SVG to host OECS Credit Union summit

It would not be all work and no play for delegates from the seven territories scheduled to converge here next week, for the five-day summit of the OECS Credit Unions.{{more}}

Delegates from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and host country St. Vincent and the Grenadines are expected to participate in cultural activities while here for the August 19th to the 23rd visit.

Manager of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Credit Union League Angela Patrick, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, indicated that two of the nights will feature presentations of a cultural nature.

The first night (August 19th), according to Patrick, will be hosted by local Minister of Culture René Baptiste and will take place at the Cruise ship Berth in Kingstown in the form of a cultural evening.

At the end of the summit, delegates will travel to the leeward side of the country to the Green House restaurant, where the formalities will end with a gala closing ceremony.

Patrick said that the events will give the delegates an opportunity to network and share cultural ideas while here to discuss credit union matters.

She used the opportunity to speak of the other events taking place during the summit, including the opening ceremony which takes place on August 20th at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown.

The opening ceremony will feature a keynote address by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who will speak on the topic “The Global Financial Crisis; Responding Today, Securing Tomorrow”.

Minister with responsibility for Co-operatives in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mike Browne will also address the delegates before declaring the seventh edition of the summit open.

Remarks will also be made by President of the SVG Co-operative Credit Union League Junior Bacchus, along with greetings from heads of other co-operatives and unions.

The meetings are expected to continue for the reminder of the week with dialogues, case studies and other discussions.

Close to 300 delegates are expected to attend the summit.(JJ)