LET US ENERGISE THE NATION
February10, 2006
Edward Harris at Large!!!
LET US ENERGISE THE NATION
TO WAGE BATTLE FOR SOCIAL & ECONOMIC PROGRESS!!!
People are our most precious resource whether we think of people in the context of existence – culturally, socially or economically, individually or a combination of all three. It definitely takes people to drive businesses.
If we are to build a solid foundation based on ethical standards fueled by love for each other, our leaders should set examples and show care and concern for the residents of their communities. Efforts to secure. change of attitude must be at their best in the context of today’s world. Apart from the efforts of the leaders, the Government has a major role to play. Governments are not unmindful of giving incentives but sometimes the call needs to come from without. Most businesses are more concerned with their bottom line than the things upon which their bottom line ultimately depends. Even when budgetary allocations are made for donations, thought is seldom given to the development of people in the communities from which they derive sales and seek to draw the best disciplined people to become their employees. Who is supposed to be instilling values in these persons? This is very important if we are to prevent indiscipline and theft in companies. It is common knowledge that in many instances, businesses were brought to their knees as a result of employee theft.
We cannot exist in a society without caring for its people. The crime rate is where it is today because for years we have neglected our young persons who sit aimlessly at street corners and we ignore them. Neglect of the young persons has led us to the point where we are at today. While the rising unemployment level needs to be checked, many seem helpless to do anything about it. By the time we think about the present situation, another July is approaching and we are back to the place where more students would be thrown into the situation of looking for work which in these days is a daunting and frustrating experience.
It is my sincere wish that essential trades will be taught in institutions around the island which will give many students, school leavers and even the idle hands around an opportunity to learn a skill. This will take the commitment of those who are knowledgeable about the traditional trades to voluntary devote some of their spare time to teaching others. There is need for the non academic and the academic approach to trades as it is proven that a person with passion and aptitude for a certain trade will always excel and do much more than many persons who are academically qualified in the discipline. Some people are gifted with a natural skill only waiting for an opportunity to present itself.
It would be interesting to ascertain the status of persons who passed through the National Skills Development Centre in terms of them putting their skills to work for themselves. I am certain that a significant number of the graduates has become self employed. It is this type of approach that needs to be expanded. There is need for trade schools around the island. Dress Making should be taught to every female student and to those male students who show an interest. Tailoring should be taught to male students. There was a time in our recent history that certain clubs played a vital role in preparing young people. There is need for serious assessments of the many things that worked for us in the past to see how we can apply them today. You can call it brain washed, you can call it what you will, it worked. We are constantly reminded that we are living in modern times when the old things are passed and everything has become new. There are certain fundamental things that never change and sowing the seeds of respect, decency, love and other virtues are fundamentals that we need to uphold. In many homes parents have created situations that will come back to haunt them which by their insensitivity to understanding the plight of the needy in our midst and exalting their own children above others is creating a new breed of youngsters who will seek to create upheaval in the social order.
The moulding of the young begins in the home. Too many parents leave it for persons outside of the home to do what is supposed to be done inside. In recent times when white Americans are interviewed by talk show hosts and they are asked about why the majority of black people are impoverished, they cite teenage pregnancies, single parents and broken homes. Even with all that the older folks of the Caribbean survived and many became successes themselves or they lived their dreams through their children who succeeded and were grateful.
It is time for those who can make a contribution to come forward. Begin with simple actions that will impact positively in the community. Invite persons with ideas and other leaders to visit your community and share experiences with the residents. Get locally based motivational speakers to energise attendees at special functions that would bring about life changing effects and put them on a path of turning dreams into reality.
Why am I referring to these issues? What relation do these things have to business? It has a lot to do with business. Crime restricts business. In Jamaica, the uptown folks would not go down town after six pm. As a result the restaurants, clubs and bars downtown suffer. The level of sales are a lot lower than what could be achieved, all because of the violence in the downtown area. We need disciplined citizens who will uphold decency and live with dignity.
The quality of citizens in a country dictates the quality of life. When there is discipline in a country, the people in the country, residents and visitors alike would feel free to move about, enjoy the social and cultural atmosphere and business will prosper. These are powerful arguments that necessitate action on the part of businesspersons and government to re focus their priorities to ensure that a proper foundation is built and sustained to maintain a social and economic environment that is compatible with the lifestyles that today’s businesspersons and tourists are seeking out around the world. Tourists want to do those things that are unthinkable where they live – they are in search of freedom. They are looking for countries that are investor friendly and welcome tourists.
In giving credence to the foregoing suggestions that are primarily based on giving back to the community to prepare our young people to be better citizens and employees, Government should consider in its budget proposal tax incentives for companies and individuals who contribute to human and community development. For example, the Government of Canada allows donations to charitable organizations through Charitable Trust Funds. Citizens contributing to such funds get a premium on the amount contributed. I learned that in the Toronto if someone puts a C$1.00 into the fund, that person could claim C$2.32 against their current year’s tax assessment. It must be noted that such programmes are not continuous, they may run for a few years and be discontinued and then another programme comes along. Just maybe given our financial circumstance 50% above the EC$1.00 could be a start. Do you wish to venture a calculation if such a programme is implemented and employers and employees could participate? Some persons keep on using the phrase that we must think out of the box but I would like to add that we must look for workable precedents as we travel around the world. Ask questions and look around. There are many things that we can find to adapt to our circumstances even if at a lesser degree.
I am a strong advocate for the Multi Level Marketing (M.L.M.) industry. I feel that many good products that can benefit our citizens in improving their health and afford them the opportunity to maintain healthy lifestyles are being denied them because of our market size, but in many instances the freight and customs levies are the real hindrances. I feel that many of our unemployed could be beneficially utilized and given an opportunity to earn a decent living, and live a lifestyle that many can only dream of. Unfortunately, the high freight charges and customs levies previously alluded to, limit the participation of many persons in the industry. It is important to note that this is a global industry and with the effective use of the internet, many in our midst could enjoy the lifestyle that they can only dream of in their present situation. You can request my FREE MLM E-BOOK at Email: NoFreeMoney@gmail.com
There are many opportunities to improve the lot of the small man and this is the time for those of us who believe that change is possible to rally around those who are in positions to influence those changes. This is my final plea for 2006 to give of your talents to your community. Next week we will deal with some important information that will expose you to opportunities to earn substantial income.
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, be optimistic, never give up!!!
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