In one of several keynote addresses, Eamon Courtenay , Belize's ambassador for trade and investment, warned of the increasing information gap created by globalization, and the challenge of the Caribbean to refocus priorities and national budgets in order to close this gap. He challenged young leaders to find solutions for the pressing social issues of the region. You have come not as leaders of tomorrow, but of today. The matters that I have raised cry out for attention from you. You do not have the luxury of time.
Life is real.
Ultimately, the future of the Caribbean, and implicitly, its relations with the United States, will revolve around the ability of key sectors in society to anticipate change. A contrasting experience was provided by CLG graduate and governor of the Central Bank of Haiti, Fritz Jean . Although representing different sectors, both highlighted the extraordinary importance of individual leadership, communication, social values, and trust as fundamental factors in developing both corporate and public sector credibility. Yolanda Crombie , the president of the Belize Chamber of Commerce, added that building competence and vision through strategic planning and thinking can help organizations move their agendas forward despite limited resources. The second day of the program, Saturday, April 8, was structured around two working groups.