Caribbean and African Chamber of Commerce launched at Stormont Parliament

Tue, Feb 14. 2012

Dr Christopher Stange, Honorary Consul for St Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland and Vice-Chair of the African Caribbean Support Organisation Northern Ireland (ACSONI), {{more}}officially launched the Caribbean and African Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise in Northern Ireland at Stormont Parliament.

The event was hosted by Steven Agnew MLA – Leader of the Green Party and Member of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Invited guests included Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, CEO of the Africa Centre Dublin, Invest NI, Go For It, Women in Business, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, leaders from Black and Minority Ethnic organisations, businesses and entrepreneurs. Vincentian Yolande Robertson-Greene from Prospect, who is studying for a MSc. in Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Queen’s University, Belfast, was also present at the event.

This initiative will offer Caribbean and African leaders, businesses and entrepreneurs a platform to network, share ideas and stimulate local, regional and international opportunities, by promoting the Caribbean and Africa from within Northern Ireland.

Steven Agnew MLA provided the opening address; Alfred Abolarin – ACSONI’s Manager – the background to the Chamber, with Dr Christopher Stange providing an overview of Northern Ireland in the framework of international development, including Fairtrade and Consular relations.

Business testimonies were shared by – Wendy McGuire, owner of Windrush Caribbean Cuisine, and Tunde Adeosun, partner of EasyTaxNI, with a presentation by the Go For It programme.

Dr Stange provided the following comments: “Different nationalities bring fresh and exciting skills, cultures, and attitudes that enrich society. Today is about highlighting Northern Ireland in an international context, strengthening international opportunities and recognizing the barriers that exist for marginalized developing countries and their citizens. This initiative provides economic empowerment and is a pragmatic growth strategy that aims to realize the Caribbean and African community into the economic mainstream.”

Attendees were entertained with Caribbean and African gospel choir music, provided by Watershed, with hospitality, including Fairtrade tea and coffee, wine and juice.