VIEUX FORT NEEDS A STIMULUS PACKAGE!!!
August 13, 2009
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
VIEUX FORT NEEDS A STIMULUS PACKAGE!!!
I visited the Town of Vieux Fort on Wednesday, 12/8/09 to check out friends and to look at economic developments in the area. Unfortunately, there was not much of the latter to be seen. I called on one of my colleagues at his newly established office in Beanefield Commercial Park from where he operates FMC Professional Services. We discussed at length what we thought is needed in the South to stimulate business creation and generate employment.
I have a love for the South of the island and I have done everything possible over the years to share experiences and opportunities with Entrepreneurs in the area. I return from time to time to lecture to their staff and attend meetings.
There was a time when Entrepreneurs in the South were very active, attending meetings, participating in workshops, etc. SLISBA had a substantial membership among business persons in the area. Today, there is a lack of coming together. I get the feeling that individualism has taken over co-operativism. There could be no change in the economic fortunes of the South unless there is recognition that a united approach is absolutely necessary. Entrepreneurs must come together, share experiences and discuss the way forward. They must be able to clearly articulate for themselves, the necessary actions that will bring about change.
Here are a few recommendations to jump start economic activities in the South.
1. Bring together Stakeholders comprising of professionals, political and community leaders, and entrepreneurs for a retreat to discuss: a) the existing state of the business environment in the South, b) Identify possible investments in all sectors and c) chart a course forward. This initiative could be facilitated by Private Associations with a membership base in the South.
2. Beyond the retreat and meetings, the Entrepreneurs should begin to work with Consultants to develop Pre-Feasibility & Feasibility Studies, Business Plans, etc. on projects they would wish to implement.
3. Land Development is an interesting area for consideration. There is a lot of idle land that needs to be sub divided. A special facility to develop lands should be made available and then placed into a commercial land bank for ready access by Realtors and potential investors.
4. There is need for supporting services in the areas of Entertainment, Dining, Recreational Facilities and a special Vieux Fort attraction on Saturdays. Several years ago I suggested that a Cultural programme be promoted in the centre of the town with the band stand moved to another location each week. It must be strictly cultural.
5. Hoteliers should promote Weekend Packages for locals to encourage them to visit the South. Coop Advertising promoting businesses in Vieux Fort could be a first step.
6. A Casino should be established in the South that will be serviced by junket flights from Latin America, the Caribbean and the USA to provide clients with easy access to St. Lucia.
This is just some of my thoughts to get a discussion going. I feel that it is time that some positive steps be taken to stimulate economic activities. The New Frontier has been a slogan for too long, it is time for it to become reality. Someone or a group needs to take leadership for transforming Vieux Fort.
Hereunder is my selected motivational piece of the week.
LEADERSHIP IS ACTION NOT POSITION
All successful people became successful,
because they gave some talent or ability in the service of others.
You can contribute in some way to others,
no matter how small your talent.
You too, can become successful.
No one achieves success without being of service.
Successful people don’t use others,
other people use the successful,
for above all success is of service.
Everyone has to be someone to someone to be anyone.
Service is the essence of success.
© Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com
Youth Fest returns to Vieux Fort on December 13, 2009 and its continued success will depend on the level of sponsorship received from businesses, especially those in the South. I feel that Entertainment and Sports Promoters should be encouraged to stage more of their promotions in the South. There is reasonable infrastructure to facilitate the hosting of events.
Keep the Faith; remember always God is in Charge, Dream Big and Expect Daily
Miracles!!!
Edward A. Harris
Freelance Journalist, Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist (RECS)
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com http://www.brainstorminggroup.webs.com http://www.americasrealty.com
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