IT IS ST. LUCIA’S TIME TO SHINE – CAN WE RISE BEYOND EXPECTATIONS???
January 25, 2007
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
IT IS ST. LUCIA’S TIME TO SHINE – CAN WE RISE BEYOND EXPECTATIONS???
It has been very hectic in the past few days shuttling between meetings during official working hours and evenings. However, it goes with the territory. The more meetings I attend, the more information I will be able to share with my readers and in my own way attempt to make recommendations that will help to accelerate initiatives.
It was very refreshing to learn from Sir K. Dwight Venner, Governor of the ECCB based in St. Kitts as he reported via a video conference held on January 18, 2007 on the ECCU Economic Review 2006 highlighting the economic performance of the OECS States. There were groups assembled across the sub-region and participants fielded questions which were answered by the Governor. The indicators prove that the economies continue to do well and the ECCB’s position remains favourable.
Caribbean Development Bank/Inter-American Development Bank brought together Civil Society Organisations’ Representatives from across the region for a three day conference, February 22-24, 2007 which was held at the Bay Gardens Conference Centre. The theme was – Building Local Partnerships for Community Development. The feature address at the opening ceremony was delivered by The Right Honourable Sir John Compton, Prime Minister of St. Lucia and he noted that “development must be people orientedâ€. It is very clear that the CDB and the IDB are seeking ways to empower communities and are working with Civil Society Organisations to ensure that programmes are put in place to achieve that objective.
Senator, Hon. Guy Mayers, Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce was instrumental in convening a meeting for members of the private sector to meet officials of Cricket World Cup St. Lucia Ltd. on February 23, 2007 at the NIC Conference Room when Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Chief Executive Officer outlined his organisation’s role in the affairs of Cricket World Cup 2007 in St. Lucia. It was the Minister’s first interaction with the Private Sector. The outcome of the meeting led me to the conclusion that the private sector armed with the information regarding the state of play with 47 days to go as of the date of the meeting had their work cut out for them.
The biggest challenge for St. Lucia is, to take care of 20,000 additional persons on island for 3-4 days for the Semi Final on 25/4/07. It is estimated that it will require inventory levels of 4-6 weeks to meet the demand for that period. Just for a while, try to picture what it will be like for those 3-4 days as the whole effort comes together. Arrivals, island transportation – land and sea, late shopping, entertainment programmes, garbage disposal, what an experience it will be. It is a great time to be alive as momentum builds up to the event. It should be everyone’s prayer across the nine countries where the matches will be played that we the people will rise to the challenges and perform beyond expectations.
I feel that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce should convene a meeting of the key food and beverage distributors in the country to provide whatever assistance necessary so as to ensure that there is a commitment to meet the heightened demands during Cricket World Cup 2007. Hon. Edmund Estephane in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce has been given the responsibility to deal with the private sector in relation to matters of the CWC 2007. I recommend that distribution be decentralized wherever practicable and Retailers should be encouraged to increase their level of inventory substantially. The commercial banks should be extending some special facilities at this time.
Congratulations to President Colin Hunte and members of the Executive Committee which emerged from the elections at their AGM on February 24, 2007 at the Royal St. Lucian Hotel as they undertake the challenge to chart the course of the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) for the ensuing year. Senator, Hon. Allen Chastanet, newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation outlined his plans for the industry. There are a few challenges but given the energy that was visible at the meeting, it sends a clear signal that some exciting times are ahead. Airlift though a challenge, the Minister’s willingness to take chances and operate outside of the box could well be the shot in the arm the industry is looking for. The rationalization of responsibilities of the various related organisations such as the Tourist Board and the Tourism Council is a first step. The Industry agencies are expected to be given the necessary financial support to ensure they deliver on their mandates. Soufriere with its World Heritage site seems to be in for some serious attention. The level of excitement at the meeting was so high that it was remarked by the Chairman of the proceedings that – the Wow Feeling is here!!!
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce, Senator, Hon. Guy Mayers met with members of the Management Committee of the St. Lucia Industrial and Small Business Association (SLISBA) led by President – Patrick H. Joseph on February 24, 2007 in his office for almost two hours, and expressed his support for the Association. He remarked “that the Ministry will take a business approach to doing things and will seek to facilitate and not frustrateâ€.
SLISBA is in the process of upgrading its Secretariat and has established relations with VIP Consultants, a French Consulting Company to assist in its institutional strengthening. The current management committee is committed to providing its membership with a level of service consistent with the demands of this new era.
Here is my Internet pick of the week: http://www.takebacktheinternet.com This site exposes internet crimes, identity theft and other frauds such as the Nigerian scams.
It is a great time to be alive, Keep the Faith, God is in Charge! Expect Miracles in 2007!!!
THE COUNT DOWN TO CRICKET WORLD CUP 2007 HAS BEGUN!
Edward A. Harris, http://www.edwardharris.ws Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com