THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) has announced the return of four-time running host Millicent Barty for this year’s Business Excellence Awards (BEA) along with SICCI’s very own John Kanai Ta’amora.
Ms Barty and Mr Ta’amora will be the official master of ceremonies for the upcoming Business Excellence Awards 2017 set to take place on Saturday November 4 at the Coral Sea Resort & Casino, as preparations for the biggest awards ceremony of the private sector closes down to another exciting episode.
Barty, 27, who is an entrepreneur herself, is a frequent public speaker on entrepreneurship while also a known figure in her support for gender issues and young people in business.
She came to the public spotlight in 2009 after winning the Miss Solomon Islands Beauty Pageant, but has since made her way to become a veteran BEA host and established a reputation for young entrepreneurs.
“I am incredibly privileged and honoured to once more take the stage to host the 2017 BEAs. I have been hosting for the last four years now and every year I get excited and look forward to the awards night as every year, the theme and content of the show gets more and more vibrant and relevant to our socio-economic ecosystem,” says Barty, who is also the artistic brains behind the iconic BEA branding through her business Millicent Designs.
“It would be a homecoming to be part of a night that celebrates [as well as recognises] the best of the best businesses/industries that our growing nation has to offer.
“I would like to thank SICCI and Events Manager Melanie Champion to have me host again. I hope myself and my new MC counterpart John can deliver a pleasant and enjoyable night for everyone.”
Barty’s co-host Ta’amora says he is overwhelmed by the opportunity to be master of ceremonies for the most prestigious and highly anticipated event in the private sector that will bring together stakeholders supporting the private sector by celebrating success.
Ta’amora, 27, is the Advocacy Officer for SICCI who takes lead in engagement platforms between SICCI and the national government.
He joined SICCI earlier this year but has overseen significant advocacy progress including the historic MOU signing between SICCI and the government in June.
While this is his first time to emcee for a major event, Ta’amora is confident to take the stage which he sees it more as an opportunity for exposure.
“I was a bit nervous when it was proposed that I co-host the BEA. I have emceed before to several events, but this is huge. It is a challenge I look forward to and I am confident by the honour and opportunity this would be for me,” he says.
“However, I am very fortunate that we have Millicent who has so much experience in the BEA and I look forward to work with her.”
The BEA 2017 is set for an explosive celebration with a night planned to give attendants a memorable occasion and show recognition to successful people and businesses in the private sector with some of the country’s best entertainers.
The BEA is also confirmed to host Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare who will present the top award the Prime Minister’s Business Excellence Award and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) General Secretary Dame Meg Taylor who will deliver the keynote address.
–SICCI PRESS