News > Derek Walcott to Address Foreign Direct Investment in the Caribbean
Nobel Prize Winner Derek Walcott to Address Foreign Direct Investment in the Caribbean From left Mr. Michael Diggiss, MDA and Associates and member of the Construction Seminar Group; Mr. Henry Hepburn, College of The Bahamas Assistant Professor of Architecture and member of the Construction Seminar Group; Dr. Marjorie Brooks-Jones, College of The Bahamas School of English Studies Chair, College of The Bahamas President Ms. Janyne M. Hodder The Construction Seminar Group (CSG) will host its Construction Seminar 2009 on the critical issue of The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on the Development of the Caribbean with a keynote address by world-renowned Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott. Construction Seminar 2009 will explore the prevailing issue of whether or not foreign direct investment is a viable and sustainable strategy for the development of the Caribbean, specifically The Bahamas. Keynote speaker for the event, Derek Walcott, winner of the coveted Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992 was born in St. Lucia and is the founder of the Trinidad Theater Workshop. Throughout his illustrious career he has produced numerous prize-winning plays, poems and essays. "Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott is not only a literary giant but also an advocate for the Caribbean's economic, political and social development. As an advocate for sustainable development, Mr. Walcott has strong views on the effects of foreign direct investment on the development of the Caribbean. I am sure his keynote address will be informative, provocative and unforgettable," said Mrs. Lelawattee Manoo-Rahming, Engineer, President of The Engineering Group, and member of Construction Seminar Group. According to the Construction Seminar Group (CSG), due to unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment inflows, The Bahamas experienced a touristic and residential construction boom. However, many local contractors had to grapple with how to position themselves to win construction contracts over numerous foreign contenders. In addition, public debates continue to spark discussions on the preservation of our country's rich culture and environment while encouraging foreign direct investment projects. "Overtime, we've discovered that there were not significant job increases for the Bahamian workforce through foreign direct investment opportunities," said Michael Diggiss of MDA and Associates, Architect, Project Manager, Business Consultant, and member of the Construction Seminar Group. "If we are going to use this strategy, there must be assurances in place ensuring collaborative efforts with Bahamian firms and contractors. It is hoped that through these relationships, Bahamians will be better positioned to meet the demands of large development projects." In addition to Derek Walcott, there will also be presentations from former Minister of Finance, James Smith; Engineer, Ray McKenzie; and College of The Bahamas Lecturer, Dr. Olivia Saunders. Construction Seminar 2009 will be held at The College of The Bahamas Culinary & Hospitality Management Lecture Theatre on Friday, November 13, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration cost is $100. For more information contact The College of The Bahamas 302-4304 or Construction Seminar Group 362-1717 or 327-8916/7. Construction Seminar Group seeks to educate and inform contractors, engineers and architects of the latest technology available in the construction industry, whilst addressing critical issues germane to The Bahamas' overall growth and development.
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