Support from the business community is playing an integral role in the success of the public-private partnership initiative Future of Cayman Forum.  Scheduled to take place at The Ritz-Carlton on 23rd November, organisers are extremely pleased to announce WestStar TV, Cayman’s premier cable television provider, is coming on board as the event’s Cocktail Sponsor.

WestStar TV’s involvement with the Forum goes deeper than financial support, as its recently appointed CEO Bob Taylor will also be speaking as part of a special panel focused on communications and data infrastructure.

“At WestStar TV we are committed to building a first-class telecommunications network for the Cayman Islands, so it is my pleasure to contribute to this important dialogue,” he explained. “Whether improving Cayman’s roads, upgrading its telecommunications systems, or overhauling and enhancing our ports of entry, improving infrastructure has been highlighted as a vital element for sustainable growth moving forward, and we are working hard to fulfill our objectives.”

Mr. Taylor said supporting public and private efforts to continuously improve wired and wireless communications networks to match or exceed the highest global standards for speed and reliability has been an action item drawn up to make the objective happen that speaks directly to his organisation.

“Helping the initiative move this specific driver along is specifically aligned to our business model and one that we therefore endorse wholeheartedly,” he said.

Barry Bodden, Managing Director of Island Paving and Tristan Hydes, Deputy Permanent Secretary with the Ministry of District Administration, Works, Lands & Agriculture are Co-Chairs on the Build a Smarter Infrastructure Future of Cayman driver group.  Mr. Hydes agreed that enabling this particular driver was an essential element in ensuring Cayman’s growth and development.

“I am delighted that the Future of Cayman initiative has brought together the public and private sector in such a strong partnership, and I am confident we will enjoy valuable discussion at the Forum to move this action plan forward,” Mr. Bodden remarked.

At the Forum Mr. Taylor joins fellow panel speakers Chris Hayman, Chief Executive Officer, Digicel; Anthony Ritch, General Manager, LIME; David Archbold, Managing Director, Information and Communications Technology Authority, and Malcolm Ellis, General Manager, Delphi Ltd.

The public-private sector Future of Cayman initiative started with the first Forum in 2010, where business leaders and top government officials created a five-point, multi-faceted strategic focus for the economic development of the Cayman Islands.  The effort not only gave shape to that future but offered detailed objectives and actions for achieving it.  The initiative pinpointed five “drivers”, indispensable components of Cayman’s ongoing success. They proposed a public-private partnership to: Develop Talent, Create a Business-Friendly Climate, Diversify the Economy, Enhance the Quality of Life, and Build a Smarter Infrastructure

The upcoming 2012 Forum will have a different format to the 2010 event being open to a wider group of participants and focusing on just two of the identified 5 drivers – Develop Talent and Build a Smarter Infrastructure.  As well as an in-depth analysis of the two drivers, the Forum will open with incoming Chamber of Commerce President, Chris Duggan, as well as Deputy Governor Franz Manderson.  We are also delighted to confirm Premier McKeeva Bush, JP, OBE, who will deliver the closing address, a testament to the continued strong support the initiative has received by the Government.

WestStar’s digital cable service brings the world to Cayman with a wide selection of entertainment, news, information, children’s and sports packages. WestStar, Cayman’s premier television company, launched wireless cable television services, as well as the only local TV channel, in Grand Cayman in 1993, and in the Sister Islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac in 1995. Since then WestStar TV has grown exponentially.  In 2004, WestStar TV upgraded from analogue to digital service, which led to the introduction of new cable and music channels. And in 2009 and 2010 high definition television (HD TV) and digital video recorder (DVR) were introduced.  WestStar continues to invest in new technology. Most recently, WestStar launched its fibre-to-the-home project.  The fibre-to-the home service will allow WestStar to expand upon the services currently offered – offering virtually unlimited choice in terms of channel offerings, with initial plans calling for the addition of 12 more high definition channels. WestStar will also be offering high speed internet access though the fibre network, providing the fastest residential upload and download speeds available on island.

The Future of Cayman 2012 Forum is a non-profit, all day, interactive event open to the general public.  Registration costs CI$150 and includes conference materials and full access to a welcome breakfast, opening session and remarks, selected breakout session, lunch, coffee and networking breaks, closing session and address, cocktail reception.  For further details, sponsorship information and to register, please visit the Future of Cayman website at www.futureofcayman.com.