Do not sit back and wait for things to change!

“In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman. “ Margaret Thatcher

Image of Edward Harris — Harris at Large by Edward Harris

There are so many hot topics both at home and abroad competing for my attention this week that I am seriously challenged to select the developments that need to be brought to my readers’ attention.

My political quote demands that I introduce to you a great female political activist – Ms. Stacey Abrams from the State of Georgia in the U. S. A. She is a phenomenal woman who caused the Democrats, not only to turn the State of Georgia from RED to BLUE but also delivered the Senate. As a result, the responsibilities of the Vice President – Kamala Harris were expanded.

There are many lessons to be learned from the current politics at play in the U. S. A. One thing is certain that after all, the people of the Caribbean are seriously committed to democracy and the politicians are to the most part, men and women of integrity. Sometimes, the people are too hard on their politicians. They expect them to be perfect in every way, forgetting that they are human beings.

Enough about politics, the COVID 19 pandemic is raging, and the situation in Saint Lucia is no different. The latest Address to the Nation which was held on Tuesday 2nd February, 2021, presenting the representative voices of Government, Opposition and Private Sector was commendable. This is a step in the right direction. I am a firm believer in the necessity for involving divergent points of view, especially in times of crisis. There are over 1,500 cases and 18 deaths in St. Lucia. Every corner of the country is reached by this virus. Over the next few days, the new protocols will be tested. Should the spread continues unabated, I can only imagine that adequate steps to genuinely halt the further spread of the virus will have to be taken. It is a serious challenge to find a balancing act between Health and the Economy. However, it is only with health, we can build back better. Every Saint Lucian should be willing to adhere to the protocols, especially limiting unnecessary activity outside of the home. When venturing outside of your home, be sure to keep your mask on at all times, and maintain social distancing.

It is now very clear that this pandemic will be around for a while, and as a result, we must find ways to survive alongside this virus. It is evident that while it is not the way business was done pre COVID 19, the business of government and the private sector are slowly moving along, even where adjustments are required. Yes, a continuing RESET is necessary in almost all aspects of life – but life goes on. Whatever your plans are, in spite of the situation, I humbly suggest that you move forward. Find creative ways of executing the things that can be done. In spite of the current situation, there are lots of opportunities for self improvement, and entrepreneurship.

My recommendation this week is – creating and subscribing to specialised FORUMS (fora) where persons of like minds/interests can come together and share common concerns and ideas in a focused manner. There are lots of developments in the CRYPTO CURRENCY space and our people know very little, if anything about what is going on. How much do you know about this emerging currency which the experts predict will be the currency of the future? When this currency was introduced to me several years ago, my main concern was and still remains – what is the role of government in terms of regulations? However, the US government is about to intervene, and while this development will be fought by some, others will get greater confidence in doing business in the Crypto space. The Money Market is definitely where the action is. It is time to inform and educate ourselves about this important financial instrument – Crypto Currency.

Stay safe. Remember Always, Yahweh is in charge; dream big and expect daily Miracles!

Edward Harris