RICS Caribbean Board Prepares for New Governance Structure


03/12/2010 12:44

Stuart Kennedy, Simon Watson, Sanjay Amin, David Neale, Elizabeth Stair and Uche Obi.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO and NEW YORK CITY – March 12, 2010 – Following RICS Americas appointment of a new Interim Caribbean Board in October 2009, Chairman David Neale FRICS, along with Sanjay Amin FRICS, Uche Obi FRICS, Elizabeth Stair FRICS, Stuart Kennedy FRICS and Simon Watson FRICS, have set the agenda for the first quarter of 2010 to implement a new governance structure, as set out by RICS’ global Governing Council.
The Council members, who all live and work in Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines met in Barbados in late January to begin the work and to formulate a communications strategy to keep the membership informed and to garner participation in the new process.

“The new board also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting surveying programs in the region,” Neale said. “Concerns over challenges being experienced by the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTECH), in completing its accreditation procedure with the RICS Americas Education and Standards Board are being addressed to help the university. Also, member value is one of our top concerns – the Board will seek to improve value by encouraging increased continued professional development activity across the region and promoting RICS services to members.”

The board has set the following goals for itself and the membership for 2010:
  1. A communication protocol with Caribbean members about the new governance structure in advance of the expected August 2010 elections and board appointment.
  2. The conduct of CPD programs and sessions across the region including the possible hosting of an RICS conference in the region in 2011.
  3. The pursuit of programs that could bring a greater sense of value for members.
  4. Involvement of research projects focused on property and the property profession within the region.
  5. The production of a regular newsletter that is specifically aimed at RICS Caribbean members.
  6. New member identification and recruitment.
“The Caribbean board, on coordination with the RICS Americas staff and the RICS/BuildAction team in London, are also looking to develop possible assistance plans for Haiti in support of the earthquake recovery and rebuilding effort,” Bruck said. “We’re looking to tap RICS’ global reach and capability and pair with the organization’s excellent local presence and expertise.”
Members wishing to volunteer their effort or with an inquiry may contact Interim Board Chairman David Neale by emailing david.neale@caneassociates.com.


About RICS & RICS Americas
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), with headquarters in London, is the leading organization of its kind in the world for more than 100,000 professionals in property, land, construction and related environmental issues.

RICS Americas, based in New York and covering North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, has more than 2,000 members in commercial and residential development, construction and project management, brokerage, planning and finance, valuation and fine arts appraisal. For further information visit www.ricsamericas.org or e-mail ricsamericas@rics.org.