Trade Minister Vasant Bharath has challenged chartered accountants and audit professionals to partner with governments to advance regional economies.
He issued that challenge at the launch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC) 33rd Annual Caribbean Conference of Accountants at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain.
Speaking to more then 200 members of the profession at the cocktail reception Bharath said: "You all have an extremely valuable role in the advance of post-2008 economies. You are the ones who must pioneer this partnership between your profession and governments in the advance of island economies, and the Caribbean economy as a whole.
"When this conference ends, tell the region not only about the advances of your profession and your evolving role of guarding institutional integrity and the public interest, but also how you intend to take charge of progress. As professionals, you could be the ones who add the human face to economic progress."
The conference, which ended last Saturday, saw participation from delegates representing 21 countries. Distinguished guest included Priya Narinesingh, president ICATT, T&T; Sir Dwight Venner, Governor of the Central Bank of Eastern Caribbean; ACCA president Anthony Harbinson and Esther Le Gendre, general manager of ICATT.