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JAM | Mar 20, 2023

SYGNUS partners with the UWI Department of Economics to deliver 5th installment of the WECON conference

/ Our Today

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From left: Dr Andre Haughton, Department of Economics, UWI Mona; Jevon Henry, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Economics; Andrea Flores, EPGE Brazilian School of Economics; and Haughton Richards, Investment Management Associate, Sygnus. (Photos: Contributed)

Alternative investment firm, Sygnus, recently partnered with the UWI Department of Economics for its fifth installment of the West Indies Economic (WECON) Conference.

The two-day event, which spanned from March 9 to 10, at the UWI Regional Headquarters, showcased a host of presenters who shared a wealth of knowledge in economics. Haughton Richards, investment management associate at Sygnus, participated as a presenter at this year’s staging of the conference.

Haughton Richards, Investment Management Associate, Sygnus, delivers a presentation at the 2023 staging of the West Indies Economic Conference.

Richards, who presented on day two of the conference, was part of a panel discussion that focused on Finance and Monetary. Speaking on the topic, Financing the Engine of Economies (i.e. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), Richards delivered a 15-minute presentation that delved into the economic engine’s introduction, fueling, and sustainability.

Richards, in his presentation, underscored the importance of understanding the needs of the economic engine, noting that fueling the engine took three important steps: access to capital, ease of access to said capital, as well as, business partnerships which can bring about needed guidance for MSMEs. According to the United Nations (“UN”), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for 90 per cent of businesses, 60 per cent to 70 per cent of employment and 50 per cent of GDP worldwide. Following the fueling of the engine came sustainability, which he explained can be achieved through the implementation of regulations and a diverse pool of capital. 

Also part of the panel discussion were Jevon Henry, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Economics, UWI Mona, and Andrea Flores, EPGE Brazilian School of Economics. Allotted 15 minutes each, Henry delved into the matter of Explaining Financial Exclusion: Insights from Jamaica, while Flores focused her discussion on the topic, Are Cash Transfers Effective at Empowering Mothers? A Structural Evaluation of Mexico’s Oportunidades. 

Chairing the Finance and Monetary discussion was Dr Andre Haughton, Department of Economics, UWI Mona.

“To partner and participate in functions hosted by the University of the West Indies is always a pleasure. This two-day economic conference was surely insightful and consisted of many valuable nuggets for attendees to take away,” shared Richards.

Sygnus’ Haughton Richards (left) speaks to members of the UWI Young Investors’ Club (from second left) Khalil Mitchell, Rashieka Ellington, Shanice Hall, Kymani Mills and Abigail Johnson.  at the 5th staging of the WECON Conference.

He continued: “I’m glad to have been able to contribute to the panel discussion pertaining to Finance and Monetary, as this forms an important foundation for overall economic development. Sygnus being a main sponsor of this year’s conference is demonstrative of our mandate to contribute to initiatives that will provide invaluable information and experiences to those in attendance. Of course, thank you to the UWI’s Department of Economics for allowing us to be a part of this annual event and for continuing in its effort to enrich the minds of those within the economic field.”

The WECON conference also featured keynote speakers Rocío Titiunik, Professor of Politics, Princeton University and George-Levi Gayle, John H. Biggs Distinguished Professor of Economics, Washington University (St. Louis). Members of UWI Young Investors’ Club, who were specially invited by the Sygnus Group, also attended to benefit from the holistic knowledge and exposure of the conference.

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