Press Release prepared by Ms. Dinah Hippolyte

1. PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: 24th May 2012
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The SLCSI Spotlights Saint Lucia’s Services Sector at Trinidad’s Trade and Investment Convention
From 16th-19th May, Saint Lucia’s services sector took to the stage at the Trinidad and Tobago Trade and
Investment Convention. TIC was conceptualized by the Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers Association
some 12 years ago and has traditionally focused on promoting trade in goods across the Caribbean and
Latin America by bringing buyers and sellers under a single roof to allow matchmaking and foster business
relationships between and amongst businessmen. As an annual event, TIC has gained immense support
particularly over the past few years by companies and government agencies across the region as a means
of helping business increase sales and bolster hiring in what has been a sluggish global economy
Representatives of National Services Coalitions with Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque (fourth from right) following closed session at
TIC 2012 in Trinidad
According to Ms Dinah Hippolyte, the invitation extended to the SLCSI by organizers of TIC to participate in
this year’s exhibition demonstrates the growing importance of the Services sector in bolstering the region’s
economy and creating sustainable employment. Ms. Hippolyte pointed out that that whilst it was not
possible to have service providers attend the four day event, the SLCSI gave their members the opportunity
to promote their work by providing promotional material, particularly electronic videos, advertisements and
other promotional clips for display along with their business cards throughout the course of the exhibition.
The SLCSI was also invited to make a presentation on St. Lucia’s Services Sector during the event. Ms.
Hippolyte noted “of course we were delighted and I took the opportunity during my presentation to highlight
the developments taking place in the Sector as well as the regional and international work of some of our
service providers.

2. Speaking on the tangible benefits of participating at TIC, Ms. Hippolyte adds “what we have heard from our
members is that the most critical factors for success in the Services industry is credibility. TIC gave the
SLCSI the opportunity to send out a clear message that Saint Lucia has skilled, successful services
providers who are experienced, willing and eager to do business.”
The participation of the SLCSI at TIC was made possible through the support of the Caribbean Export
Development Agency and the GIZ Development Agency.
Ms. Hippolyte speaks with Jamaica Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Anthony Hylton.
Further information on the work of the Saint Lucia Coalition of Services Industries visit their website
www.slcsi.org.lc . You can also visit their facebook page www.facebook.com/saintluciacoalitionofservices