By Lincoln DePradine

Organizers of a two-day City of Toronto event, bringing together local, municipal and Caribbean politicians, as well as diplomats and business leaders, say they are “excited’’ about the summit, and have promised that it won’t be a mere “talkshop’’.

“Bridging Markets: Unlocking Opportunities, Building Sustainable Prosperity,” is the theme of the Caribbean Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum (CCISTF).

According to organizers, it’s “designed to move beyond discussion by connecting decision-makers, investors and businesses around investment opportunities, market access and strategic partnerships across the Canada–Caribbean corridor’’.

They say among those expected to attend are Senator Aubyn Hill, Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce; Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown; and Ontario Associate Minister Charmaine Williams.

“What we want to make sure is that this summit will not be another talkshop. We do have a plan in place to make sure that discussions are followed up on,’’ CCISTF president Donna P. Fanfair told The Caribbean Camera.

The summit is Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, at the Novotel Toronto North York Centre, 3 Park Home Avenue.

The idea of the summit was unveiled at the launch of the Forum in Markham in June, with CCISTF officials describing it as marking “the beginning of an exciting journey’’.

CCISTF’s mission, Fanfair said at the launch, is “bridging markets, unlocking opportunities and building sustainable prosperity. The Caribbean does not suffer from a lack of talent or ambition. What it needs is more pathways connecting talent to opportunity — and CCISTF exists to help build those pathways’’.

Sandy Daley, CCISTF’s head of media relations, said there will be “concrete plans’’ emanating from the weekend summit.

“Summit discussions will examine opportunities in areas including trade and investment, tourism and hospitality, agriculture, technology and digital transformation, infrastructure and economic development, entrepreneurship, the creative industries and diaspora investment,’’ she said.

“But, we’ll also get together to talk about how we can concretely move business in those Caribbean countries. We’ll definitely have follow up with them.’’

Fanfair added that CCISTF’s aim is “to ensure that there are material outcomes’’ from the summit.

“It’s about families and communities across the Caribbean,’’ she said.

“Let’s bring economic prosperity to the families at the end of the day. Canada is open for business; the Caribbean is open for business; why not, in this day and age? While we’re not looking to have actual deals signed on the day of – and, if they do get sign – that’s great, we are looking to have those discussions started.’’

The CCISTF summit will be held annually. “Planning will start immediately after this summit concludes on the 26th,’’ said Fanfair.

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