New Chamber boss calls for action not more talk

(CNS Business): Despite giving the impression of being an easy-going and quiet person, Barry Bodden has promised to fight for the membership of the Chamber of Commerce and the Cayman Islands during his year leading the local organisation. As he accepted the presidency from Johann Moxam, he said he wanted to see less talk and more action from government, and listed myriad issues that are impacting the country, from the airport expansion to crime.

“We’re all aware of the issues facing our islands; issues that have been reviewed, discussed and debated for a long time,” Bodden said during the handover at the Chamber AGM last week. Listing the hot button topics, he said, “I know I’m not alone in being tired of all the talk on most of these things and I doubt I’m alone in wanting to see less talk and more action. While the current government should be applauded for their work thus far, there is much work still to be done.”

In his opening speech as the new president, Bodden said that under Moxam’s leadership last year the Chamber had accomplished several achievements, and he planned to build on the successes and push for even greater results, “Analysis and words must become decisions, and decisions must become actions,” he added.

Delivering a potted history, Bodded told the membership that his Caymanian heritage dated back many generations. From a family vested in the heavy equipment business, he now has six different companies across several industry sectors.

Setting out his stall for the year ahead, he said that in today’s market business owners are challenged from many different angles, with issues that are “beyond our abilities to resolve on our own”. Stressing the importance of a collective voice, he said, “This is where we need unity.”

But he added, “Please don’t mistake my quiet demeanour as a weakness. I come from a long line of outspoken and engaged Caymanians and I intend to fight for our cause, for our members, and for our islands.”

Tags: Barry Bodden, Chamber of Commerce, Johann Moxam

Category: Local Business