From Grimbsy Telegraph

THE Humber’s unique trade links with the Caribbean are to be furthered this year, as Chamber of Commerce work comes to fruition.

A Memorandum of Understanding between St Lucia Trade and Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) and the British Caribbean Chamber – run by Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce – will kick in next month, as staff are seconded to the regional office.

It was toasted at a recent House of Lords dinner, at which former Conservative leader, Lord Michael Howard of Lympne, now patron of the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, played host to the Prime Minister of St Lucia, Kenny Anthony.

It set the agenda for a trade and investment visit to the Eastern Caribbean and Trinidad and Tobago in February aimed at exploring exclusive investment opportunities in both Grenada and St Lucia, as well as more traditional trade links into Trinidad and Tobago, where the two largest businesses on the island are British-based BP and BG, formerly British Gas.

Major UK investors in the Eastern Caribbean attended the dinner, including Peter De Savary, famous for his role in the America’s Cup but also a formal ambassador to the island of Grenada. John Kennedy, chairman of the Boka Group and Angus Thirlwell, founder of Hotel Chocolat, also attended, highlighting the market opportunities, particularly in tourism.

Dr Ian Kelly, group chief executive of the British Caribbean Chamber, and head of Hull and Humber, said: “At the top end of the market, these two exclusive Caribbean islands offer excellent opportunities for both trade and investment which Prime Minister Kenny Anthony was kind enough to review for us on this special visit to explore opportunities for investment in particular.”

Mr Anthony highlighted his commitment to trade into the UK market by noting the MoU, for which a Market Access Internship Programme will see TEPA staff join Humber staff.

Lord Howard will lead the February mission. For more information contact Pauline Wade at the British Caribbean Chamber on 01482 324976 or e-mail [email protected]

IMAGE: LORDS AND LEADERS: Guests at the British Caribbean Chamber House of Lords Dinner, from left, John Kennedy, chairman of Boka Group; Kenny Anthony, Prime Minister of St Lucia; Lord Howard of Lympne; Dr Ian Kelly; Angus Thirlwell, group chief executive of Hotel Chocolat and David Beasley, chief executive of Humber-based Classlane Media.

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