INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
MAY 30, 2008
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
WHAT WILL IT BE – A MINISTRY OR A SECRETARIAT???
It is very clear that if we are to be actors on the world stage, Innovation and Technology must be placed on the front burner. No time should be lost in finding a driver for these important pillars. Innovation and Technology are the two transforming forces that will change the way business is done and make the transition to making real money in the global village. There is urgent need for a Conference on Innovation and Technology. Not just a talk shop but a conference that will produce tangible results. It must be a conference of all the players including Bankers with ready finance to move the process forward into implementation stage in the shortest possible time.
Now that everyone had a say or representation made on his/her behalf as it relates to politics in St. Lucia, it is time to return to business. Civil Society Organisations exercised their mandate to speak on behalf of their constituents. The reality is that Prime Minister Hon. Stephenson King finally arrived at decisions that have lent some degree of hope to the nation. Everyone is awaiting the announcement of the reshuffled cabinet. It is expected that the new week, new month will bring about a new beginning in the life of the cabinet and the nation.
Every time I get the urge to throw in the towel and take a back seat to enjoy my twilight years, something comes along to challenge and energise me. During this past week, politics took centre stage but many conferences/workshops were hosted here as well. It was at one of these workshops which was sponsored by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with The Caribbean Association of Industry & Commerce that I heard from Dr. Annie Koh of Singapore Management University who presented the Singapore economic development story with passion. I was so energized that I repeated my call for a Ministry of Innovation and Technology or a Secretariat of Innovation and Technology. Nothing happened when the initial ministries were allocated and again when the 2007/2008 Budget was presented. I sighed at the lack of enthusiasm shown for Innovation and Technology by the Government at a time when ITC is the platform for taking countries to the next level. There has never been a better time than now to implement my suggestion as the country seeks a platform to launch the revival of the nation.
There is the feeling by many that all conferences and workshops produce little or no result. Some refer to them as talk shops and even refuse to participate. You can’t win unless you stay in the game. I am very happy that even in my moments of doubt, I press forward. I attended the Caribbean SME Workshop which was held at the Bay Gardens Conference Centre on May 27 & 28, 2008. Participants were drawn from all Caricom States – from Guyana to Belize. The main objective of the workshop was to provide policy makers, financial institutions and the business community, the opportunity to discuss solutions to challenges facing SMEs in the Caribbean. Topics presented included – Access to Finance & Business Services, Outcomes of the Pan Commonwealth Conference on Trade in Professional Services, Developing on a Competitive Export Based Service Economy. The virtues of Singapore and Malaysia developments were applauded and the ideas that were shared in relation to positioning the country to maximize its potentials were truly stimulating. The most important step in gaining their success seems to me to be the mobilisation of the creative minds in the country. Another key was the innovative approaches selected to attract investors and tourists. While a lot of concentration is being placed in St. Lucia on manufacturing, the focus has shifted to services. It is all about developing a competitive Export based service economy. I attended several conferences over the years where the virtues of Singapore were highlighted but never was the story told with such passion. Dr. Annie Koh has moved me to the point where I must visit Singapore and the rest of the Asian Tiger countries. It is not possible for me to share with you in one article all the wonderful ideas that were presented but I will share a few websites with you that will allow you to review the strategies that were implemented in a few of the leading countries that operate of the global stage. Other Presenters included Paul Watson from Jamaica, David Ashiagbor, Constance Vigilance – Commonwealth Secretariat, Ramesh Chaitoo – Caribbean Regional Negotiation Machinery, Dav Kowlessar – Trinidad & Tobago. You are invited to visit the websites listed herein: www.dykondeveloppments.com www.smu.edu.sg www.mypsdc.com.my www.crnm.org Presentations made at the conference will be available at www.thecommonwealth.org
The expectations of the workshop from all appearance were exceeded. The challenge now is how can these valuable information be shared with the political directorate. There are lots of opportunities to be taken on board but the political will is needed. It will be great way to indicate a movement in this regard with the Government taking on board the call for a Ministry/Secretariat of Innovation and Technology.
Hereunder is my selected motivational quote for the week.
MAKE CHANGE A POSITIVE PART OF YOUR LIFE
You must avoid breaking when things don’t go your way.
You’ll always be secure to the degree that you accept change.
True security comes from being able to bend your insecurities.
Recognize and accept that change will inevitably take place.
You’ll become secure, not by standing still, but by growing,
moving, and staying energized.
Be secure in the knowledge that you can deal with anything
that happens to you.
Have the courage to bet on your ideas.
Take some calculated risks and act on your dreams.
There is no permanent security on this earth, there is only opportunity.
Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com
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 http://EdwardHarris.myvisalus.com