Let us change our thinking from CARICOM (18m population) to Caribbean (40.5m population) distributed over four heritages – English (6m), French (11.2m), Dutch (0.8m) and Spanish (22.5m).
My maternal grandfather, circa 1900, entered the job market as a teenager. He got married and started a family in his late 20s and soon after fulfilled his passion and became the owner of a hardware store and the builder of bungalows to generate revenue, make a profit, build projected cash flow, and net worth (represented by a projected balance sheet) which defined his pension plan.Â
A whole new breed of politicians now represents the citizens of the United States of America. In the past, many of us admired politics, and democracy as applied in the USA. That was until President Donald Trump arrived on the political scene. In the four years of his presidency, he changed the way business is done in Washington. His legacy is being continued in the House and Senate by his GOP colleagues who are doing everything to make it possible for his return to the White House in 2024. Voters’ rights are being trampled upon by State legislation that will see his supporters taking over the administration of elections in several states.
If there is ever a time that SLISBA is needed, it is now. SLISBA has always been an important voice of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. This voice has been silent for several years with small business persons left to fend for themselves. It has been almost three years of very little representation of the sector, with business persons relying on the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture to know what is going on in the Private Sector. There was a time when SLISBA’s members were vocal and visible, making their presence felt. As a past Secretary/Treasurer and President of the Association, I have an interest in the Association and will like it to be a viable and vibrant entity where its members can prosper and grow.
In spite of all the crazy things happening in our world, with every passing day, we see things that we thought were impossible to happen in our lifetime. However, there is still hope. Every corner of the globe has been affected by COVID 19 which can be seen as the great equaliser. As I look around and take note of the exciting possibilities that are before our very eyes but so few are noticing them, this moment presents fantastic opportunities to build back better.
This holiday weekend, we have an extended No Movement period and going forward the curfew will be 6.00 pm to 4.00 am. This is all in an attempt to keep people in their homes. Follow the protocols and let us assume control over the virus. It is amazing what one person with the virus can do. We have to exercise all necessary precautions to stay safe. Let us support the government in its efforts to control the spread of this virus. Together, we can do it.
La Caye, Dennery, Lots between 9,000 – 12,000 sqft at EC$13.50 per sqft.
Dugard Ridge, Ti Rocher, Micoud, 6,000 – 12,000 sqft at EC$11.50 per sqft
Upper Cedar Heights, Vieux Fort 8,000 – 25,000 sqft between EC$18.00 and 25.00 per sqft
Mount Le Blanc, Laborie, 5.01 acres. Offers are invited
The statistics are overwhelming. Unvaccinated persons are at a substantially higher risk to get the virus than those who are vaccinated. Unfortunately, everyone has an opinion and in most cases, one that is not aligned to the science. Religious, political, and social leaders who are the leading Influencers in our society must step up with unambiguous positions regarding the vaccines that are available at this time. The media needs to devote more time to Health Bulletins and testimonials from Influencers and ordinary people who have a story to tell about vaccination. My story is simple “I took the 2 vaccines as prescribed, and I feel very confident as I go about my business meeting with persons who seek out my services.â€
Technology has given our children their independence at a very early age when parental control should be at its strictest. In many homes today, youngsters ignore the presence of other persons in their immediate surroundings when they are logged on to their iPads and Smartphones. Storytelling which is the foundation of local and family history is not encouraged due to a lack of interest from our youngsters. The method of delivering education has to be revisited to produce a more rounded student/citizen.
No one should put their life on hold – waiting for COVID 19 to end. Get vaccinated and get on with your business. Follow your leaders in all areas of human endeavour as they strive to execute their responsibilities. Work harder than you ever did before. The world is moving ahead, millionaires and billionaires are on the rise. Persons operating in the Crypto space are pointing to unprecedented gains in the future. There is money to be made everywhere.