Minister of Finance Bob Richards will be the star speaker at the annual post-Budget breakfast held by the Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Richards — who will present the first full OBA Budget in the House of Assembly three days earlier — will explain his blueprint for the year to the business world at breakfast, to be held on Monday, February 24, and take questions.

Chamber of Commerce president Ronnie Viera said: “Once again this year, there will be a panel format which has proven to be very popular in the past.”

Mr Richards will be joined on the special panel by PwC CEO Darren Johnston, who will act as moderator, Ed Ball, the general secretary of white-collar union BPSU and president and CEO of PEConsultants, Peter Everson.

Mr Viera said: “The moderator will introduce our panellists and each one will have ten minutes to provide the audience with their analysis of the numbers.

“Our guests will then be invited to submit questions in advance and on the morning of the breakfast and it is expected that the Moderator will then lead a very lively question and answer session.”

The event will be sponsored by professional services firm PwC.

Mr Johnston said: “We are pleased to once again be sponsoring the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Budget breakfast.

“We welcome the participation on the panel this year of leading economist Peter Everson and BPSU general secretary Ed Ball junior

“As the moderator for this event, I look forward to a lively debate as they share their insights and thoughts on the new Budget and engage in an important conversation on the state of Bermuda’s economy.”

The breakfast begins at 8am at the Hamilton Princess and the panel discussion starts at 8.30am.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Michelle Smith at msmith@bcc.bm.