chamber source told SEARCHLIGHT that they are not comfortable with a foreigner leading the St Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile deposed president, Jerry George told SEARCHLIGHT that he was glad to have served the Chamber over the last year and believes that the Chamber achieved a lot under his presidency.

The other members of the Chamber’s new executive are Andrew Woodroffe as senior Vice President, Samuel Goodluck as the Vice president of Finance and Administration, along with Jerry George, the immediate past president. (KJ)