The televised debate following the 2011 Budget presentation by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Honourable Christopher Sinckler, was informative and entertaining but it remains to be seen how well the implementation proposals are managed.
“The myth of “taking” Barbadians’ jobs arises from segmented myopic thinking of those who are stuck in a rut or do not take the time to learn from the history of successful nations which themselves have benefitted from the immigration of human resources (at all levels) from other countries (including Barbados). This myth must be exploded.”
I had the privilege of a meeting with Hon. Denis Kellman Minister of Industry, Small Business and Rural Development and his Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ruth Blackman, only days after they recently assumed responsibility and management for this new portfolio. This Ministry is inextricably linked to entrepreneurship and the purpose of my visit was to share the visions of BIM Ventures (Shepherding and Venture Capital), which currently is the focus of my day-to-day activity, and the BEF vision (Entrepreneurship and the entire enabling environment).
The greatest travesty perpetuated by one administration after another is the failure to convert the vast potential of the “family silver”, the West Indian Sea Island Cotton (WISICA) industry and its value added and fashion design linkage potential, into commercial reality as a major industry with markets throughout the world.
At this time of the year, I am reminded of the anniversary of my weekly column which started in July 1993 after a visit to Singapore. I returned to Barbados with a clarion call “Barbados – the Singapore of the Caribbean”. On this occasion, I am fresh out of a visit to Malaysia where development has taken place so rapidly in the last 25 years that I am tempted to make similar sentiments. Singapore’s mantra is “People are our greatest resource. We must develop them to the fullest.” Malaysia plans and executes in similar vein.
It was reported that Malaysia believed that new and innovative ideas on transformation and socio-economic policies will emerge from the LID 2011 for mutual benefit. In order for LID to be relevant for the new global challenges, LID 2011 will be conducted based on a new modality among others, introduction of Retreat and Plenary sessions for the Heads of State/Government.
I hereby appeal to all those appropriately experienced public spirited individuals to volunteer as mentors in this programme. Whatever regular contribution of your time can be made, it will be valuable. The hypothesis is that without mentors enterprises fail at an alarming rate, but with mentors there is a greater chance of business success thus enhancing the chance of business growth which is good for us all.
Life is a magnificent learning experience. It is one continual effort for man to discover the laws of God, which are predetermined and immutable, as we plough through the discovery spectrum: data – information – knowledge – understanding – insight – wisdom. Albert Einstein once said, learning to read the laws of physics is like reading the mind of God.
So much for the “still” waters of the sea, now let us go in search of the greener pastures of life. Let us tackle the challenges in the recovery of the economy. It is another Sea-Change, this time it is the Sequential Evolutionary Approach (SEA) syndrome, that is needed to effect change.
A strong entrepreneurial culture must be developed to take advantage of the changing environment. Travis Oberlander is an entrepreneur and start-up geek based in Los Angeles. Travis is chief editor and founder of thestartupcafe.com where he covers Los Angeles start-up news and culture. He has learned five lessons in the process.