In December 2013, the BFUWI held its second panel debate to discuss the state of the Caribbean economy. The panel included Professor Victor Bulmer-Thomas of UCL, Dr Vindelyn Smith-Hilman and Mr Alan Smith of HSBC and the lively discussion was moderated by BFUWI trustee, Vanessa Rizzoli.
Is the Caribbean sitting on commercially viable oil reserves and what impact would successful finds have on the region? Has the Caribbean already missed the window of opportunity for significant earnings, if the US realises its goal to become an oil exporter itself by 2035?
Held on May 22, 2013 at 6 p.m. at the Commonwealth Club, the theme was “New Caribbean Oil Exploration: High Risks, High Rewards?”. From all the reports, attendees were pleased and impressed with the event and the BFUWI Trustees were commended by the speakers, notably David Jessop and Sir Ron Sanders, for hosting a debate on an important topic which is not being widely discussed in the Caribbean, although it ought to be.
