SAINT LUCIA NOW HAS A FEMALE GOVERNOR GENERAL,
January 13, 2007
Edward Harris At Large!
SAINT LUCIA NOW HAS A FEMALE GOVERNOR GENERAL,
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE!!!
To my readers, as we get down to meeting the challenges of the New Year head on, this is my wish to all my readers and their families. The Third Epistle of John, Chapter 1, Verse 2: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Keeping the focus on St. Lucia, I am pleased to report that after the most expensive political campaign in the history of St. Lucia, and the celebrations that ensued, the new government of the United Workers Party headed by Sir John Compton has settled down to managing the business of State. History was created at the sitting of joint parliament of the House and the Senate when two females were sworn in to the positions of Speaker of the House, Hon. Sarah-Lucy Flood-Beaubrun, and President of the Senate, Senator The Honourable Dr. Hilda Rose Marie Husbands-Mathurin, joining the Queen’s Representative, Dame Pearlette Louisy who continues as Governor General. It is rumoured that yet another female is tipped to be Attorney General.
The most urgent business of the new government is to ensure that Cricket World 2007 is a success and that locals benefit from the event. Sir John Compton has already signaled that he wants to see more participation of locals in the programme, especially artistes and musicians. I feel that there are opportunities for small operators in the areas of restaurant catering, entertainment and many specialized services. However, guidance is needed from the promoters of the local CWC 2007 management. Too often we see locals left to fend for themselves without benefiting from the expertise of those who are instrumental in formulating the overall programme.
Interest in Real Estate continues to be high and the building boom continues, especially in the hotel sector. The 500 acre development on the East Coast in the Praslin area is about to take off in a positive way and it should be interesting to keep an eye on this project as it is re-introduced to the market. I look forward to doing a story on this project as it could be a very good investment opportunity.
There are two interesting appointments as Senators who are members of Cabinet with responsibility for Tourism and Civil Aviation – Mr. Allen Chastanet and Trade, Industry and Commerce – Mr. Guy Mayers. In the last government these two portfolios were held by one Minister – Hon. P.J. Pierre. I welcome the separation of the two ministries as Tourism and Commerce are the life blood of our economy and need focused attention. Senator Hon. Allen Chastanet has a wealth of experience in the tourism sector while Senator Hon. Guy Mayers has served as President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on several occasions and is well versed with matters of international trade. Most important these two gentlemen know what it is to meet a payroll. I expect great things from these two Ministers. Generally, the often expressed fear that the UWP government will have a problem in putting together a Cabinet has been proven otherwise and we now have a Cabinet that can make us proud.
The drum is sounding off on the Economic Union of Caricom States which will complete the implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) by 2008. The CSME was only partially implemented in 2005 and actually took effect in 2006 in the smaller islands as their governments refused to sign on unless the US$100 million dollar Development Fund was in place. The position at this juncture is that we now have in place a Caricom Single Market (CSM) with the hope of adding the Economy in 2008 when all the currencies will be unified. It is always a matter of politicians attempting to satisfy their constituents, losing sight of the big picture. It is time that politicians let the people speak for themselves after providing them with the information in a manner that they can understand. It is time for more referenda in our region. Have a hard decision to make as a government, let the people decide. I believe this mechanism could get us ahead much faster than we have traveled so far.
It is my hope that many of my readers will grace St. Lucia with their presence sometime during the course of 2007, either for CWC2007, 14/3/07 – 24/3/07 and 24/4/07, or Jazz, May 3-14/5/07. There is never a dull moment in St. Lucia. It is an ideal destination for Business and Pleasure. It is time you consider owning a piece of the rock.
I invite you to visit my new website at http://www.edwardharris.ws and should you wish to catch up on my previous articles, you can visit http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com Here is my Internet Marketing opportunity for this issue http://www.agloco.com/r/BBBM1300 It is said if it sounds too good to be true, then it is but I will rather jump in on this one than be left out in the cold if it is true. It is FREE to join.
It is my sincere hope that you have seen a light at the end of the tunnel and you are poised to make 2007 your best year ever!
God is in charge – Keep the Faith – Miracles are in your future!!!
Edward Harris at: eaharisdestiny@gmail.com
October 30th, 2012 at 1:45 PM
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