THE REGION HAS LOST A DEDICATED PRIVATE SECTOR ADVOCATE
September 22. 2011Â
Harris At Large! Â
THE REGION HAS LOST A
DEDICATED PRIVATE SECTOR ADVOCATE
I received a call at around 2.00pm on Wednesday 21st September, 2011 informing me about the death of a friend and colleague – Jonathan Adams which occurred by accident sometime during the evening of Tuesday 20th September in Trinidad. Jonathan was the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Enterprising Business Association (SEBA) which is located in San Fernando with branches in other parts of the country.
 I first met Jonathan in Jamaica at a CARICOM Conference on Small Business. Due to a late invitation, he missed the first day and arrived on day two ready to do battle on behalf the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Sector (MSMEs). The remainder of conference took a new direction dominated by the demands of the MSME sector which he insisted must be placed on the front burner. For over a decade Jonathan tried to put together a regional organization to represent the interest of MSMEs. He was passionate about the development of MSMEs as he made a case for greater recognition of the sector.
 A few years after our Jamaica encounter, Jonathan’s vision for a regional association representing the interest of the MSME sector was realized with the formation of Caribbean Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (CASME). He became the 1st Vice  President and I was there to witness the occasion in Barbados. However, the grouping was short lived due to a lack of funding. Three years ago an effort was made to revitalize the Association and Jonathan was again elected as the Vice President. Jonathan showed a keen interest in the activities of the St. Lucia Industrial and Small Business Association (SLISBA). He visited St. Lucia on a few occasions, on one occasion he and members of SEBA participated in an exhibition at the Castries City Hall, the next year SLISBA’s members reciprocated and participated in SEBA’s Exhibition in San Fernando. Jonathan was an action man, a true leader whose unwavering interest in the MSME sector was most admirable. He has surely left an example for other private sector leaders to follow. May he rest in peace.
As I look back at the life of service given to the Trinidad and Tobago private sector by my friend and colleague Jonathan, I think of my own legacy and it is for that reason I cannot stop supporting the MSME sector. I have dedicated my closing years to do everything in my power to share my experiences with young people. I am currently involved with St. Lucia Youth Business Trust and hope to participate fully in the upcoming Global Entrepreneurial Week (GEW) which is scheduled for November 14 – 20, 2011. You can visit http://www.unleashingideas.org to find out about this great opportunity that is being made available to young people around the world.
 St. Lucia is blessed to have a few persons who understand the need to pass on their experiences to others. There are many more persons who need to follow the example of those who reach out to show the young people a path that will bring them success in all aspects of their lives. Let us do something. There is so much talent around; all our young people need is the opportunity. Â
A group of Florida based Entrepreneurs and Professionals will be visiting St. Lucia from October 11 to 14, 2011 as part of a Trade Mission. This visit is being promoted by the One on One Group headed by Ms. Nicole Shelley Greenidge. Local Entrepreneurs should take every opportunity to participate in the programmes and share experiences with their counterparts. This could be a serious networking opportunity bearing in mind the level of business being done with the State of Florida, especially the Miami area.Â
The real estate sector in Florida should be investigated as there are bargain properties available at this time. This is the time to buy property in Florida at cents in the dollar. This is a timely event and it is very interesting to note that it is happening at a time when the global economy is at an all time low. The sponsors and participants should be highly commended for their involvement at this time. More information could be sourced at www.theoneononegroup.com
 I will truly miss my friend and colleague – Jonathan.
 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.groups.yahoo.com/group/globalmillionairesclub
www.brainstorminggroup.webs.com www.cariblist.com St. Lucia – Agent ECREDMC