PrivateSector Signing on to Participate in Human Rights Conference
Private sector corporations are signingup as financial sponsors for the Human Rights Today CaribbeanSymposium scheduled for 10 to14 September 2001.
Among the first are Deloitte and Toucheand Boxalls Attorneys at Law who, in this effort join, the Portfolioof Finance and Development, headed by Financial Secretary GeorgeMcCarthy.
"We will use funds to defray the localcosts of the conference," says Organising Chairperson PatriciaEbanks, Director of Government Information Services. "Wemay also apply funds to supplementing costs to registrants, suchas local and overseas law students, as appropriate."
The Human Rights Today Caribbean Symposiumis a Cayman Islands Government initiative that aims to cover abroad range of global and regional human rights concerns, informon international standards and conventions, and consider appropriateregional initiatives within the context of the Caribbean culture,traditions and possible constraints. While topics will be of wideinterest, many will be of particular interest to business, includingthe corporate sector.
The Cayman Islands Government is issuinga call throughout the region to jurists, law school students,police professionals and others to come to Cayman 11 to 14 Septemberfor the Symposium.
Such topics as 'the right to life versusthe death penalty', 'the media and human rights", and "humanrights and business' will be on the September agenda.
To date, interest has been expressed bypotential delegates from Anguilla, Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados,Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, the Turks & Caicos Islands, andTrinidad.
"Corporations will have an opportunityto explore standards in preserving harmony in the society - ofensuring justice and equity for all," said Ms Ebanks. Shesaid that this aspect of society was essential to attracting thebest business.
Over and above that, corporate partnersattending the conference will have an opportunity to engage indialogue on topical financial issues such as Insolvency and HumanRights and Human Rights and Confidentiality Laws. Financial presentersinclude Mr. Lawrence Cohen, QC, who specialises in corporate,equity and business law, including fraud and professional negligence.Local and Washington Attorney-at-Law Ian Paget-Brown, LLD, willspeak on A Comparative Study of the Laws Protecting FinancialPrivacy.
The Government Information Service saidthat these topics explain some of the reasons for sponsorshipof the symposium from Deloitte and Touche.
As Partner William Walmsley said, "Wemade the decision to support this symposium as a means of ensuringthat the general public is educated on the issues affecting womenin society. We also think that it is a valuable opportunity toexplore the issues that contribute to stability, equity and tranquilityin the workplace and hence in the society as a whole." Mr.Walmsley added that he hoped that people would take this eventseriously, and, that at the end of the day, "we will havehelped to make a difference."
Deloitte and Touche is a major employerof women in Cayman and around the world. The company operatesa proactive global initiative supporting positive work-life balanceand recruitment and career planning for women. The Portfolio ofFinance and Development has sponsored a large contingent of upto 10 delegates and has funded some delegate needs.
Companies may elect to become Platinum,Gold or Silver sponsors. In addition to contributing to an importantarea of local and regional development, benefits include recognitionat symposium events, use of logos and approved literature, amongothers. Interested firms should contact Renee Howell, at GovernmentInformation Services, 244-1772.
At a press conference last week, Cayman'sActing Chief Justice, Mr. Henry Graham, and members of the financialsector discussed human rights issues alongside businesses andthe workplace environment.
Observed Mr. Justice Henry, "humanrights issues are, of course, of the greatest importance to everybody.Regarding business in society," he noted, "where humanrights are observed, it is a happy society. It is a good placefor business, the kind of place, which attracts business, internationalbusiness. It encourages investors with systems that work, andare seen to work, with a framework in the courts where everyonedeserves a fair crack of the whip," the jurist posited. "Ifhuman rights are to be enforced, it is the judiciary which isto do it," he added.
The Governor of the Cayman Islands, Mr.Peter J. Smith, has sent a letter to all the British High Commissionsthroughout the Caribbean region, inviting their participationin the Human Rights Today Symposium. Additionally, some 2,400brochures have been sent out throughout the Caribbean, and lettersof invitation written to regional bar associations and justicesof the peace.