St Maarten, St Kitts and Jamaica Head Region for Conference Facilities, Says CCCU Official

St Maarten, St Kitts and Jamaica are the leading countries that are able to comfortably host major conferences within the region, according to Ackroyd Birmingham, treasurer of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions and Conference Chairman.

Birmingham made this disclosure in an exclusive interview while on a two-day visit to St Kitts to evaluate the country’s conference facilities.

He pointed out that, despite several countries being regarded as prime tourist destinations and demonstrating an interest in hosting regional and international conferences, they are “handicapped” in properly hosting major conference numbers.

“It’s really sad to know that only about five countries in the region have the ability and facilities to host conferences of about 400- 600 persons, as all of the other countries are unable to do so,” he said.

The Dominican director said that one of his organization’s greatest challenges is to get venues for their yearly rotating convention. The conference director had high praise for the governments of St Maarten, St Kitts and Jamaica, noting that it will help to facilitate growth and advancement of those countries’ economies.

He said that he is exceptionally impressed with St Kitts, noting that it’s the smallest country and has demonstrated its ability to host these conventions. Birmingham said that St Kitts last hosted the convention in 2005, stating that they did an exceptionally good job at it, with the assistance of Nevis Cooperative Credit Union.

He said that this year’s 53rd annual international convention and 39th Annual General Meeting will be held from June 26 to June 30 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino. Exploring the prospects as to which country will host next year’s convention, Birmingham admitted that St Kitts is a front runner, noting that the winner will be announced sometime soon.

He added that, while several countries have requested to host the convention, meeting the criteria has been their difficulty.