The Social Economic Council (SER) will host its second annual symposium on Tuesday morning, May 20th at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. The theme of the symposium will be “Inclusive development”; for a better Sint Maarten. The event will start at 8 am and will be concluded at 1 pm.
The SER is honored to present the honorable Owen Seymour Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados from 1994 to 2008 and present Member of Parliament (MP) as the keynote speaker of the conference. MP Owen S. Arthur graduated from the University of the West Indies in 1971 and holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics and History. He completed his Master of Science (MSc) in Economics in 1974. As a former Prime Minister of Barbados, during his tenure, MP Owen S. Arthur was instrumental at the pivotal stage of the development of his country, which is often hailed as a positive example for the region.
The theme of the symposium “Inclusive development”; for a better Sint Maarten, in this context signifying the challenge of reconciling our rapid tourism driven economic development on the one hand and on the other hand the ensuing social challenges related to admitting and integrating immigrant workers, all the while safeguarding and further developing the national identity of our young country.
After the keynote address, a panel discussion will follow with representatives of our community, public and private sector. The panel members and invited guests will further explore the central theme of ‘Inclusive development’, addressing the question of the best way for our community and government to be involved in the further development of Sint Maarten.
Organization of the symposium is covered by Dutch development funds managed by USONA.