The Chamber is:

  an independent, non-political, subscription-based association dedicated to promoting a business-friendly environment;

  an impartial, credible non-profit association, which enables it to negotiate contracts and secure funding for projects that benefit its community;

  comprised of members from every sector of the economy, ranging from small entrepreneurs to large corporates;

  involved in a number of initiatives to promote regional development, enterprise and skills development, training and business advisory services.

 

 

Objects

The below “Duties and Objects” are stated in the Constitution of the Chamber which, while written in 1887, still remains very valid and contemporary:

"The duties and objects of the Chamber shall be: -

  • To encourage active co-operation amongst commercial and professional men and women as well as bodies and associations of the Town and District on all matters of common interest.
  • To take such action as may be conducive to the extension of trade, commerce or manufacture, or incidental to the attainment of such objects.
  • To take active and legal steps to secure the removal of all bona fide grievances affecting the local commercial community as a whole, or mercantile interests in general.
  • To carefully scrutinize all proposed legislation, including taxation and all Government and Municipal Regulations, which may affect local commercial and industrial interests.
  • To collect and classify information relating to all matters of general commercial interest.
  • To communicate with Government and Public Authorities, with similar Associations in other Towns and Cities and in other Countries and with individuals on all matters of common mercantile interest.
  • To communicate with Government and Public Authorities, with similar Associations in other Towns and Cities and in other Countries and with individuals on all matters of common mercantile interest.
  • To conduct itself and its affairs in a professional and businesslike manner at all times in the performance of duties and objects.
  • To encourage the upholding of the principles of fair and honest trade within the community.
  • To encourage and indicate a sense of respect and discipline as between employer and employee within the community as a whole.
  • To stand by the principles of free market enterprise.
  • To actively foster and encourage goodwill and harmony between all peoples and communities.
  • To raise funds for particular projects or for use in general in assisting the Chamber to perform its duties and objects as contemplated in the Constitution and Rules.
  • To use its best endeavours to serve the best interests of the community and the community institutions and associations in general.
  • To strive for the social, economic, educational, cultural and spiritual upliftment of all members of the community, and to take an active interest in community institutions.
  • To open a Banking Account with a Banking Institution nominated by Members of the Committee.
  • To accept and receive gifts and donations."

 

Download the Chamber Constitution here ...