Quotes and Testimonials
‘Only recently have businesspeople of the Insular and Continental Caribbean rediscovered their counterparts. In fact, a study on obstacles to trade carried out by the Association of Caribbean States Secretariat showed that mutual ignorance among businesspeople was one of the greatest limitations to regional trade.’
Professor Norman Girvan, Secretary General, Association of Caribbean States
Santiago, Cuba, June 10, 2003
‘Costa Rican business would have interest in this magazine because we are trying to expand our markets. This is something we have to do in order to survive. It is also very relevant due to political developments that are taking place in the region such as the free trade accord that will be signed by Caricom and Costa Rica in January.’
Marcia Watson, Consul General, Costa Rican Embassy to Jamaica
‘Mexico is pursuing a much closer policy of integration with the English-speaking Caribbean, and, of course, has strong historical and cultural ties with the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. In terms of commerce, there is a large Mexican presence in the Caribbean.’
His Excellency Benito Andion, Mexican Ambassador to Jamaica
‘I think that here in the Caribbean everything is too European-oriented, too North American-oriented. It is time for the English-speaking islands to understand that they are surrounded by Spanish-speaking countries…. The Caribbean is Venezuela’s primary market. The importance of this magazine in Venezuela is immense.’
Her Excellency Rocio Maneiro, Ambassador of Venezuela to Jamaica
‘There is a broad awakening of awareness in the English-speaking Caribbean that we need to intensify our relations and broaden our contacts throughout the hemisphere, and in particular with our Latin American neighbours. We have recognised that in the face of global challenges faced by vulnerable, small economies such as ours there is a need to broaden our framework of contacts in order to better confront the challenges that are implicit in global development.’
His Excellency Dennis Francis, High Commissioner of Trinidad to Jamaica
‘Diplomats usually require different sources of information to better understand their countries of accreditation. From what Mr. van Belle tells me of The Caribbean, it sounds as if it will be essential reading for all foreign diplomats working in the region.’
Her Excellency Florentina Adenike Ukonga, Former-Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica ‘It is true that smaller countries must work together in order to succeed in the global economy. Central America has a lot to offer the islands of the Caribbean, just as I know the islands have a lot to offer Central America. I admire the vision of The Caribbean.’
Gary Scott, Chairman, Honduran Pine Exports Inc.
‘Mexico belongs to different regions: to North America, to Latin America, and to the Caribbean. It will not simply be the energy and tourism sectors of The Caribbean that will appeal to Mexican businesses or its large population of English-speaking consumers.’
Eugenio Lopez, Marketing Director, Jumex
‘If The Caribbean appears in the format and to the standard put forward in presentations, I have no doubt that it will prove valuable in stimulating interest in FDI throughout the region. In that case, investors in North America and Europe interested in Caribbean affairs ought to read it.’
Mrs Patricia Francis, President, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)