The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN investment bank will today stage its first in-person Economic Outlook conference for four years following the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Slatter, RF Bank & Trust’s vice-president of investment management, told Tribune Business that this year’s RF Economic Outlook conference will continue the tradition of bringing global and regional presenters to share their ideas with a Bahamian audience.

He said: “The pandemic had a lot of negatives, but one of the positives that it did provide is it made us aware of the ability to use technology and to compete on the global market. That also goes the other way, and that means it’s easier for people to compete in our market using the same approach.

“So the RF Economic Outlook brings together global and regional experts, and also Bahamian experts, and when you include that with the audience, because we have a lot of expertise in the audience as well, they get to share ideas and also to network, which is important.”

Headlining the 2023 event are economist and Caribbean advisor, Marla Dukharan; and the first US chief intelligence officer and economic futurist, Andy Busch. Joining them are CNBC senior analyst and commentator, Ron Insana; entrepreneur and technology innovator, Kevin Hobbs; and adventurer and expedition leader, Jeff Evans.

Ms Dukharan will also appear in a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Global minimum tax and what it means for The Bahamas’ financial services industry’. She will be alongside Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs and leader of government business in the Senate; and Kevin Moree, partner at McKinney, Bancroft and Hughes.

“While disruption was the catalyst for accelerated innovation and technological advancement over the past two years, it has also spawned a wide range of rapidly evolving risks across the world that will likely have a significant impact on our businesses and our lives,” said RF group president and chief executive, Michael Anderson.

“Geopolitical issues between the US, China and Russia; the ongoing Ukraine war; energy disruptions plus the highest level of inflation in decades are all major issues that will impact us in the Caribbean. Our team of world-recognised speakers is well-positioned to advise on the expected outcomes of these risks so as to minimise the negative impact of these global trends on our continued growth. We invite all to join us in gaining valuable insights and strategies as we look forward together.”

Mr Slatter added: “We normally get around 150 to 200 people to show up, and we are expecting a similar turnout this year. We also want to make sure that those who attend, that when they leave, they are better prepared to compete globally from the expertise and the information they receive.”