MICRO SMALL & MEDIUM ENTREPRISES (MSME)
August 14, 2008
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
MICRO SMALL & MEDIUM ENTREPRISES (MSME)
CRITICAL TO THE FURURE OF THE ECONOMY
I hereby express my sincere apologies to my readers for being missing in action for two weeks. I wish to assure you that I was at Large catching up on developments in the private sector and playing an active part in planning SLISBA’s month of activities with members of the hard working Board of Directors headed by President Hilton Jn Baptiste.
The month of August has been declared Small Business Month. Although the sector is faced with challenges never before experienced since nationals entered into business, there are still business persons who remain confident and are proceeding to grow their businesses.
The St Lucia Industrial and Small business Association in spite of its struggles over the years has survived and continues to play its part in representing the sector. This year as the Association marks its 26th anniversary and execute the activities of Small Business Month, the Association has expanded its membership base with Allied Realtors Association Inc. and St. Lucia Craft & Dry Goods Vendors Association Ltd. joining as Group Members.
The programmes planned to mark the month of activities are receiving support from the membership and the businesspersons in general. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday, 17th August, 2008 at the Bay Gardens Inn at 3.00 pm. Mr. Michael Chastanet, Chairman of Consolidated Foods Ltd. will deliver the Keynote Address. A packed Agenda is planned and a few important resolutions will be tabled. Elections will not be held at the upcoming AGM as the life of the current Board expires in July of 2009.
SLISBA is celebrating 26 years of service to the private sector and has been successful in receiving the endorsement for Small Business Month from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Investment for the second time. As SLISBA takes its message of Unity among Businesspersons, it is reaching out to the business communities in Soufriere, Vieux Fort, Gros Islet and Castries with visits and meetings. The response so far has been encouraging and at least two new Chapters will be launched shortly.
It is interesting to note that the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture and St. Lucia Industrial & Small Business Association (SLISBA) are heading South of the Border to expand their membership and involve businesspersons in the activities of the organisations. The New Frontier holds the promise for the future and prospects for massive future developments are very possible in the short term. It is unfortunate that the development is coming at a time when the world’s Entrepreneurs are not as confident as they used to be and decisions are made after much thought.
Two years ago there began a trend of development when some people even called to slow down the pace and take stock of the type of developments that are being introduced. The tourist ships were berthing as many as 4 in one day. The carrying capacity and impact on the environment was of concern but the hive of activity and the prospects for a bright future in tourism did not carry the corresponding arrangements to develop the necessary skills and businesses to maximize the benefits that were likely to be accrued. Learning is not confined to classrooms but can be anywhere that people can meet.
There is an urgent need for education that will impart information that will attract attention for action. Our schools are used during the day and mostly closed in the evening. There is such an urgent need for motivation and training that every school building such be open catering to persons in search of knowledge. I hear a rumbling in my ears – where are the teachers and persons to impart the information and training necessary? My answer is – where are the hundred of professionals who received support from the nation to pursue studies overseas and the concerned citizens of our beloved country? Are we incapable of starting voluntary service associations to meet the urgent need for training in St. Lucia? We have a large population of retirees who can be put into action. I am willing to serve and I urge my readers to enlist as volunteers. Business Strategies should be an area of study so that we can stimulate the minds of our young people to think creatively and plan to be self employed. It is time to embark on an audit of the need for various types of businesses in the communities. There are so many things that can be done if we condition our minds to give back and develop, and implement plans that demonstrate that we care and are willing to share.
SLISBA with an outreach programme can be a vehicle for effecting programmes in MSME sector. Become a Benefactor and support the work of SLISBA. Large companies that spend millions in advertising and promotion could be extremely helpful by investing a portion of their budget to support service organisations. Such a step could have a positive impact on society as a whole.
Here is my selected motivational quote for the week:
THERE IS ALWAYS A GOOD SIDE
Everything depends on the way you look at things.
View every problem you encounter as an opportunity.
There is always a good side to every situation.
The optimist sees an opportunity in every misfortune.
The pessimist sees misfortune in every opportunity.
The optimist sees the doughnut.
The pessimist sees the hole.
You can develop success from every failure.
Discouragement and failure are two stepping stones to your success.
No other elements can do so much for you if you’re willing to study them
and make them work for you.
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
Copyright 2008 www.yourdailymotivation.com
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Dream Big and Expect Miracles Everyday!!!
Edward Harris
Freelance Journalist, Biblicist, Business & PR Consultant, Realtor, Networker,
Private Sector & CSR Advocate, Motivational Speaker
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Website: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com