HEERE WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS
January 3, 2006
This article was carried in the Caribbean Impact Newspaper in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE
HERE’S WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS EVER!!!
The year 2006 promises to be an exciting year as the people of the Caribbean in principle have embarked on a journey of realizing their full potential in all areas of endeavour. On January 1, 2006 we woke up to the reality that finally we are on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean sailing to the land of unity and cooperation known as Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). Unfortunately as was expected all hands were not on deck. Some are still on the shore hoping to follow shortly. The Jamaica Observer Editorial, 01/03/06 reported that only 6 of the 15 Caricom Member States are on board and the heads of those States are supposed to meet on January 23, 2006 in Jamaica to formally sign the instruments of inauguration. Interestingly, none of the OECS countries were named in the six. However, many of the countries are expected to be on board by end of January, 2006.
Today, we are building a platform that will energise our economies like never before as our people are now free to move to any territory within Caricom that has signed on to the Agreement and establish businesses moving around key staff to ensure success of their enterprises. Right alongside the movement of capital is the movement of certain professionals who will not require work permits. Work permits will be necessary for persons outside of the six categories but based on their experiences and special skills work permits should be readily available.
The countries of Caricom that are on board at this time are: 1) Barbados, 2) Belize, 3) Guyana, 4) Jamaica, 5) Suriname, and 6) Trinidad & Tobago.
The five categories of persons who can move freely and work in any of the contributing states are, 1) University Graduates from all recognized universities, 2) Musicians, 3) Artistes, 4) Media Workers, 5) Sportspersons. Visit www.caricom.org and www.jamaicaobserver.com and keep abreast of what’s happening in CSME .
It is important for us to follow the developments as this new arrangement emerges. CSME is very much a work in progress and the road will not be smooth, it will be as we experience with many of our roads, it will be filled with pot holes but it is encouraging to note that the path to the best homes in our communities is not paved but lined with pot holes. So we can be assured that CSME will not fail, it would not be another Federation.
We have a new breed of politicians and many of them especially in the OECS would like very much to leave a legacy. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is a successful model in the world, we refer to its success with great pride. Caricom has served us well in our trading relationships, now it is time to build on that and free up the system.
Commerce will take us faster into integration than any other arrangement. Culture has not done it, Carifesta did not bring about that bond but Money is Magic and with the level of economic activity now being experienced in the region, there are definitely exciting times ahead. CSME could not be launched at a better time in our history. Of course there will always be skeptics, but I am a perpetual optimist, the problems of the past are never before me, they are always behind me, so I am pressing onward and with doors as CSME being opened I see prosperity. I would venture to say it has come too late when we have lost some our brightest minds to the developed world but I remain optimistic that given the right environment that Trinidad and Tobago can afford at this time, maybe it is a place to start where that government would be disposed to offer some special incentives to attract our best minds back to the region so that a core of professionals with innovative ideas back by experience could become the drivers of the new economy in our region.
The future for Caribbean people has never been brighter. Cricket World Cup will drive the tourism industry on which many of our countries depend to a sustainable level. The exposure that our nations will get especially the smaller territories will bring about a new thrust in economic activity as well. Our Off Shore Financial Services should attract investors and I would like to suggest that promotional money be put into marketing these services. Alongside all that will be happening, the visitors will be given an opportunity to experience our lifestyle and I am predicting that many of them will fall in love with the natural beauty of our region and come back to do business. The English Speaking Caribbean offers a unique destination for business and pleasure which is ideal for certain businesses. If you follow the programmes of the social, cultural and economic programmes of the region the phrase – “there is never a dull moment†comes to life. You can have the most relaxed lifestyle or you can have a hectic lifestyle, it is up to you. Island hopping will become a new past time for many people.
During the period leading up to Cricket World Cup 2007 there is going to be a window for the launch of a successful Eastern Caribbean airline, it is my hope that Liat will rise to the occasion or just maybe Caribbean Star will shine even brighter. Airlift will remain an area of concern for tourism officials and investing in the airline charter business to serve the Caribbean from international destinations should be an attractive venture. This is a time for overseas based Caribbean Entrepreneurs to enter the Airline Charter business.
It is my sincere hope that given the new opportunity which is presented to us in the region through the CSME, the wider scope which is now possible that Caribbean Entrepreneurs based overseas will look to their homeland for investment opportunities. I would like to suggest the formation of investment clubs where individuals will get together and promote joint ventures/partnerships so that rather than an individual risking all, the risk could be shared. A word of caution however, do not let your business decisions be driven by sentiments, let economic considerations be foremost in your mind so begin in the country that will give you the greatest opportunity to succeed in your business. Having tasted success you can be sentimental and establish in the country of your birth. It is important that there be success stories in the initial stages for those who seek to go off shore. Treat this opportunity as a gold rush. Look at the trends. Trinidadian money is currently driving the economies of many of the smaller states. Colonial Life and its subsidiaries are in the vanguard of this movement.
I am bullish on business. I would like to see the coming together of minds (the Diaspora and the people at home) to advance business opportunities within the region. We must begin to share breaking opportunities. Get the business ideas to the markets of the Caribbean first and vise-versa. I would sincerely hope that a person with a genuine interest in the Caribbean will take the initiative to form a business organization that will give impetus to big business and SMEs within CSME.
I am embarking on a crusade to ensure the presence of the Diaspora in the business activities of the region. There is need for an active network. There are still great deals and opportunities around but it wouldn’t be the same for much longer. There is a window of opportunity that should last for the first six months of 2006 and real estate will begin its upward climb. Beyond 2007 there will be no more deals but inflated market prices as demand will out strip supply. In the case of St. Lucia, it is only 238 square miles. Accessible Land must become scarce at some point. So the time for action is now. Own a piece of the rock in any of your dream Caribbean destination NOW!!!
Have yourself a Prosperous 2006 with an abundance of Health and Happiness! Keep the Faith. God is in charge. Edward A. Harris Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com