GRAPPLING WITH THE DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES!!!
April 22, 2010
Edward Harris At Large!
GRAPPLING WITH THE DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES!
It is Budget in St. Lucia, Elections in Trinidad and Tobago, Election Petitions in Antigua and Barbuda, and lesser noises in the rest of the region. The international economic climate is one of uncertainties, fuelled by disasters. Waking up in the morning to the headline news from BBC, CNN and other television networks could be a very unpleasant way to commence your day. It is for that reason many persons are making the choice not to listen to newscasts.
I noted the remarks of a few persons that St. Lucia was speared the wrath of the financial recession and we all should be happy that the decline has been arrested. Yes, it has been business as usual if you took a casual look at the happenings around, especially in the area of social interaction but in reality many have been hurting and continue to hurt.
Sometimes, meeting deadlines could take away the excitement many journalists have for a story. As I prepared my article for this weekend, I would have loved to carry my take on the Budget as I did in previous years. However, all is not lost as I always see things differently to most of my colleagues. I like the feel good approach – finding a way to see the light at the end of the tunnel. “Hope†is not about despair. It is about a clear positive vision. One thing I wish to point out about the Budget is that it is one filled with prospects for a prosperous St. Lucia in spite of the global economic stresses. It is a defining budget for the Government. Can they deliver? Yes this or any other Government could but it will call for bringing together our best minds in the public and private sectors to execute the plans with timeliness. Procrastination will not befriend us. Can do, must do will have to be the new order. Remove all stumbling blocks to progress while maintaining orderliness – procedures must be followed.
How do people who are not in the main stream of Government make a contribution to the development of their homeland? Home Coming 2010 will present an opportunity for new ideas and recommendations of systems that are being successfully implemented in the first world. How will these contributions by some of our brightest and best of the Diaspora be channeled? We must plan to solicit these contributions and put them through the available channels in the public and private sectors. I am excited about the Partnership Fair which will be hosted during the period of the Home Coming. As the name implies, I hope that the opportunity will also be given to members of the Diaspora to exhibit products and services. Ideally, it should be a two way partnership.
The citizens of St. Lucia though conscious of the several economic, political, social and cultural problems are living their lives with a sense of optimism. This posture holds good for the times in which we live. There must be those among us who are prepared to make a difference in spite of prevailing circumstances.
The need to survive will always be the engine that will propel persons to find employment, implement new ideas, innovate and simply defy the odds. Persons who help to create a positive environment are most needed at this juncture of our development. I had the pleasure of participating in the GEN-X Awards Ceremony two weeks ago and I was truly impressed with the level of commitment demonstrated by the Founder of the project – Mr. Rayneau Gajadhar, Chairman of RG Group and his Management team. I look forward to the future expansion of the programme as it embarks upon Phase 2.
The Realtors’ Association (Saint Lucia) Inc. will host its Monthly Networking Meeting at the Bay Gardens Inn, Rodney Bay on Wednesday, 28th April, 2010 at 5.00 pm. Realtors are being encouraged to attend this important meeting.
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge and expect Daily Miracles!
Edward Harris
Biblicist, Freelance Journalist, Realtor, Business & PR Consultant
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: www.stluciapropertydeals.com www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com www.brainstorminggroup.webs.com www.cariblist.com St. Lucia – Agent ECREDMC
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