CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME (CIP) & DESERT STAR HOLDINGS (DSH) CONTINUE TO BE HIGH ON THE AGENDA!
June 7, 2017
HARRIS AT LARGE!
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME (CIP) & DESERT STAR HOLDINGS (DSH) CONTINUE TO BE HIGH ON THE AGENDA!
It has been one year since the United Workers Party Government has been in office after gaining a substantial majority in Parliament on 6th June, 2016. The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia continues to be adamant that the DSH project – The Pearl of the Caribbean is good for St. Lucia and as the first year of his government in office is observed, he and his ministers are claiming substantial gains for the nation. The opposition disagrees but the man in the street is not ready to argue whether the government is doing a good job or not, except to say one year is not enough to give a verdict – the government needs more time.
Lots of developments are in the making but it takes time to get from planning to implementation and sometimes the world seems to stop. However, our people are patient and continue to be on the lookout. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs are very much on the minds of our politicians, but unless we attract foreign investors to our shores not much will happen. Thank God for the Royalton Resort which brought many jobs during construction and ended up hiring four hundred and fifty persons in the first phase when opened. This is the kind of employment boost that is needed.
In the meantime, what can we do to help our local businesses to generate new jobs? This is a question that should generate some discussions. We have waited on foreign investors sometimes for years without getting to implementation stage. In the meantime, couldn’t we have been giving local Entrepreneurs the necessary incentives and support to make them grow and deliver on the jobs situation? I have a suggestion – only give financial support to existing companies that have proven track record and serious potential for growth, both locally and export while developing a core of innovators in all productive sectors of the economy, especially in services. These industries must have the power of duplication to reach local, regional and extra-regional markets. In short, let us go after businesses with the potential to expand globally.
How many of our local companies with the ability to establish and do business in other CARICOM states in general and the OECS sub grouping in particular of which St. Lucia is an active member have done so? Congratulations to the hand full of companies that have dared to explore new territories. The major obstacle to moving forward and exploring other territories is the lack of trust for each other and the feeling that we must do everything ourselves. What about Joint Ventures, sub distribution, agency agreements, etc. Simply think through your approach, and arrive at a strategy for having a presence in multiple markets. When you are a first mover, don’t ask for St. Lucia, you ask for all the countries in the region by name, and offer your services to establish their products or services throughout the region. This applies to anyone reading this article. Let us get back to basics. The Jamaicans, Barbadians and Trinidadians in the past secured agencies and promoted them throughout the region. I knew a gentleman, now deceased who had the Shilling Oil agency for a few territories in the region.
Going forward our local producers of goods and services must try to look at the global picture, and exports to sub regional, regional and global markets will become part of their overall strategy.
Apart from the government seeking opportunities to fulfil campaign promises, the entertainment scene is also very high on the agenda; the calypso season is gearing up, Roots and Soul Festival is very much talked about and Miss Universe Contest is also making the rounds. There is never a dull moment in the lives of St. Lucians and those you choose to come and visit with us. We welcome you! St. Lucia real nice!
Let us keep it lively; forget the cares of the world and dance. Visit my website recommendation www.stlucia.org/events
Remember always to Keep the Faith, knowing that God is in Charge – Dream Big and Expect Miracles!
Edward Harris
Biblicist, Author/Publisher, Business Consultant, Real Estate Agent/Broker, Networker, CSR/Small Business Advocate & Motivational Speaker Email:
jobfreelife72@yahoo.comWebsite:Â www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/edharrisbiz