Elections Coming

This time around it's Allen Chastanet taking on Kenny D. Who does the "Champion" dance best? The race is on; time will tell.

Dominica cries, nothing changes.

Up until Friday, we continued hearing the expressions of sadness towards the tragic loss of life in Dominica after Erika literally washed away all in it's path. Our PM, leader of the opposition, and others reached out to our neighbours during this difficult time; I to feel really saddened by the havoc Erika has caused. With the sadness deep within, I really don't know whether the authorities had undertaken preparatory works ahead of the storm. If not, then Domicans are expected to be very disappointed and angry with the powers that be.

Luckily for us at home, Erika's path ensured that Helen was left untouched. Untouched - a very relevant expression to characterise our government's approach when it comes to preparation ahead of a storm/hurricane. Yes we have seen a general improvement in the maintenance of silt in our rivers and the bridge designs carrying us across these rivers. Is that adequate? We've experienced the full force of water through the passage Debbie, Tomas and the Christmas Trough, yet we trivialise similar occurrences. We have not done enough to help the people of Fond St Jacques and Bexon prepare for an Erika. A word from government, the Christian community, the private sector ahead of an event all help in raising the levels of preparation around the island. It adds value to NEMO's efforts. After all, one life is too much to lose. I know the Prime Ministers here sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount there is to do but when will they realise that the dependency on government only starts coming off when each and everyone starts taking on personal responsibility. When the head of state takes the lead on this then we begin to do things differently at our level. Still I thank God for spearing us from Erika.

Culture change required for St. Lucia to shine

Whilst the cries of economic hardship continue to dominate St. Lucian society, I have to question the veracity of this supposed reality. Are the economic opportunities so dismal, are we lacking creativity or are we cultured to be overly dependent on Governments? Whatever the case, the temporary closure of Super J Supermarkets at La Clery and New Dock surely presented opportunities for competitors and new entrepreneurs. Especially in the South, shopping at the Vieux Fort Plaza has become a way of life for many. On Friday 03rd July, and every weekend until now hundreds of people still seem clueless about other shopping options, as they parade the Plaza's parking lot. A mobile frozen food vendor could have done well in that vicinity, but the competitors could have surely capitalized on this opportunity to lure these customers to a new (and hopefully better) shopping experience. But no, people still went through the pain staking option of carrying several shopping bags from the shuttles to their various bus pick-ups; whilst the other supermarkets continued with "business as usual". Is this what happens in a competitive environment? Surely Super J's decision to undertake this million dollar investment couldn't be driven by pressures from these comfortable business owners. In light of this I believe Super J's remodeling is primarily driven by the dynamic needs of its customers. Do we keep doing things the same way and expect different results - especially in 2015, 16, 17 etc?

This is just one of many examples.