WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR SAINT LUCIA AS THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC DOWNTURN DEEPENS!!
January 28, 2009
EDWARD HARRIS AT LARGE!
WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR SAINT LUCIA AS THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC DOWNTURN DEEPENS!!
Everyday the news get worse. Many people are now refusing to look at the news networks and attempting to ignore the reality of the times. It is predicted that the global economy is expected to grow by a half of one percent and job losses as high as fifty million this year. This is definitely not good news. It is the type of news that spells Doom. But I am confident that this too will pass. The passage could be painless if the right approach is taken.
President Obama is moving ahead with his stimulus plans to put money into the US economy which many nations expect to filter down to them. This is especially true for tourism dependent economies like ours. These are serious times and there is not much good news around. The latest is that it will take some months for the economic stimulus package to be fully implemented.
Here in St. Lucia the Government is on a similar path to US to improve infrastructure and roads as a means of creating jobs and putting money into the economy. While there is the call to bail out the private sector, what is needed is concessions to make the businesses sustainable. It is definite that jobs are going to be lost but I am convinced that new ones can be created. It is in this regard that I return to my call for a Secretariat of Innovation and Technology. There will be a fall out in the ability of many small businesses to sustain themselves in the light of less money in circulation and duplication of business types. This is an opportunity to inject new ideas. I refuse to accept that we are bankrupt of ideas. Everyone who has an idea should be allowed to put it in the open but I feel there should be a place to channel their idea.
Will someone listen to my plea and do what is right for the advancement of our citizens. This is the time to introduce change in every aspect of industry. There are many things that must be done differently but instead in many instances we continue to do the same things, expecting different results. This is a window of opportunity for change. Everything we do must produce positive results. The recently held CHTA Market Place should see improvements in arrivals in March and April to close off the Winter season and begin to show steady improvement in the months ahead. By the next Winter Season the benefits should be clearly visible.
The concerns for the hospitality sector is understandable and hoteliers are going to have to tighten their belts as deep discounts and value added will be the order of the day. Every effort should be made to encourage locals to experience the offering in the tourism industry. It is always best when the hospitality we blow our trumpet about is experienced by our own people. They will always be our best Ambassadors. I expect to see the empty rooms filled by local residents throughout the week and especially at weekends. Restaurants and hotels should promote their specials through Associations and Clubs. A few discounted nights to key persons in the country could do great for attracting their relatives, friends and business associates as customers.
It is time to offer FAM Tours locally to persons who can generate business for the tourism sector. Find a way to get together with Liat and hoteliers to offer package tours to Caricom Nationals. We must not take the challenges to our survival in the tourism industry lying down. Get the Village Tourism concept moving begin by improving existing facilities. Invite investors to invest one million US dollars in each constituency, using the theme park concept. St. Lucia has enough goodwill to kick off such an investment programme. Issue special discount cards to locals and get them to fill up the seats in the restaurants and bars.
I believe we can all enjoy our best lives yet. It is not over for us. There are a few examples of persons in our midst who are moving ahead with their businesses in spite of the anxieties and uncertainties.
Make 2009 you best year ever, Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Dream Big and Expect Miracles Everyday!!!
Edward Harris
Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist (RECS)
Freelance Journalist, Biblicist, Business & PR Consultant, Realtor, Networker, Private Sector & CSR Advocate, Motivational Speaker
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
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