KALALU, JAZZ, CALYPSO & MORE ST. LUCIAN STYLE!!!
March 27, 2009
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
KALALU, JAZZ, CALYPSO & MORE ST. LUCIAN STYLE!!!
Rain or sun, money or no money St. Lucians will be having great Festivals in 2009! I continue to predict that the month of August will be the month that St. Lucians will feel the real effects of the global economic crisis. In the meantime, it is going to be dancing in the parks and in the streets. There will be no stopping us from enjoying the sunshine and fun that is ours to savour.
The Kalalu Festival normally held in December having missed last year will be held this year in April. The festival will be held on April 11 and 12, 2009. Visit www.kalalufestival.com
St Lucia Jazz will be next and is being hosted from May 2nd to 10th, 2009. The Minister of Tourism, Senator, Honourable Allen Chastanet is up beat about the hotel bookings and projects a great St. Lucia Jazz 2009. Visit www.stlucia.org
The St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association (SLHTA) held its 45th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 25th March, 2009 and Mr. Anthony Bowen, Managing Director of the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort was elected as President.
Looking ahead at Carnival 2009 during the months of June and July, it will be fun regardless of the projected economic dislocation that will result from the global economic down turn. This will be a great way for us to end a period of expansion and begin to tighten our belts as we strategise and implement plans to put our nation on the road to recovery. By this time signs will be clear as to how the special programmes of the Budget are being implemented.
Do not get the impression that it is all fun in St. Lucia, leaders in the public and private sectors are engaged in serious discussions to find solutions to the problems that are looming upon us. In recognition of the leaders in business, the WHO’S WHO in Saint Lucia Business 2008-2009 was launched with an impressive ceremony at the Royal St. Lucian on Thursday 26th March, 2009. The project was undertaken by Right Angle Imaging with support from the National Development Corporation. You can check out the publication at www.whoswhostluciabiz.com
Regarding the Budget, there are signals of no new taxes, reduction in the prices of fuel and provision of jobs in the construction sector. Everyone believes that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Sector (MSMEs) must be sent a clear signal of government’s recognition of its contribution to the economy and to employment in particular. It is also very clear that new areas of business will have to be developed. Creativity must be encouraged; training and exposure to new businesses will have to be intensified. A Secretariat of Innovation and Technology must be a serious consideration of Government to be implemented during the 2009/2010 budget period. It has become necessary for government to take on the role of the driver of new age industries.
We can minimize the negative effects of the current economic fall out but it cannot be business as usual. These times call for business unusual with the mobilization of all the creative energies available to us. The time for words and action is now. Those who are cynical about talking must change their position and begin to talk again but ensure there is appropriate action. We will have to talk through the state of affairs in which we find ourselves. We must engage the minds of the brightest and the best and be unafraid of implementing what is decided upon. President Obama is an example to the world. He has left the politicians behind and is dealing directly with the people. This approach has broadened the discussion making process and engages the people directly. Some very interesting things are happening in President Obama’s White House. Caribbean politicians should take a few pages out of his book.
In the meantime, I must ask the question – When are you coming???
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://www.brainstorminggroup.webs.com