It was the first in-person assembly of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) since 2019.

The 53rd Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the CBU, began with an opening ceremony at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort on Monday (August 15^th).

“Sincerest thanks to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. You have truly demonstrated partnership through the Tobago House of Assembly, under the leadership of Chief Secretary Augustine and collaborated efficiently and effectively with the CBU’s local organising committee, comprised of CBU member organisations based in this twin-island state,” said CBU President Dr. Claire Grant, who spoke virtually.

Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, CBU Vice President Richard Purcell, and CBU Secretary General Dr. Sonia Gill. THA Chief Secretary Hon. Farley Augustine told attendees he felt both excitement and gratitude.

“Excitement because we’re able to witness our Caribbean media practitioners from all ends of the region converge on Tobago, whether physically or virtually, and this for us is a joyous feeling. We welcome our colleagues from around the region, because we see you as our brothers and sisters,” he said.

The Chief Secretary said gratitude was felt as Tobago gets this opportunity to serve as host to the CBU. He told attendees to also see Caribbean media as an opportunity to tell “our” story as technological advances have shifted how media is consumed.

“There once was a time when our voices in the Caribbean region were not as loud as others…But in a world of Tik Tok…you have an opportunity to tell our story the way we want our stories to be told, [in an] authentic manner; and to broadcast across the length and breadth of this world, who we truly are,” he said.

The AGA is a premier event where participating member associations meet and discuss issues affecting the industry.