SAINT LUCIA POISED FOR GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2008!!!
DECEMBER 30 2007
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE
SAINT LUCIA POISED FOR GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2008!!!
We have lived through some very trying times in 2007. The challenges are going to be greater in the New Year as consumers will be faced with rising fuel prices and increased cost of living. However, as always St. Lucians have an enormous ability to ride the storm. My argument is that when price increases are driven by a neutral commodity, it becomes a global challenge and takes on a universal dimension where everyone is working on finding a solution. The year 2007 has been one of mixed fortunes. In spite of all the challenges, we have lots to be thankful for. There have been successes and failures on every side but through it all we are victorious to the point where as we count our blessings and from the lessons learned, we can look confidently to the future.
I wish to say so much in this article but it is not possible to deal with all the issues and other exciting developments that are on the table. However, there are some very interesting statements and recommendations recorded in the past few days. A World Bank Expert recommended that the region be a an importer of food and as if that was not enough the axe came down on the Banana industry as it was reported that one of its chief advocates stated that he would not invest in the industry. I am very concerned about the latter statement as this comes from someone who must know what he is talking about. That statement hits at the very core of confidence in the industry and by extension the agricultural sector. It leaves me to wonder if the two pronouncements are linked in any way. However, I am happy to note that on the issue of the importation of food our professionals have totally debunked that idea. My take is that FOOD SECURITY must be at the heart of every Government’s agenda.
Too often we are ready to turn our backs on industries that have been important in our early development and even ignore markets within our reach. We must begin to take cognizance of our environment and take decisions that will be in our best interests. It was very much the same in tourism until someone woke up to the reality that people of the region are also potential tourists. It is the same story with Bananas where we are now waking up to the reality the there is a market in the region for Plantains and Bananas. People who discourage activities in the agricultural sector must not be allowed to change our mind set about the relevance of agriculture in our country/region. I am fully persuaded that every country in the region should keep its agricultural base alive. With the cost of living spiraling, we must return to basics, kitchen gardens and rearing of animals and poultry should occupy the free time of households.
As the deadline approached on the EU-Cariforum Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) our Governments have signed on. In the final analysis there had to be compromise on both sides. Congratulations to Minister Guy Mayers and his team for a job well done in the circumstances. What are we to do now? I believe that while the negotiations were taking place, parallel discussions if not workshops should have been convened on a regular basis to look at implementing the EPA in an attempt to get the most out of the programmes. Implementation is set for April 19, 2008. In the meantime, the governments of the region are expected to put the necessary legislative framework in place. Check out the Press release at http://www.stlucia.gov.lc It is interesting to note that while everyone was ready to walk away from Bananas, the fruit unlike Sugar and Rice which were only given an extension of protection for two years, will be allowed into Europe – Duty Free, Quota Free without restrictions. I have been reporting to you on the level of investments taking place in St. Lucia which will continue for at least another two years. On the other hand the Government is forging ahead with some strategic development plans. I posted on my website some details on the EPA and other trade matters. You can check out the information at http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com
This is the time of year when we look back at the things we have done right or wrong during the year, the successes and failures, and those things we could have done differently. Some of us even look back at our over all Balance Sheet of Life and then resolve to get things right in the New Year. Transformation is not always a slow process, it can be immediate. Life is a gift that presents an opportunity to live again. Every year on the 31st December, I take a few hours to sit back and reflect on my blessings and my short comings and make a list of the things I wish to achieve in the New Year. I then convert my wish list into my list of AFFIRMATIONS (positive statements). If you need to achieve it, write it down, then do self talking. It may sound crazy but it works. Read your Bible and pray daily. Apart from the Jabez Prayer, (1st Chronicles, Chapter 4: Verse 10) I have a written prayer.
A special “Thank You†to my readers who faithfully look forward to my articles and I look forward to continue our relationship in the New Year. Here’s wishing you all the very best in the New Year and may all your desires be realized. Make 2008 your best year ever!
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Dream Big and Expect Miracles all the time!!!
Edward Harris
Biblicist, Freelance Journalist, Author, Business & PR Consultant, Realtor, Sales & Marketing Specialist, Networker, Private Sector Advocate, Motivational Speaker
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.Edwardharris.ws http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com http://www.stluciarealtors.com