She was speaking at the transition ceremony of the Inter-American Competitive Network at which Panama passed on the chair to her.
In a brief address she said Trinidad and Tobago is undertaking the assignment "with the same degree of meticulous planning and professionalism that we have seen for Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) 2013."
She also said delegates visiting for VIII ACF 2014 would be exposed to a memorable experience.
"We are two islands that offer the luxuries and facilities of a bustling metropolis on the one hand and serenity and relaxation on the other. We stand side by side, gems of the Caribbean Sea, an outstanding model to the world of harmony in diversity," she said
"I invite you to plan to spend more than two days with us because I promise you that once you have discovered Trinidad and Tobago you will want to stay a little longer," the PM added.
Her speaking notes are published below courtesy the Communications Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister:
It is an honour and privilege for me to participate today in the transition ceremony of the chair of the Inter American Competitive Network.
It is an honour and privilege for me to participate today in the transition ceremony of the chair of the Inter American Competitive Network.
I speak for my Government and the people of our twin-island republic when I say, as the incoming chair of this prestigious organisation, we are delighted to be hosts in 2014 to some of the most influential public and private sector representatives from the Americas.
I want to assure you, and especially the outgoing chair, His Excellency President Ricardo Martinelli, that we are undertaking this assignment with the same degree of meticulous planning and professionalism that we have seen for Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) 2013.
Indeed what we have seen over the years as the ACF changed host nations, is a continuity that is reflected in the success of the Forum, which is today the Western Hemisphere’s preeminent event for government and business leaders to discuss innovative methods to achieve economic competitiveness and promote innovation in our hemisphere.
The reason why it distinguishes itself from other international gatherings is because it promotes novel approaches to economic competitiveness by enabling private and public sector representatives to take advantage of creative opportunities to explore new business models and expand their businesses.
Over the past two days we have seen great enthusiasm and commitment from the more than 1,000 delegates from the 34 nations in the Americas. Our hope is that we would see even greater participation at the Forum in Port of Spain in 2014.
Our expectation is that we will host 2,000 delegates comprising 1,500 international and regional participants and 500 from Trinidad and Tobago.
During our deliberations here in Panama City we focused on infrastructure and technologies in the Americas with a focus on education.
Education is of special significance to us in Trinidad and Tobago where we are investing in training a workforce that would be ready to face the challenges of the 21st century where globalization has redefined the rules of trade and opened greater opportunities for even small states like ours.
When we meet in Port of Spain next year we will continue what we have started and deal with the human imagination at work and how this is driving competitiveness and powering Innovation.
We recognise that brain power and the creativity of the human imagination are now the drivers of competitive advantage as innovation and talent have become local as well as global assets.
Innovation is a process result and imagination is the fuel on which it works. Innovation cannot be created without imagination.
From the term human imagination the following elements emerge: Creativity, Innovation, Competitiveness, Science, Research and Technology. We will address all of these when we meet in Port of Spain and seek ways to incorporate these ideas into models of sustainable development.
Our cabinet has set the dates for the eighth ACF from Wednesday as October 8th 2014 to Friday October 10, 2014.
Our Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development, led by Minister Dr. Bhoe Tewari, has been designated as the lead entity for the Forum and the ministry has established an ACF Secretariat to plan and execute the event.
The Secretariat has responsibility for all technical and logistical requirements for hosting the event and will work alongside the RIAC Technical Secretariat from the OAS to ensure the eighth ACF in 2014.
The ACF Secretariat is developing a comprehensive communications strategy to inform stakeholders of the Americas Competitiveness Forum, its regional and national significance and their role in making this event successful.
A web site has been designed for the event, which will include additional features such as a discussion forum.
This Secretariat will have oversight over the planning and execution of the following functions:
- Technical Preparations
- Logistics
- Finance, Human Resources and Administration
- Procurement
- Communications
- Sponsorship
- Protocol
- Security
Ladies and gentlemen Trinidad and Tobago is ready to extend a warm traditional welcome of all of you and others who would be joining is for the eighth ACF in 2014.
Our conference facilities are comparable with the best in the hemisphere. But even more important, coming to Port of Spain would be an opportunity to immerse yourself in our cultural mosaic that is a microcosm of our world.
We are two islands that offer the luxuries and facilities of a bustling metropolis on the one hand and serenity and relaxation on the other. We stand side by side, gems of the Caribbean Sea, an outstanding model to the world of harmony in diversity.
I invite you to plan to spend more than two days with us because I promise you that once you have discovered Trinidad and Tobago you will want to stay a little longer.
Ladies and gentlemen, I once again offer my thanks for the hospitality of the government and people of the Republic of Panama, and our host, His Excellency President Martinelli.
And I look forward to seeing all of you in Trinidad one year from today.Thank you.
Our conference facilities are comparable with the best in the hemisphere. But even more important, coming to Port of Spain would be an opportunity to immerse yourself in our cultural mosaic that is a microcosm of our world.
We are two islands that offer the luxuries and facilities of a bustling metropolis on the one hand and serenity and relaxation on the other. We stand side by side, gems of the Caribbean Sea, an outstanding model to the world of harmony in diversity.
I invite you to plan to spend more than two days with us because I promise you that once you have discovered Trinidad and Tobago you will want to stay a little longer.
Ladies and gentlemen, I once again offer my thanks for the hospitality of the government and people of the Republic of Panama, and our host, His Excellency President Martinelli.
And I look forward to seeing all of you in Trinidad one year from today.Thank you.
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