EVEN THE RAINS COULDN’T STOP THE SLP RALLY
November 25, 2008
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
EVEN THE RAINS COULDN’T STOP THE SLP RALLY
IN CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA!
Not even the heavy rains which fell for most of Sunday, 23/11/08 could have stopped the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) from holding its Rally which mobilized members from across the country. The Opposition Leader, Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony expressed his concerns for the way the country is being managed. The organizers experienced some problems in getting permission to hold the rally but after the intervention of the talk show hosts and the voices of citizens were raised, permission was granted. Senator, Hon. Allen Chastanet expressed concern about the rally was requested to be held on a day when cruise ship would have been in port. However, the Rally was held without any negative incident.
Happy Thanksgiving! We have a lot to be grateful for as God is showing His mighty acts on behalf of his people everywhere. A change has come and the world is better for it. Already the market is reacting positively as President Elect Barack Obama unveils the members of his team. It is important to note that at this juncture in the affairs of the most powerful nation on earth, there is no place for trial and error and President Elect Obama is surrounding himself with an experienced team, whom with his leadership will bring about real CHANGE.
I hope that Caribbean leaders are watching closely at the method which President Elect Obama is applying. It is not about party, it is about country, bringing together the brightest and the best to help in the administration of the country. This is no time for judgment that is based on anything else but seeking the best for the country.
I had the pleasure of attending the 124th Annual General Meeting of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. The featured speaker was Hon. David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados and he was unapologetic in his position that Barbados is not ready to open its door to freedom of movement of Caricom Nationals as the social infrastructure will be threatened. He noted the superior social services of Barbados. He is on the side of Belize where caution with regard to free movement will not be free for a while yet. Another surprise was his statement with respect to joint marketing of a single Caribbean/Caricom Destination where the region will market its tourism products under one umbrella and as a result maximize the their exposure by effectively utilizing their limited resources. These two positions strike at the very heart of the CSME. I am not a pessimist but I see a very uncertain road for the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). At the moment we have only implemented the Caricom Single Market (CSM), the Economy will be added down the road as it will mean giving up the currencies of the More Developed Countries (MDCs).
Again, I was happy to be a part of an impressive ceremony with a small gathering which launched the sensitization programme for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Economic Union on 17th November, 2008. It is my belief that the OECS Economic Union will achieve its goals as already, there is much to show in the successful operations of the Central Bank, Telecommunication Regulations, Bulk Purchasing of Drugs, Judicial System, Air Transportation, joint Embassies and other essential areas of collaboration are being pursued. The OECS is leading the way in terms of integration and the way it looks may well be left alone to prove the point that integration is possible as they get to the stage of formalizing a political union.
I am writing this article from the lobby of one of the Sheraton Hotels in Toronto, Canada having attended a function held earlier to launch Quantum Express. The Destiny Group of Companies is once again in the news as it introduces its money transfer business to the world. In a matter of weeks Canadians will be able to send remittances to their relatives and friends without paying a fee. It is free and what is great, remittances can be sent as often as you wish. That is great news for those who make regular remittances. This programme will be rolled out in the USA very early in the New Year. Mr. David Singh, Chairman/CEO of the Destiny Group of Companies addressed a large number of members of the Caribbean Diaspora and shared a piece of advice which may be helpful to the Diaspora in the USA – Buy Bank Shares Now! Quantum Express will be hosting a number of targeted meetings as Officials seek to reach the several communities in the Pre Launch phase of the programme. The timing for such an initiative couldn’t be better.
St. Lucians are gearing up for the holidays and I can see no holding back. MEGA J, a fifty square foot shopping mall located at Choc is now reality. First world shopping has come to St. Lucia and we love it. As prices are adjusted, the reliance on barrels could be substantially reduced and be substituted by CASH transfers.
Baron Foods Ltd. scored another first as the Company received its ISO22000 – 2005 Certification which is the highest award in the food processing industry and the first for the Caribbean. Managing Director, Mr. Ronald Ramjattan and his team were praised by the Executive Director of the St. Lucia Bureau of Standards for their commitment to excellence. The ceremony which was held at the Sandals Grande was attended by Who’s Who in Government and the Private Sector in St. Lucia. Prime Minister, Hon. Stephenson King in his remarks traced his association with Mr. Ramjattan in his early years in St. Lucia and noted that St. Lucia is proud of his achievements. Mr. Ramjattan is Guyanese by birth.
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Dream Big and Expect Miracles Everyday!!!
Edward Harris
Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist (RECS)
Freelance Journalist, Biblicist, Business & PR Consultant, Realtor, Networker, Private Sector & CSR Advocate, Motivational Speaker
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Website: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com