Saint Lucia’s economic landscape is headed for an innovative transformation, which will determine the practicality and tenacity of forging pathways towards the better management and implementation of business operations and endeavours in the country.
After years of consultations and interventions, public and private sector representatives recently gathered for an inclusive discourse on the critical issue relating to the Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
On Thursday, a landmark business enterprise initiative spearheaded by the Department of Commerce convened a full day of interactive dialogue where participants committed to finding solutions to appropriately resolve some of the more meddling issues that hinder the pace and efficiency of business operations in the country.
Minister for Commerce & Investment, Dr Ernest Hilaire, stressed that the Ease of Doing Business venture has been ongoing for some time. He recalled that at one time, the World Bank was a “leading advocate” for the Ease of Doing Business concept, and there was a ranking system implemented, which has been discontinued.
“But the Ease of Doing Business is more than just ranking. For our economy to prosper and to thrive, we must encourage more economic activity,” Dr. Hilaire asserted.
“With more economic activity in the country, there will be more economic growth, more revenue, and therefore we can ensure economic development,” the Commerce Minister added.
Sophia Alfay-Henry, Permanent Secretary – Department of Commerce, emphasized that such interventions must aspire to translate dialogue into action. She highlighted that the formation of a Business and Trade Department within the Department of Commerce is critical to achieving the requisite long-term goals.
Alfay-Henry articulated: “It is a reflection of a consistent and deliberate approach by the Department of Commerce; one grounded in inclusion, responsiveness, and sustained engagement.”
She added that from the onset, the ‘modus operandi’ clearly stated that, “Meaningful progress cannot happen in splintered silos; it requires bringing in all relevant voices to the bargaining table, listening carefully and working collaboratively towards devising practical solutions to persistent challenges.”
Towards this cause, Alfay-Henry disclosed that an allocation has been secured in this year’s budget “to operationalise a Trade Facilitation Unit, within the Department of Commerce.”
She added, “This update should provide renewed hope that the Ease of Doing Business remains high on our government’s priority. Together we can move from identifying the problems to implementing progress.”
A representative of the Bar Association of Saint Lucia noted that as practitioners, the association is tasked “with navigating regulatory frameworks, engaging with public departments and facilitating transactions that drive economic activity.”
In that regard, the legal representative noted, “The efficiency and transparency of the public offices are not an abstract ideal; they are practical assessments.”
She noted that bridging the gap to leverage the constraints linked to service delivery requires formatting “cross- training ” modules and a succession plan, “so that institutional knowledge is not confined to one single individual.”
Nicholas Barnard, President of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, described the session as a “timely and necessary” intervention. He said it was the “starting point” towards formulating a solution.
Moreover, Barnard stated, it is imperative to continue on the journey to attaining meaningful reform. “For over a century, probing the environment in which businesses operate has been a central part of our mission. But, while progress is being made in some areas, the underlying challenges remain deeply rooted: Businesses continue to point to recurring friction points, processes that are not aligned to how businesses operate,” he said.