IT IS TIME TO LOOK INWARD!
June 22, 2011Â
Harris At Large! Â
IT IS TIME TO LOOK INWARD!Â
We can no longer think that things will get better anytime soon. It is time that we think about lessening our almost exclusive dependence on Foreign Direct Investors and assistance from friendly governments and international agencies. It is time we begin to look inward and stop looking outward for help that is no longer forthcoming at the levels we were accustomed in the past. We must now take action to help ourselves at home. What can we do at home to help ourselves? In short we must now garner our local human and financial resources to find alternatives that can generate investment activities that will assist us over the short to medium term.Â
The developed world with few exceptions have their own problems and for some time now have been reluctant participants in helping less developed States. Aid flows have lessened substantially from traditional sources over the years. We now rely heavily on the continued goodwill of the European Union with its Economic Partnership Agreement. Thanks to China and Taiwan which have filled the void somewhat. I wonder since the aid flows have shifted if we shouldn’t become more aggressive in establishing relationships with more Asian countries.Â
There are some positive signs regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) as companies get involved in a serious way in various communities across the island. Do Something Campaign and RISE St. Lucia Inc. are very visible in the communities. Â
I wish that as visionaries in our society come up with the various necessary and successful programmes, that they seek to share their experiences with neighbouring island States. What is been done to facilitate regional interaction in the various groups? Apart from our people getting a better understanding of each other, regional tourism will benefit. This approach should now be given priority.Â
The USA tourist market is being eroded by lack of jobs, increased costs of living, high cost of education, medical care and the list goes on and on. Other markets are no different and very soon, given our dependency on tourism things will become more difficult. The future must be placed squarely in the hands of the people who must take action to secure their future. That is what independence is all about – taking responsibility.Â
I was on the beach in Vieux Fort last Saturday with a few friends when around 7.00pm we were the only ones trying to resist the wind to take down the tent and get out off the beach. Apart from us everyone had gone except for a police patrol vehicle which passed by. I guess the persons in Vieux Fort who prophesized about the earthquake and tsunami had begun to pray even more. It is time for church leaders to insist that their members desist from alarming the public unnecessarily as the date and time of the end; no human is entrusted with such knowledge. Christians must adhere to the instructions of the Holy Bible which is clear on end time happenings.Â
It is now evident that God will act in his own time, let us all do our bit to make this world a better place. Beginning today after reading this article what will you do to make your immediate community a better place and by extension St. Lucia? There are things that you will never be able to change or introduce on your own. I challenge you to do something to put together an ACTION GROUP. If you don’t feel comfortable to be the leader, find some else who will accept the position and give you full support. Brainstorm to find out what can be done in the community to improve the general condition. Start with a clean up and beautification campaign. Then begin to look at possible businesses that can be introduced to your community. Organise a Co-operative Society with a broad base demand for the goods/services identified. Organise activities that will attract persons to participate. By engaging in simple social and economic ventures, you can transform your community. Â
In the past few months I was able to have as my guests a number of talented young Entrepreneurs on my show, Let’s Talk Business! The show is aired on Channel 42 LIME, 78 Karibcable and on the internet at www.sluhwtv.com at 8.00pm on Wednesdays and 7.30pm on Sundays. From the inception of the show, it has been my desire to host all of my guests on one show and get them to share their experiences with the audience. It is time for us to inspire each other. Success must be contagious. The Success Virus must take over this region. Â
I will never stop trying to get our business people to come together and discuss experiences and new ideas. Maybe it is because I grew up in an era when we were taught that Unity is Strength. The one man stand up show is for Comedians. That is exclusive to that industry. Business is different and it is obvious when you take a count of the various private sector associations in St. Lucia. Â
I have a very special invitation for you. On Tuesday the 5th of July 2011, I will host a FREE – Be Your Own Boss Opportunity Meeting at the Bay Gardens Inn, Rodney Bay at 6.00 pm. If you ever thought of owning a business or simply earning passive income, this invitation is for you. Once you sign up to be an Associate, you will be provided with free training to ensure that you succeed. We will assist you to create your Dream Board and help you to realize your dreams. I have a Dream that drives me to extend this invitation to my readers – that dream is to establish a strong Business and Social Group that will transform lives and remove all stresses that make attaining Financial and Time Freedom impossible for the majority and only available to a few. Space is limited, register early to avoid disappointment.
Request registration form at Email: caribbiz@gmail.comÂ
Remember always to Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Dream Big and expect Daily Miracles!Â
Edward Harris
Biblicist, Freelance Journalist, Author, Realtor, Business & PR Consultant
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: www.stluciapropertydeals.com www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/globalmillionairesclub
www.brainstorminggroup.webs.com www.cariblist.com St. Lucia – Agent ECREDMC
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