St. Kitts – Nevis Government Supports CICMC
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
October 28, 2008 (SKNIS)
The Federation will solidify its support of the Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants (CICMC) when Ambassador Rosalyn Hazelle represents the country at the launch in Barbados in November, this year.
According to Ambassador Hazelle, the CICMC was formed in 2007 and has now received accreditation from the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes which tremendously raises its profile and establishes it as an official agency internationally.
Under the theme “New Horizons, New Opportunities,” the CICMC’s launch is expected to bring focus to the impact of membership on professional services and consultancies throughout the region. Ambassador Hazelle stated that she hoped to have other local consultants join her in attending the conference and explained her ministry’s interest.
“We through the CSME are mandated to promote and help to develop the services sector. We are currently working toward the creation of our own national coalition of service providers. Part of that is to ensure that service providers have access to the new emerging markets where they can benefit.” said Hazel.
Ambassador Hazel says she sees it as an extension of what the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs does locally.
She added that her ministry is in full support of the institute which has as its main objective the development and contracting of regional human resources for regional needs prior to looking further afield.
“Governments and businesses throughout the region spend billions of dollars every year on consultants and far too often the capacity and the competency that we have in the region is not harnessed. So we bring in consultants from outside when we have the expertise right here,” said Hazelle, “The institute will seek to resolve this issue.
Ambassador Hazelle explained that regional consultants should also expect as a result of their membership in the CICMC to be contracted to work outside of the region and to get the same travelling benefits enjoyed by consultants throughout the world.
The visa requirement is waived for consultants travelling to European countries. They are granted a 90 day stay to execute their contract.
The November launch is expected to strengthen Caribbean consultancy networks and make linkages. Members will also benefit as they will be apprised of the supportive services for consultants; agencies available for funding; and how to go about procuring funding among others.
Ambassador Hazelle gave assurances of the benefit and participation of OECS consultants at the highest level stating the commitment given by its Board of Directors in this regard. She added that Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas is expected to give the feature address on the occasion of the launch.
An opportunity Hazelle cited for ensuring that consultants are given equal access to the benefits is inclusion in the CICMC database. She explained that starting Monday the CICMC will conduct a survey throughout the Caribbean to document all the consultants and their field of expertise.
The fee for the launch is US $350 dollars. For further information please go to the CICMC website at www.caribbeancmc.com.