St. Lucia Simply Beautiful

March 17, 2011 

Harris At Large!  

DON’T SEND ME FLOWERS WHEN I AM DEAD! 

I have been living a life of celebration in my heart since the evening of the 11^th of March, 2011 when I received SLISBA Membership Award. I thought it would have never happened but it did. I received my bouquet of flowers in my lifetime and did not have to wait until I die. Little things do mean a lot and I thank God for the opportunity. 

Service above self is what I practice all my life. When I joined Rotary, I was able to validate my experiences. After eighteen years of active membership in SLISBA, I thank my friends and well wishers for being by my side during a journey that is not yet ended. I continue to participate in programmes and attend meetings on behalf of SLISBA whenever called upon. I am never too busy. I respond promptly to requests from several persons who call upon me for business advice.  

I am keeping a watchful eye on the Realtors Association (Saint Lucia) Inc. The Association will host its 1^st Annual General Meeting on March 22, 2011. I received the first Honorary Member Award from the Association in May 2010. That was a surprise to me but I cherish the recognition. When I asked myself the question – Did I earn it? I answered in the affirmative. So I am at peace with myself. 

As I reflect upon my involvement with Associations over the years, I have one regret, and that is the lack of involvement of members of associations and the indecision of others to get involved. The question keeps coming up – What is in it for me? The real question should be – What can I do to make the association execute its mandate effectively? It is in giving that we receive. With every passing year Associations find it difficult to maintain their membership level in the new year. What’s in it for me syndrome is robbing many persons of achieving real success in their particular endeavour. 

There was always the issue when Corporate Social Responsibility was discussed, whether it should be Corporate Social Responsibility or just plain Social Responsibility. If we all accept our part in social responsibility, this world will be a better place. Giving Back versus Taking Away, what is your take?

 About three years ago I wrote on two subjects, a) the economic   environment and how it was impacting on business persons and b) the neglect of the youth which will in time increase crime. The latter is happening and the former is finally raising its head. Many Micro and Small business persons who once ran profitable businesses are giving up and aggressively seeking to join the job market. Those who heeded my advice to get involved in multiple streams of income are now smiling, especially those who invested in real estate. The smart Entrepreneurs who bought land instead of investing in personal non income producing assets are smiling all the way to the bank with a minimum of 100% return on investment in five years.

 Those micro, small and medium business operators who are experiencing difficult times must get together with their Business Support Organisations and find solutions to their problems. There is definitely the need for some flexible terms of financing and new financial arrangements. It is time to look at Barter as a means of doing business and paying bills. Barter has some interesting advantages especially in settling outstanding debts. Will somebody wake up to this age old system that is working today in the developed world?

 Everyone is complaining about the price of oil but it is necessary to look at the movement of prices on super market shelves and services. With instability in Arab countries and Africa followed by natural disasters, we are in for some serious times. There is no letting up in the many problems in our world today. Earthquake is striking everywhere. The recent situation in Japan is an eye opener. 

In recent times I find myself responding to invitations to attend church services and I must confess I am refreshed by the experiences. I plan to continue fellowshipping with believers. I will like to suggest that leaders in our communities lead the charge in attending church services. Let us do everything to be role models for the young persons in our midst. 

We need Faith to live in today’s world so that we can rejoice in all things.  

Be sure to recognize those persons in your community for their contributions. Let them know you appreciate them and support their efforts. 

Remember always to Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Dream Big and expect Daily Miracles! 

Edward Harris

Biblicist, Freelance Journalist, Author, 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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