Here I am again riding my old hobby horse “Barbados as a Donor Country”. Whereas the traditional donor country model may help the recipient country, results show that the donor country is the net beneficiary of such schemes. This is primarily because the aid is usually tied to the purchase of goods and services from the donor country.
Congratulations are in order for all the victorious candidates in the recently held general elections in Saint Lucia! However, the real victory belongs to the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP). Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony and his team fought a good fight and the task to lead the country for the next five years is theirs.
The marketing and production functions go hand in hand. If we successfully sell products or services to given target markets we will have a sustainable economy. The productive sectors include tourism, agriculture, financial services, business development services, creative industries (e.g. film, music, fashion, fine arts, culinary arts and graphic arts), education, ICT, renewable energy, health and wellness and construction.
It was refreshing listening to former Prime Minister of Grenada, Honourable, Dr. Keith Mitchell on the midday news on 23/11/11 talking about uniting the people of Grenada, regardless of their political preference, to work together without discrimination for the benefit of the country. Grenada’s election is due in 2013 but Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell is already beating the drum of unity. Shouldn’t St. Lucian politicians take note?
This is one of the busiest periods of my life. There are so many calls on my time, but I enjoy every moment of it – well, most moments – the enjoyment is my reward. This exemplifies the Rotary International Motto “Service above Self”.
The St. Lucia Youth Business Trust (SLYBT), another initiative of the Chamber was launched on the evening of Tuesday, 15th November, 2011at the Governor General’s residence. It was a very impressive ceremony with the main speakers being Dr. Stephen King of RISE – St. Lucia and Mrs. Marcia Brandon of Barbados Youth Business Trust. A few persons were recognized for their contribution to the successful implementation of the Trust. The following persons received awards:- Dame Pearlette Louisy, Governor General of Saint Lucia, Mrs. Marcia Brandon of BYBT, Dr. Stephen King of RISE – St. Lucia, among other persons and organizations, and Construction and Industrial Equipment (CIE) and First Caribbean International Bank for their substantial financial contributions. Ms. Arlena Louis-Antoine is the Project Coordinator of the programme.
Everyone is expecting that the date for the general elections will be announced this weekend. Unfortunately, you will be reading this article before the announcement. However, you still have time to assess the situation and make up your mind on which of the candidates you will give your support. It is my view that the majority of voters support party. This situation leaves many good candidates out in the cold all because they find themselves representing the party that doesn’t have the established tradition of winning the constituency. This is the reason why Independents seldom win. It is the exception, rather than the rule when an independent wins.
Trying to get an idea of the possible outcome of the upcoming elections is very difficult except for those individuals who have set up residence with the party of their choice, they will not be moved and as far as they are concerned their party has already won before the votes are counted. But that is life. What is certain with every election, it is getting more difficult to predict a winner until the last weekend before elections, only then the outcome can be predicted by observing the colours. In the countdown of the 24 hours leading up to election day no one will be prepared to flirt or go along for the ride. Those persons attending the closing rallies have placed their future squarely in the hands of the party of their choice. They want to be seen by their candidate, some will even want to hug and kiss their candidate. The message is simple – they take a stand for their candidate.
We cannot get growth without risk. The visionary and the brave have stuck their necks out in a socio-economic mine field and the challenge of sustainable success is directly proportional to the effort spent in expertly managing the process.
The Rotary Clubs of Barbados South and West have jointly embarked on the planning of an Inclusive Play Facility, a building and playground at the Sir Garfield Sobers Complex. The objective is to allow differently abled children to enjoy similar recreational experiences as children without disabilities.
Who is the guardian of the macro-economic environment? The Government is the guardian on behalf of the people. If the advent of an industry is not financially viable from the private sector perspective but may contribute a significant improvement to the country from a macro-economic perspective, then it is the duty of the Government to conduct an economic analysis and offer incentives of one form or another for the private sector to invest with the expectation of a fair financial return on investment.