The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet Minister yesterday expressed hope that Bahamians could retain more of the multi-million sums that the Government spends annually on foreign consultants.

Michael Halkitis, minister of state for finance, said the emergence of a Bahamian Chapter of the Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants (CICMC) could help locals gain a greater share of the business.

He conceded that there was no denying that successive Governments have relied heavily on the expertise of foreign consultants.

Mr Halkitis who addressed the opening of the CICMC conference and symposium, acknowledged that Bahamian consultants have long complained about being overlooked.

The Bahamian Chapter of the CIMC, he added, will be vocal in advocating for its fair share of business and legislation to establish standards in the sector. CICMC is a professional organisation, comprising regional chapters and individual management consultants drawn from throughout the Caribbean.

“We hear that criticism. It’s no denying that successive governments have used more consultants from abroad. I think we all try as best as we can to find local expertise, but sometimes you have an issue where you need a certain amount of knowledge and resources, and where you might need a firm with certain expertise,” said Mr Halkitis.

“The good thing is that you have a Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants, with a local chapter. There is a rigorous programme of training and assessment and testing, so that individuals who would obtain this certification, you can look to them and be satisfied that they are successfully trained.

“It makes it easier not only for Government but companies as well to be able to be satisfied that you have this pool that you can use. It’s a good step forward.”