SAINT LUCIA 30 YEARS OF STABILITY AND EXPANSION!!!
February 12, 2009
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
SAINT LUCIA 30 YEARS OF STABILITY AND EXPANSION!!!
Saint Lucia is Simply Beautiful with friendly people. It is a destination of choice for persons seeking opportunities for business, pleasure and retirement. It is currently rated number 34 out of a total of 180 countries surveyed by the World Bank for Ease in Doing Business.
The nation has been blessed with stable governments over the years and law abiding citizens who are supportive of their Government’s programme to attract tourists and investors to Saint Lucia. Direct Foreign Investment is critical to the development of the economy and is responsible for the advances made by the tourism sector in recent years.
On February 22nd, 2009, Saint Lucia will celebrate 30 years of stability and expansion. There will be the usual military parade and messages from the Queen, Prime Minister and other leaders in the society, only on this occasion the observance will be sombre as the citizens will be called upon to tighten their belts and prepare for a period of austerity.
There is a popular saying that when the USA sneezes, the people of the Caribbean catch a flu. The downturn in the economy of the USA and the rest of the developed world will impact negatively on small states like St. Lucia. There are signs of a slowing down in business activities but the resolve of the people is not weakened in any way.
Mr. Rayneau Gajadhar, Managing Director of Construction & Industrial Equipment (CIE) unveiled a Stimulus Package giving substantial discounts to the Construction Sector on Radio Caribbean International on Sunday, February 8, 2009. The programme is endorsed by the St. Lucia Industrial and Small Business Association (SLISBA). CIE is a producer of sand, stone, ready mix concrete, heavy duty construction equipment and transportation services. Mr. Gajadhar invited other companies to participate in the project and said he is concerned about keeping the doors of businesses open, maintain employment levels and be ready when things get better. The package will be for individuals seeking to purchase products and services from EC$50,000.00 to a maximum of 350,000.00.
Some positive things are happening in spite of the current economic environment. The signal coming from Government is that there is a willingness to come up with some form of assistance for the private sector. In the meantime, a number of meetings are being convened with leaders of industry, labour and government. The debate on the cost of gasoline at the pumps is continuing. However, consumers are not united in their position whether the Government should maintain the price or reduce it to reflect the current price on the international market. Saint Lucians continue to be patient and sympathetic to the prevailing conditions in which the Government has to operate.
Tourism is already feeling the effects of the global economic situation. It is heartening to note that the Government is doing everything to support the tourism sector which is the driver of the economy. There is no discussion on the subject of withdrawal of airline routes which is good for the industry and it is for that reason that Senator, Hon. Allen Chastanet must be supported to improve the visibility of the destination.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Consumer Affairs will be hosting the National Independence Exhibition, February 25 to March 1, 2009 as part of the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Independence. The exhibition will be held at Beausejour and will showcase locally produced agricultural and consumer products, and services. The response to the event is overwhelming.
St. Lucian Entrepreneurs are not taking the current global economic situation sitting down. Finally the creative potential is coming through and they have begun to look outside the box. The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture recently hosted a Seminar on Franchise Opportunities to direct Entrepreneurs to new areas of business which if well selected have every chance of succeeding as Domino’s Pizza, KFC and Subway have proven.
To my Saint Lucian readers, it is time to reflect on the progress of your homeland. Let us celebrate! Happy Mashramani to my Guyanese readers!
Make 2009 your best year ever, 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
Websites: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com
http://Edharas.webprosperity.com
http://www.brainstorminggroup.webs.com