IT IS IN DYING THAT WE LIVE!
September 21, 2007
Edward Harris at Large!
IT IS IN DYING THAT WE LIVE!
My first order of business in this article is to extend condolences to Lady Janice Compton on the passing of her husband, The Right Honourable Sir John Compton, Prime Minister. These sentiments are also expressed to the members of his family. May his soul rest in peace.
It is in dying that we live. The monuments we cause to be erected, the legacy of our actions – was it worthwhile? That is the question that will be asked of each of us as we cross over the other side to eternity. I watched our deceased Prime Minister deliver his 2007/2008 Budget Address and it was nothing short of an anointed delivery that set the vision of a man sent by God whose name was John. Then I watched the funeral service where the life of this great Caribbean Man was shared with the world. St. Lucia stood tall in his life and in his death. To God be the glory!
Only a blind person will not be able to see the economic and social advancements of St. Lucia through the years. The vision of one man can change the world for good or for evil. Sir John Compton changed St. Lucia for the better. The challenge is ours to carry on the task of continuing on the high road of continued progress which he charted so clearly for us. It will take years of intense developmental work to complete the journey of the vision in the 2007/2008 Budget.
I wrote about Corporate Social Responsibility in my last article
( http://www.globalcompact.org ) and as I prepared my mind to write this article it dawned on me that effective CSR will to a large extent depend on how the leaders of industry see themselves applying their Personal Social Responsibility. A business develops an identity that is based on the mind of its management. The vision must be built on a platform of giving back – caring and sharing. Sir John Compton affectionately referred to as the Father of the Nation cared for the people of St. Lucia. He shared his life with the nation always seeking out ways to improve living conditions. He placed service above self. As we go forward, we will need to change the way we think and act to a large extent. It cannot be business as usual. The wind is beneath our wings, let us soar to new heights. Let the out pouring of love for our deceased Prime Minister be translated into action.
In relation to the private sector, I recall the days under the UWP administration led by Sir John Compton when local manufacturers were protected and given approved industry status that guaranteed that the local market demand would first be met by the locally produced products. Those years will never return unless we decide to isolate ourselves from the WTO regulations.
Sir John Compton was named Man of the Century in the St. Lucia context by one of our local publication and it was fitting that he got the Funeral of the Century.
Due to the period of mourning, SMALL BUSINESS HOUR was not aired on Channel 36 – Think Caribbean Television (TCT) as scheduled. The programme will be back on Monday, 24/9/07 at 8.00pm with a repeat broadcast on Saturday at 8.00pm.
The Realtors Association will hold its Monthly General Membership Networking Meeting on Wednesday, September 26 at 6.00pm in the Lantana Room of the Bay Gardens Hotel, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet.
Let us all look to the future with hope and do everything to ensure that the work of The Right Honourable Sir John George Melvin Compton was not in vain.
Remember always to Keep the Faith, God is in Charge and expect Miracles in 2007!
Edward Harris
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com http://www.stluciarealtors.com