The Minister for Tourism and Ports, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, is currently in Trinidad and Tobago attending the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) Conference (24 – 28 October). Minister Bryan has been invited to speak at the regional event in his capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The Minister’s participation in the conference highlights his commitment to supporting the growth and development of the tourism industry in the Caribbean and the Cayman Islands. 

The theme of the CAB Conference is Embracing Change and Building Resilience In a Dynamic Environment” and its agenda includes a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Workshop and Marketplace under the theme “Nurturing a Big Business Mindset for Your Small Business Success”. 

Recognising the crucial role that small businesses play in driving economic prosperity, particularly within the tourism sector, Minister Bryan will emphasize the importance of facilitating access to capital for these enterprises. 

“The mom-and-pop shops are the businesses that offer the best authentic tourism products and are often seen as opportunities for young entrepreneurs. However, sometimes small authentic products cannot grow due to insufficient capital and inability to secure funding from financiers or banks,” the Minister said. 

The conference highlights Minister Bryan’s advocacy for making funding more readily available for small and medium-sized tourism businesses across the region. By encouraging the development of accessible financing options, the Minister aims to unlock the potential of these enterprises, fostering innovation, job creation, and economic diversification throughout the region. 

The Caribbean Association of Banks Conference serves as an essential platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and collaborate on strategies for promoting the growth, stability, and sustainability of the banking industry throughout the region.