“Our freedoms are vanishing. If you do not get active to take a stand now against all that is wrong while we still can, then maybe one of your children may elect to do so in the future, when it will be far more riskier — and much, much harder.” Suzy Kassem
It is common knowledge that no man is an island, nothing lasts forever, and change is inevitable. After more than two decades as head of the government of Grenada which is known as the Spice Isle, Dr. The Rt. Hon. Keith Claudius Mitchell of the New National Party (NNP) lost the general elections on 23rd June, 2022 to Hon. Dickon Mitchell of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who claimed to enter politics to improve lives of others. I know from firsthand experience that this noble ideal is possible. I look forward with continued interest to see the actions that will follow.
I have great memories of my professional, entrepreneurial and personal development during the years I did business in Grenada. I experienced a very special situation on my very first trip to Grenada during the Maurice Bishop Government, when I was emotionally moved, (a feeling just came over me) on my way from the airport to the Capital – that I will one day establish a business on the island. I did not only establish a business that I managed but also assisted other investors to establish businesses on the island.
After the attempted coup when Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was executed along with other government officials, including members of his cabinet, I arrived in Grenada eight days after the intervention by the United States of America. I boarded a plane from Barbados enroute to Grenada where within 24 hours I navigated my way to present documents to acquire Fiscal Incentives to establish a manufacturing operation. My Grenada experiences gave me great confidence in the Power of Affirmation, even though I had experienced many divine interventions before.
During the period when the interim government was seeking to return normalcy to the State, I made several trips and finally decided to reside in Grenada in 1986. It was during that time that a visit by one of my then close business associates gave birth to one of the most successful small businesses in Saint Lucia.
I was fortunate in recent years to be associated with a company that has a very large operation in Grenada, and as a result, I made numerous trips to the island. I will never forget the glory days of Grenada when Ross University brought prosperity to the island state. I had the privilege of visiting the university and witnessing how financially strong US and other developed countries’ Corporations, and Foreign Direct Investments as a whole can make a difference in the social and economic progress of small developing nations.
I have encouraged many persons along their entrepreneurial journey. I continue to this day to share whatever knowledge I have gained over the years. As I travelled around the Caribbean, I made many friends and in some instances assisted others in achieving their dreams. I have seen many business persons prosper and then faded away, while others have maintained their businesses, and achieve financial stability.
The world is at a stage where there are great uncertainties, and people are very anxious about the future. We are challenged on every front. It will take dedicated leaders to turn this chaotic world around. The voices of our Caribbean leaders are being heard within the walls of major decision making organisations around the world, as they call for unity among all leaders who seek to solve the problems of education, climate change, disease, poverty, and crime, just to name a few.
This is the time for real people centric leaders to emerge and take charge as they put people first. It takes Love for people to be a leader in the 21st century. I am comforted to note that the new Prime Minister of Grenada entered politics to improve the lives of others. This opportunity is taken to congratulate Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell and his team, and we wish them well.
Many citizens and visitors to our islands within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States are in a celebrative mood either with Carnival or Music Festival events. They are having a really good time as we move back into our normal lives. However, don’t look away from COVID 19, but rather apply caution, and not assume that COVID 19 is no more. Stay healthy, stay safe, and be happy!
Keep the Faith. Blessings!
Edward Harris
Freelance Journalist/Realtor/Business Consultant
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eaharrisdestiny
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://stluciagreatpropertydeals.com