The Honourable Deputy Premier of the Cayman Islands, Mr. Christopher Saunders having been invited to address Rotary Central Cayman Islands by its Community Service Director Patrick Schmid in connection with the Rotary International theme for October, 2021 of "Community and Economic Development," addressed the issues of strengthening and diversifying the economy as well as the issue of 're-opening' in a world living with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Honourable Deputy Premier, Mr. Christopher Saunders, Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Border Control & Labour addressed a rapt audience on 80 plus Rotarians, outlining the reality that the world would have to come to grips with moving forward despite having to live at least for a substantial period with the continuing issues and changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. He was speaking poignantly in line with Rotary International theme for October 2021 of Community and Economic Development. Having been formally introduced by Rotary Central Community Services Director Patrick Schmid, the Honourable Deputy Premier of the Cayman Islands explained that we would have to continue to be extremely vigilant and diligent but that it would not be possible to continue to function with our borders closed to the rest of the world.
He explained that this was the time now for Cayman to move quickly to enhance in major high speed telecommunications capacity, to focus on greater energy efficiency and environmentally friendly sources of energy, as well as exploring the viability of medical tourism as well as new cottage industries, considering carefully every option we could to ensure the continued socio-economic development of the Cayman Islands and its people. His positive but practical and open approach to these difficult topics was widely applauded and injected the audience with enthusiasm and encouragement.
(The Honourable Deputy Premier being welcomed by Director Patrick Schmid and then thanked by Club President Corleen
Goodman-Hoptroff).