Christopher Kirkconnell is the new President of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce. He assumed the top elected Chamber leadership role at the non-profit organisation’s annual Membership Appreciation and Elections at the Wharf Restaurant yesterday (21st November 2018). Mr. Kirkconnell, who is Vice President of Operations at Kirk Freeport Ltd., has served on the Chamber Council since 2015.

Michael Gibbs, President of Kensington Management Group Ltd., Steve McIntosh, President of CML Offshore Recruitment Ltd., and Colin Robinson, Director of Strategic Risk Solutions, were elected as Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. They will join Mr. Kirkconnell and President-Elect Woody Foster and CEO Wil Pineau on the Executive Committee.

Tim Bradley, Managing Director of Pro Yacht, Simon Watson, Founding Partner of Charterland, and Amanda Wilson, Relationship Manager of Green Tech were elected as Councillors and will serve two-year terms. They will join Mario Ebanks, Director, Premier HR Management Solutions, Nelson Dilbert, Owner/Distiller, Cayman Spirits Company and Shomari Scott, Director of Business Development, Health City Cayman Islands. Paul Byles becomes Immediate Past President.

Mr. Kirkconnell presented Mr. Byles with a gift on behalf of the membership for his leadership and service to the Chamber over several years. “Paul’s commitment to the Chamber really has been outstanding this year. He engaged with various industry sectors and associations and has connected in a way that shows true value in being a Chamber member. His presidency has been well timed as his experience has provided the Council with insight into complex regulatory issues impacting the financial services sector.”

In his first address to the membership, Mr. Kirkconnell stressed the importance of consultation before taking any public policy positions by using surveys, focus groups, meetings and industry consultations. A State of Business survey will be released in the next two weeks asking members to identify their top three concerns and issues, so the Council can update its Advocacy Agenda and Action Plan in 2019. He said the Chamber will also develop a three-year Strategic Plan to guide the organisation’s continued development.

He intended to continue the positive working relationship and dialogue with the elected Government and the public sector that occurred during 2018. “No Chamber can be effective if it is unable to meet with decision makers to communicate our views. The success of the Chamber’s advocacy is measured not by the level of public confrontation but by our ability to influence policies for the benefit of the membership,” he said.

He announced that the Chamber will be hosting a special BE INFORMED session on Wednesday, 5th December at 3 p.m. at the Chamber’s conference room in Governors Square to allow members to provide feedback on the National Planning Framework that was launched by the Hon. Joseph Hew, Minister for Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure. Director of Planning Haroon Pandhoie and other representatives will provide details about the framework and respond to questions. President Kirkconnell urged members to attend the session since the framework will influence the way forward for Grand Cayman starting with the Seven Mile Beach corridor.

He also announced plan to host the second Chamber Economic Forum in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in the first half of 2019. The forum will bring together decision makers in all industry sectors including the main industry associations to discuss the state of the economy and new strategies for growth. He said the Chamber will also hold focus groups with merchants to better understand their issues and concerns and a report will be developed and presented to the Minister of Commerce.

He urged members to become involved in the organisation. “Don’t sit on the sidelines. Volunteer to serve on a committee or working group. Support the Chamber’s programmes and services. Attend some of our networking events. Respond to online surveys. Participate in a focus group. Communicate your concerns to Council members or our CEO. Be proactive. Don’t wait for issues to escalate. We are all on the same team wanting what’s best for our beloved Islands,” he said.

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(Seated L-R) Secretary Steve McIntosh, Vice President Michael Gibbs, President Chris Kirkconnell, President-Elect Woody Foster and Treasurer Colin Robinson. (Standing L-R) CEO Wil Pineau and Councillors Shomari Scott, Amanda Wilson, Nelson Dilbert, Mario Ebanks, Immediate Past President Paul Byles, and Councillors Simon Watson and Tim Bradley.
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President Chris Kirkconnell (right) presents Outgoing President Paul Byles with a gift of appreciation for his sterling contributions.
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President Chris Kirkconnell gives his first Address.