Author, Dr. Kato Kimbugwe
Dr. Kato Kimbugwe is the Montserrat DFID Programme representative. He is the lead author of the book “Economic Development Through Regional Trade”, which he released at the Public Library in Montserrat last Friday, July 20, 2012 at 10.00 a.m.
Richard Aspin of the Governor’s Office chaired a full launch ceremony, led with an opening prayer by Fr. Mark Schramm, Ag. Parish priest of the R.C. Church.
The Hon. Financial Secretary John Skerritt delivered an introduction of the lead author Kimbugwe acknowledging him as one who is very professional at his work as he had come to know him very well. He said of Kimbugwe that he is “the ultimate professional, an Economist with a wide array of policy, research and teaching experience.”
The book on “Regional Trade”
He noted that the author holds a Phd in Economics from the University of Wales, having focused on the impact of trade Barriers in the East African Countries of Africa. That, he said, gave him a background that starts in the retail business, “so no wonder DFID has employed him as a private sector development advisor.”
Dr. Kimbugwe gave an overview of his book, followed by a panel discussion, which should have included the Hon. Premier R T Meade, but panelists were: FS John Skerritt, Claude Hogan and Angella Skerritt who in absentia submitted her written views.
The panelists discussed topics emanating from book which included the following: Regional integration; rhetoric or a viable route to economic development; Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and their cost to business; Applicability of research to Montserrat-OECS-CARICOM; and, What’s in the pipeline?
Librarian Sonja Smith accepts new book
Closing the ceremony before a vote of thanks, Dr. Kimbugwe presented one of the book to the Montserrat Public Library and UWI.
