Thursday, July 12 2012

MOVING from potential to actual, turning export plans into functional systems, developing revenue-earning streams for the region and creating jobs for the employable and technically skilled, were just a few of the overarching goals that were ventilated by Caribbean Consultants attending the 4th Management Consulting Business Symposium, at the Ritz Carlton Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica from June 19-21, 2012.

This year’s conference theme, “Activating the Economic Partnership Agreement: Converting Market Access into Market Penetration,” highlighted the requirements and strategies for making effective use of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA market access commitments. With the increased levels of market penetration by CARIFORUM firms in EU markets high on the agenda, the inclusion of the business-to-business match-making initiative between the EU and CARIFORUM management consulting firms was heralded as a huge success by participants.

The esteemed slate of speakers and presenters comprised representatives of CICMC’s parent organisation, the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI) Secretary and Chair Emeritus, Dr Drumm McNaughton and Vice-Chairman Dr Ilse Ennsfeller. Distinguished panellists for the event included regional trade and policy experts, development agencies and representatives from global management consulting firms. The speakers placed the spotlight on burning issues such as bidding and winning EU contracts and strategic alliances between CARIFORUM and EU firms.

A feature at this year’s event was the CICMC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and internal elections for the instalment of a new executive. Subsequent to the AGM, Dr Vasantha Chase, CMC (St Lucia) was installed as the new President of the CICMC and Dr Ashwell Thomas, CMC (Barbados) was elected Vice-President.

Dr Chase on assuming the role of President stated “We are confident that within the next few years, management consulting will be an important player in the export of services of CARIFORUM.” Immediate past President, Brenda Pope elaborated that, “There is the need to promote cooperation and partnerships between CARIFORUM firms and practitioners and their counterparts in the wider Caribbean.” She further explained that “CICMC has to make sure that training for enhanced competitiveness is provided for management consultants.”

This was evident as the training component of the symposium was lauded by participants as an excellent addition to the advancement of the event, and to the professional development of the region’s management consulting fraternity. The Advanced Certified Management Consultant (CMC) Preparation course, specifically designed for participants pursing the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) certification, was oversubscribed and this gave a clear indication of the commitment of the regional consultants to enhance their competitiveness; especially as it relates to accessing EU markets. Lancelot Henry, CICMC Chapter President, Jamaica stated that “this was a significant milestone in the development of the profession in the region.”

Speaking on the success of the event, Cliff Hamilton, Chapter President, Trinidad & Tobago indicated that “the Jamaica Symposia provided good insights into current and future global partnering opportunities for Caribbean Management Consultants.” To add to this view, Donald Demeritte, Chapter President, Bahamas said that he and the Bahamas team enjoyed the conference tremendously and they are eagerly looking forward to crystallizing the opportunities discussed and highlighted, particularly the business initiatives amongst the Caribbean consultants.

The 2012 Management Consulting Business Symposium was coordinated by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) with funding made available through the 10th EDF and in collaboration with key stakeholders Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants (CICMC).

The Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants is a member of the International Council of Management Consultant Institutes (ICMCI) which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2012. The Caribbean arm is now in its fourth year and is in five countries across the region.

To obtain more information on CICMC please contact the CICMC Trinidad & Tobago Chapter at: ttmgmtconsultants@gmail.com