BUSINESS TECH
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR ST. LUCIA IN 2014 A PERSPECTIVE By : Michael Chastanet
to address the de-siltilization programme and with the assistance of the European Union and/or Taiwan this is very possible. A well-orchestrated farming corporation with the guidance of Taiwan can change the landscape of the farming community within three (3) years. This programme should be carried out in conjunction with the private sector with full and meaningful blessings from the Agricultural Ministry and not adopted by any form of lip service. The Banana Industry must be addressed as a number of farmers understand the industry and are confident with the return on their investment. In the early stages of their re-investment, the inputs and irrigation systems should be sourced in the form of an Aid, as the repercussions of Tomas and the 2013 December Trough have deleted the assets and cash flow.
SOCIAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES St. Lucia like many other O.E.C.S countries have found itself at the cross roads of a lingering world recession. Based on this predicament Government needs to perform a complete overhaul of executing their business affairs. For a nation to grow, the underlying principles are Revenue, Jobs and Education. In the absence of sufficient revenue to Government, taxation is not the only option neither is indiscriminate borrowing. Government must attract foreign investment in the form of participation which can be achieved by intelligent and meaningful dialogue. At this point, there are a number of capable financially abled Trinidadians who would be willing to extend their resources and expertise in St. Lucia with proper incentives from Government. In this period of economic malaise, no investor will risk his capital within an environment of uncertainty without concessions. The rules must change to accommodate investors, failing which our economies and infrastructure will decline and our product will be further compromised making our destination less attractive. By the same token, Government needs to address and restrict all unnecessary expenditure. At this time at least one $100 million EC can be saved each year by downsizing on their foreign offices and embassies and the unnecessary consultants serving the country.
AGRICULTURE Without delay our rivers and dams need to be de-silted as farmers will remain vulnerable by way of floods and our water supply will be compromised by reduced storage as a result of an over silted dam. A well tested and serious international company should be engaged BusinessFocus Jan / Feb
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The need to address the mentally ill and the sick is a major financial burden which will be further accentuated when the National Hospital and St Judes come on stream. It is important to quickly address these issues and if Government were to negotiate with the rightful agencies for a number of retired physicians in various fields, their services can be secured free of charge with Government providing the housing and a limited living allowance as a contribution. These physicians have access to major suppliers and manufacturers who can in turn make the necessary equipment available to the National Hospital free of charge.
MANUFACTURING Manufacturing has taken a beating and unless Government is ready and willing to reduce the Taxation burden on the various manufacturing organizations and permit the right persons from the private sector to negotiate with the Minister of Trade and Industry who has the teeth to deal with the barriers very quickly, the industry will remain in decline. Beyond these adjustments, a level of expertise from Taiwan is essential to take the production standard to another level with the necessary equipment as we have witnessed with the growing of the Talapia and the Exoras. These productions may not be voluminous but they are high priced and they enhance our foreign exchange.