A Bold New Caribbean

IS MONEY ENOUGH TO BUILD A NEW CARIBBEAN?

By Tahirah Banks- Webster Tahirah is the CoFounder and CEO of Thoughtful Agency Inc. a Caribbean & US Based Technology & Marketing Firm.She has spent the last 10 Years disrupting convention, developing strategy, telling stories, and building technology solutions for leadership in Government, NGOs, Corporations, and Startups.

CARIBBEAN INVESMENT FORUM

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I sat in a public consultation a few years ago where some swanky investors presented a beautiful vision for the redevelopment of one of our island commu- nities. I’d prefer not to share the island. :) As a lover of all things economic development, I certainly didn’t need convincing. The slide presentation was impec- cable. From the return on investment (ROI) projec- tions to the meticulously planned project schedule and the extensive research studies, it was all very well thought out. This was not some run-of-the-mill ven- ture cooked up over drinks with buddies.

This was real money. Real opportunity to partner with an established team. It felt like a newdaywas coming and I couldn’t help but be optimistic. As the presenta- tion came to an end, the floor opened for discussion and feedback fromthe communitymembers present. I sat quietly as questions and comments were fired off at the investment group, each one more fiery, more accusatory, more pointed. After about 20 minutes of this verbal onslaught, it became painfully evident