St. Lucia Simply Beautiful

October 19, 2011 

Harris At Large! 

HOW DO WE CREATE THE BUZZ? 

Well it is not only about politics these days, the private sector is getting ahead with their programmes. The OECS Business Council had a video conference this week with first world professionals sharing their expertise in Marketing and Human Resource. Then it was the presentation of twenty thousand dollars by the RG Group of Companies to the St. Lucia Youth Business Trust, and the Global Entrepreneurial Week kicked off with a Mixer which brought young persons with an interest in entrepreneurship and business persons together. Visit www.unleashingideas.org The Chamber of Commerce is very active in promoting programmes that will bring youth entrepreneurship to the fore. The Chamber has done a great job for fifteen years with the Junior Achievement Programme and with the introduction of SLYBT, it is further expanding its reach in serving young people. 

It is also interesting to note that members of the Chamber are interacting with the political leadership of the country and as a result getting first hand information on programmes that will fast forward the economy whichever party forms the next government. This is very important that the private sector engages the major political parties at this time so that both sides could be clear on expectations as the country moves forward after elections. 

There is a political buzz in the country at this time. It is hoped that the next buzz will an economic buzz. Foreign Direct Investment is needed urgently to stop the financial hemorrhage that is taking place. There needs to be a massive promotional programme to promote St. Lucia as a destination for business and pleasure. Every St. Lucian and their friends should be provided with a script that is geared to promoting Saint Lucia. The promotion should be used to get people to come to St. Lucia. Get the people who will benefit involve and it’s FREE! When the people get here, it will be nice to have a weekly networking get together – Meet the Decision Makers. This should be a collaborative effort among the 1. Ministries of Tourism, Commerce and International Trade; 2. The Private Sector Associations and 3. Major Investors in the country. Things have to be done differently. The fact is we need more Investors and more tourists. That is the bottom line. 

I got some figures which are very revealing – Tourism is 67% of GDP, 64% Employment and 85% Foreign Exchange Earnings. If this is the true picture, all St. Lucians should get on board and begin a crusade to get the rest of the world to visit St. Lucia. Here is my slogan “Get away from the ordinary and experience the extraordinary – Saint Lucia is Magnificent!”. It is time for the government to excite the people; get them involve. 

I made several visits to the South of the island in the past fortnight and I see a part of beautiful Saint Lucia just waiting to exhale. What can be done to energise this part of the island? The trip to Vieux Fort is energy draining and when you get there, there is not much to do except at weekend when people visit the Pointe Sable Beach. It will be great to see a 350-500 room hotel somewhere along the stretch of road leading to the town. In recent times, the number of medical schools has increased and I believe that Vieux Fort should be home for all future medical schools seeking to establish on the island. Everyone is aware of the impact on the economy being experienced by those islands that have off shore medical schools.

 I have great faith that Vieux Fort will be the next big thing in terms of development in the south of the island. Already some business persons are developing upscale properties in the area to attract investors and persons seeking a second home in the Caribbean. However, it must be noted that the Entrepreneurs in the area will have to make the first move. How about starting with an Investment Club that will bring local investors together and create an impetus for them to seek out ideas for viable investments? This not a time for solo players, it is time for big time orchestras.

The buzz is “Vieux Fort – the New Frontier is more than a gold Rush!” Investors will be in for more than a rush, their investment will be sustainable. 

Welcome to Brazil, the 4^th largest economy in the world. Take a look at a current buzz in a certain part of the country. Visit www.greenplanetinvestment.com

 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

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