The British Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic elected its board for the 2010-2012 period, in the course of its Annual Ordinary General Assembly. The meeting was held at the George Arzeno Brugal Hall of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP) on Wednesday April 28 of this year.

The country's ambassador of Her Majesty's United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Steven M. Fisher, who in turn is Honorary President of the Chamber, was present during the election process. The event was also attended by British Consul, Scott Richard Melling, and the Commercial Attaché of the Embassy, Leonora Dipp, as well as past presidents and members of the entity.

Mr. Roberto Herrera, who now sits on the board as a past president, presented his report for the 2008-2010 period. During his speech, Mr. Herrera emphasized the propitious time for launching the 2010 membership directory which serves to promote the Dominican Republic commercially, as it introduces the country to the United Kingdom and European private sectors. Mr. Herrera stated: "This version is the first to provide advertisement and information on the 2012 Olympic Games, hosted in London, additionally, as it is customary, the directory includes general information on each of the member companies.”

The new board is headed by President Marcos Peña R. of Jimenez Cruz Peña, Vice President, Guillermo E. Alvarez G. of Pastoriza, C por A., Treasurer, Miguel J. Santana of Caribe Comercial, C. por A., Secretary, Alex Baez of Vinícola del Norte, C. por A. The new directors are Armand Toonen of Orange Dominicana, José A. Rodriguez of EgeHaina, Mario Suazo of British American Tobacco, Iván Pérez of Autobritánica, LTD., José Demetrio Almonte of The Shell Company (W.I), and Pedro Rosario of Bacardi Dominicana. Ms. Mayra Torres was appointed as the new executive director.

The board is mostly made up of representatives of companies based in, or commercially tied to, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland who have established business relations in Dominican Republic. Investment in Dominican Republic by the United Kingdom exceeds one billion dollars in industries related to pharmaceutical production, energy, telecommunications, construction, tobacco, tourism, beverages, consumer goods, fuel, call centers and coinage, among others.


About the New President

Marcos Peña R. studied at King's College London, from 1993 to 1994 where he received a Masters Degree in Business Law (LLM). The British government awarded him with the Chevening scholarship so he could pursue his studies abroad. He has more than 20 years of experience practicing in his field. His portfolio of clients includes companies with strong commercial ties to the United Kingdom. In addition to his duties in British Chamber of Commerce, he is Vice President of the Board of the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolutions of the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Santo Domingo. In the British Chamber he has served as Secretary and Vice President.

His main objectives are to promote the commercial and cultural relationship between United Kingdom and Dominican Republic, using the synergy generated by the embassies of both countries; support the Chamber’s members with institutional matters related to their respective businesses; continue working on the chamber’s current agenda, including business meetings (breakfast seminars), the traditional golf and tennis tournaments, community contributions (in particular in the area of education), Afternoon Tea and the Whisky Extravaganza celebration.