Montreal, Canada (12 June, 2018) – The Federation’s chief diplomat, Honourable Mark Brantley, in Montreal for the International Economic Forum of the Americas’ Conference of Montreal, has been engaging in an intense schedule of meetings. The Conference of Montreal, now in its 24th year, brings together top international and Canadian executives, thought leaders, politicians and investors. The theme chosen for this year’s conference was, “a new globalization: managing uncertainty.” The meeting, supported by the Government of Canada bookended the G7 Leaders meetings in Charlevoix, Quebec.
During the meeting the Minister had the opportunity to meet with the Nicholas Remillard, the President and CEO of the International Economic Forum of the Americas to talk potential partnerships between St. Kitts and Nevis and his organization. The Foreign Minister also used the opportunity to engage in bilateral meetings with the Her Excellency Sarah Anyang Agbor, the African Union’s Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology. The meeting with the African Union officials falls within the Minister’s commitment to strengthen and deepen relationships with African countries and institutions.
The highlight of Minister’s Brantley’s participation at the meeting was his participation in a plenary discussion on the topic, “navigating the shifting energy landscape.” Other participants included industry leaders such as Gerald Mestrallet, the Chairman of the boards of ENGI and SUEZ, Lisa Davis, the CEO of Siemens Corporation, Jasandra Nyker of BioThermy Energy and Kerry Adler, President and CEO of Skypower. During his remarks, the Foreign Minister recalled the devastating impacts of the 2018 hurricane seasons. His remarks challenged the crowd to think about the broad topic of energy in an island context which comes with its own unique set of challenges such as the lack of capital and the interplay of natural disasters. The Minister also used the opportunity to invite investors to use the incentives provided by the Paris Agreement to consider St. Kitts and Nevis as an ideal investment destination.
Foreign Minister Mark Brantley was accompanied to the Conference of Montreal by the Federation’s High Commissioner to Canada Her Excellency Sherry Tross and the diplomatic team at the High Commission. The Minister while in Montreal also met with nationals and friends of St. Kitts and Nevis. This dialogue with the St. Kitts and Nevis community in Montreal is reflective of the government’s commitment to pursue constructive engagement with the diaspora, including the holding of the first Diaspora Conference in St. Kitts and Nevis, June 26-28.
The Minister’s Canadian mission will then take him to the capital city of Ottawa where he will hold bilateral meetings with high ranking Canadian officials.
