New leader outlines vision for Chamber of Commerce bicentenary

The new president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Paul Inniss, on Thursday pledged sweeping reforms to transform the organisation into a driving force for innovation and national development, as it prepares to mark its 200th anniversary.

Inniss pledged to reposition the organisation as a catalyst for innovation, inclusive growth and national development as it prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary.

Noting that the chamber must not only adapt but lead in a rapidly changing world, Inniss unveiled plans for a new strategic action plan for 2025-26, describing it as a “call to action” that will drive transformation within the BCCI and across Barbados’ business landscape.

“To me, this is not just a milestone, it is a monument of endurance, resilience and relevance,” he said during a media launch to announce the chamber’s bicentenary celebrations under the theme Collaborate. Advocate. Innovate.

“The world of business is changing at an unprecedented pace, and the chamber must not only adapt, but we must lead. This is why the BCCI strategic action plan for June 2025 to May 2026 will be a bold and forward-thinking blueprint designed to elevate our relevance, amplify our collective voice and deepen our national and regional impact.”

Inniss, executive vice-president and general manager of Sagicor Life Inc, said he intends to begin his term by reconnecting with the chamber’s membership through intimate sessions with business leaders to gain a deeper understanding of their current needs, challenges and expectations.

“We haven’t done it in certainly the last five years, where we’ve had intimate sessions with the members of the chamber to really listen and understand from them what are their needs, what are their expectations. That is where I want to start,” he told reporters.

His other priority, he said, is to advance the national ease of doing business by encouraging a culture shift across both public and private sectors, where every entity-from government agencies to frontline staff-recognises their role in business facilitation.

“As simple as you engaging with me-how do I engage with you? Be courteous, respectful, how can I help you? And then stick to the task and do the best you can. That kind of mindset must become the national standard,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from the national pledge, Inniss said it was time for every individual and institution to evaluate how they were contributing to the country’s progress and reputation.

He said: “By our living, how are we doing credit to our nation? How, by my living, am I doing credit to the company I work for, Sagicor Life? And if we think about it that way, how am I doing credit to my family? I think we will have a much better society.”

The chamber of commerce, a central voice of merchants and industrialists dating back to when the majority of Barbadians were enslaved, is to commemorate its bicentenary with a year-long calendar of events aimed at highlighting its legacy while pushing for renewed national engagement.

During the media launch, co-chair of the 200th anniversary committee, Betty Brathwaite, shared planned activities including a church service, themed networking events, a schools outreach programme, and a grand gala and awards dinner.

One of the signature events is a community health and wellness fair to be held in Freedom Square in partnership with Sagicor and the National NCD Commission.

Scheduled to coincide with Caribbean Wellness Day, the event will feature free health screenings, fitness sessions and educational activities to promote healthier lifestyles.

The chamber will also launch a schools outreach programme at four institutions — two primary and two secondary — focusing on entrepreneurship, sustainability and achievement.

On September 20, the anniversary celebrations will culminate in a grand gala and awards dinner, where the chamber will honour outstanding contributions to business and national development.

(SM)