WHAT’S NEXT!
HARRIS AT LARGE!
March 24 2022
WHAT’S NEXT!
“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity. †— Gilda Radner
Up to three years ago, it was all about what is the next big thing? We were looking at possible new technologies or financial breakthroughs. Today, we are looking at what part of the world will be the next upheaval. There are continuous rumours of war and instability all around us. Satan is at large; the minds of many leaders are corrupt and confused; their minds are bent on gaining power at all cost. Where is the love for their fellowmen? Where will all this end?
We are fortunate to be living in a zone of peace with the exception of Guyana where every attempt is currently being made to resolve the border dispute with Venezuela through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). For as long as I can remember, this dispute has been coming up with various tribunals trying desperately to reach a settlement to no avail. However, this matter is being actively pursued at this time and it is the hope that a final legally binding settlement will be reached. The recent oil and gas discovery in Guyana needs a stable environment where all persons of goodwill will live in peace and prosper.
It was very refreshing for me to visit my native land – Guyana where there is so much energy among the people who are basking under the sunshine of their new found prosperity. The government is striving to bring genuine benefits to the citizens. The effects are beginning to be felt in such areas as land distribution, job opportunities, new skills development, grant payments to severed workers in the sugar industry, etc.
In spite of the substantial discoveries of oil and gas, Guyana is actively proceeding with the diversification of its economy. Go Invest which is the Investment promotion arm of the government is aggressively seeking to attract Foreign Direct Investments in all sectors of the economy. The private sector in Guyana is highly supportive of the government’s thrust in opening up the country to genuine regional and extra-regional investors. This is the way to go and it must be noted that there is no lagging behind of the leadership of the country in reaching out to the international investment community.
I had the opportunity while on my short visit to Guyana to meet with some major players in the economy who are reporting buoyancy and satisfaction in the pace of development. I missed going to Linden on this occasion but the region I am betting on is Region 10 Upper Demerara-Berbice with the 2nd largest town – Linden which is famous for its large bauxite deposit, and is the gateway to the hinterland.
Back from my short trip to Guyana, I was greeted with the good news that Prime Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre will be presenting his inaugural Estimates of Revenue & Expenditure for 2022/23 on the 29th March, 2022. This is great news as the SLP administration will be able to set the tone for the next 4 years regarding their goals for the development of the nation.
In an earlier article, I noted the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley’s active role in blazing the trail in opening up joint venture relationships in tourism and agriculture between Barbados and Guyana. Barbadian Entrepreneurs are off and running. What is St. Lucia doing?
I was actively involved in a project start-up in Guyana between 2018 and 2019 just before the COVID 19 pandemic. At that time the price of land and buildings were just starting to move upward. In three short years, the prices that are being demanded today have drastically increased. This is not a time to sit on the fence and watch how things are developing, the game is far advanced but it is still possible to get into the game.
I am very encouraged by the progress that many St. Lucian entrepreneurs made in forging business relations since I introduced them to Guyana a few years ago. It is time for St. Lucian entrepreneurs to begin to set up shop overseas especially in the CARICOM region and beyond. Guyana should be a prime consideration.
In spite of the doom and gloom that surround us at this time, there are still bright spots and it is for citizens to expand their horizons and establish themselves beyond their homeland to withstand any future eventualities that are not consistent with the plans for their lives.
What’s next? Do not be bogged down by the negative happenings in the world today but rather create a positive space to grow and prosper therein.
Remember COVID 19 is not going anywhere right now, continue to exercise caution, and maintain appropriate protocols.
Stay Healthy, Stay Safe! Blessings!
Edward Harris
Freelance Journalist/Realtor/Business Consultant
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Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com