Good afternoon:

It is my great pleasure to announce that I will be the co-chair of the Atlantic Connection, 3rd Annual Economic and Financial Development Conference entitled: Current Trends and Caribbean Investing.

The Conference which is being organised by Bermuda Company Atlantic Connection Ltd will be held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. As co-chair of this conference I will be the keynote speaker at the opening dinner and be a panelist in an interesting workshop entitled Public Private Partnerships – The role of Government and the role of the private sector.

This conference provides ideal conditions for holding relevant discussions on current standards and best practice in the pension industry for the benefit of the entire Caribbean Region. I am sure that the conference will provide a platform for all to exchange ideas and share relevant experiences.

The conference will be a robust program of keynote sessions, education workshops and networking events. It should be a productive and successful conference. Finally, I would like to commend Mr. Calvin White, President and Executive Director of Atlantic Connection and this team for organising an excellent event.

THE HON. PAULA A. COX, JP, MP

DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE