Communities are the Key to Sustainable Development

Dr. Justin Ram, Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank, CDB, stated and I quote  ”Caribbean could become poorest region in the world by 2050” I say, we should actually be prepared that it may occur in 2025, if we as a people do not educate ourselves. He continued by saying that doing in business in the Caribbean is getting more difficult. As someone involved in seeking financing for developments in the Caribbean, I must say I totally agree. In fact, change will not come until the people of the Caribbean can a stand to elevate themselves and create a “Culture of Independence” First, let’s put God in every equation and have him go before us.

As I mentioned in an article years ago where I touched on the subject of Doing Business in the Caribbean, I articulated the fact that the effects of Mental Slavery exist highly in the Caribbean. In fact, as a young man in the 60’s, I can recall the as students we would say that “The Rich will always be rich and the Poor will always remain poor” Unfortunately, that resonated within some of our people from generation to generation. A few months a Caucasian guy who came to the Caribbean from Australia to work as a chef told me that he never understood where local business people do not recognize their own. He further went on to say that our local people must stop behaving like crabs in a barrel, because at the end of the day, they are inviting the foreigners to take over.

The solutions are very easy. Let’s start by electing competent, qualified, compassionate persons to occupy top positions in Government. The Caribbean’s biggest downfall is caused by some of the Ministers in Government who have no clue of proper governance. In fact, they are there to enrich themselves. The young people in our Caribbean nation are realizing that Governments have no interest in empowering the youth, because they do not want a Culture of Independence to exist. And we know why. That will reduce the dependence on Government officials and allow for a greater option at the ballot.

But most important, we have to observe the “Me – Myself and I” philosophy that is prominent among our people in power, those with wealth and the decision makers at our lending institutions. They take from the poor and give to themselves and their rich associates. So, there is no love, just the constant greed.

For the Caribbean to succeed, more recognition must be given to microbusinesses. Small and medium businesses are the ones that turn the economy of any country. There is always the trickle effect associated with supporting the smaller businesses, because most of their earnings are circulated right within the island territory.

Supporting local manufacturing, improving the environment, teaching our young people the importance of money management, improving the skill sets of the population, encouraging productivity, focusing on technology and providing funding at low interest rates are the only alternatives to saving the Caribbean.

Government ministers must take into consideration that what ever they place on their election mandates must be a prescription for human development and they must put legislation in place to protect their people from the corporations that are only in the game for a profit, but careless about their employees or customers. There must be laws protecting the Small and Medium Enterprises, the Credit Unions and Cooperatives.

The Culture of Independence means that individuals and committees must stop depending on Government Ministers for livelihood, but instead, work together to become sustainable through community levels, creating a driving force that is recognized internationally, regionally and locally.

We all know that the biggest hindrance entrepreneurs and business owners face in the region is the unavailability of finance. That also includes the flow of funds through the Caribbean. I had the experience of waiting 33 days for a while transfer from one Caribbean island next door to the island, I live one. Do we realized how much a hindrance that can be to any businessperson and the economy? We hear of complains of high import and customs tariffs, the high taxes on air travel and the cost of travel.  All of those are the leads to making the Caribbean the poorest region in the world. The result of that is the continuation of the BRAIN DRAIN, because our young people are forced to migrate to continents to earn a living.

Mr. Ram mentioned about the giving farmers access to credit and allowing their business to grow while improving economies. I would extend that to every one who wants to go into business and again put legislature in place to have these loan sharks stay within a reasons interest rate, not the 10% to 13% that some of these financial institutions impose on their borrowers, in these very hard times. And when CDB Executives can recognize the upcoming dilemma, it is real at our doorsteps. Will our public officials acknowledge that fact? I doubt is very much, but when you speak to the average business owner in the Caribbean, the cry is the same. They have no help and do not know who to turn to. When you talk to the technocrats in government, they say that their hands a tied

If it takes a village to raise a child, then let us use a community to create a Culture of Independence. If we do not look to save the Caribbean, then we will continue to lose the Caribbean for foreign investors. Our young people will continue to be working a bellhop, waiters, chambermaids at resorts, while the executive positions will be held by ex-pats, some of whom have no clue what living in the Caribbean entails.

So, let’s look at some solutions:

Let’s form a Caribbean Organization that will be responsible for the improving these four main areas:

1.           Education – Financing – Training

2.           Marketing – Promotion

3.           Policy making / reviews – Lobbying (A Voice)

4             Business Management Consultancy

This is aimed at helping individuals understand their role in Sustainable Development through providing reasonable, quick solutions, business counseling, protection of their enterprises, low interest loans , linking with international foundations and trust who will provide grants, preserve free competitive enterprise and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our Caribbean Nation.

Access to capital

·        That organization must eventually provide an array of financing for small businesses from the smallest needs in micro-lending to substantial debt and equity investment capital. Which would allow for moving from not just creating necklaces and beach wrap dresses, to creating innovative products, all available for export.

Hiring Employees with Disabilities

·        Hiring individuals with disabilities must be given full opportunities and facilitation.

By : Joseph Edward Doway

As we had already been there, in an all-inclusive resort, and having done a day trip on the south coast to the YS Falls and Appleton, we were motivated to return to Jamaica to experience more of the diversity of Jamaica.

Therefore, we decided to contact Diana McIntyre-Pike, head of the Countrystyle Tourism Company, to plan a different kind of visit.

Rapidly, she responded through email and designed an itinerary which fitted our interest and budget. So it is with enthusiasm we bought our plane tickets and flew to Montego Bay.

Immediately upon our arrival at the Montego Bay airport, we were greeted by Diana McIntyre-Pike who, throughout our stay in Jamaica, proved to be a friendly, considerate and efficient hostess.

After driving us to our hotel in Montego Bay, the Wexford, she invited us to a presentation on tourism held on the premises of the hotel.

We had the opportunity to hear students sing traditional songs.

Afterwards we had time to dine and appreciate the Montego Bay hip strip.

The following day, on our way to Treasure Beach, Mrs. McIntyre-Pike arranged for a visit of the charming village of Beeston Spring Village in Westmoreland.

There we met Mr Astil Gage, the Village Co-ordinator, who guided us, and took us to visit a private home owned by Mr.Rolf Brown, a noted architect who maintains an extraordinary garden and farm.

We were also treated to a private concert with the Mighty Beestons Mento Band and learnt how to dance the mento way with the community and sampled some local specialties.

We then proceeded to Treasure Beach, with a few stops at local kiosks, the main one being Billy?s Grassy Park in Middle Quarters where we had lunch.

And at Marcia?s fruit stop we discovered new varieties of fruit, of which Jamaica seems to have an inexhaustible supply.

The following two days at Treasure Beach were very relaxing at the Sunset Resort with Kory South.

We had ample opportunity to appreciate deserted beaches, tranquil countryside and Jack Sprat Beach for a delicious lunch

We then departed from Treasure Beach and went to Mandeville, where we were greeted personally by Diana?s elderly mother at her home, before checking in at the Mandeville Hotel, which we enjoyed.

Mandeville is an animated and pretty town, which we enjoyed discovering.

Diana took us to a coffee factory where we bought Blue Mountain coffee at a reasonable price.

We were told that we could not have a tour that day, and were disappointed, but Diana arranged a special tour on our behalf and we were treated to a tour of the roasting plant.

On the following day, Diana expertly drove us to Kingston and into the heart of this city,where we visited Devon House and the magnificient Emancipation Park.

It is there that we were picked up by Mick, a surehanded driver who took us to Michael Fox!s Mount Edge Guest house where we spent two unforgettable days.

Mr. Fox and his personnel are knowledgeable, efficient and welcoming. I asked Mr. Fox to arrange for a visit of the Blue Mountain Peak on the following day, and after a few minutes he had already found a guide to take us there – an unforgettable experience!

On our last day of traveling along the north coast, we were treated to a memorable lunch in a secluded 17th century house in Runaway Bay compliments by Jason Henzell ? another unforgettable experience!

Diana drove us back to Montego Bay to stay at The Wexford which is easily accessible to the Hip Strip.

We had dinner at Margaritaville and experienced a live band at Coral Cliff Hotel.

We visited Doctor!s Cave beach on the day of departure before heading back home.

Throughout our trip, Diana McIntyre-Pike personally co-ordinated every detail of our itinerary and we appreciated her professionalism, attention to detail, and the trouble she took to make us feel welcome at every stop.

We were pleased with her choice of hotels – the Wexford, in Montego Bay, the Sunset Resort and Villas in Treasure Beach, the Mandeville Hotel, and the Mount Edge Guesthouse in Newcastle.

Each of these establishments offered comfortable accommodation and a courteous and diligent service.

We would like also to stress that at no time on this trip did we feel harassed or unsafe.

On the contrary, we found Jamaicans to be an interesting and welcoming people, and we look forward to another trip to this beautiful land.

by Pascal Charpentier
(Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada)