Republic Journal

With the precipitous fall in energy revenue over the last four years, from $19 billion in fiscal 2013/14 to $2 billion in 2016/17, the theme of engendering sustainable growth in the domestic economy through diversification, has dominated the national conversation.

Technological innovations in the financial sector are creating new ways for consumers to interact with banks and retailers alike. Despite all the buzz surrounding the disruptive impact of new technologies like blockchain, cloud computing and biometrics, many argue that advancements in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) stand to have the most significant and immediate impact on relationships and interactions between financial institutions and their customers.

On a recent trip abroad, while I was relaxing in the departure lounge, I glanced around to find that most people were glued to electronic devices, hardly chatting, just watching that small screen. Twenty years ago, the scenario would’ve been so different.

"I would like to start by saying a very special welcome to the delegates who have joined us today representing a wide range of industries from around the Caribbean including Guyana and Suriname and from Ghana."

In recent times, the word ‘leadership’ has become synonymous with many a varied connotation. The global political climate is under intense scrutiny, fueled by an outpouring of almost daily breaking news from the United States. It’s impossible not to question how such headlines, and the subsequent responses from those in a position of power, can affect us on a psychological level.

Within the last decade, one of the biggest topics to emerge in the global conversations about the future of business and society is Leadership. Rightfully so, as there seems to be no shortage of incidences of poor leadership, the stories of how they have cost millions, and worst of all, how bad (but possibly well-intentioned) decisions have irrevocably affected the lives of millions.