During this mid-morning rest, the radio in the background was tuned to BBC FM 92.1, a 24 hour radio service which keeps one in touch with international affairs and serves up many a high quality diet of educational and entertainment offerings. Towards the end of my slumber, my subconscious tuned into a programme which may have been entitled, “Prospects for 2010 from a Christian perspective”. There was a smooth transition to my conscious mind in time to register the closing remarks which promoted the philosophy of “Hopeful Realism” in the context of dynamic wealth creation activity with responsibility to look after the less fortunate in society.

The feedback since the official launch of the Barbados Venture Capital Fund over a month ago has been awesome. The rate at which entrepreneurs call with business ideas, is unprecedented. The number of potential shepherds/advisors interested in participating in the programme has increased. Interest from abroad in the model abounds. Response locally to sophisticated investors has been positive, especially when advised that the principal sum invested is guaranteed by Government.

One participant wanted to know whence the source of funds to pay the shepherd. I delineated the creative way in which the shepherd is paid: (1) the seed capital company advances funds to the entrepreneur to pay the shepherd to prepare the business plan; (2) the enterprise buys the business plan at a profit from the management of the seed capital fund with investment funds, if necessary, from the Venture Capital Fund; (3) the enterprise follows the business plan and grows the business by selling the product or service to the consumer; (4) as the business grows the VC capital fund sells its shares to the enterprise and handsomely replenishes its capital; (5) the Venture Capital Fund is liquidated at the end of the agreed period and the investors obtain their return on investment. The answer to the question therefore is that, in reality, the consumer pays the shepherd.

Little by little you will improve yourself and your life. Learn from your past- look back on your past mistakes and try to understand how not to repeat them. It is important to learn from your mistakes so that you can evolve and improve yourself. A mistake is not really a mistake if you learn something new about yourself from it. Don't try to be something that you are not-value yourself for who you truly are inside. Don't be obsessed with being someone else like supermodels, celebrities, and famous people. You will never improve yourself if you aspire to be someone else. You need to stay true to yourself and your values and ethics. We must pay attention to our emotional being. We must improve our outlook on life- in order to improve ourselves. You must first improve the way that you view yourself. Self esteem is essential to feeling good about yourself. We must practise positive belief systems such as good relationships, self-confidence, security and ambition. We must reject negative emotions such as anger, fear, worry and guilt – they induce stress and may make you seriously ill. Improve the way you act around people- You should try to be nicer, and you will receive that kindness back in return. It will also help you to have a more positive attitude overall. If people view you as a nice person then you will radiate a positive energy and people will want to be around you. Set small goals for yourself- improving your self takes time. You need to set small goals for yourself so you are not overwhelmed and feel a sense of accomplishment. We must pay attention to our spiritual being.

The Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon. David Thompson, in his address at the Launch of the Barbados Entrepreneurs’ Venture Capital Fund, which is designed for Quick Response had this to say: “We have been faced with one crisis after another. Over the past few years, we have witnessed the global triple “F” crises related to Fuel, then Food and, most recently, we have suffered and are still suffering from the effects of the Financial crisis”. He continued: “Barbados as a small emerging open market economy, will not escape the tsunami effects of the global crises as they wash up on our shores. The only thing we can do, other than fold our arms and ponder – which I don’t intend to do - is to respond with innovative and creative solutions to address the critical imperative to grow the size of the Barbados economy and by restoring and increasing our growth rates. Sustainable economic growth and development can only take place in Barbados by building successful enterprises that are well managed, aggressive, innovative, civic-minded and attain high levels of performance”. Jeremy Rifkin was on the same wavelength as Prime Minister Thompson but spoke more comprehensively and from an international perspective. He addressed the challenges of devising triple “E” creative solutions related to Energy security, Environment and global Economic recovery.

Whether we are feeling the effects of a financial crisis or not, there is no denying the fact that: without the entrepreneur there will be no business enterprise; without one successful business enterprise after another there will be no economic development; without sustainable economic development, our socio-economic well being is at risk. We therefore need to do everything in our power to manage the factors that ultimately put us at risk.

The Prime Minister, in his address at the launch of the Venture Capital Fund (www.bimventures.com), held on the first anniversary of the advent of the Seed Capital Fund, confirmed the Government’s incentives to the private sector to invest in the VCF. The six business enterprises, which were included in the pilot phase, were showcased at the launch and the entrepreneurs, along with their Shepherds, gave testimonies, as to the current success of the CBET Shepherding ModelTM.

This is the third such Awards session and it is always amazing to me the wealth of talent that exists in the Caribbean. All praise to the Foundation for embarking on this Caribbean Awards programme to encourage selected existing operations to grow from strength to strength with the very attractive cash awards in the categories of Arts and Letters, Public and Civic Contribution and Science & Technology. Unfortunately only the winners receive awards, but perhaps other successful companies in the Caribbean can follow suit, thus creating greater possibility for advancement of entrepreneurial activity and hence economic growth.

One of the most recent initiatives is the CBET partnership with the government and private sector in Barbados, of which Minister Boyce made mention in his presentation, to adopt the CBET Shepherding model which includes seed and venture capital funding. The first six plot enterprises under this model will be showcased in less than two weeks time when the Prime Minister gives the feature address at the launch of the Barbados Quick Response Entrepreneurs’ Venture Capital Fund. Righteous are his ways, mighty and marvellous are his acts. Listen to Him we shall all overcome.

Whereas, I am prepared to concede that it is a bit premature to ask commercial banks to change their risk assessment process, based on a promise of the advent of a risk mitigating measure, I think that the time is right to invite commercial enterprises, including commercial banks, to invest in a bond issue which will capitalize the Venture Capital Fund, especially if the Government, on behalf of the people of Barbados, is prepared to give a significant incentive to guarantee the investment principal.

One of my missions in life is to persuade the commercial banker that the shepherding concept, where an experienced shepherd is assigned to the entrepreneur, mitigates the failure of the business in a way that no amount of hard collateral can and that the adoption of the CBET shepherding model by an enterprise, should be regarded as part of their risk assessment process. More loan business for the bank increases the return on its shareholders’ investments and contributes to the economic growth of the country, which in turn enhances the banks growth. In last week’s article where I addressed the topic of risk in organisational systems, I had a response from Sir Courtney Blackman, the founding Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, “I liked this piece especially since it places the responsibility for risk management squarely on management”. I interpreted this statement as support for the CBET Shepherding Model. The CBET pioneering application in Barbados has reached a point where the first six enterprises are about to present their business plans for venture capital funding. I am looking forward to the possibility of approaching commercial banks to encourage them to develop a partnership with CBET’s clients and the CBET Shepherding model in the bank’s own best interest.

Last week, I was invited to present at a seminar mounted by G.O. Lynch Consultancy Inc. The theme “The new critical importance of the HR practitioner in planning for and managing your next crisis”. My approach was to create an environment for the participants to think about the origin of business risks and how to combat them with growth strategies and therefore inculcate a culture of sustainable success in the organisation. In laying this foundation, the first stone was to recognize that the partnership between the public and private sectors is one where the public sector creates an enabling environment to permit the private sector “To Conduct Business”. The second stone was to recognize that change induces risk in organisational systems which generically include strategic management; marketing; operations; HRD; administration; ICT; legal; and financial. I gave examples of the risk inducing types of factor that one should look for within the various systems in the organization and then to identify the corresponding growth strategies to mitigate those risks.

My suggestion is that, in order to experience sustainable tourism growth, we must “move our marketing strategies to the East” and not plough more and more resources into Western markets which are more severely hit by recession and from where the centre of gravity of global wealth has long moved to the East. Remember that “Hope Springs Eternal in the Human Breast”. In entrepreneurial development across many productive sectors, the expected failure rate of start-up businesses is 80% to 90% in the first two years of operation. This number is repeated time and time again as if it were an inevitable phenomenon. My hypothesis is that if we recognise the reason why these businesses fail is due to weak management of business systems such as marketing, operations, human resources and finance and introduce the CBET Shepherding ModelTM, we would probably experience a dramatic turnaround so that the business failure rate in the first two years of operation would only be 10 to 20%. This is a potential factor of four in economic growth irrespective of threats of financial crises or other manifestations of a paradigm shift.

On a daily basis I deal with entrepreneurs, many of whom are four decades my junior. They are warming to the shepherding experience and in fact recognize the value of the smart partnership which has been spawned. In Rotary, in the same way that women were admitted into Rotary which was previously a male domain, in our Rotary Club we have now invited well trained young professionals men and women to provide some diversity and energy into a club whose average age was inevitably on the increase. I observe too that, relatively speaking, such an intrusion of younger members is also necessary in the Barbados Association of Retired of Persons (BARP) whose membership threshold is 50 years of age.

The Barbados Government has demonstrated, by its support of this innovative smart partnership, that is a servant to this people; it is considerate of their needs; it responds with compassion; and works things out with them. As this process becomes more and more successful, the government therefore has a reasonable expectation that the people will end up commensurately reciprocating to the Government.

These experiences have contributed significantly to the wider appreciation by the shepherds as to why failure rates of start-up or emerging business are as high as 80-90% within the first two years of operation. It became very evident that the order of business has to be to apply the total quality concept of “zero defects” which means that there is no short cut but to engage in painstaking diligence in working closely with the entrepreneurs and paying attention to detail. The upside potential is that, because of shepherding, the success rate of business will increase thus stimulating the growth of the Barbados economy, one successful enterprise after another. My hypothesis is that this strategy will increase the growth rate by a factor of four. Time will tell!

The rebuilding process will then be finessed by the Trust as it transitions from an interim organisation into the new WICB with a strong smart partnership with the new WIPA. The Trust will be responsible for policy, approval of plans, monitoring of management; and it will be capitalised by the governments of the Caribbean on behalf of the people of the West Indies, by sponsors, and maybe by individual subscriptions from the wider cadre of cricket supporters in the West Indies and the Diaspora through an innovative process. The trust will be private sector led and will not micromanage the functions of management. A management team will be selected to manage the organisation and representatives from the six cricketing associations in the West Indies will be asked to sit on various management committees as appropriate.

Then, all of a sudden, reality set in. You do not call the number, but you must be ready when it is called. I must heed my uncle’s words. I must humbly set about the first day of the rest of my life. The concept of “retirement” is not well defined in my mind. In fact, I try my best to maintain the formula of good nutrition, regular exercise and deliberate management of stress (peace of mind), as if retirement did not exist, in the hope that this will in someway remind my genes that they have a tradition to uphold.

Senator Goddard was a man of few words but always well chosen and insightful and a man with an unassuming aura but with an influential and penetrative reach. He was not a part of the formal diplomatic corps but he could have been any day. Sir John was often heard to say in the corridors of power in which he graciously strode: “You must always speak the truth, but the truth must not always be spoken”, a message which is quintessential to diplomacy and discretion. He knew when to be silent and when to release incisive invective to achieve the objectives at hand. He quietly influenced others to adhere to the same principle. He understood the meaning of the phrase “Silence is Golden”.

Throughout my consulting career, I have always encouraged my clients to project an unswerving positive attitude to whatever they undertake. This was inspired by the book “The Power of Positive Thinking” by the Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, which I read as a teenager. I have counseled “If you focus on the positives, you will get positive results. However, if you focus on the negatives, you will get negative results. It is the same divine law”. So why have anything other than a positive mental attitude? As the Psalmist said “blessed is the man that trusteth in thee”. The primary ingredient, of course, is to be disciplined enough to always exude positive mental attitudes.

Sir Shridath must revisit the Patterson governance report on West Indies cricket, commissioned by the WICB itself. But of course a radical approach must be proposed because, let us face it; the WICB is not going to take action to destroy itself. The WICB must be dismantled by an external force. By the way, in my opinion the WICB must be congratulated on taking the stance to appoint a second team for the Bangladesh series and for the ICC Trophy. At least they did not capitulate to the demands of the WIPA on this occasion. But these congratulations do not mean that there is no root cause. It is still there.

The dialogue also has become a useful platform for sharing practical experiences from both public and private sectors on issues relating to development and regional cooperation which in turn can be of help in the development of a common national vision. The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia said that the focus of the dialogue should be geared towards developing a clear understanding of each smart partner and the strengths and limitations of smart partners, as well as to promote trust, patience and tolerance.

In order to leave an inheritance, not just to our own children, but to our children's children requires work, discipline, investing, planning and saving up our money! Wealth creation is the name of the game.

In my own defence, sustainable success in life depends very much on the effectiveness of the working of an integrated system.. We are all disappointed that WI cricket has gone from bad to worse without any sign of it reaching a nadir. WI cricket is a business enterprise. The primary stakeholders of WI cricket: WICB, WIPA and the WI cricket supporters have a responsibility, guided by a shepherd, to make the process work efficiently.

Everyone seems to get fired up on issues as they occur and then they gradually die away. Everyone has got complacent to the extent that they appear not to care. Maybe the press should re-examine their role and, instead of making cynical comments deriding the actions of the WICB, they could spend their time positively suggesting, on a sustained basis, various actions for the future.

It is expected that shepherding the enterprise will mitigate the risk of business failure and hence, collectively, will result in a growth rate which will ensure that sustainable development takes place.

In the article it is argued that the United States will, at some point, recover from the current deep recession. But the overriding question upon recovery will concern resumption of growth rate. Will we return to the high growth and productivity rates of the post-1995 decade? Or, in a gloomier scenario, are we in for a sustained period of sluggish growth like what afflicted most developed countries from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s?

Indeed, it is my life’s mission to test the hypothesis that the failure rate of businesses in the Caribbean is a function of weak management of the four main pillars of a business (marketing, operations, human resource development and money). I propose therefore that we invest in strengthening the management and observe the results. I look forward to the day when these statistics are reversed and we shall then be proud to state that the success rate of new businesses ranges from 60% to 90% within the first two years of operation. Such statistics are a manifestation of economic growth which is indeed our goal. To achieve this we must be spiritually moved, emotionally stable and practically guided.

The Shepherding concept then allows commercial banks to look more favourably at funding or co-funding the entrepreneur’s project than it was able to do before. They can now get involved in a wider range of project than they did before without compromising their risk assessment process. The economy will grow as a result.

The value of Smart Partnership in laying the foundation in this scheme is crucial. It’s a three-way Smart Partnership involving CBET Inc., the Barbadian government and the private sector.” The model was well received by the international audience (primarily Commonwealth country representatives) and recognised for its catalytic potential to reduce the rate of business failure. The implementation of the model in Barbados is well underway and there has been extremely positive feedback from those entrepreneurs to whom shepherds have been assigned and have started the shepherding process.

It is often said that many of our countries in the Caribbean have very little natural resources and hence this stymies our rate of economic growth. The fact is that our people, our major resource, have tremendous talent primarily, but not exclusively, in the creative industries. What we need to focus on is the development of programmes of holistic health which will underpin the stability of these resources. The design recommended by CBET in support of this enterprise thrust is: (1) shepherding services to mitigate the risk of business failure, this reduces the need for hard collateral in support of loans at commercial banks and increases the bank’s portfolio; (2) identification and training of preferably locally sourced shepherds to facilitate exponential growth; (3) a generic operational model, with an operation manual and training services, which can be licensed to each sovereign country; (4) a review of the impact of this new model on the existing institutional framework in the country; (5) a mix of grant, loan and venture capital which is optimal for the entrepreneur’s needs; (6) explosion of the myth that venture capital will endanger the security of ownership by the entrepreneur of the entrepreneur’s business; (7) Quick Response seed capital funding to develop or revise a business plan; (8) Quick Response venture capital funding, so that businesses can “hit the ground running”, while a more comprehensive financial mix is put in place.

How do we fix these problems? The answer is to get back to basics and lay the foundation. The first layer is the spiritual layer. If we are spiritually aware then we should realise that there is no need to fear, to feel abandoned, bereft or distraught but to revel in the Peace which has been bestowed to us. If we are not spiritually aware then we need help and what better place to start than a study of John 14:27. The other layers are in the terrestrial plane. The second layer is to recognise first of all that the private sector’s role is to lead business activity in order to grow the economy and secondly that the public sector is to determine policy and create a user-friendly enabling environment by providing regulatory and service functions, in support of the private sector.

I took the opportunity to advise that the CBET Shepherding Model, espousing Dr. Warde’s philosophy, was at the implementation stage, and that its unique selling proposition was in the packaging of the integrated theme of (1) identifying high performance enterprises with potential to access the global market (enterprises with the DNA of an Elephant), (2) mounting quick response seed & venture capital funds to develop business plans and to expedite the investment in the emerging business, (3) the shepherding concept itself, (4) private/public partnership, and (5)the recognition that, in the absence of a supranational body to expedite the “E” in CSME, the partnership initiative has to be at the national sovereign country level. We must keep dreaming so that the power of imagination can propel us to the Promised Land. Even though we might flounder or fall along the way there is a promise that the LORD upholdeth with his hand

By the way, we have a very specific challenge in the Caribbean which consists of a number of small territories, each of them with sovereign status and all signatories to a Caribbean Community treaty. They attempt to behave as if the Community were a sovereign government. It is not. There is therefore a tendency to build the roof first, not fully admitting that it will not stand firm until the supporting pillars are first in place. We need to strengthen those individual pillars, working in harmony before we try to put the roof over our heads (politicians willing).

We are, and must always remember that we are, part of the great human family. That means that we are responsible for each other, and that we must be mindful of the effects our words and deeds can have on other people, the nation, and the world…CBET is not just about incubating and shepherding businesses to grow a stronger Barbadian private sector; it is also about mentoring, care, and compassion, and giving of oneself to encourage others to reach their God-given potential. The value of the human being is that he/she can think, and that through thoughtfulness, he/she can make many feel cherished, capable, and motivated. Each of us has a responsibility to give of the very best of ourselves and contribute positively to the community around us, and encourage others to grow and flourish.

This quotation paints a beautiful picture of human beings, but only portrays the potential of the human being. The reality is much different. Yes, of course, the human being has done wonderful things with the God given resources available but the human being has also demonstrated elements of selfishness and greed which has been inimical to the cause of sustainable development. In particular, the behaviour of the human being has caused much stress in terms of: a lack of commitment to spiritual awareness, poor protection of the physical environment, a propensity for war, stymied economic growth and the lack of care for fellow man. As a colleague once said, “we need to develop men and women who take the time to pour into the lives of others, no matter how seemingly insignificant that individual may appear to be. In order to have a better society and to truly leave a legacy, each one of us must realise our own significance and rise to the challenge of making Barbados and the region a better place to live. We must become energised to do our best for our country and the best can only be achieved through the power of God and unity with our fellow man”. We must set about to reverse the trends by a renewed commitment to spiritual awareness, the conscious protection of the physical environment, the diffusion of the issues which lead to war, the development of creative and innovative strategies for economic growth, the appreciation of the finer things in life and care for our fellow man. President Obama is setting a good example.

The Caribbean Institute of Certified Management Consultants (CICMC) www.caribbeancmc.com has recently been established to address this challenge. Indeed, the inaugural Americas Hub Conference on Management Consulting took place in Barbados last November. Minister Christopher Sinckler, the then Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, while addressing delegates at the Gala dinner, observed that management consulting was a global multi-billion enterprise and that Barbados and the Caribbean should position itself to take advantage of this opportunity. The conference was mounted primarily by the fledgling CICMC. The Mission of CICMC is to be “To be a professional organization that aggressively mobilizes its members and enhances their ability to serve clients according to global standards of excellence and ethics”.

Crisis creates opportunity and President Obama has opened a door that the world can turn into a Smart Partnership that will move the relationship between the United States and each country in the world to a new and rewarding level. It can also be a model for Smart Partnership relationships between pairs or groups of countries in the world. Also, President Obama is promoting the concept of “We are not enemies of Islam”, let us therefore work together in Smart Partnership in the interest of the peoples of the world.

Helping the Next Generation – It has been observed by today’s youth that the previous generations did not have television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon, nuclear energy, chips and cell phones and fast computers. The older citizens argue that this is the reason why they invented them and pose the challenge to today’s youth “what are you doing for the next generation?”.

A projection of potential sales is one thing but achieving the projected revenue is another. The science and practice of marketing will deliver those sales but at a cost. Shepherding will facilitate increased profits but at a cost. These will both contribute to the overhead expense of the business. A comprehensive business plan will inform as to the capital investment required for the business to cover the cost of business plan preparation, marketing, shepherding, research & development, physical plant, equipment, training and working capital. We have found that Venture Capital is necessary to complement traditional sources of funding. The undertaking of a diagnostic health profile of an enterprise followed by a business health maintenance and growth treatment, in the form of a business plan, is the recommended strategy. The failure to provide adequate, timely and appropriate financial capital to implement the business plan is an exercise in frustration for the entrepreneur and futility for the country. The message here to the faithful entrepreneur who has been diligent in implementing the recommendations of the business plan, is that if you are faithful over many little things, then so successful will your business be. The combination of many successful enterprises will redound to the benefit of national economic growth.

Be that as it may, my response was to advise that the solution lay with individuals or groups of individuals within the society and their willingness to change their mindset and get personally involved in developing the people, the country’s greatest asset, one person after another. Indeed, their individual responsibility is to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give the young people a grasp on reality.

I did not give up and today I rejoice in reporting that the CBET Shepherding Model™; and the Twin Fund Quick Response Revolving Seed Capital Fund and the Quick Response Venture Capital Fund are being implemented, as a private sector led initiative, in partnership with the Barbados government, as a way of stimulating emerging enterprise development, in general, and the Turn-Key revolution in particular. The model is appropriate as a development tool, at least, for any emerging nation in the world.

Cultural diversity, therefore, has evolved in our family and there is no escaping it. Others will have different evolutionary experiences of cultural diversity and it is hoped that when God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly.

It is therefore important to be wise and give oneself every opportunity to increase learning, a life long process, so that one can build on the reservoir of understanding and become even wiser. One is on earth to contribute and once good health attends you then the learning and sharing process can continue day after day. The sustainability of good health is facilitated by a balanced diet, regular exercise and the practice of peace of mind.

There are many questions; here is an attempt at some answers. (1) Is it true that the WICB was never happy with the Antigua North Sound ground as a Test Match venue since it was built for the Cricket World Cup 2007? All reports that I have read seem to lead to this conclusion. (2) Is it true that the Antiguan Government refused to entertain a recommendation for a change in venue? If I were a Government politician I would have some difficulty in facing a situation which would cause the country to lose significant macro-economic benefits. (3)What impact will this have on the imminent general election in Antigua? I have not done a survey, but if I were an Opposition politician, the possible role of the Antiguan Government in insisting that the show must go on in the face of technical advice would certainly be a platform issue. (4) Is it true that the President of the West Indies Cricket Board is of the opinion that there is no need for “heads to roll” as a result of this debacle? I heard this on radio. If this is true then it is typical of the lack of Goverenance which pervades public and private sectors in the Caribbean. It has caused considerable embarrassment to Caribbean people not to speak of potential horrendous financial losses for the organisers and all of the stakeholders of the event. Not least of these stakeholders are the visitors who have travelled considerable distances to attend the match. Some group should admit that the blame is theirs. (5) What will be the impact of the decision to mount a Third test match on Sunday 15 February (this column will be submitted prior to this)? It is a hasty decision to relocate to the Antigua Recreation ground which has not held a Test Match since 2006. It obviously minimises macroeconomic losses for Antigua and financial losses to visitors to the island. From a logistical and cricketing perspective, it may be yet another gamble and nightmare. (6) There are so many sports grounds around the world. Did we bring in experts to complement local expertise in dealing with the problems at the North Sound ground and have they been paid? They should be called to account.

I was heartened by the responses which I now share with you. The first, from New York, is a question and answer dialogue: Question: Do you think a person can “evolve” from being risk-averse to someone who is willing to step out onto the ledge, not knowing what lies beyond (or even scarier, how great the fall may be)? Answer: Yes. It is like learning to swim. You need a shepherd - you gradually gain confidence- then there is no turning back. Or, it is like learning to ride a bicycle. You need training wheels - or, in my case, a few bruises from crashing into fences or walls or the ground- you gradually gain confidence- then there is no turning back. Question: Or do you think that each of us innately, inherently, “genetically”, or through some combination of nature/nurture is programmed to fall into one of the two camps and there we are destined to remain? Answer: No. Question: If necessity is indeed the mother of invention and if desperate times call for desperate measures then there should be much more evolution taking place, don’t you think? Answer: Some of us evolve naturally others have to be nurtured. The "haves" must shepherd the "have nots". Comment: I’m curious about your thoughts. I’m neutral. Answer: Get off the fence, m'am! Final response: Well stated, Bas! Off to a Board meeting… The second from Barbados: “Thanks Basil - this is certainly a positive way of tackling that situation... I hope you can project other positive approaches into the local situation ... a 2 % drop in the economy is not a big deal compared to what's happening in the metropole, and if that's all, we can be quite happy, don't you think? It's the pessimism and advance shedding of jobs and selling of shares that's causing the snowball effect! The third from Trinidad: The tide has come ashore in Trinidad, these are uncharted waters in which the world is sailing. Just like in my father's days he worked for himself and traded his carpentry skill. Fourteen years ago I made that decision to be an independent consultant. I too have been counselling my family and friends to consider similar approaches as us. More persons need to hear our message. They need to get out of the cycle of fear … in order to take their lives, family and country to a higher state of freedom. Keep up the good work. (Dr. Basil Springer GCM is Change-Engine Consultant, Caribbean Business

The advent of the information age has made possible for us to seamlessly embrace the productivity concept of virtual working. It is a natural companion to entrepreneurship especially if you are in the field of services. Get real, be virtual! In the current climate virtual working is a smart choice. Operate from a home office – save the rent expense. Telecommute – save the inconvenience, local transportation and clothes expenses. Teleconference – save the travel expenses. Rent an office for a day – save the board room expense. Stay ahead of the game and gain your freedom and independence at the same time.

President Obama in his inaugural address stressed "we need more responsibility and accountability, certainly, in the way our government acts." One of the fascinating features, from a management perspective and in the wake of the Obama inauguration, is the introduction of the Obameter by PolitiFact http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/. PolitiFact has compiled about 500 promises that Barack Obama made during the campaign and is tracking their progress on their Obameter. Their status is rated as No Action, In the Works or Stalled. Once we find action is completed, their status is rated Promise Kept, Compromise or Promise Broken.

Once a hurricane is spawned and the conditions are favourable for its development, its growth is inevitable. It is then a question of if, where and when it will make land fall and, if so, how much damage will be done. If we are prepared, the impact will be less than if we are not. What do we do? We invoke the concept of insurance which is a promise of compensation for specific potential future losses, in exchange for a periodic payment. The country takes out a socio-economic stabilisation insurance policy. The payment or insurance premium, in this case, is the monthly cost of disaster preparedness and disaster management practices designed to mitigate the impact of a hurricane on the socio-economic life of the countries of the Caribbean. What should we do when the expectation is impending doom and gloom as a result of the peril induced by the expected global economic downturn? Similarly, we invoke the concept of insurance and take out an economic growth insurance policy, the insurance premium for which is the cost of enterprise development.

The family is indeed the unit around which the society is built and hence we must continually develop family strength. Steve we are proud of you and Mary for leading your node of the family in an exemplary way to stellar heights and making us all proud. As I observed in a recent column, I think your concept of retirement should be “retirement from Scotia Bank”; there is much more out there still to be done to fulfil your purpose of life.

We must build a new economic house and make an economic parapet for our “roof”, lest anyone should fall from it. 2009 must therefore be a watershed year for Barbados and indeed for the rest of the world. If we continue to do things in the way that we have been accustomed, then with a changing external environment, not within our control, we could very well find ourselves wanting. We must think outside of the box and be creative and innovative in terms of the way to address the holistic environment.