NETWORKING IS THE KEY TO ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS
April 18, 2008
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
NETWORKING IS THE KEY TO ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS!
I got the opportunity at first hand to witness the power of Networking as I observed Professionals, Government and Regional Officials and members of the Private Sector exchanged ideas and forged relationships for that will impact on the activities of their businesses and Governments.
The occasion was the United Nations Environmental Programme UNEP – Sustainable Buildings & Construction Initiative Congress – Round Table on Sustainable Buildings and Construction in Latin America and the Caribbean which was held in Fort de France, Martinique, April 8 – 12, 2008. This international congress drew participants from the developed world and several Latin American countries, including South Africa, France, Taiwan, Italy, Mexico, United States of America, Brazil and Venezuela. St. Lucia and Dominica were the only Caricom States represented at the Congress. Mr. Alfred Marie-Jeanne, President of Regional Council of Martinique welcomed the delegates at the Opening Session on Tuesday, 8/4/08 and maintained an interest in the Congress throughout the period. The initiative was supported by the French Embassy in St. Lucia, Regional Council in Martinique and the Monplaisir Group.
The SBCI Group comprises of Architects, Engineers, Professors, Consultants, Specialists in environmental issues including renewable energy, and Suppliers of essential Building Materials – CEMEX and ArcelorMittal. Papers were presented by representatives of the Think Tank on Climate Change and the Think Tank on Bench Marking and the Policy and Tools Working Group. Discussions relating to low cost energy efficient buildings and a round table on establishing a regional action plan for sustainable building and construction in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Mr. Peter Graham is the Coordinator of UNEP-SBCI. These two websites should be of interest to persons involved in property development and the environment. UNEP SBCI www.unepsbci.org and World Green Building Council www.worldgbc.org
Hon. Richard Fredericks, Minister for Physical Development, Housing, Urban Renewal and Local Government led a delegation comprising of the Mayor of Castries, His Worship, Irving John and other officials of the Ministry of Housing, City Council and Housing Corporation. The Honourable Minister addressed the gathering on Friday, 11/4/08. His speech was well received by the delegates. He drew attention to St. Lucia’s efforts in the area of Sustainable Building and Construction and his desire to see all the citizens of St. Lucia properly housed. He mentioned the plight of some of the residents in his constituency and made reference to conditions in the Grave Yard, Conway and other areas and gave a commitment to ensure that the housing problems in those areas are arrested.
A number of activities were held to ensure that networking was possible and persons were forming lines to speak with the Minister. Entrepreneurs involved in low cost housing and fish processing expressed interest in St. Lucia.
A bus tour and site visit on Saturday, 12/4/08 exposed delegates to the social housing – high rise buildings which are commonly used in Martinique. A concept which is yet to be introduced in St. Lucia although the CDC and NHC buildings are the closest we get to such affordable housing schemes.
Ms. Maguy Marie-Jeanne, Head of Department, International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, Regional Council of Martinique and Mr. Lesley Blinker, Consultant – Monplaisir Group did everything possible to ensure that the delegates got a memorable experience.
I am hopeful that because of the composition of the delegates based on their direct involvement in all aspects of sustainable building and construction, the conference will deliver tangible benefits to the participants and their organizations. My search for sustainable low cost housing has taken me to Cuba, Jamaica, Venezuela and Guyana and although at one time, the company I was associated with actually built two model houses based on Cuban technology, they did not appeal to local property seekers. Over the next few days I will be in touch with the several delegates who are in a position to put me in touch with Designers and Suppliers of low cost sustainable houses.
At one of the evening programmes, I met a gentleman who is in the construction business and he provided me with drawings for a system he is offering that provide all types of buildings including residential types. As negotiations progress with local developers my readers will be kept informed.
MAKE CHANGE A POSITIVE PART OF YOUR LIFE
You must avoid breaking when things don’t go your way.
You’ll always be secure to the degree that you accept change.
True security comes from being able to bend your insecurities.
Recognize and accept that change will inevitably take place.
You’ll become secure, not by standing still, but by growing,
moving, and staying energized.
Be secure in the knowledge that you can deal with anything
that happens to you.
Have the courage to bet on your ideas.
Take some calculated risks and act on your dreams.
There is no permanent security on this earth, there is only opportunity.
Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Dream Big and Expect Miracles all the time!!!
Edward Harris
Biblicist, Freelance Journalist, Author, Business & PR Consultant, Realtor, Sales & Marketing Specialist, Networker, Private Sector Advocate, Motivational Speaker
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.Edwardharris.ws http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com http://www.stluciarealtors.com http://EdwardHarris.myvisalus.com
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