St. Lucia Business Focus 90

Issue No. 90

Feb/Mar 2017

RCIP Ltd...

Built Strong

CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE

Building in St. Lucia

www.businessfocusstlucia.com

Ensure the availability and performance of your business Ensure processes by taking a the availability and performance of your business holistic approach to processes by taking a network management. holistic approach to network management.

C&W Total Network C&W Total Network Management Management

Total Network Management integrates the Total Network Management is a following services: "turnkey" solution that will allow you to connect your headquarters with remote Total Network Management integrates the Total Network Management is a • Connectivity (MPLS, Ethernet, Internet) locations quickly and effectively while that will allow you to following services: "turnkey" solution • Managed Networking (WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi) implementing global industry connectbest your headquarters with remote • Managed UTM • Connectivity (MPLS, Ethernet, Internet) practices to ensure Quality of Service locations quickly and effectively while • Traffic Management • Managed Networking (WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi) for business-critical applications. implementing global industry • Managed best Netscaler • Managed UTM • Advanced Network Reporting practices to ensure Quality of Service • Traffic Management All services are delivered our for through business-critical applications.

• Managed Netscaler Our regional Customer Service Centers (CSCs) and own regional state-of-the-art fiber • Advanced Network Reporting Network Operation Centers (NOCs) ensure the optic network providing scalable All services are delivered through our seamless and coordinated operations of the Total bandwidth capacity and multiple Our regional Customer Service Centers (CSCs) and own regional state-of-the-art fiber Network Management solution 24/7/365 Network Operation Centers (NOCs) ensure the physical paths to ensure total optic network providing scalable through a single Service Level Agreement (SLA). seamless and coordinated operations of the Total redundancy with no single points of bandwidth capacity and multiple Network Management solution 24/7/365 failure. physical paths to ensure total through a single Service Level Agreement (SLA). redundancy with no single points of failure.

www.cwcbusiness.com

First Citizens Investment Services

The Generation Of Wealth Let First Citizens Investment Services show you how to create lasting wealth for yourself and those who follow in your footsteps.

Call or visit today to benefit from our expertise: consultancy, financial planning, risk management, investment products and services.

Trinidad & Tobago 1 (868) 622 3247 | 1 (868) 657 2662 St. Lucia 1 (758) 450 2662 Barbados 1 (246) 417 6810 First Citizens Investment Services Limited is a licensed broker/dealer in the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market and is also incorporated in Barbados as First Citizens Investment Services (Barbados) Limited.

1 (868) 62-FIRST (623-4778) | www.firstcitizenstt.com/fcis/wealth-management | advice@gynosis.com

Issue date: November, 2016

Bank of St. Lucia

LIKE US ON: facebook.com/bankofsaintlucia WWW.BANKOFSAINTLUCIA.COM

Telephone: 1 (758) 456 6000

Fax: 1 (758) 456 6720

Email: info@bankofsaintlucia.com

No. 90

BF

FEB/MAR 2017

CONTENTS FEATURE

32. RG Group of Companies Backed by

Women…Built strong!

34. A Diversified Portfolio 36. The Leading Ladies of CIE Ltd 40. St. Lucia’s Thriving Property Market 42. Finanacing for Building - Commercial &

Residental 44. Planning, Designing and Building Your

New Home 46. Building Contractors: Who Are They

And What Do They Do? 47. Who Are Your Property / Land Surveyors?

47. What is a Property Valuator?

48. Epic Construction Inc:

Our Work Speaks for Its Self 50. Architects 51. G & G Interiors …

“Where The Possibilities Are Endless!”

52. Caribbean Metals - Your One Stop For All

Your Metal Building Supplies 54. Quantity Surveyor 55. Civil Engineer 56. Important Facts About Plumbers 56. Electrical Engineer 58. J.H. Larchers Electrics Ltd 60. Pest Management –

What You Should Know Before You Build 60. Information Technology in the

Construction Industry 62. FDL - Pest Control Solutions 64. Historic Preservation...

Document Before Demolish!

66. On The Bookas: Aliens Licensing Act 68. Saint Lu Metal & Plastic Manufacturers Ltd. 70. Essential Hardware Limited 72. A Solar Hot Water System.

The Right Choice in Building 74. Renee’s Construction Company Ltd 76. Constructing Uur Heritage The Walcott

Place Project 80. Lewis Industries Ltd. -

Leader in Cleaning Service

4.

6.

Editor’s Note Business Briefs

8.

10.

Creating Effective Shareholder Engagement: A Missing Link In Corporate Governance Understanding The “WHY” In Your Company Culture

Business Tech

12.

14.

Digicel Business Shortlisted For ‘Best Caribbean Wholesaler’In The Global Carrier Awards 2016 UWI Grads Top PitchIT Caribbean

Money Matters 16.

17.

18.

20.

22.

22.

Keep Running IMF Concludes 2017 Mission to Saint Lucia The “Triple Flame” Of Finance How To Draft A Confidentiality Agreement CAL and RBC Sign Agreement for RBC Caribbean Airlines Credit Card Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean Opens Secretariat in St. Lucia

26. A Night to Remember - Saint Lucia Business Awards 2017

30. Trade Secrets: Time To Expand Abroad

In The Know

82. Dangers of Treating Employees as Family 84. Three Reasons Why It Makes Sense To Invest

In Branding 85. UN Women Support CARICOM To Address

Gender Inequality 86. OECS To Get Centre For Entrepreneurship Training 86. Unemployment to Rise in Caribbean in 2017

87.

88.

89.

90.

Saint Lucia Public Service Undergoes Good Governance Training WICB Rebrands, Now Called - Cricket West Indies Getting to know our NRDF Board members: Mr. Mallet Edwards OECS Unveils Public Education Forum Launches Project in the BVI

Enviromental Focus 91. Moving From Subsistence To Sustainability;

Renewable Energy And The Way Forward

For Island States.

Youth In Focus 92. Saint Lucia’s Young Leader Heads to

Buckingham Palace

Economy & Trade 93.

94.

Private Sector on Board with National Awards of Excellence 2017 Sandals Foundation Business Enthusiast Program Reaches 119 from 10 Communities

Health & Wellness 95. Take A Breath….

Ten Minute Breathing Technique 96. Cosmetic Surgery in Saint Lucia 101. Major Moves 102. NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS 104. ADVERTISERS INDEX

MONEY MATTERS

Construction and Real Estate Creating Entrepreneurs and Economic Opportunities!

Across the island, construction activities have been executed reflecting a growing economy with opportunities to expand business and improve the quality of life of our people. Towns, Villages and Landscapes have been changed forever with historic properties being demolished, old commercial buildings, landmarks and family homes being replaced with modern construction reflective of today’s modern lifestyles and demands.

Construction has been led for generations by Government in the execution of approved plans for expansion and development of national properties, opening of new lands and infrastructure to support increased economic activity. The growth of the economy also creates opportunities for commercial development and the suc-

Lokesh Singh Editor / Managing Director

cess of people allowing them the opportunity to purchase land and build their dream homes – for many their largest single investment.

Many have ventured into the construction sector with great success, however, none have been as assertive and dominant in recent times as Rayneau Gajadhar, a young entrepreneur from humble beginnings who has today become a household name across Saint Lucia. His tenacity and passion for success continues to defy limits. Over the past twenty years, he has built a network of companies through hard work and opportunity making him St Lucia’s home grown construction magnate.

Whilst we celebrate his achievements, he is the first to admit that despite construction being a male dominated sector, his overall success to date has been intrinsically hinged on the unflinching and dedicated support of a wonderful group of women who are the unsung heroes of his success in life and business. In this Feature we highlight some of the key women in Rayneau’s RG Group of Companies.

Building a home is a major undertaking and we thought we should share some of the experiences and issues which should help you to enhance your knowledge and avoid the problems experienced by so many. We urge you to work with professionals who have the experience and certification to deliver. Many of these persons are members of their professional associations and are approved providers by the various financial institutions.

BUSINESSFOCUS Business Focus magazine is published every two months by Advertising & Marketing Services Limited (AMS), Saint Lucia.

Editor / Managing Director: Lokesh Singh - lokesh@amsstlucia.com Editorial Assistant: Angelica O’Donoghue-Holder

Editor’s Note

Graphic Designer: Tannel George | Carlisle Searles Advertising Sales: Cennette Flavien - cennette@amsstlucia.com Cleopatra Jules - cleopatra@amsstlucia.com Webmaster: Advertising & Marketing Services Photography: Ashley Anzie | ECMC Ltd. | Jamaica Observer NRDF | LUCELEC | Trinidad Guardian | RCIP Group Invest Saint Lucia | Caribbean News Now | Caribbean Business Report Contributors: Lokesh Singh | Dr Chris Bart | Oliver Bottois | Hanna Fitz Samuel Rosenberg | Brian Ramsey | Kezia Preville Trudy O Glasgow | Dr Basil Springer | McPherse Thompson Glad Taylor | Irvin Springer | G & G Interiors | RCIP Group James Husbands | Mark Hennecart | Vinode Mamchan Mark Hill | Samantha Turner-Girard | Lalaine C. Delmendo Jamaica Observer | Barbados Nation | News America Caribbean News Now | Caribbean Business Report The Gleaner | St. Lucia News Online | Caribbean 360 Editorial, Advertising, Design & Production: Advertising & Marketing Services P.O. Box 2003, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: (758) 453-1149; Fax: (758) 453-1290 email: ams@candw.lc www.amsstlucia.com, www.stluciafocus.com Business Focus welcomes contributions from professionals or writers in specialized fields or areas of interest.

Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright. Business Focus reserves the right to determine the content of the publication.

2017 can be your year of major investment and achievements. Be prepared and be positive and you will achieve. We hope that you will be better informed with the content of our Special Feature and tell yourself that you too can be as successful in your life.

We encourage you to read the pages of our Special Feature and the other interesting articles to update and educate yourself for your personal and professional growth.

On The Cover: RCIP Group

Happy Reading!

BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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Communication Tools SMS

Benefits of Collaboration

Instant Messaging

Customer Service

Email

Mobility

Mobile Device Desktop Sharing

Unified Communications (UC)

Unified Communications (UC) uses the network as a platform to coordinate communication tools and channels such as the office phone, laptops and tablets, with services such as email and interactive calendaring UC allows greater collaboration in the workforce as information can be shared easily as users have a variety of methods at their disposal.

Video Conference

Digicel Cost Savings

Increased Productivity

Changing the Voice of your Business: Unified Communications and Collaboration

The State of Business Communication

Traditionally, communications within a business was limited to face-to –face meetings and telephone calls. Today, millions of device and service are transforming the way our businesses communicate. The growing popularity of communication tools such as email, text messaging, instant messaging, videoconferencing and desktop sharing have revolutionized the voice of today’s business, erasing the boundaries that previously existed between each channel.

Now our cellular phones do the work of several devicesgiving you access to your email, wherever you are, while allowing you to schedule meetings with co-workers on a shared calendar, make a videoconference call and send broadcast messages using instant-messenger apps. This is done through Unified Communications (UC), a solution that integrates various communication channels so that information is easily shared across the corporate network.

How does it work?

UC uses the network as a platform to coordinate devices such as the office phone, laptops and tablets, with services such as email and interactive calendaring. With this level of integration, employees are able to communicate using voice, email and other mixed media from one mailbox, regardless of the access device being used.

Contact Digicel Business today for further details at 758 724 6001 or at digicelbusinessslu@digicelgorup.com

Why use Unified Communications?

Aside from integrating disparate communication channels within the business, UC also provides service consolidation, eliminating the need to have multiple providers to fulfill the communication needs of your business. According to Pre Sales Executive at Digicel Business, Selwyn Adams, “With the economic pinch being faced by many organizations, businesses and government entities have to be making the most of the fewer resources while finding ways to serve their customers better and improve collaboration. within the workforce, This forces them to find creative ways to facilitate the growing trend of mobility and respond to the demands of their customer while gaining competitive advantage and cutting costs.

A Unified Communications solution can help them to achieve this and give them greater power of collaboration.”

Digicel Business has had tremendous success in designing, commissioning and maintaining a number of Unified Communication Solutions with companies such as St Lucia Electricity Services (LUCELEC) and the East Caribbean Financial Holding (ECFH)

Collaboration

Michael Schrage, a research fellow at MIT Sloan School’s Center for Digital Business defines collaboration as “a process of value creation that our traditional structures of communication and teamwork can’t achieve” Collaboration refers to employees being able to share information with ease across a consolidated communication platform.

Business Briefs

BUSINESS BRIEFS Government Officials Receive Compliance Training

According to the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, they are “looking forward to the positive impact that this reduction to the VAT rate on consumer spend, overall business performance and economic activity.”

Nobel Laureate Festival Inspires National Pride

Saint Lucia, Taiwan Partner to Deter Financial Crime

In January, a compliance training workshop was organized for government officials to serve as a refresher exercise to help participants brush up on their roles and responsibilities. The disclosure was made

by Prime Minister Hon. Allen M. Chastanet, during the launch of the second phase of the Caribbean Growth Forum (CGF) earlier that month.

“Compliance is such an important tool because everybody must understand what their role is,” Mr. Chastanet said. “What is the role of a board, what is the role of a Permanent Secretary? We are accountable to the state for the resources that we have, and [if] you hire professionals to do a job, it is to run and execute that program. Permanent Secretaries are the chief accounting officers, they are not technocrats. Their job is to understand what the policy of the government of the day is, and know what the budget is to ensure that these things are being implemented.”

Positive Response to VAT Reduction

On February 1st, the Value Added Tax (VAT) was reduced from 15 percent to 12.5 percent as per Prime Minister Allen Chastanet’s announcement when he entered office.

Chastanet said it was necessary to be able to encourage people to invest here “we have to be more competitive” and that taxation should not be used to address economic inequality.

The traditional Derek Walcott Lecture was presented by Harvard University Professor of African and American Studies, Jamaica Kincaid.

A recently signed MOU will help hinder money laundering and terrorism financing.

Saint Lucia and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) providing for cooperation in the exchange of financial intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing.

The MOU will facilitate the exchange of information between Saint Lucia’s Financial Intelligence Authority and the Anti Money Laundering Division of Taiwan’s Investigation Bureau.

The two financial intelligence units have worked together at previous Egmont Group meetings, and recognized the importance of bilateral collaboration in the wake of increasing cross-border financial crimes.

Taiwan’s Ambassador, Ray Mou, praised the efforts made by the two parties, noting that the MOU will not only serve to deter money laundering and terrorism financing, but will also play a positive role in encouraging reliable capital flow and investment between the two diplomatic allies.

He said that the agreement signaled a good start to 2017 and the ongoing bilateral relationship between the two countries. Financial Intelligence Authority Director, Paul Thompson, signed the MOU on behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia on Jan. 10.

The Nobel Laureate Festival Committee (NLFC) launched the 2017 Nobel Laureate Festival in January, under the theme “Celebrating Excellence: Fostering National Pride.”

Speaking on this year’s theme, the Chair of the Committee, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, affirmed that Saint Lucians have the seed of greatness.

“Fostering national pride is not a pipe dream or a balm to soothe or sugar-coat the challenges that we are currently facing as a nation. It is an affirmation that we have in us the seed of greatness, the potential to excel, and to compete successfully with the world’s best.”

The Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture was to have been presented by Sir Dwight Venner. In its place a panel discussion was held on January 31st on the topic “The Responses of Small States to Emerging Global Threats and Challenges.” The lead presenter was Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission with other panelists such as Dr. Jan Eve Remy, Dr. Kwame Venner, Sen. Mauricia ThomasFrancis and Anthony Severin.

Other events included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, a panel discussions in Vieux Fort and Dennery, the National Excellence Awards and events showcasing the literary and performing arts.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Saint Lucia Appoints New Parliamentary Commissioner

Dr. Hilda Rosemary Husbands-Mathurin took the oath of office on February 1st 2017. The former Speaker of the House and Senate President Dr. Hilda Rosemary Husbands-Mathurin is the island’s new parliamentary commissioner. Dr. Husbands-Mathurin took the oath of office before the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Leonne Theodore-John, during a brief ceremony. She swore to faithfully execute her office “without fear or favor, affection or ill-will, and to honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution of Saint Lucia.” Dr. Rosemary HusbandsMathurin, succeeds former parliamentary commissioner, Johnson Cenac who served from 2010.

Haiti Elects A New President

Haitian businessman Jovenel Moise has been officially declared winner of the presidential election. Moise, a 48-yearold banana exporter, was elected with 55.6 percent of the vote, well ahead of his closest rival, an electoral tribunal confirmed. Moise is expected to take office

by February 7th 2017.

The US State Department, in a statement said: “We congratulate President-elect Jovenel Moise on his first-round victory and look forward to working closely with him as we strengthen our longstanding partnership with Haiti. We urge all actors to accept the final results and work together to build a stable and prosperous Haiti.”

Guyana’s President David Granger is the New Chairman Of CARICOM

President David Granger has assumed Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), pledging that he will continue to guide the community in the path of sustainable development and advance its integration process. President Granger made the remarks in his New Year message as Chair of Caricom. “I extend to all best wishes for a bright, prosperous and productive New Year as we enter 2017, the Forty-Fourth Year of our Community,” the Guyanese leader said.

Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic Strengthen Ties

Puerto Rico has entered “a new era of cooperation” with the Dominican Republic following a recent visit by Dominican President Danilo Medina Sánchez and 12 ministers, the largest single delegation of public officials from the neighbouring Caribbean nation ever to visit the island.

Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro García Padilla, Dominican Republic President Medina Sánchez and top officials signed 10 accords aimed at strengthening trade & cooperative ties between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

According to President Granger this year marks the mid-point of our Five-Year National Beekeeping Strategic Plan for the period 2015-2019, a Project Launched foundational element in the Community’s Reform Process. “That process is geared towards ensuring that our people feel the impact of the integration movement in their daily lives. Integration is not merely about systems and institutions.

It is mostly about people,” the Caricom Chairman said. He said it is in the interest of developing our people that “we are taking steps to ensure that they are fully equipped to address the requirements of the 21st Century economy and society.

Our Commission on Human Resource Development is developing a Regional Education and Human Resource Strategy with special attention to ICT in Education The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund and Human Resource Development.”

(SSDF) recently launched the National Beekeeping Project.

According to the Caricom Chairman, The project aims to certify 20 young convinced “as we are that the CARICOM individuals in beekeeping under the CVQ/ Single Market and Economy (CSME) is the vehicle through which we can achieve TVET program, along with 30 existing the growth and development, timely beekeepers. assessments will serve to ensure that In addressing those in attendance, Richard we maximise its benefits for our citizens. Mathius the co-coordinator of Special Notwithstanding the substantial progress Projects within the Honey Producers that has been made, Heads of Government Cooperative expressed the importance of will review its operations and identify ways new bee keepers adhering to the guidance to improve its delivery,” the Guyanese of their mentors. leader stated.

Creating Effective Shareholder Engagement: A Missing Link In Corporate Governance

Creating Effective Shareholder Engagement:

A Missing Link In Corporate Governance By: Dr. Chris Bart, FCPA

E

ffective two-way communication is a critical ingredient in all successful relationships. Yet nowhere is this quality more absent than between a public company’s Board of Directors and its various stakeholders, but especially its shareholders. Indeed, as proof, while shareholders have increasingly begun to demand more interaction and dialogue with their directors, the latter have seemingly been indifferent to such pleadings. Instead, Directors have been content to keep shareholder engagement limited to traditional points of contact such as earnings calls and quarterly and annual financial statements. They have also tended to rely upon the annual election of directors, and votes on shareholder resolutions at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) as the primary method in determining shareholder preferences.

But collectively these actions still do not constitute the deliberate, proactive and ongoing approach required of Boards today for addressing issues of concern to shareholders. It’s as if Boards really don’t care what their shareholders think which in turns fuels an adversarial relationship between the two groups. This has to stop!

We are now in the age of ‘shareholder democracy’ in which investors want a greater say in decisions that once would have been in the sole purview

BusinessFocus Dec / Jan

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of management. Boards of all types – publicly listed as well as major not-forprofit organizations, agencies, authorities and commissions - therefore need to seriously consider a strategy for more effectively communicating with their shareholders (and other key stakeholders as well) or else suffer the consequences of their ‘ire and abandonment’ from not going so.

Indeed, the tide of shareholder discontent has been steadily rising. For instance, say-on-executive pay has become a mandatory shareholder advisory vote as a result of the US Dodd-Frank Act. Interestingly, while the Act only requires an advisory vote every three years, most publically listed corporations now conduct the vote annually. But to show how tough it’s getting, the proxy advisory firm ISS has taken the position that a say-on-pay approval vote of less than 70 percent is an indisputable indication of significant shareholder dissatisfaction with an organization’s compensation practices! Moreover, failure to correct those practices will result in ISS recommending that, at the next AGM, shareholders vote against the election of some directors and in particular those on the firm’s compensation committee.

There is also the currently popular voluntary practice of ‘majority voting’ at

AGMs in which directors who fail to receive a majority of the votes cast during the election process are required to submit their resignation for consideration by the Board.

Dr. Chris Bart, FCPA is a recognized global governance authority and cofounder of the Caribbean Governance Training Institute. The institute is the first to offer throughout the Caribbean an intensive three-day governance training program leading to the prestigious and internationally recognized Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation. For more information visit CGTI’s website: http:// www.caribbeantgovernancetraining.com/ or phone Lisa at 758 451 2500

Clearly, when shareholders are given the opportunity to express their disapproval of a Board’s actions, they take it.

What to do?

Designing an effective shareholder engagement strategy can be an important asset for both the Board and the company. But it must be done right. The following passages lay out 4 key steps for your Board to create and execute a first class communication strategy with your shareholders that will create the kind of dialogue designed to quell dissent, increase the satisfaction of all key stakeholders and in so doing, enhance shareholder value.

Step 1: Know who your shareholders are It seems kind of obvious but it’s not. To communicate effectively with your shareholders, you have to know who they are and how they tend to behave. Only then can you really begin to understand what they are truly concerned about and how they feel on specific matters. Shareholder identification, however, is not so much of a problem for most organizations as it is for publically listed ones where investors often seek anonymity through the shares held by their brokers in street names. Seeking the services of proxy solicitors therefore can be extremely useful in terms of helping to hunt down shareholders’ names and then analyzing them for their investing trends and opinions on major issues. In the case of large institutional investors, it’s also an especially good idea to become familiar with and become close to the person who will be voting your shares at the AGM.

Step 2: Disclose how your shareholders

can engage with the Board Board-shareholder engagement practices can be complex or simple. But whatever they are, they should be disclosed as transparently as possible. This means listing on the company website or in the quarterly and annual reports how shareholders can expect to communicate with board members, both individually and collectively. The most narrow and restricted approach to board-shareholder engagement, has all communications going through the company secretary. It’s certainly better than nothing.

A more liberal and better approach, one that is gaining favour, lets shareholders send their communications directly to board members via designated email addresses. Directors, of course, are free to read them all. However, to keep things manageable, directors’ emails are reviewed by management with specific ones flagged as requiring a response. Management also prepares content summaries to indicate if certain topics are trending among those investors who feel compelled to write in. Clearly, allowing for such unfettered access is one sure fire way of understanding, through the volume of communication, what issues matter most to shareholders.

Step 3: Be productively proactive It’s not good enough for companies and their Boards to simply wait for the shareholder alarm bells to ring. By then it’s probably too late. But trying to proactively engage with all your individual shareholders will also be an unproductive, inefficient and frustrating activity. Should the Board listen to and be responsible for hearing from every shareholder. Obviously not. It is therefore recommended that Boards seek out and engage with their largest shareholders on a regular basis to see what issues and concerns are top-of-mind for them and to do so before they become overly agitated.

However, once is never enough. So be warned: waiting until the proxy season and the annual election of directors begins to have your conversation with investors is most likely courting disaster. As every crisis consultant will tell you, the time to deal with controversy is before it becomes widespread and visible.

Accordingly, engaging with your shareholders is an on-going process that should also be built-upon year after year. It’s a ‘relationship’ to be nurtured, not unlike the kind you would have with someone you care deeply about. So talk to them even when nothing is going on. That’s the great advantage of social media.

And it shouldn’t just be written communication only either. Pick up the phone and call them every once in a while. It will make all the difference.

Step 4: Restrict the engagement conversation It is unrealistic and ridiculous to have shareholders engage with board members on any and every issue of concern to them.

There are just too many issues to deal with and too many that don’t really concern the Board and its oversight responsibilities.

To that end, shareholders should be advised that their board engagement conversations will be restricted to those topics and areas that the represent the decision foci of the Board – executive compensation, company strategy and corporate governance – and not the plethora of operational ones delegated to management.

Also, when it comes to matters of governance, be sure to do your own critical self-assessment before the rating agencies weigh in.

You need to have your explanations and counterpoints ready for shareholders should the rating agencies fail to understand the wisdom of your governance choices. Forewarned is forearmed.

Above all, try diligently to keep discussions at a high level and seek to avoid getting into both specifics and the risks of disclosing material non-public information.

In conclusion Boards should not allow indifference or arrogance prevent them from engaging proactively with those who have entrusted their money to them. At the end of the day, developing a respectful ongoing relationship with your shareholders will contribute greatly to achieving outcomes that will benefit both parties. It will especially help keep your investors supportive of your organization. By following the four steps listed above, Boards can do much to maintain and build positive and productive interactions with their shareholders who will then support them not just in the good times but also help see them through the bad times as well.

So here’s the big uncomfortable question for Caribbean directors: to what extent has your Board taken the necessary steps to ensure that your organization’s communication with its shareholders (and other ket stakeholders) keeps them not just informed, but positively engaged?

Accordingly, if you think that there is room for improvement in the way your Board approaches its “shareholder and stakeholder engagement”, you might want to consider sending your directors to one of the corporate governance training programs currently available in the region – like the extraordinarily unique 3 day Chartered Director Program (“C. Dir.”) currently being offered by The Caribbean Governance Training Institute. After all, it’s not education which is expensive, but rather ignorance.¤

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MONEY MATTERS

LEADERS

CORNER

Understanding The “WHY” In Your Company Culture

Understanding The Why In Your Company Culture By: Olivier Bottois

R

egardless of the size of the business, understanding your company culture is a key element to your success and longevity in the job.

Company culture refers to the beliefs and behaviours that determine how a company’s employees and management interact and handle outside business transactions. Often, company culture is implied, not expressly defined, and develops organically over time from the cumulative traits of the people the company hires.

While employers expect you to understand WHAT the company culture is and HOW to align with the company culture, you may want to ask WHY it is the culture and make sure that you will embrace the same values.

employer wants you to know that you understand their vision.

While compensation package, benefits, location, brand or even the special beauty of the building are important, alignment with the company culture should be the most important factor when accepting a position.

Why are some leaders successful in every new job or project they undertake? They understand why their organization exists and why they operate the way they do.

Adjusting their skills set and experience to their new job environment takes them successfully to the finish line. ¤

Successful leaders very quickly show their new employer that they think, act and communicate the same way. Because they embrace their company culture, they inspire others to align with the Founders’ vision.

Most of us research online for the purpose of the interviewing process, then get the job and start without really understanding if they will actually enjoy being part of that new culture.

Alignment to the Stakeholders/Owners values is critical to long term success. Accepting a position and wanting to bring your last company values is rarely a good idea. While past experience is important and desired, stakeholders rarely want to know what your last employer did.

Wanting to change the company culture after you started your new job is unlikely to be successful.

Alignment with ownership is key and understanding the WHY of your new company culture as quickly as possible is likely to make you successful. Finding out before you accept the job is actually critical to make sure you will enjoy your new position.

Both you and your new employer want you to love your job and share the same goals. It has to be a great match. Your new BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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Olivier Bottois is a third generation French Hotelier with luxury hotel experience in six countries, Bottois is a Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Leading Hotels of the World alumni who led some iconic hotels and resorts in the US, Canada and the Caribbean. He is the founder and Director of Lussoria Hospitality, A Management and Marketing company specializing in boutique independent properties asset value enhancement.

NOW OPEN Axcel Finance

Join our Expanded Family Axcel Finance continues to enhance our convenience. Visit our new branch in Vieux Fort on the Vieux Fort/ Laborie Highway.

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CALL (758) 450-8222

AXCELERATE YOUR LIFE TODAY. Castries Lamar Building, Bridge Street, PO Box C2009 Vieux Fort Vieux Fort / Laborie Highway Soufriere GTM Building, Bridge Street

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Terms and conditions apply. © 2016 Axcel Finance. All rights reserved.

Digicel Business Shortlisted For ‘Best Caribbean Wholesaler’In The Global Carrier Awards 2016

DIGICEL BUSINESS SHORTLISTED FOR ‘BEST CARIBBEAN WHOLESALER’ IN THE GLOBAL CARRIER AWARDS 2016 Thursday, 3rd November, 2016 – Kingston, Jamaica: Digicel Business, leading full service solutions provider in the region, announced today that it is one of three finalists in the Global Carrier Awards 2016 for the “Best Caribbean Wholesaler” category for its Best Regional and Global Wholesale Carrier application.

The Global Carrier Awards celebrate innovation, excellence and vision, and set the benchmark for performance throughout the global wholesale telecoms marketplace. Digicel Business was selected based on its innovation in network services and commitment to doing things differently - always challenging the status quo in the Caribbean and providing world-class service to the carrier community.

In the past year, Digicel has invested heavily in new services and technologies across the Caribbean, with one of its major achievements being the completion of Digicel Global Connect – a fully managed private network that offers Managed Ethernet, VPLS and MPLS technology across twenty three of its twenty six Caribbean markets.

Combined with a strong in-market network, Digicel Global Connect delivers the best network experience in the Caribbean today by giving its partners access to state-of-the-art Cisco-powered network with an extensive reach of over 150 countries globally.

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the distinguished Global Carrier Awards in our first year of entering. We are committed to changing how the market buys connectivity, so to be shortlisted for this award is a testament to the great work that the team is doing, “said Garrett Quinn, Head of Digicel Business for the Caribbean and Central America.

Quinn continued; “Business is global, and Digicel is delighted to offer the solutions that make it easier for our partners to do business in the Caribbean.”

Now in its 11th year, the Global Carrier Awards will be held on Tuesday 8th November in Paris. ¤

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Contact Digicel Business today at: 1-(758) -724-6001 Or digicelbusinessslu@digicelgroup.com BusinessFocus Sept / Oct

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BUSINESS TECH

UWI Grads Top PitchIT Caribbean

Photo: From left, Danielle Tait, of The Interview JM from Jamaica; Kelly-Ann Bethel, of SKED from T&T; Ayana St Louis, of D Carnival Scene from T&T; Karlene Francis, World Bank’s programme officer of the Entrepreneurship Programme for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC); Nerissa Greenway, representing IndeTours from Montserrat; and Monique Powell, of QuickPlate, Jamaica.

UWI Grads Top PitchIT Caribbean Winning teams from the PitchIT Caribbean Challenge competition show off their US$5000 prizes for finishing in the top five following two days of competition in Port-of-Spain, From left, Danielle Tait, of The Interview JM from Jamaica; Kelly-Ann Bethel, of SKED from T&T; Ayana St Louis, of D Carnival Scene from T&T; Karlene Francis, World Bank’s programme officer of the Entrepreneurship Programme for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC); Nerissa Greenway, representing IndeTours from Montserrat; and Monique Powell, of QuickPlate, Jamaica.

Two UWI alumnae are among a group of all-female winners of a Caribbean tech entrepreneurship competition. Dispelling notions of male domination in the field, five female mobile app developers took all the top prizes at the recently concluded PitchIT Caribbean Challenge in T&T. The winners include: Danielle Tait of The Interview JM from Jamaica, Kelly-Ann Bethel of SKED and Ayana St Louis of D Carnival Scene, who are both from T&T, Nerissa Greenway representing IndeTours from Montserrat and Monique Powell of QuickPlate from Jamaica. Powell is an alumna of The UWI Mona campus and Bethel, an alumna of both The UWI St Augustine and Cave Hill campuses.

The winning entries were selected after two rigorous days of pitching to two panels of judges and an audience of regional and global investors. Each received US$5000 in seed funding to develop their businesses. They have also been awarded spots in PitchIT Caribbean business accelerators across the region.

PitchIT Caribbean is a programme aimed at enhancing the mobile BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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app development ecosystem across CARICOM. It is designed to accelerate mobile app entrepreneurs through the start-up life cycle, which runs from ideation to pitch, from pitch to market and from market to maturity.

The programme is the central operation of the Caribbean Mobile Innovation Project (CMIP), which is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC), an initiative funded by the Government of Canada and executed by infoDev/ World Bank Group, through a three-party Caribbean consortium, led by UWI Consulting Inc, working along with The UWI’s Mona School of Business and Management, and Mona Business Support Services.

In announcing the winners, chief judge Rodney Browne from St Kitts and Nevis’ eCaribbean Ltd, said the five were the most impressive of the ten finalists. Concurring with Brown, Canadian High Commissioner to T&T Carla Hogen Rufelds said she was “impressed by the success of the project, which only serves to enrich the longstanding relationship between Canada and the Caribbean region.”

She was also pleased by the camaraderie displayed between the contestants and how well they supported each other throughout the challenge.

A total of 25 tech entrepreneurs from ten countries across the Caribbean—up from last year’s seven—participated in the competition, the aim of which is to identify and enhance the region’s top mobile app development talent. ¤

New Mobile App Linking Restaurants and Customers Launched in Saint Lucia

New Mobile App Linking Restaurants and Customers Launched Creativity and innovation have joined hands with culinary advances to bring an exciting new development to the Saint Lucian dining, hospitality and perhaps tourism stage - leading food lovers and appetites to restauranteurs and their exciting creations.

With an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle and reliance on digital technology, Saint Lucia and the rest of the world, are seeing greater demand for simple and easy services that can provide consumers with what they need in an instant.

That is the foundation of the new mobile application – MEALOOP, which brings food to consumers across the island. The Apple and Android mobile app is poised to literally change the way islanders eat and how restaurants are run, standing as a direct bridge between supply and demand.

The app, which was launched in February 2017 is free for download on all platforms.

Conceptualized and developed by young Caribbean minds, MEALOOP brings together restaurants large and small from across the island using the GPS Mapping Technology on the users’ handsets, making available instantly a complete menu of delicacies for delivery, pickup or in-house dining.

“Whether it is fine-dining, something off the grill or even cocktails, we are making restaurants a mere thought and app access away,” says Marketing Executive Anya Charles.

She notes that the app provides an equal platform for all food producers and goes as far as to introduce those who possess the culinary talent but lack the means of opening an official restaurant, to the food producing arena.

“For the multitude of young people in the local industry looking to own restaurants or get started with their culinary careers, MEALOOP now lifts that barrier to market entry and allows for growth and market penetration,” Charles said.

On the technical side, MEALOOP is available on three fronts – MEALOOP, for consumers; MEALOOP OT, for restaurateurs; and MEALOOP DRIVER, connecting restaurants and consumer on the delivery end. Each app functions independently, yet can connect seamlessly at an instant. It runs on google satellite platform that maps in real time customer and restaurant, and then customer and driver. The latter takes away from the usually cumbersome task of giving delivery directions. Push notifications services are available to all restaurants to announce specials, menu updates, and more. It goes further to alert individual customers of their order status from order accepted to ready for pickup or delivery.

“What we have sought to do is soften the link between food and cravings. Often, we crave a specific thing but can’t quite recall where we last had it or, even better, where has the best composition. So MEALOOP now allows customers to refine their search not only by restaurant closet to them, but

also by what is on each restaurant menu.

The menu search is what we believe will have a considerable impact,” said the MEALOOP Marketing Executive.

Both restaurateurs and customers are invited to download the MEALOOP app on their respective devices to experience the power of food access at their fingertips.

Restaurants already registered for orders and deliveries will be announced later this week through push notification to app users, local press and social media platforms.

As it stands, MEALOOP will be begin offering listings to restaurants in the north of the island in phase one of its introductory period. It will then make its way to the south of the island, connecting communities east and west, in the coming weeks.

MEALOOP is also poised to create a more balanced playing field for food-loving visitors to the island – offering a more comprehensive listing of restaurant and dining options – allowing them to better plan their experiences even before arriving on the island.

Mealoop is the perfect match for your cravings and the best available kitchen near you. Choose to order or get delivery wherever possible. All at your fingertips.

Mealoop, we bring food to you. For more information visit www.mealoop.com or email infoslu@mealoop.com ¤ BusinessFocus

Feb /Mar

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MONEY MATTERS

Keep Running

Keep Running By: Samuel Rosenberg

You cannot call in sick when you are the boss, the only person at work or one of a few running a small business. You must be available for work seven days a week and expect to miss holidays for several years as your business grows. What happens if you are completely unable to work?

cover so that you can be treated for any illness immediately, rather than suffering from delays for several months, where your business will be impacted because you cannot provide 100% of your time and effort.

Should you have chosen the employed route, for your job and income, you will know that when you are unable to work because you are ill, you can simply contact your place of employment and tell them when you expect to be back. Depending upon your eligibility, you will be allowed several sick days per year and will not lose any income because you are away due to ill health.

You may be able to protect your income should you be off work for a long period. You may be sick or injured and the policy may provide you with sufficient income for a few months until you can return to work. Critical illness cover will pay you or your family a lump sum of money, should you suffer from a heart attack, stroke or serious cancers that may prevent you returning to your work, perhaps for several months, or maybe, forever.

As a small business owner, your health can impact significantly upon your company’s finances. Should you take a few days off ill, you will not be earning money and your revenue may decrease significantly for that period.

Life insurance may be necessary so that your family can receive a lump sum of payment should you die while at working age. This will provide them with the money they need to provide stability to their lives as you and your income will have vanished.

Running a small business needs to be taken quite literally, as you will be running all the time to ensure your income is satisfactory, to support your business and to pay you a good salary for your family.

When you are at the planning stages or are already running a small business, you must be prepared to run a marathon. Where you do not have the necessary cover in place, you should make plans to be able to afford and complete private insurance so that your company and family can continue, financially, should you be unable to provide the income. ¤

There must always be a Plan B in place so that you and your income can be replaced if you need to be away from your small business for any prolonged period. The early stages of this planning involves the way that you can run and manage your business while you take a holiday. Is there someone that you can trust, who will be able to come in and cover for you, while you begin by taking a short period away from your workplace, before trying longer time periods, later?

Where you are self-employed and running a small business, perhaps employing a handful of individuals, you should speak carefully with your insurance expert and consider which private insurances you should invest in, so that your business and your family will not suffer should you be away ill, for a long period. One insurance option is to provide you with private medical health BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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Samuel Rosenberg is the founder and CEO of Axcel Finance Ltd., the leading regional microfinance institution.

Share your thoughts and email your questions to srosenberg@ axcelfinance.com.

IMF Concludes 2017 Mission to Saint Lucia IMF concludes 2017 mission to Saint Lucia An IMF mission visited Saint Lucia in January 2017, for the annual Article IV consultation discussions on economic developments and macroeconomic policies.

When a country joins the IMF, it agrees to subject its economic and financial policies to the scrutiny of the international community.

The mission met with the Honourable Prime Minister Allen M. Chastanet, the Honourable Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ubaldus Raymond, Director of Finance Cointha Thomas and other senior government officials, the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Phillip J. Pierre, and representatives of the private sector and labour unions.

The mission report detailed thirteen (13) findings during their surveillance visit in Saint Lucia. The first four findings looked at Tourism, Taxation and Economic Reforms.

Despite weak tourism activity, unemployment continued to fall in 2016 and the economy is expected to experience positive albeit moderate growth in 2017. The authorities are designing a bold program of economic reforms, which they intend to outline in the forthcoming budget. A credible medium-term fiscal consolidation plan and a rapid implementation of the reform agenda are needed to reduce policy uncertainty and ensure the success of the authorities’ economic program.

1.

Weakness in tourism activity continues to dampen growth.

Strong employment growth in agriculture and construction led to a significant reduction in unemployment in the first three quarters of 2016. Nonetheless, weak activity in tourism, transport, and manufacturing hampered GDP growth, which is estimated to have reached 0.8 percent in 2016. Declining exports are widening the current account deficit after improvements in recent years mainly owing to lower oil prices.

2.

The short-term outlook is mildly positive, but presents some risks. Moderate growth is expected in 2017, primarily because continued strong performance in construction and agriculture. The overall outlook appears uncertain as positive developments in tourism -- the expected increase in the number of hotel rooms and the opening of new direct flights from the US -- may be stifled by the impact of the new airport tax.

3.

The medium-term outlook remains subdued as structural weaknesses impinge on competitiveness and potential growth. Risks are tilted to the downside, as low global growth would negatively affect tourism inflows; US dollar appreciation would reduce competitiveness, and tighter global financial conditions could compress fiscal space by increasing interest costs on the high public debt. Upside risks are related to stronger- than-projected foreign direct investment inflows, especially if the authorities are successful in implementing economic reforms that address structural vulnerabilities.

still being shaped ahead of the forthcoming budget. The broad pro-growth reform agenda focused on lowering the tax burden, enhancing the efficiency of the tax system, and reducing tax compliance costs; reorganizing the public sector to rationalize functions and increase efficiencies; reviewing the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to make it more competitive; and enacting structural reforms to improve the business climate and encourage foreign direct investment. This program addresses many areas that are critical to strengthening St Lucia’s growth potential, but details of the policies are still pending and many of the reforms will take time to yield results. In the meantime, the fiscal package announced by the government under the “Five to Stay Alive” initiative, which includes a reduction of the VAT rate from 15 percent to 12.5 percent, will weaken the fiscal position unless measures are taken to mitigate its impact; and, by shifting the tax burden onto the tourism sector, risks having undesirable effects on competitiveness and growth.

The other findings detailed in the report stated: • A multi-year fiscal consolidation plan is necessary to stabilize the projected debt dynamics and attain the

2030 debt target of 60 percent of GDP.

• The adjustment effort should focus on broadening the tax base, controlling expenditure, and improving financing

terms.

• The consolidation plan should address the need to prepare

for the inevitable recurrence of natural disasters.

• The implementation of the medium-term fiscal framework

could be supported by an appropriate fiscal rule.

• Monitoring of the public sector should be extended to further limit fiscal risks. CIP revenues should be used

primarily to reduce debt, and limits should be placed on

amounts used to finance high-priority expenditure.

• Banks are still burdened by nonperforming loans (NPLs) and the cost of corresponding bank relationships (CBRs)

has increased.

• Structural reforms to improve the business climate and

address the skills mismatch should be implemented rapidly.

• Statistics are among the most comprehensive in region and adequate for surveillance. However, a

lack of resources is hampering quality in several areas.

Data are subject to large revisions, which often reflect

pre-existing weaknesses as methodological improvements

are introduced. As St. Lucia intends to subscribe

to the Special Data Dissemination Standard, these

improvements need to be sustained by providing adequate

resources to the Central Statistics Office for data collection

and compilation. The timeliness of data provision by

government agencies also needs to be enhanced.

The IMF mission included Mr. Leo Bonato (head), Mr. Gregorio Impavido, Ms. Veronika Sola, and Mr. Gonzalo Salinas. ¤ Courtesy:www.imf.org

4. The new administration is launching an ambitious

program of economic reforms, but key policies are BusinessFocus

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THE “TRIPLE FLAME” OF FINANCE

The “Triple Flame” Of Finance

By: Dr Basil Springer

I

n a simple economic model there are producers of goods or services (businesses) and there are consumers of goods and services (households).

We speak of the circular flow of money as the businesses pay workers’ salaries and wages and the workers (as household consumers) use that money to buy goods and services from the businesses.

As we attempt to grow an economy, one successful business at a time, the system becomes a bit more complex and we have to introduce more sophisticated concepts to embark on the journey from start-up to sustainable success. Start-up businesses are often “poor” in financial investment resources and experience, but “rich” in innovation, passion and drive.

Established businesses have evolved into a zone of relative comfort where they can usually solve their own financial investment problems.

How can we extend generosity to the “poor” so that they may exploit their “rich” assets and so rise to the level of a high economic comfort zone?

Start-up businesses start small and have to overcome a number of constraints as they emerge in the world of business. They must lay a good foundation by practising good corporate governance; understand how to mobilize sales activities to bring life into the business; know how to achieve operational efficiency to make profits and to get their businesses to grow; and garner well trained, motivated and trusted

people to ensure the sustainability of their enterprises. In order to achieve all this, they must access the “Triple Flame” of finance.

from year to year. Profits create growth and sustainability.

These three flames constitute the “Triple Flame” of finance.

The first flame is developmental finance which can range from grants to long term low interest loans for the purpose of structural adjustment, creating an enabling environment and buffering the business against the deleterious impact of mistakes which might be made in the embryonic stages. This may be accessed through aid agencies, philanthropists, foundations, corporate social responsibility contributions, public and private sector development banks and governments.

The third flame creates an opportunity to become one of those sources of developmental or working capital finance and triggers growth in the economy through the circular flow of money. ¤

The second flame, working capital finance, recognizes that the existing loan instrument offered by traditional financial institutions does not meet the needs of fledgling businesses because of the requirement for hard collateral and a steady cash in-flow to effect amortized monthly loan repayments.

In many cases cash in-flow has an effective period longer than one month. Retail financial institutions such as credit unions and micro finance institutions, coupled with effective risk mitigation measures like shepherding, have to be innovative in designing profitable financial instruments.

Working capital finance injects security and life into the business.

The third flame, profits, is the most secure form of investment and hence the businesses would want to achieve profits as fast as possible and then sustain growth

Dr. Basil Springer GCM is ChangeEngine Consultant, Caribbean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. - CBET. His email address is basilgf57@gmail. com and his columns may be found at www.cbetmodel.org and www. nothingbeatsbusiness.com.

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How To Draft A Confidentiality Agreement

How to draft a confidentiality agreement By: Trudy O. Glasgow B.A., LL.B (Hons.), BVC, LL.M, P.C.H.E*

A confidentiality agreement is typically between two parties, for example an employer and an employee. Here are some tips on how to draft such an agreement. This list is by no means exhaustive. We would advise that you discuss the content of your confidentiality agreement with your lawyer.

1. Names and addresses of the parties: The agreement must state the parties to the agreement as well as a brief description of their role or function. For example, if a company is one of the parties, the registered address of the company should be included; if it is an individual, state the occupation, and postal address. The agreement should start indicating the parties to the agreement and the purpose of the agreement.

8. The agreement must be signed and dated: The agreement does not become a valid and complete document unless and until all the parties to the agreement have signed it. We would recommend (where possible) that the agreement is signed with all the parties present (in each other’s presence). The date can be placed either at the beginning of the agreement or at the end, depending on the parties (and/or lawyer’s preference).

This is a stylish point, and does not negate the importance of documenting when the parties signed and therefore when the agreement took effect.

2. Confidentiality clause: It should be clear why the agreement is a confidentiality agreement. In the preamble of the agreement, we would recommend a short statement explaining the confidential issues involved between the parties.

9. Consult your lawyer: Your lawyer has the educational training and skills to draft such an agreement on your behalf. There are various aspects of an agreement that must be included to make it comprehensive and complete. A lawyer will have the ability to facilitate such an agreement after taking instructions from his or her client.

3. Duration of the agreement: There must be a start date, and end date in the agreement. This can be done in different ways: for example, stating that the agreement will take effect for one year from the date of execution, or stating the commencement and completion dates in the agreement.

10. Make a copy for each party: Once the agreement has been signed by representatives of each party in relation to a company or business, or by the individuals involved, copies of the agreement should be made available for each party to the agreement immediately. ¤

4. Review the agreement: The agreement should be reviewed for basic grammatical and typographical errors as well as more substantial errors. If you did not have your lawyer to draft the agreement, at least let him or her review it to ensure it is in compliance with the relevant laws and contains all the necessary elements of the agreement.

5. Check the relevant laws: Your lawyer will do the necessary legal research to ensure the agreement is complying with the local laws. This is vital to validate your agreement. For example, your lawyer will ensure that the basic tenets of Contract law have been followed. A systematic review should be done to make sure the document reads well, and contains all of the pertinent clauses.

6. Format should be user friendly: We would recommend that your agreement is reader friendly. Use shorter paragraphs and clear and simple language for your intended reader(s). It is important that the parties whether assisted by their lawyers or not, understand all of the clauses of the agreement.

7. Consequences of non-compliance: It should be clearly stated in the agreement what the penalties are if the agreement is not complied with. For example, a breach of the agreement may automatically end of the relationship between the parties, or there may be financial sanctions imposed.

BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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This article is for general use only, for advice specifically for your case, please see your lawyer.

Ms. Trudy O. Glasgow, B.A (History), LL.B (Hons.), B.V.C, LL.M, P.C.H.E, is a practising attorney at the law firm of Trudy O. Glasgow & Associates and a courtappointed mediator and author in Saint Lucia (and has also taught law at University level in the UK).

Ms. Glasgow is the current Vice President of the Bar Association of Saint Lucia and sits on various boards including Co-Chair and founding member of 100 women who care, St. Lucia chapter; Chairperson of the National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF); former Board member of Legal Aid Board and the Rotary Club of Gros Islet.

She wrote a weekly legal column, Simply law, in The Voice newspaper for eight years (2007-2015) and resumed in The Mirror Newspaper (2016 to present) published a book which is a selection of her articles with some new material.

Share your thoughts and comments: you are invited to email me at trudyoglasgow@lawyer.com

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CAL and RBC Sign Agreement for RBC Caribbean Airlines Credit Card

Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean Opens Secretariat in St. Lucia

CAL and RBC Sign Agreement Institute of Chartered for RBC Caribbean Accountants of the Airlines Credit Card Clients of RBC and Caribbean Airlines Limited will benefit from additional and even bigger rewards in 2017 with the launch of the new RBC Caribbean Airlines credit card.

This premium credit card will be introduced as part of a recently signed agreement extension between Caribbean Airlines and RBC. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the decade-long relationship between two brands: RBC which has operated in the Caribbean for more than 100 years and Caribbean Airlines which has been recognised for the sixth consecutive year as the Caribbean’s Leading Airline at the Annual World Travel Awards.

Eastern Caribbean Opens Secretariat in St. Lucia

T

he Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) officially opened its Secretariat on Thursday 15th December,2016, which was celebrated with a gathering of distinguished industry professionals and individuals Chief Executive Officer of RBC Financial Caribbean Limited Rob who have made a significant contribution to the profession in St Johnston said: “The renewal of this great partnership is a significant Lucia and the wider community. one for RBC as it represents our commitment to our clients and to delivering improved products and services that cater to their evolving The proceedings were conducted by the various members of the needs.

Council, and the key note address was delivered by Mr. Calixte Leon

– Executive Director of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority

“We are also proud of our relationship with another strong, regional who welcomed the launch of the Secretariat as it augured well for brand such as Caribbean Airlines, which, like RBC, is committed to Authority’s important partnership with accountants. serving the people of the Caribbean and communities across the region, as well as the Caribbean diaspora around the world.”

In addition to the existing rewards programme, the new RBC Caribbean Airlines credit card will offer both retail and business clients premium benefits such as insurance coverage while you travel, concierge services and other reward earning opportunities that will allow clients to redeem faster.

The Director General of the OECS Commission looked forward to the Institute adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards and to undertake a vigorous and broad public sensitization campaign.

Awards for their lifetime contribution to the profession were presented to Mr. Anthony Atkinson of Grant Thornton, and Mr. Acting Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Airlines Captain Jagmohan Claude Griffith. A special recognition award was presented to Singh said: “As we celebrate our tenth anniversary in 2017, Caribbean Airlines is delighted to once again partner with RBC to deliver value Dr Michael Pilgrim for his continued support of Professional Development. to our customers.

“This partnership meets one of our key objectives of being customer The Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) was launched on June 17, 2004 after members of the focused, and improving the overall service offering to travellers.”

OECS, including Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis,

New and existing holders of the RBC Caribbean Airlines credit card St. Lucia and Antigua-Barbuda, ratified the agreement. can look forward to additional features and services in early 2017 that will complement enhancements to the Caribbean Airlines Frequent The purpose of the institute is to provide support and assistance Flyer Programme. to its members throughout the Eastern Caribbean. The ICAEC has

RBC clients are assured that they will continue to have access to all a branch in each of the countries within the OECS. There are 6 benefits as part of the Caribbean Miles Programme. Watch out for branches and approximately 250 members within the ICAEC.¤ exciting changes to our RBC Caribbean Airlines credit card in 2017.¤ BusinessFocus Dec / Jan

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A Night to Remember Saint Lucia Business Awards 2017 A Night to Remember - Saint Lucia Business Awards 2017

The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce hosted its 8th Annual Business Awards at the Johnsons Center as another grand evening of celebration toasting some of Saint Lucia’s most prominent companies and executives within the business community. The Chamber presented a spectacular event in red-carpet style as the major players in both business and government turned out in fine, elegant style.

Corporate society did not miss a hit with rich gown-style attire and dapper suits all lined up for photo opportunities to chronicle their presence at such a prestigious night of recognition.

The event was broadcast live via Choice TV powered by Flow with the Awards Ceremony hosted by media personalities Masana Morrison and Shayne Ross.

The evening began with Tropical Shipping’s Gerard Begasse making a presentation of Fifteen Thousand US Dollars (US $15,000) to the Chamber’s Vice-President Christian Husbands as support for the Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust.

13 awards were presented to the business community culminating with the Du Boulay brothers (Dunstan and Tony) walking away with a most timely and prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd received the biggest accolade of the night being honoured as Business of the Year. WLBL along with Green Haven Fresh Farms each walked away with three awards respectively.

The 2017 Business Awards has truly delivered a positive and productive start to the business year with great incentives to the business community to excel and qualify for the 2018 Awards.

Enjoyment to Life through the Brands People Love, which WLBL still believes in and follows. WLBL also walked away with the highlycoveted Excellence in Human Resource Development. As a major member of the Manufacturing Sector and a workforce of 130, Human Resource Development is most important. The company has designed appropriate and effective training programs and instituted successful retention programs to ensure low turnover and a competitive advantage. WLBL’s highly skilled and dedicated employees, allows them to offer superior award winning products and efficient services to all customers and shareholders.

The evening ended with their very own, Managing Director Sebastian Sanchez capturing the Corporate Leadership Award.

Sebastian Sanchez, has been the Managing Director for WLBL since 2014, joining the company came at a pivotal time, since the organisation’s domestic sales had been in decline for six years.

Along with his Management Team, Sebastian crafted a new vision and strategy to turn around the volumes and profitability of the company. At the core of that vision was to reach 100k HL of sales in the domestic market by 2018, which was only previously achieved in 2007. This translated to a 25% volume uplift in four years.

With this new goal in mind, Sebastian sought out to ensure all staff knew and understood what this took, personally meeting the teams and cascading this very ambitious vision throughout the entire organisation. His dedication to turn the business around despite the economic downturn, led to the company surpassing this goal in 2016, two years ahead of plan. He was able to align all functions of the WLBL to execute this strategic plan for continued sustainable growth.

Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation - Green Haven Fresh Farm Business of the Year Award - Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd WLBL produces and distributes high-quality alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages throughout all of the OECS and Caricom countries and the wider region. WLBL brands include Heineken, Piton Beer, Shandy and Malt, Guinness, Desperados, Strongbow Cider, Royal Club Mixers among others. WLBL is a division of the Heineken Group and has brought to St. Lucia its core values of Passion for Quality, Respect for People and Planet, and Bringing

Managing Director, Mr Jameson Alphonse was elated as he not only walked away with the Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation, but also captured the Green Award and Idea of the Year Award.

Speaking with Business Focus, Alphonse said he was delighted that the Chamber and business community could recognize someone within the agriculture sector. “I honestly believe that agriculture deserves a specific award and my supporters believed that I could compete among the giants, among all the companies in the various categories, and tonight is proof that it can be done.” Alphonse commented.

Green Haven Fresh Farm is an Organic Integrated Farm which specializes in vegetables, tilapia and shrimp. The farm consists of an aquaponics system supported by an 80,000 gallons’ rainwater harvesting system, 3 greenhouses and an open field production.

The aquaponics system comprises of 10 vertical beds and 4 fish tanks built one over each other, thereby capitalising on space utilization whiles increasing production per square foot. The system is an enclosed recycle eco system utilizing over 90% less water than convention soil based farming.

alliances in the sub region mainly the OECS markets of Dominica, St Vincent and St Kitts. Over the years the company expanded its reach to Belize, French Guyana, Barbados and Grenada and has also conducted trial shipments to Jamaica. With these successes, the company ventured further and has been successful in penetrating the international market. For the year 2016 they maintained exports to two large supermarket chains in Holland and successfully gained access to a chain in the United Kingdom.

With organic eating becoming more popular, Tourists to the island have been clamouring for a view of local production sites and hence the creation of Farm tours and visits. This new Agro-Tourism avenue has immense potential and enhances St. Lucia’s tourism product

Service Exporter of the Year - FDL Consult Inc

Award for Service Excellence – eMagine This company provides web and mobile application development and custom business database solutions, SEO and support services to all business categories, government and regional institutions. eMagine aims to be the largest software solutions provider in the Caribbean in five years. In their quest to achieve this goal, this company has insisted upon the highest level on customer service to all its clients and an ongoing objective of building relationships. eMagine has made it a policy that every client must take away two perceptions from every project: they must feel that they received maximum value for money; and they must feel like they have the skilled support of an entire team behind them.

FDL Consult is a St. Lucian based multi-disciplinary engineering firm, offering clients the full gamut of engineering services from feasibility studies, through to design and post construction. In recognition of the growth limitations endemic to SIDS, their business model is export oriented, targeting the Eastern Caribbean. They currently serve 7 countries and have formed strategic alliances with other engineers and firms in the wider Caribbean and internationally.

Within the last year, they successfully competed on new projects in St. Vincent, Dominica, Montserrat, Grenada and Anguilla; the latter two, representing first time market entries for FDL Consult. 46% of our total project portfolio is in the export market, translating to 90% of our revenue for the period.

Award for Marketing Excellence - Bay Gardens Resorts Goods Exporter of the Year - SMJ Beverages SMJ as part of its strategic objective concentrated to a large extent on the penetration of the export market. It started off with building

Bay Gardens Resorts is a Saint Lucian owned and operated chain with three hotels located in the heart of Rodney Bay. In the past year they have taken key steps in improving the guest experience with a number of new marketing strategies and initiatives. With the increase of direct bookings in the last few years, the organization

has branched out of the traditional marketing initiatives to provide a unique experience that would create lifetime memories for their guests. Some of these initiatives include the introduction of IslandWifi, targeted email campaigns, creation of high definition video and photography, improvements on the popular “Dine Around Program”, new ways to experience the resort life and much more.

With a very dynamic and creative team in place, the company hopes to continue the trend of forward thinking creative marketing initiatives locally, regionally and internationally for many years to come.

Corporate Social Responsibility - Cool Breeze Jeep Rental As a corporate citizen, it has become their responsibility to play a significant role in the development of the community, particularly the youth. In some cases, the needs are not met entirely but even on a small scale, the Company is able to make a difference in their community. These initiatives have made the Company very approachable for much needed help and the results are quite encouraging to continue along this path.

The effectiveness of CSR has given this company the competitive edge over its competitors. Corporate Social Responsibility has undoubtedly created numerous benefits over the years of giving back and supporting the community.

the Algas Total Plant Tonic, a Sargassum-based agricultural biofertilizer, which improves crop performance through vigorous root development and improvement of plant resilience to disease and pests. Their products continue to successfully compete directly with international fertilizer brands such as Miracle Gro and are export ready.

At present, the product range is in the process of being expanded to household aerosol spray alternatives which are as effective as leading brands, but do not pose adverse health implications to children, pets or users.

Life Time Achievement Award - Dunstan Du Boulay and Tony Du Boulay of Du Boulays Bottling Company Ltd. As Saint Lucia and other developing island states continue to explore avenues of innovation and take advantage of evolving technologies, Du Boulay’s Bottling Company Ltd. has not gone unrecognized for its innovations in this regard. Earlier in 2016, the company copped the coveted Saint Lucia Manufacturers Association (SMA) Platinum Award for Excellence in Human Resources, a Diamond Award for Social Responsibility and Gold Award for Product & Customer Service Quality.The accolades sit as additional jewels in the crown of the Du Boulay legacy in business and personal growth – having empowered thousands of Saint Lucians and the island’s economy for 45 years. The company was also recognized by the SMA for its Implementation of Standards and Best Practices.

Du Boulay’s Bottling Company has been recognized as one of the top investors in the region, outshining close neighbours like Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and even Trinidad and Tobago at the 2016 Regional Investor of the Year Awards (RIYA) held in May at the 2016 Caribbean Caribbean Investment Summit in Miami, Florida.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Johanan Dujon Algas Organics is a 100% St. Lucian owned company, founded in 2014, manufacturing effective, affordable and natural solutions to synthetic chemical products for both the agricultural and household market which are child and pet friendly, and do not harm the users or the environment. They currently manufacture and distribute

The 45-year-old company emerged the winner in the Local Investor of the Year category, edging out two other nominees: Chocolate Dreams Ltd. from Jamaica, and Bowjay from Guyana.

On the grand night of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Dunstan and Tony Du Boulay were given the most prestigious award — the Life Time Achievement award. As expected, the packed ball room stood in approval of the Chamber’s decision to recognize these two business men who help shaped the Saint Lucian economy and business environment. Dunstan Du Boulay who is currently the Managing Director, oversees the overall aspects of running the company, including production. His brother, Tony Du Boulay has now retired from his position as Director where he oversaw the Marketing, Sales and Distribution departments. ¤

Trade Secrets: Time To Expand Abroad

TRADE SECRETS: TIME TO EXPAND ABROAD

M

any companies have considered expanding outside of their normal region of operation with varied degrees of success. Although there is no miracle solution which dictates when such a bold move should be made, every good leader should consider the following before taking such a life altering and potentially financially crippling decision.

Let’s face it, there is so much more than signing a 5 year lease just to have a physical presence.

Check with Legal

This may seem as a no brainer. However, depending on where the new company would be established, the ease of doing business in said region will differ from location to location with legal requirements sometimes delaying the process. Factoring enough of a contingency for the legal processes in the exploratory research stage, could truly assist in the sealing the deal on the expansion or be the final nail in the coffin.

Recruit a local

Expansion models differ depending on many factors. However, most expansions would ultimately take the company into unchartered waters as it relates to culture and business customs. Having a point person on the ground could help break the cultural barriers and provide essential market intelligence. Some company’s even use a local rep in the initial stages when the virtual office is being established.

A relatively low cost method with high

returns with done properly. Or, other have partnered with smaller local firms in associated fields to gain insights and support on the ground with minimal risk.

Choosing a Growth Strategy

Depending on the product or service on offer, a company now has to review it options and ensure it employs the correct strategy for the best results. Some typical starter options include the home base strategy where a company could test the waters with ease by operating virtually outside its region. In this case, the company is dipping its toe in the water with little risk and can use this method to do more market research before committing fully.

One step up would be a portfolio strategy where physical operations exist outside of region but office reports to home base.

This option like the home base could be potentially difficult to gain market share if the head office or home base doesn’t adapt quickly. Understanding the market forces will help. The last option is establishing a full office which operates on its own with support when necessary. Some companies may have done extensive research and can make that financial decision or in some cases, operations at home are saturated so the next necessary step would be venture out to a market at an infancy level of growth to boost overall sales.

Push CSR

A good leader knows when his brand is strong. However, having a respected and strong brand in the home base doesn’t

always mean others outside of the operating space would know your brand.

No matter how awesome your PR efforts could be. A good way to get ahead is to develop your brand even before you enter the market. Support a cause to push your Corporate Social Responsibility across the shores and get noticed. Attend a conference or workshop in the sector to have a presence on the ground, network with persons in the similar sector and research opportunities on the ground.

The bottom line, research is key. Don’t’ know where to start? Speak to a company with business development and research skills with expansion capabilities. Don’t take a leap unless you ensure the water isn’t shallow. ¤

Kezia Preville is a Marketing and

Business Development Specialist with over 10 years’ experience in various industries. For more information, contact her at AdVizze Inc on kezia@ad-vizze. com

SPECIAL FEATURE

CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE Building in St. Lucia

Feature

Rayneau’s One Stop Hardware & Home Improvemnt Store

RG Group of Companies Backed by Women…Built strong!

RG Group of companies

Backed by Women….built strong!

Established in 1995, the RG Group of Companies, owned and operated by Rayneau Gadjahar has become a leader in the construction industry, providing products and services to meet the building and construction needs of clients in Saint Lucia and the throughout the Caribbean region. Its rapid and continued growth over the past 22 years has made RG Group of Companies well positioned to meet the industry’s demands. Recognized as the largest locally-owned construction company in Saint Lucia with over 800 employees and more than 200 pieces of heavy equipment, the group is well positioned as a leader in Saint Lucia’s Construction Industry. With a current vision to be the most professional, innovative and dynamic construction group in St. Lucia and the Caribbean, the RG Group of companies has dominated the industry and grown from strength to strength.

This strength, growth and success has been recognized both locally and regionally with a slew of awards under their belt including: Saint Lucia’s Business Award Idea of the Year and Entrepreneur of the year (in 2010 and 2011 respectively), the Caribbean Business Award for “Small to Middle Caribbean Business of the Year” in 2011(CIE Ltd), World Quality Commitment Paris 2012 Gold award (RG Quarry), The ARCH of Europe Platinum award 2012 (CIE Ltd.), Platinum Century International Quality ERA Award 2013), International award for Excellence and business prestige – platinum winner 2014 and in 2015 they won in the International Star for Leadership in Quality – diamond Summit Award from Paris.

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Rayneau Gajadhar on Construction Site.

monumental growth within the construction industry. A simple and humble man, Rayneau’s focus has been more on developing the business as opposed to showcasing wealth. In building the company from two Bobcat excavators to a multi-million dollar business, he credits his team for their contribution, commitment and hard work. With profound accolades for the contribution of his male team members, he acknowledges that surprisingly, the women have been the true backbone of his business which is a traditionally male centric industry. Starting with Rayneau’s mother, who has been a critical part of his motivation to succeed, Rayneau dotes on his mother who has inspired him and instilled some of the values that have been important in his rise to success. While the women in his life may not be on the various construction sites every day, they are key to his success in managing a number of areas within the business that are critical to its continued existence and growth. They provide the structure and management of the business and implement processes to ensure that Rayneau continues to grow and succeed.

Leading Rayneau’s female support group is Rashree ‘Navita’ Jarbandon and their two daughters Gifta Eugene and Savvy Plummer who have become an integral part of the business and whom he credits as the secret to his success, along with his sister Luceita Gadjahar, as Director and the many other female managers, supervisors and employees. With a cadre of multi-talented, formidable women at various levels within the organization from finance and business development to Sales & Marketing and general management, the proficiency, commitment and dedication exemplified has been a major contributor to the business’s accelerated growth.

Bois D’Orange Bridge Construction

Roadworks by RG Group

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A Diversified Portfolio

A Diversified Portfolio

Rayneau Group of Companies is multi-faceted, comprising a number of independent business units which have emerged over the life of the business. Having a vertically integrated company was a vision that evolved over time and one that has enabled RG Group Ltd. to become self- sufficient and one of the most proficient constructions companies as a result.

1) The Flagship Store – Rayneau Construction and Industrial 3) Heavy Equipment Rental – Construction and Industrial Products Ltd. (RCIP) established in October 2012, is a 48,000 sq.

Equipment (CIE) is another subsidiary of the RG group footage “One Stop Hardware and Home Improvement Store”. providing a wide array of heavy equipment for rent. With over An arm of RG Group of Companies, the store is also home to the 200 machines available for rental on a regular basis, CIE has largest lumber yard on the island complete with a full range of cornered the market and has dominated the construction its company-owned quarry aggregates. Up to the present, the industry with quality equipment, service and competitive major focus has been on providing construction and industrial pricing. solutions that are in demand, affordable and safe, with the next phase of RCIP’s evolution being the enhancement of the home improvement section and the expansion of hardware outlets in 4) Financing Construction – General Contractors within Saint smaller communities. The end of 2017 will see the completion Lucia are one of RG Group’s major market segments. This group of the largest hardware store in Saint Lucia, and what is to be of small businessmen sometimes struggle to get initial funding the new, cutting edge flagship store in Cul De Sac for Rayneau for projects, and out of this need was born an idea to support Commercial and Industrial Products. and service these contractors through financing. This has been invaluable for the contractors who in most cases are not given the full cost of construction up front and do not have the ability 2) RG Quarry – A fully functioning quarry in Cul De Sac was developed in 1998 as part of the vertical integration strategy of supplying to obtain financing for the duration of the project. Rayneau their own needs to ensure timely delivery of quality products for therefore offers easy and hassle-free construction financing successful execution of the core construction works. Emanating solutions for various projects at 0% interest rate. This business from the quarry are a number of products including: Boulders, initiative has been mutually beneficial for the contractors and pea Gravel, crusher run, quarry waste, concrete sand, mixed for Rayneau, as the contractors receive much needed financing aggregate and various other end use applications. In fulfilling on a wide range of construction products and large equipment the goal of supplying all of their own necessary inputs required rental in order to keep their projects on track and on time. This by the group of Companies, the establishment of this business has further given Rayneau a competitive advantage as he has enabled RG Group to supply more than just their own business stepped ’outside of the box’ in searching for a solution to meet units and extend service to the wider construction industry in the needs of this market segment. ¤ Saint Lucia. In 2006 RG Quarry also began exporting some of the quarry products throughout the Caribbean to countries such as: of Trinidad, Guyana and Tortola, to name a few.

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Excellent Customer Service

Rayneau’s Construction & Industrial Products

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The Leading Ladies of CIE Ltd The Leading Ladies of CIE Ltd

Rashree Navita Jarbandon Navita Jarbandon, considered by many to be the woman behind Rayneau’s success joined the company in 2001, after completing her studies at the University of the West Indies.

Although not her first option in terms of entering the work force, she joined the team and soon became the leading lady at the RG Group.

Navita’s expertise in the company spans all departments where she takes on responsibilities such as: new computer programs, establishing new systems & structures, setting up of new companies, plays a major role in the accounts department and contributes to the marketing and advertising. Having grown with the business, Navita has a firm grasp of the all operations of the business and is motivated to support Rayneau, the staff and the brand that has been established. Highly motivated to ensure that the Rayneau group of companies continues to deliver at the highest level and experience exponential growth, this remarkable woman is the backbone of the company while she encourages Rayneau to continue to be the visionary that he is.

With such an appreciation for the journey that has been traversed, recognizing the hard work and struggle that came before, Navita is excited about the future and all that is in store for RG Group as she believes the opportunities are unlimited for anyone who is part of the team and for the business as a whole.

Gifta Eugene Gifta Eugene entered the company in 2008 as a teenager from Leon Hess Secondary School.

She started out in the field but was quickly transferred to the office as she learned quickly and excelled.

Gifta has worked at every company within the RG Group of Companies, including the Vieux Fort Branch, and has succeeded in learning the various aspects of the business.

For the past two years Gifta has been responsible for a wide range of duties including: conducting the daily transactions of the company with regards to purchasing from other suppliers and general accounting duties. Within the accounting department Gifta prides herself on being meticulous and ensuring that the company’s finances are well protected through constant scrutiny of invoices, payments and cheques. Her commitment to the business is beyond reproach and her support for her father knows no bounds as she sees the future for RG Group and it sure looks bright.

Savvy Plummer Savvy grew up around construction with her dad, and from an early age and was captivated by the construction industry. Although, she officially started working at the company in 2014, she would frequent the various construction sites on a regular basis. Her current position one would probably say is supervisor of operations. But like many other workers at the company Savvy is involved in many different aspects of the business.

Not letting gender define her roles, Savvy has explored many of the traditional male jobs within the business. Her ability to operate heavy equipment, drive trucks and trailers is very intriguing to many who observe her. Savvy loves the attention and says many girls have asked her how she can manage such big vehicles.

Savvy loves her job and the work she carries out within the business. Highly motivated by the hard work and success of her father, she strives every day to contribute to the business in a meaningful way to ensure that her father’s hard work does not go to waste. With a goal to be like her father (or even better), Savvy wants to focus on every part of the company so that she can get a good idea of how the business is run. Her goal is to one day take over from her father so that he can take a back seat, relax and enjoy life.

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Lucita Gajadhar: Referred to by Rayneau as his silent partner, Lucita Gajadhar is one of Rayneau’s older siblings and is a director for the RG Group of companies who provides a level of sound judgement, objectivity and common sense in her support of the business. Lucita sees her role as working in the background to provide core values, accountability, providing constructive criticism, and a listening ear to the team.

Despite limited construction expertise, she has learned the business in its broad context and is able to provide sound corporate governance, balanced decision making abilities and general support to the RG Group of companies.

With a similar philosophy to that of her brother, Lucita believes that running a successful business is rarely about maintaining the status quo, but in seeking continuous improvement, finding better ways of doing things and maintaining and raising standards.

Esther Blanchard

Esther Blanchard has been with the company for the past fifteen years. Esther is a supervisor and her key duties duties involve purchasing, payables and some level of staff supervision.

Esther grew quickly within the RG Group having been exposed to a number of areas within the business and this has enabled her to multi-task and work more effectively with her colleagues. As a senior staff member, Esther is very mild mannered and is very conscious of her influence over the junior staff – always striving to ensure that she offers the best advice – works hard, is a team player and never gives up. Esther believes that her contribution over the years has garnered the trust of Rayneau which led to her becoming a supervisor leading some of the younger staff.

With a strong team leader in Rayneau and a strong team, Esther is convinced that the RG. Group of Companies can continue to be the best there is in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean.

Glenis Remi Glenis Remi, a former manager of a touring company took the bold step in 2013 to work with RG Group. Her work is centered on Rayneau Construction and Industrial Products Ltd. She is involved with inventory, purchasing for overseas and local suppliers, receiving, verifying of GRNs and costing to input into the system. She takes care of company accounts which have to be reconciled on a monthly basis, verifies invoices against costings, verifies GRNs upon receipt; along with many other such accounting functions.

With a passion for accuracy and driven to achieve results, Glenis is of the firm view that her contribution to the success of the company lies in giving of her best. Her work at RG Groups is very diverse, which keeps life interesting. Glenis believes that the work she does with her team members should enable the company to continue to grow from strength to strength.

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Nady Jn Paul Nady is young, energetic and a self-driven employee of CIE Ltd hailing from the town of Vieux Fort.

She began her employment with the company in September of 2011 with a focus on various aspects of the accounts department from auditing, some payroll, insurance of motor vehicles and all equipment, , receivables and data entry.” She classifies herself as an all-rounder, also taking responsibility for leave and on the job injuries.

Through her motivation, passion and goals, Nady ensures that she gets things done and makes things happen. She has gained experience from the many colleagues at RG Group and is convinced that the entire team is the secret to the group’s success.

The future of the company looks great. Nady says, as she sees expansion on the horizon and expanding the existing team to be bigger and stronger will be the key to the company’s success

Shakira Reddock Shakira Reddock has been with the company from 2006 and believes that she has made a tremendous contribution and simultaneously learned from the best. Doing a bit of everything within the accounts department has made her well rounded touching on many areas such as inventory, auditing, data entry, sales and payments and some purchasing.

Shakira attributes her motivation to seeing the progress of the company and seeing satisfied customers. She is very passionate about customer service and strongly believes that her efforts towards this and improving on customer’s service as a whole within the business have been a key factor in the company’s rise to success.

With a Team Leader like Mr., Gajadhar success is inevitable and the strength and growth of the team will also contribute to enhancing and growing the business both in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean.

Primneau Gajadhar

Esther Joseph

Another of Rayneau’s sisters, affectionately known as Prim, played a role in his success as she started off with him in the initial days during the opening of one of his earlier companies - Superior Motors. Responsible for setting up the office and managing the office, Primneau played an integral role in getting the business of the ground and its operations – which was a major stepping stone to where Rayneau sits today.

Esther has been a fundamental support staff at the RG Quarry for the last 10 years. She has been a trustworthy sales clerk who handles the customer’s queries with the utmost of professionalism. Her consistency and commitment have been a source of comfort for Rayneau as he knows that the operations of the Quarry are in good hands.

Patricia Timothy Patricia is Rayneau’s eldest sister and worked with the company during the period 2005 to 2010. Patricia feels that the impact of her contribution towards the company has left an indelible mark. Through the introduction of training, disciplinary procedures and staff morale building, she was able to infuse a level of professionalism into the company.

In general, Rayneau’s eldest sister has been a constant source of support throughout his entire life and has been an all-round contributor to the business from the onset.

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Christa Joseph Christa works at the sales office and her duties mainly revolve around data entry, handling sales, making recommendations, and providing information to customers about the company’s products. Christa focuses on providing good and reliable customer service and providing the right solutions to customers. This has helped to maintain the customer base, subsequently contributing to the overall success of the quarry.

Zam Riviere Zam is an engineering technician who started working with the company in April 2015. By helping create a positive ,co-operative , safe and orderly work environment, Zam believes that work on the construction site runs more smoothly and enhances the professional image of the company to its clients and by extension the wider community. It is this work ethic that has led her to become site manager on the Royalton site – moving up quickly within the business in terms of level of responsibility.

Rayneau’s Construction & Industrial Products

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St. Lucia’s Thriving Property Market

St. Lucia’s thriving property market By: Lalaine C. Delmendo

Photos: St. Lucia Homes

St. Lucia’s property market is vibrant once more, thanks to continued growth in tourism, coupled with the introduction of the Citizenship by Investment program. The property market is largely dependent on tourism, because most buyers of luxury homes start out as tourists.

Property buyers who invest in St. Lucia “are persons who have visited and have developed a love affair with the destination,” said Jason Applewhite of Christie’s International Real Estate. Most foreign homebuyers in St. Lucia come from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Aside from the increased interest from foreign homebuyers, developers and investors are also starting to return to St. Lucia, according to local property experts.

Property prices dropped 20% to 30% from 2009 to 2014, due to the global crisis. The housing market started to pick up only at the end of 2014.

“People have recognized that we have hit the bottom, and there literally has not been a better time to buy property in St. Lucia than right now,” said Christos Poravas, CEO of St. Lucia Sotheby’s International Realty.

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some sellers have recently “raised their asking price by 25 percent” as the property market continues to pick up, Poravas added.

The higher-end residential market is the strongest. Larger apartment prices have risen from US$2.15 million maximum in 2011, to more than US$3 million in recent months.

Currently, residential property prices in St. Lucia vary from US$700,000 to US$15 million, with most luxury homes in the US$2 million range, according to Poravas.

• Three-bedroom apartments in a five-star resort are priced

at around US$2 million • Six-bedroom villas located on Rodney Bay are selling for

about US$5 million The lower-end market is also strong. Condominiums located in Rodney Bay, which range from US$200,000 to US$550,000, are always in demand, said Maria Buchner of Blue Reef Real Estate.

Tourist arrivals in St. Lucia continue to rise. In 2015, the total number of visitor arrivals in St. Lucia increased 3.8% to 1,073,019, after rises of 7.6% in 2014 and 3.2% in 2013, according to the St. Lucia Tourist Board.

In addition, in January 1, 2016, St. Lucia started to accept applicants to its Citizenship by Investment program, joining Dominica, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Kitts & Nevis, as a Caribbean country offering citizenship to foreign investors.

In 2015, the economy grew by 1.6%, after minimal GDP growth of 0.46% in 2014 and 0.14% in 2013 and a contraction of 1.1% in 2012. St Lucia’s economy is expected to expand by 1.4% this year and by another 1.9% in 2017, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“The Helen of the West Indies” St Lucia is often called “The Helen of the West Indies” for its captivating beauty. With a total land area of about 620 square miles, St Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Yet residential property prices have risen only minimally in Saint Lucia over the past several years. Despite this, there have been numerous residential developments over the past decade, a notable feature being attractive tax incentives. St. Lucia has a somewhat odd economy, highly dependent on tourism, and with more than 22% unemployment. Yet there is an increasing ‘buzz’ about St. Lucia.

The island has excellent beaches, scenic waterfalls, mountains, rainforests, orchids and exotic plants. The twin mountain peaks of Les Piton drop dramatically to the water’s edge on the west coast. In the south, visitors get close to bubbling pools of lava and steaming sulfurous spouts at Sulphur Springs Volcano, or splash in the sulfur-infused waters of the Diamond Waterfall and Mineral Baths.

Despite sluggish house price rises, St. Lucia continues to attract foreign investors and visitors. In fact, the island is increasingly seen as one of the world’s most interesting property markets. St. Lucia is in many ways comparable to neighboring Barbados, but its prices are about 40% to 60% lower.

A note of caution. Yields on condos are some of the lowest in the world, at 2.3% gross. So if you are looking for income from your property, you need to be selective. Houses in St. Lucia, on the other hand, can earn reasonable rental returns, at 3.57% gross, according to Global Property Guide research.

Reasons for the rising buzz about St Lucia: • The island is one of the most accessible in the region, with

direct flights from the US, Canada, Germany, and the UK.

British Airways recently increased direct flights from

Gatwick to St. Lucia.

• St. Lucia has a new niche—health and wellness. With the support of the government and other private institutions, St Lucia’s Health and Wellness Retreat, an annual event where guests can enjoy an array of health and wellness activities, workshops, and other treatments, was launched in November 2011.

St. Lucia’s currency is pegged to the US dollar at EC$2.7 to US$1.

Land prices have been stable Land prices in St. Lucia have been moving in step with house and condo prices, rising modestly over the past three years, according to local property experts.

Mortgage market remains underdeveloped, as cash transactions are preferred Property in St. Lucia is usually bought for cash, in foreign currency (US dollars). Because of this, the mortgage market remains small, rising from 18% of GDP in 1997 to 26.4% of GDP in 2015.

• St. Lucia has recently introduced its Citizenship by Investment program

In the first quarter of 2016, loans for the property acquisition in St. Lucia fell 0.7% y-o-y to EC$1.01 billion (US$374.48 million), according to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). Of the • One of the region’s lowest crime rates. total, 37% was for house and land purchases, 63% for home • A tax haven with no VAT, no capital gains tax, no inheritance building and renovation. tax and no estate tax.

In March 2016, the prime lending rate in St. Lucia stood at 7%, down from 9% between August 2011 and July 2015. Interest • Top destination for weddings and honeymoons rates for residential mortgages range from 6% to 14%. St. Lucia’s banks offer mortgages to non-residents. Interest rates are about • St. Lucia boasts a world-class casino, plus a multi-million pound shopping mall with a multi-screen cinema, and new 3% above US LIBOR. Maximum loan to value (LTV) ratios range from 60% and 70%, with terms up to 25 years. Non-residents can restaurants and bars. borrow up to US$1.5 million. ¤ • St. Lucia celebrates unique events every year such as Nobel Laureate Festival (January), St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (May), St. Lucia Carnival (July), Creole Day (October), Oktoberfest En Kwéyòl (October), and the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (December).

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Finanacing for Building - Commercial & Residental

FinaNcing for Construction -

Commercial & ResidentIal

By: Irvin Springer Image: Courtesy of Jamecob’s Quality Construction Owning your dream home is the long term goal of many persons upon entering the work force and earning an income. The purchase or construction of a residential property will be one of the biggest investment decisions an individual will make in his or her lifetime. For the first-time home owner, many a restless night is spent worrying about the ability to qualify for a loan. The main purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the process and assist the first- time home owner in making an informed decision.

Whether it is purchasing an already existing property or land for home construction, understanding the process will make it easier and minimize some of the pitfalls that may arise. Here are a few quick tips based on personal experience.

Visit your Lending Officer Once you have decided to acquire a residential property, the next step should be to visit a lending officer to determine your eligibility.

The lending officer will assist in determining how much financing you qualify for based on your income and in keeping within the bank’s guidelines. Rule of thumb is that your mortgage payment should not exceed 35% of your net income (Gross Income – Taxes NIC).The lending officer will provide information on the following: • Basic requirements inclusive of the deposit amount; and • The loan process and all related costs.

As a first time home owner you should ensure that the options are clearly understood; there are usually two options.

1. Purchase an existing property with a completed structure

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Irvin Springer is an experienced banker and currently serves as Business Development Manager Client Services at 1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited. Email: ispringer@1stnationalbankslu.com

2. Purchase property and build immediately or a few

years later Explore your Real Estate Options Armed with the knowledge provided by the lending officer you can now peruse the various mediums for properties within your price range. There are usually two options: 1. Purchase a completed residence Many persons prefer to avoid the challenges that may be experienced when building a home and opt to purchase a completed residence. The fear of having to deal with unscrupulous contractors, cost overruns, material & water shortages, and emotional stress cause persons to select this option. Though this is a less stressful option, there are also some setbacks namely: • You will more than likely pay what the house is valued

at and it will take some time for you to acquire equity

in that property which can be used for home

improvements in the future; • The design, layout and appearance of the property will be

that of someone else not yours. In short since you had no

input in the design of the house you will have to adjust

unless you decide to remodel in a few years; and • It will take some time for you to discover inferior quality

construction by which time you may have little or no recourse.

2. Purchase land and Construction This option is usually the more challenging choice as there are a number of steps involved and related costs.

• An architect has to be engaged to design the house to your

specifications and within your budget; • Once the plans have been finalized a quantity surveyor

should be engaged to estimate the cost of construction.

(Check your bank to ascertain who is on their approved list); • The plans must then be submitted to the various

authorities for approval. The Bank will not move forward

with an application unless the plans have been approved; and • Once your plan has been approved an estimate for

construction should be obtained from a reputable building contractor. Quotations should be obtained from at least

2-3 contractors and any large variances with the estimates

provided by the quantity surveyor should be investigated.

Additionally it would be wise to request references from the

contractor’s last two projects. You may wish to have a discussion with the home owners about their experiences.

This would also give you a chance to assess the quality of

their workmanship.

Commence the Application Process The application process is not much different when applying for any standard loan. In addition to the usual financial information, your lending officer will also request the following: • Basic requirements inclusive of the deposit amount; and • A copy of the sale agreement to purchase the land or house

& land ( if already constructed);

• Copy of the most recent land register of the property to be purchased (not more than 3 months old); • A copy of the survey plan for the property; • A valuation of the land or house & land from an approved

appraiser; • A quotation for comprehensive insurance on the property

or building; and • The National Insurance , Income & Property Tax Clearances

for both the vendor and purchaser

Once the above is obtained please ensure the following: • A copy of the approved plans; • A copy of the construction agreement with the contractor; • The value of the property upon completion to be included

in the valuation; and • Quotation for all risk insurance while the building is under

construction.

Understand the Loans Process Begin Drawing on Your Loan Prior to the first drawdown on your loan, a copy of the contractors all risk insurance or prepaid home owners insurance policy, to include “builder’s risk coverage “must be in place. This coverage protects you from financial responsibility for any damage, theft or liability that may occur during the construction period which is normally 6-9 months.

The loan will be drawn down in stages as outlined in the commitment letter. Generally a home under construction requires four to six drawdowns based on inspections carried out by your quantity surveyor. To cover these inspection costs, appropriate funds will be disbursed per a predetermined arrangement with your builder/contractor.

Your monthly payments during the construction phase are interest-only and are calculated based upon the amount of the loan drawn down. These payments continue until construction of the building is complete.

Cost Overruns It’s not uncommon for a first time homeowner to make alterations or additions to the original plans when building a new home. You should consult your lending officer prior to these changes as any increases must be borne by you unless you can qualify for additional funds. Which will be included within the total amount of the loan. These changes should not exceed more than 30% of the original plan or planning approval will have to be obtained.

The construction period concludes when the bank receives the final completion certificate from the Quantity Surveyor and your keys from the contractor. The agreed repayment for your mortgage loan will commence within 45 days of completion.

Congratulations! with key in hand you are now a proud Home Owner. ¤

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Planning, Designing and Building Your New Home

Planning, Designing and Building Your New Home Time spent planning, researching, looking at materials, ideas, designs & designers will save you time and money later. It’s better to take longer here so you Build It Right than to rush and regret it.

The First Steps in Building and Renovating Undertaking a building project is a challenging time and can be immensely enjoyable or thoroughly frustrating.

• Be prepared for a large draw on your time and, of course, your budget.

• Be prepared for major frustrations and stress.

Make sure your work colleagues know that you’re about to go through this – you will need understanding from your managers because of the time demands on you – be prepared to be called on to the building site to make instantaneous decisions about things.

Prepare for Your Project to Take More Time Than You Expect Chances are your project will take longer than your builder estimates and much longer than you think. Prepare for delays, frustrations and minor irritations. Hopefully, that’s all you’ll have, and if you plan well, these will be minimised.

• The length of the project will be affected by availability of the builder and sub-contractors. Also, weather and sometimes availability of materials specified can cause delays.

• Understand and accept that this will happen and you will reduce stress levels in all parties, however, regular

follow ups and meetings with builders and sub- contractors can ensure work progresses as quickly as possible and problems can be identified early on.

• A good relationship with your builder can be the difference between work going smoothly or otherwise.

Ensure lines of communication are regular, clear and courteous.

• Disputes can be dealt with through discussion first,

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arbitration and mediation second, legally as a tragic fallback position.

Design This is the part that is the most fun and the most exciting. This is where you create your home in your imagination, then to design.

A good design process is key to a successful project. Design evolves over a period of time during which you and your designer discuss, digest, think and rework ideas until the best solution is arrived at to ensure you Build It Right.

What Design You Want for Your Home?

This is where turning your dream into a reality begins. Now you’ve decided what you want, what you can afford, and how you’re going to pay for it, the next thing is to decide what you want your home to look like.

As with most things, it’s best to use a professional Architect for this process. You may think it’s an expensive option, but they will bring imagination, experience and knowledge to work with you to make your home the best it can be and will have advice on ways to build within your budget.

Using an Architect to tailor something specifically for you will give you a home that is unique and often with elements that will give you values both in real terms and intrinsic of a modern house.

Ideally once designed, the Architect will integrate the relevant professional skills of Engineers to ensure that the property meets the various technical standards. The Architect will also coordinate lodging the drawings and getting the approvals of the Development Control Authority (DCA) – a requirement before construction can begin.

The Architect will also assist you in sourcing Quotations from Builders who are qualified and capable of building your project.

Generally the Builder’s Team is inclusive of Electricians and Plumbers. You may need to get separate quotations from other providers such as Security and Electronics.

Budget You will know what you can afford. Inevitably, in looking at beautiful homes in various neighbourhoods or home magazines you will gather exciting ideas.

The reality is that many of these homes have costs many hundreds of thousands of dollars to build – budgets outside of the reach of many of us.

Compromise is a fundamental requirement. The good news, however, is that many of the design ‘looks’ can be achieved within more limited budgets by building smaller or using alternative materials.

Managing the costs for labour and services and purchases of materials are critical components which you need to look at very carefully.

You will need to contract the services of a Quantity Surveyor whose brief will be to quantify the variety and quantity of materials and the costs of same along with the cost of Labour to arrive at an overall cost for the project.

The Quantity Surveyor will also guide you during the construction process to ensure that the Builder is executing to the Plan and within timelines and then qualify the work completed to confirm monies due to be paid to the Builder for the Scope of Works completed at the periodic pay periods.

4. Ensure all Water Pipes, Electrical Conduits for Electricity and other Electronic Cabling are strategically placed and secured.

5. Pour Concrete Floors 6. Cast the Columns and Pour Upper Floors to include the

Ring Beam 7. Seal Outer Walls with Concrete Blocks.

8. Frame the Interior Walls and Doorways 9. Build Out Interior Walls with Concrete Blocks.

10. Plaster Exterior Walls 11. Frame and Install Roof – ensuring that Hurricane Clamps

are in place.

12. Mount the Windows and Doors 13. Organise Plumbing and Wiring for Electricals, TV

and Internet, Security Alarm, etc.

14. Install all Doors 15. Plaster Interior Walls 16. Start Painting 17. Install Bathrooms, Toilets, etc.

18. Tile Floors and Walls 19. Install Kitchen Cabinets and Counter Tops 20. Carry out final plumbing and electrical work 21. Paint the house and complete any finishing work 22. Install Fencing 23. Coordinate Landscaping 24. Have a glass of champagne – you deserve it!

Note: Some of the above listed may happen concurrently or in a slightly different sequence depending on when trades are available. Except the glass of champagne. You don’t get that until the end. ¤

Construction The design and dreaming is over, now the hammer hits the nail and things start to happen. Watching your new home arise from your plans is superb and it’s now time to review things, stay on top of what’s going on and to ensure your professionals Build It Right.

It’s easier than you think, so long as you know what to look for.

Three Things You Need to Know 1. Your builder is a crucial partner – you need a good one whom you can trust.

2. Making changes after building has begun can be expensive and can cause delays.

3. Insurance, especially against theft and fire and other perils is essential.

Three Things You Need to Do 1. Ensure that there is a health and safety plan for the building site.

2. Always check that the builder is following the plans and all materials used are the ones specified and are installed correctly. This is especially important.

3. Read the ‘Prescribed Checklist‘ here. It will help ensure you have a clear understanding with your builder on their background, their skills, the scope of work and that key elements are in place for your project.

The Usual Order of Construction is: 1. Correct set out of the building 2. Ensure Soil is Treated for Pests 3. Excavate the section and lay the foundations

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Building Contractors: Who Are They And What Do They Do?

The Building Contractor: Your Critical Partner in Construction!

By: Glenda Taylor Image: Courtesy of ECMC Ltd.

The job requires someone who is detail-oriented and who enjoys working on construction sites but may not be enthusiastic about rewiring cables or rerouting plumbing themselves. - Nathan McGinty

Building a house is a complicated process that involves knowledge of architectural design, building codes, zoning regulations and basic construction elements. A residential building contractor oversees the construction of individual houses and multi-unit housing projects. A commercial building contractor oversees the construction and remodelling of stores, malls, hotels and other commercial projects. Most building contractors own their own companies and many of them worked in the construction industry before becoming contractors.

A building contractor finds, solicits bids from and schedules all the subcontractors that are necessary to complete the project.

The new homeowner or business owner contracts with the building contractor, and the building contractor contracts with the subcontractors and suppliers. Contractors typically charge from 10 percent to 15 percent of the total project cost for this service.

Building contractors are primarily responsible for completing a building project on time and within a budget.

In the region, most building contractors know something about construction before starting their own contracting companies.

Typically, this involves working for a general building contractor for several years.

A potential new homeowner or business owner usually consults with two or three contractors and requests bids from each. A large contractor might have a bidding department that analyses BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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projects and submits bids. Small contractors figure their own bids. If chosen, the building contractor handles everything from obtaining permits, meeting with the to be Home Owners or General Manager of the commercial entity, ordering materials, scheduling code inspections and essentially overseeing the construction.

Some contracting companies can be a single, self-employed individual or a large corporation with a board of directors, supervisors, site and project managers and office staff. The size and scope of a contractor’s business often correlates with the need for housing or business development. In small projects, a contractor might employ a handful of framing carpenters and subcontract with specialty contractors who provide other construction services, such as excavating, roofing, electrical and flooring. There is no set organizational standard for contracting companies.

In addition to building new structures or overseeing the restoration of existing ones, contractors may also be tasked with bringing existing buildings up to code. For example, they may add wheelchair-accessible ramps or upgrade electrical circuits.

On existing buildings, contractors may also be asked to check the structural integrity, such as foundation settlement issues or improper cement curing.

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Who Are Your Property / Land Surveyors?

If you’re taking on major renovations to your property, if you’re building off the plan, undertaking a major property development or somewhere in-between, a construction valuation gives you valuable information to ensure you’re going down the right path to really add value to your property and fulfil your lender’s requirements.

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The entire Cost of construction and the infrastructure used for construction is estimated and the final costing is done based on which a certain percentage of the Project cost is paid to the Engineer, the Architect and other consultants involved in the project.

The valuations are carried out in the initial stages, during, and at the completion of a building project. A construction report gives you and your bank, credit union or finance company, a snapshot of your property’s value at a point in time. This provides your lender with the information they need to know before they release further funding to your project.

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Valuation Valuation is the technique of estimating and determining the fair price or value of a property such as a building, a factory or other engineering structures of various types, land.

The main purpose of valuation are as follows: • Buying or Selling Property • Taxation • Rent Function • Security of loans or Mortgage • Compulsory acquisition ¤

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Feature

Epic Construction INC: Epic Construction Inc: Our Work Speaks for Its Self Epic Construction

Our work speaks for its self!

Complete “ Interior & Exterior

Remodelling are all areas of speciality this company is highly regarded and known for.

”

Over the past six months the massive structure erected on the Marisule highway had most motorist and passer-by pause in awe, as the structure went up in a blink of an eye. Well for such an epic project, one of the major players in this development was a construction company you can trust—Epic Construction Inc. Rightfully named given the magnitude of work this relatively young company has achieved over the past eight years.

Efficiency and Quality are the two words in which this company operates by. Focusing on the construction and finishing of both residential and commercial buildings, this trusted construction company continuously works hard to set the standard of building in Saint Lucia.

Beyond full contractual construction services, Epic Construction Inc also specializes in Finishing in homes and commercial buildings and a number of interior work for financial intuitions, providing that polish finished look, any money driven intuition would require.

Roofing, Gutters, Siding, Windows, Concrete, Complete Interior & Exterior Remodelling are all areas of speciality this company is highly regarded and known for.

“Our pledge is to establish lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional performance by every member of our construction team” is a statement you may often here managing director, Judah Mater states when he proudly addresses his business.

With over 30 to 80 workmen and women on staff depending on the size and magnitude of the project, Epic can easily boast of the number of high-end residential homes, business ready commercial buildings and governmental institutions that they have successfully completely.

But our work isn’t limited to the Saint Lucian market. Epic Construction Inc has also successfully completed projects in Grenada and Saint Vincent over the years. Such accomplishments depend little on heavy marketing, our completed projects are testaments of the work we are capable of providing.

So, what makes Epic, one of the fastest-growing leaders in the construction business?

“Quality of work, loyalty, honesty and good management especially when it comes to budget accountability. I take pleasure in detail, no matter how small or insignificant it may be to the untrained eye, I truly have a keen eye for detail.” would be the response of Judah Mater.

Mater, who has years of experience in the construction field first started off working with his father from a tender age. Having enjoyed this field of work and continued his education in Building and Technology certifications, Mater then decided to branch off on his own and stated Epic Construction Inc. A name in which he attributes to his wife who envisioned their company growing in “Epic proportions.”

This fast-growing company which easily demonstrates that we have a bright future ahead of us are also known for our competitive prices and ability to develop strong connections.

Epic Construction Inc is a leader in providing professional construction services to our customers by creating a successful partnership with them throughout the construction process.

With a dedicated in house team of Quality Surveyors, project managers and construction/ building managers and entering into a partnership with a well-established architect, Epic construction is literally your one stop shop for your construction needs — aiming to offer a unique design and build package to consumers.

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We also sub contract some of the best electrical and plumbing professionals in their field, simply affording our clientele with the best and most costeffective work on the island.

Understanding the changing trend in the construction business when it relates to the increase cost in production and materials, Epic has a proven track record of completing projects within a timely and budget friendly manner. Understanding that everyone wants some level of uniqueness within the economic climate.

Successful projects include the newly opened Courts Mega Store in Marisule (sub contracted), the beautifully touched interior of First Caribbean Bank, Payless store in Castries, several government projects and high-end residential homes in residential areas are a few that can be named. With such an impressive portfolio, giving back to the country’s development is something the managing director takes pride in.

We provide avenues for consistent and sustainable youth development through yearly internship programs with schools and higher learning institutions. Often, based on the level of competency these same students are retained as staff. Furthermore, Epic Construction Inc is known for hiring workmen and craftsmen within the communities they are completing a project in — aiding to the community base economy for families in the area.

With construction on the rise in Saint Lucia, Epic Construction Inc is the company you can trust. ¤

Judah Mater

Managing Director Epic Construction Inc.

P.O. Box CP 5452, Hillcrest, Castries Tel/Fax: (758) 452-0009 Cell: (758) 721-1770 / 460-5166 Email: epicconstruction.inc@hotmail.com BusinessFocus

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Architects

Architects Designing buildings, whether homes or workplaces, recreational or civic spaces, is a both a privilege and a responsibility: when architects dream up an edifice, they are creating something where there was nothing and, in so doing, they are irrevocably altering the natural landscape. - Words by Natasha Were

An architect is a licensed professional who organizes space.

Architects design houses, office buildings, skyscrapers, landscapes, ships, and even entire cities. The services offered by a licensed architect depend on the type of project being developed. Architectural fees are based on the complexity of the project and, for custom homes, may range from 10% to 12% of the total construction costs.

Architects organize different types of spaces. For example, architect Maya Lin is known for sculpted landscapes and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, but she has also designed houses. Likewise, Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto has designed houses in addition to the 2013 Pavilion in London. Large spaces, like cities and entire neighbourhoods within cities, are also designed by architects. In the early 20th century, Daniel H. Burnham created several urban plans, including for Chicago. In the early 21st century, architect Daniel Libeskind created what is called the “master plan” for redeveloping the World Trade Center area.

• Examining the sketch history behind a structure often indicates the difficulty in communicating design ideas.

Types of Architects?

Architects are trained and specialize in many areas, from historic preservation to structural engineering and from computer programming to environmental biology. This training can lead to a wide variety of careers.

An information architect is a person who plans the flow of information on Web pages. This use of the word architect is not related to building design or what is known as the built environment, although computer-aided design and 3D printing may be specialties within the field. Architects often design buildings, but a “Building Designer” is not usually a licensed architect. Historically, architects are “chief carpenters.”

The word “architect” comes from the Greek word architekton meaning chief (archi-) carpenter or builder (tekton). We often use the word “architect” to describe the artists and engineers What Do Architects Do? who designed historic buildings like the 17th century Taj Mahal in India. However, it was only in the twentieth century that • Design and plan spaces (structures and cities), with consideration for looks (aesthetics), safety and accessibility, architects were required to pass tests and be licensed. Today, the functionality for the client, cost, and specifying (the word “architect” refers to a licensed professional. “specs”) construction materials and processes that do not destroy the environment Landscape architects often work closely with a building’s • Manage the building project (large projects will have both a architects. “Landscape architects analyze, plan, design, manage, design architect and a project manager architect) and nurture the built and natural environments,” according • Continue education and professional development to their professional organization, The American Society of throughout their careers Landscape Architects (ASLA). Landscape architects have a • Communicate ideas, and hopefully turn ideas into reality different educational tract and licensing requirements than other (the “built environment”) registered architects of the built environment. ¤ BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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G & G Interiors …..

G & G Interiors … “Where The Possibilities Are Endless!”

“where the possibilities are endless!”

By: G & G Interiors

Walking into the G & G Interiors warehouse is like discovering an Aladdin’s cave! You can barely believe that you are in St Lucia everyone that discovers this emporium says, “I never knew this place existed!”

G & G Interiors is one of St Lucia’s best-kept secrets for all items for the home. Once you have recovered from the bumpy road the relief inside is all encompassing!

Where to even start ....? The large warehouse displays a small but carefully chosen selection of home furnishings from upholstered sofas & armchairs; cocktail & console tables; headboards & nightstands. The stock is constantly changing - you must follow them on Facebook to see the new items they receive before they get snapped up! The owners, Georgina & Gemma, scour overseas trade shows to bring back well-priced & original home wares & fabrics. There is a huge array of accessories and ornaments to decorate any room. The walls are covered with a massive choice of framed art, mirrors and canvases - all sizes, colours and options to transform any wall! And, no room is complete without lighting - their lamp selection in very unique & so popular & inexpensive that nothing stays on the shelves for long.

sewing room and workshop in the back - and upstairs ….. a fabric selection to die for! Who knew that such a varied choice of different fabrics was available to buy in St Lucia! They sell them by the yard, or, their experienced upholsterers and seamstresses will transform the ugliest, oldest sofa to a thing of beauty or make made-to-measure drapery, roman blinds, cushions – the list is endless!

If you look at their website at www.GandGInteriors.com you can browse through all the projects they have done in people’s homes, businesses & hotels (Capella & The Landings to name a few) on the island. No project seems too small from a master bedroom refresh to a 150 room hotel!

If you haven’t discovered them yet - paying them a visit at their warehouse in Massade (Industrial Estate located behind the Star newspaper) is a must. You will not be disappointed! Prepare to be awed & inspired!

G & G Interiors is open Monday – Friday 8am-4pm. Follow signs from the main road by The Star in Massade. ¤

If all this was not enough, you are distracted by the humming sound of sewing machines. You then realise that there is a huge

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RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS . LARGE OR SMALL

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Feature

Caribbean Metals - Your One Stop For All Your Metal Building Supplies Caribbean Metals

Your one stop for all your metal building supplies Looking to build, renovate, fence or add that extra support to your home or building? Caribbean Metals Limited is the number one company you can trust. With the expected boom in the construction industry, having a reliable and trusted company you can turn to for all your metal building supplies is of utmost importance in getting your project done in a timely and cost efficient manner.

Caribbean Metals Limited, is committed to providing quality services and products, we stand firm in achieving world class service, we continue to make quality our central focus in all our products and services per your specifications. We ensure that your home and business will be secured from foundation to rooftop, with our commitment to the strength and quality of the products we sell.

Initially known for the premier company for roofing materials, Caribbean Metals offers a wide range of integral building supplies, including “cut to size” steel beams, for the building industry, foundation and wall reinforcements, a wide range of hollow section configuration and steel plates, welding plants, hurricane straps, insulations, concrete blocks and even water tanks. Of course, for major industrial construction needs, Caribbean Metals is the only establishment which offers the very best in universal beams, universal columns, welding plants & rods, insulations and all your other building components.

Due to our size in operation, both in Castries and Vieux Fort, over the years, we have left our mark on the construction landscape in Saint Lucia.

With a highly trained and skilled Saint Lucian crew of machine operators, your products are always readily available for all your construction metal requirements.

Our company motto, “working to build a stronger nation” transcends that of ensuring we provide the strongest materials for your building needs. It is focusing on the responsibility we have undertaken in being a productive and engaging member of our community. Playing our role in cooperative responsiveness for community based projects throughout the nation.

With many promotions planned for 2017, Caribbean Metals Limited has recently announced the “ Spend to Win Promotion” where customers get a chance to win $500 in store credits by spending $300 in cash.

Caribbean Metals, combining people and capital to stand out in the construction industry. ¤

Caribbean Metals CARIBBEAN METALS LTD VISIT OUR OFFICE AT UNION INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, UNION, ST LUCIA

TEL: 1(758) 450-2249 • FAX: 1(758) 450-2989 VIEUX FORT TEL: 1(758) 454 (EVER)3837

EMAIL: cmetals@candw.lc WEBSITE: www.caribbeanmetalslimited.com

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• Reinforcing Steel • Roofing • Seamless Guttering • BRC Fabric • Galvanised Weldmesh • Brick Force • Hollow Sections • Galvanised Pipes • Cement/Cement Board • Water Tanks • Concrete Blocks

• Expanding Metal • Universal Beams • Universal Columns • Channels • Staircases • Drywall • Polythene • Purlins • Gates • Flats • Angles

• Solid Squares • Nuts/Bolts/Screws • Tying Wire • Insulation • Hurricane Straps • Stud & Tracks • Translucent Sheets • Welding Plants & Rods • Decorative Wrought Iron/ - Artistic Forgings • Heavy Duty Doors

• Brackets & Clamps • Hercules Fencing • Galvanised Floor Decking • Chain-Link Fencing & Accessories • Building Components • Plates : Floor Plates, - Aluminum,Galvanize, - Mild Steel

Quantity Surveyor

Quantity Surveyor The quantity surveyor is the person responsible for figuring out just what a construction project is going to cost. They have other roles too, especially making sure that construction costs and production are managed as efficiently as possible.

Quantity surveyors have this title because they prepare a ‘schedule of quantities’ — estimates of the material and labour costs — that contractors’ tenders can be measured against.

(However, contractors are not selected for cost alone.) The schedule is also called a cost estimate.

Other names for people employed with quantity surveying qualifications include estimator, cost engineer, cost manager, cost analyst, project coordinator, project cost controller and cost planner.

Quantity surveyors’ main roles are: • managing the finances for any kind of construction project, whether it’s a house, a high-rise, a bridge, or a tunnel • working to keep the project on time • working to keep the project within the budget • making sure that construction costs and production are

managed as efficiently as possible • resolving disputes between contracting parties.

• preparing insurance replacement estimates for all kinds of

buildings, including houses.

Before the project, the quantity surveyors calculate a budget based on their client’s requirements. They prepare detailed estimates to ensure the budget is sufficient for each stage of construction.

Their main task is to find out what a construction project will cost, including materials, labour, and services.

Before construction starts Quantity surveyors can help with feasibility studies for a project.

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They can roughly estimate what’s involved in the project, based on measurements of the designer’s or client’s sketches.

The quantity surveyor studies the architects’ and engineers’ plans, identifies the costs involved, and then sets an overall estimated budget for the project. They may compare the project with others like it.

The quantity surveyor can then plan costs to help the design team stay within the project budget using practical solutions.

This is called value engineering.

The final detailed estimate is prepared by the quantity surveyor, together with a project architect. This is the basis for evaluating tenders.

When construction starts, the quantity surveyor keeps costs on track Once the building starts, the quantity surveyor can provide cash flow data so the client can arrange the finances needed for each stage of the project.

The quantity surveyor can also assess cost effects when changes to the project occur, such as delays, and agree on ‘variation’ with contractors.

The quantity surveyor can provide a bank with a project report and help a client by preparing draw down certificates for money to be loaned by the bank.

Resolving disputes between clients, designers and building contractors is another role in some projects.

When construction is over, the quantity surveyor adds up the total cost. The quantity surveyor can prepare a statement of final account, which records the actual costs for all sections of the job. ¤

Civil engineer

Generally, civil engineers fall into two types: consulting engineers and contracting engineers. Consultants are responsible for the design work of projects and work predominantly in an office. Contractors then take the designs and implement them during construction. Contractors work on site, managing the construction of the structure.

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers create, improve and protect the environment in which we live. They plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of building structures and infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbours, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, and water and sewerage systems. They also design and build tall buildings and large structures that can withstand all weather conditions.

Depending on whether you are a contractor or a consultant, work activities will include: • undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site

investigations • using a range of computer software for developing detailed designs • undertaking complex calculations • liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including architects and subcontractors

• compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures • resolving design and development problems • managing budgets and project resources • scheduling material and equipment purchases and deliveries • making sure the project complies with legal requirements, especially health and safety

• assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects • ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed within budget and on time

Civil engineers are normally found specifically working with Construction companies (both consultants and contractors), local authorities and government departments and utility companies Civil engineers often specialise in a particular types of project or discipline, such as coastal/marine, power, water and transport. ¤

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Location: Fond Cacao, Soufriere Telephone : 459 -7831/459-7729 BusinessFocus

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Electrical Engineer Electrical Engineer

Generally the task of an electrical engineer is to design high voltage equipment such as wiring systems, lighting systems and generators. Within the construction industry the role of an electrical engineer is to survey the site and manage the design and construction of electrical systems so that they comply with the necessary codes.

An electrical engineer has many responsibilities on a construction site. These responsibilities include designing, testing, installing and maintaining large-scale electrical systems that transmit and generate power. When designing projects, electrical engineers typically need the skills to work with computer models in order to have a better idea of what they should design. In addition, electrical engineers may be responsible for calculating the costs of projects and scheduling delivery dates for supplies. Finally, at the end of a project, the electrical engineer is responsible for making sure that all codes are met. This requires an in-depth knowledge of building codes, and the electrical engineer may be required to teach others how to detect building construction issues.

Usually an electrical engineer serves as part of a team and provides technical advice within his or her area of expertise. An electrical engineer may work for a particular company, or may hold an in-house position where he or she is available for consulting on whatever issues may arise during construction. ¤

Important Facts About Plumbers

Important Facts About Plumbers

type. All plumbers must be able to follow blueprints, work with plumbing tools, and know what types of materials are required for each job. Plumbers may also design piping systems for new construction projects.

Required Education:High school diploma or Higher education Work Environment: Factories, homes, business Key Skills: Physical conditioning, customer service, proficient mechanical knowledge, business sense Similar Occupations:Boilermaker, construction manager, electrician Specialties Pipelayers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are all specialties within the plumbing profession. As a plumber, you can specialize in a particular area or offer services in multiple specialties, including pipelaying and pipefitting.

Image: Courtesy of ECMC Ltd.

Pipelayers Pipelayers set and install the piping needed for various plumbing systems, such as water mains and storm drains. As a pipelayer, you can expect to dig and grade the trenches where the pipe will lay, set the pipes in the trenches and secure the pipes together through welding, cementing, or gluing.

Plumbers do much more than unclog drains and install new faucets. Plumbers install and maintain numerous types of piping systems found in residential and commercial properties, power plants, water treatment facilities, waste disposal plants, and factories.

Pipefitters and Steamfitters Pipefitters are mainly involved with large industrial plumbing projects. They install and maintain heating and cooling piping systems, as well as systems used to generate electricity.

Steamfitters specialize in high-pressure systems that move gases or liquids, such as water, steam, or compressed air.

Plumbers are primarily responsible for installing and maintaining various types of piping systems and fixtures. The exact responsibilities of a plumber depend on the particular project

Most plumbers are contracted as sub-contractors to the main contractor to execute all laying of pipes, pipe fittings, etc through to the completion of the project. ¤

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J.H. Larchers Electrics Ltd

J.H. Larchers Electrics Ltd.

Information Technology in the Construction Industry Information Technology in the Construction Industry The construction industry is one of the most informationintensive industries, as a major construction process requires extensive exchange of data and information between the project’s participants on a regular basis. In the construction industry, employees must adopt new forms of technology to achieve the time, cost, and quality goals of a construction project.

Project Management Software Project management software allows contractors to manage complicated business processes with planning, organizing, and managing the various resource pools available. Construction companies are required to deliver projects on time and according to budget.

During the construction phases and the life-cycle of a building, the construction industry depends on large amounts of information.

It’s important that the information provided to the construction site enables task control, data integration, material and resource control, and communication between the company and the suppliers.

With project management software, the construction industry has the ability to execute projects more efficiently, while delivering high quality results and increasing their overall business profitability.

Here are some of the most accommodating forms of information technology for the construction industry: Cloud Computing Cloud computing has a strong appeal in the construction industry, with many benefits due to the constant change of workers and setup of new job site locations. Often, construction workers require access to company data to provide timely decision-making and reporting ability while working in the field.

Construction companies benefit from the cloud’s ability to offer increased freedom and easy access to information at any time, from any location, such as job sites, customer locations, and satellite offices.

Mobile Device Management In the construction industry, employees use mobile devices as their main line of communication during a project. Whether it’s emails, texts, or phone calls; the smartphone has become the construction industries primary tool of communication.

With the ever-growing number of mobile devices and applications, mobile device management is increasingly important. With mobile device management software, the construction industry can optimize the functionality of mobile devices, while protecting the configuration settings and data for mobile devices in a network; thus, lowering the overall business security risks and support costs. ¤ Courtesy: irvineconsulting

Pest Management – Whatyou You should Should Know Before You you Build Pest Management – What know before building and supporting structures which can become costly to repair and control.

Besides that, pests can bring a wide range of threats to construction employees and public health. Pest like rats contaminate any surface with their urine and filthy hair, leading to diseases such as leptospirosis.

Construction can be the cause of pest issues for several reasons.

When construction begins, it can disrupt a pest’s current habitat.

This disruption can force them to find shelter elsewhere, including within or around building materials such as wood, or at neighbouring buildings.

To prevent your construction from being the source of pest infestations for neighbouring properties, and, not to mention, to be a responsible builder, work with your pest management professional to set out baits and traps around the property’s exterior.

This tactic will also help prevent pests from returning once construction is complete.

Pests are always looking for new homes. When you are planning, or realising building projects, you must make sure you do not attract the wrong type of residents. Prior to construction it is recommended that you treat the soil before and during construction and at regular intervals after completion of your structure.

Construction can also disrupt the sanitation and maintenance programs that are already in place at your facility, which is why it’s important to keep the construction site as clean as possible throughout the entire process. Make sure all workers are aware that food and trash left behind can attract pests, and should be disposed of daily.

Availability of debris and standing water make construction sites a haven for numerous pests. Their presence can cause distress to people as well as damage to the fabric and foundations of buildings. For instance, termites can cause serious damage to the

In addition to keeping the site debris-free, work with your pest management professional to inspect all incoming raw materials for signs of pests before bringing them onto the site. ¤

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First National Bank

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FDL - Pest

Bois D’ Orange Hwy, P.O. Box RB 2768, Castries Tel: 1(758) 453-1056 Control Solutions Fax: 1(758) 458-1068 email: fdlpcs@candw.lc web: fdlpestcontrol.com

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ER WE PROVIDE THE TOOLS PE ST & PERSONALIZED SERVICES UNDERSTANDING TERMITES AND TERMITE CONTROL IC

Our primary goal is to exceed our clients’ expectations and to encourage client involvement and education in the delivery ID of our efficient and reliable service. to help solve the toughest on St. Lucia E Pest management or pestpest controlproblems as it is commonly called integrates preventative and corrective measures to prevent

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pests from significantly affecting our environment. Modern pest management stresses the practice of integrated pest management (IPM) as the best practice in the control of urban and structure infesting pests.

UNDERSTANDING TERMITES AND TERMITEthrough CONTROL the Asian subterranean termite Customers are better educated an integrated pest management program and are able to make more informed generally damages lumber from the decisions on the best control measure and the related costs.

Pest management or pest control as it is commonly called inside out forming nests called carton integrates preventative andofcorrective measures to prevent In the United States America, the world’s largest pest control market, controlThe is estimated inside lumbertermite they infest.

West at more than 2 billion dollars annually. While no figures exist for termite control in Indian St. Lucia, home and business owners should address termite pests from significantly affecting our environment.

Modern FDL - Pest Control Solutions subterranean termite does similar infestation and damage more seriously. pest management stresses the practice of integrated pest damage but is not as aggressive as the Asian management (IPM) as the best practice in the control of Subterranean termite.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE urban and structure infesting pests.

Arboreal termites generally damage Several termite species such as the Asian Subterranean termite (Coptotermes gestroi), West Indianlumber Subterranean termite Customers are betterSpp.), educated through an integrated pest corniger), from theThe outside in, however in the case(Cryptotermes of softer (Heterotermes the Arboreal termite (Nasutertemes West Indian Drywood termite brevis), management program and are able to make more informed Cryptotermes darlingtonae, Cryptotermes havilandi, Incisitermes schwarzi, Neotermes Rhinotermes marginalis material such as plywood holmgreni, and hardboard, they also decisions the best control measure and the related andon Termes hispaniolae have been identified in St.costs.

Lucia. However, the structure infesting termites of economic importance do damage inside forming nests within.

It is important identified by FDL Pest Control Solutions in St. Lucia to datetoare the Asian subterranean, the West Indian Subterranean, note that the availability of moisture is paramount to the In the Arboreal United States America, the world’s largestTermites pest are classified as Drywood, Subterranean and dampwood. The and theofWest Indian drywood termites. the survival of termites. The presence of the Drywood control subterranean market, termite control istermites estimated at more and drywood are those foundthan infesting structures. termite is characterized by the appearance of faecal 2 billion dollars annually. While no figures exist for termite droppings (Granny sugar), alates and damage. These control in St. Lucia, home and business owners should termites can be in lumber for years before their presence addressThe termite infestation and damagetermites more seriously. presence of the subterranean is characterised and by the of mud tubes, nesting material on trees, or appearance damage is detected. inside lumber (especially in the case of the Asian and West Indian subterranean termites), satellite nests near moisture

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KNOW THE DIFFERENCE sources and alates (winged termites, commonly called rain Both ants). ants Damage the different termitesreproductives varies, the Asian and by termites form winged and are subterranean termite generally damages from the inside out forming called carton inside lumber they infest.

Several termite species such as the Asian lumber Subterranean differentiated bynests the immediate dropping of the wings by West Indian subterranean termite does similar damage termites, but is not compared as aggressive as the Asian termite. termite The (Coptotermes gestroi), West Indian Subterranean to the ants thatSubterranean keep the wings for a termite Arboreal (Heterotermes Spp.), the Arboreal termite period.inOnce theoftermites have dropped wings termites generally damage lumber from the outsidelonger in, however the case softer material such as their plywood (Nasutertemes corniger), The West Indian Drywood (di-alates), they find a mate and a nesting site to start a is and hardboard, they also do damage inside forming nests within. It is important to note that the availability of moisture termite paramount (Cryptotermes Cryptotermes darlingtonae, new colony. to the brevis), survival of termites.

Cryptotermes havilandi, Incisitermes schwarzi, Neotermes The presence of themarginalis Drywood termite is characterized by the appearance faecal droppings (Granny sugar), and The control ofofsubterranean termites both at thealates pre and holmgreni, Rhinotermes and Termes hispaniolae damage.

These termites can be in lumber for years before their presence and or damage is detected. have been identified in St. Lucia. However, the structure post construction phase is of paramount importance if infesting termites of economic importance identified by one wants to ensure minimal damage to their structure FDL Pest Control Solutions in St. Lucia to date are the from this pest.

Asian subterranean, the West theare differentiated by the immediate dropping of the wings by Both ants and termites formIndian wingedSubterranean, reproductives and TREATMENT termites, to thedrywood ants thattermites. keep the wings for a longer period. Once the termites have dropped their wings (diArboreal and thecompared West Indian Termites alates), they find a mate and a nesting site to start a new colony. are classified as Drywood, Subterranean and dampwood. It is our sentiment that preconstruction treatment The subterranean and drywood termites are those found of all structures should be mandatory. That being The control of subterranean termites both at the pre and post construction of paramount importance said, the ownerphase of theisstructure should take time if one wants infesting structures. to ensure minimal damage to their structure from this pest. to understand the methods of application, The presence of the subterranean termites is characterised the amount of pesticide and other general TREATMENT by the appearance of mud tubes, nesting material on requirements of this process. The amount It is our sentiment that preconstruction all structures should be mandatory.

That being said, the owner of trees, inside lumber (especially in the case oftreatment the Asianofand of termiticide used in a preconstruction the structure should termites), take time to understand methods of application, the amount of label pesticide West Indian subterranean satellite neststhe near treatment depends on the ratesand other general requirements of alates this process.

The amount commonly of termiticide used in size a preconstruction treatment depends on the label rates and moisture sources and (winged termites, and of foundation. sizeants). of foundation. called rain Damage by the different termites varies, PE

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WE WORK YEAR-ROUND to solve your tough pest problems.

• Vertebrate Pest Control:

• Perimeter Pest Control:

• Structural Inspection:

• General Pest Control:

• Lawn and Garden Care:

• Wood Destroying Organism:

• Nuisance Pest Control:

The Asian Subterranean

The West Indian Subterranean

The Arboreal Termite

Before the pouring of the concrete slab of a structure, the soil underneath should be treated with a termiticide at the labeled rate. This process constitutes the horizontal application phase of the preconstruction treatment process. The second phase of the process which constitutes the vertical application phase involves application of the termiticide to a trench approximately 12” wide and 12’ deep adjacent to the outer foundation walls at the labeled rate to reach the footing of the foundation. The termiticide must be mixed with the soil when the trench is covered.

The proper application of the correct amount of termiticide to the footings, plumbing and other possible openings in the slab or foundation is critical to the success of the treatment.

Therefore, based on labeled rates, the treatment of a 1000 Sq. Ft. (40 x 25) house will require more than 250 gallons of mixed termiticide.

While the same rates pertain for post construction treatment of termite affected buildings, the new molecules present on the market can be applied in various mixtures to target termites after the source of the infestation and affected areas are identified.

The first and most important step in the termite treatment process is inspecting. Thoroughly inspecting the structure and its surroundings, looking for evidence of termites, termite damage, conducive conditions and structural problems that might impact the treatment. Termites are cryptobiotic pests and proper inspection and identification is essential for sustained control. Termite bait stations can also be used as a detection and control tool together with liquid termiticide applications.

Generally, when encountered, termite infestations are sprayed with aerosol insecticides, brushed off, visible sections of the damaged lumber removed and replaced, treated with inadequate amounts of termiticide, diesel, old oil and other products. The result is the continued high maintenance cost of replacing damaged wood while the termite continues doing what it does best - eat wood, since they don’t distinguish between the lumber of a building and that of a tree.

The West Indian Drywood

Alates: left ant; right termite

The fact that preconstruction termite treatment is not mandatory in our building codes, a lack of understanding by both the contractor and building owner of the correct volume of termiticide required and the proper application process can impact the decision and result in a cheaper and inadequate option that can result high renovation costs in the future.

When done properly termite treatments can be costly.

Customers must therefore ensure that they are getting value for their money. Comparing the cost of having to repair a relatively new termite infested and damaged structure to the cost of preconstruction treatment in conjunction with scheduled inspection and maintenance is a good starting point.

Termites are social insects like bees, ants and certain wasps, a colony comprises castes and there are three castes: reproductives (of which there are primary, secondary and tertiary reproductives), workers and soldier castes. The important fact here is that in the absence of the queen, a primary reproductive female and male (rain flies) will become the new queen and king. Therefore, an inadequate treatment can result in the death of only the termites that are seen and treated, the separation of a satellite nest from the main nest or sections of the colony moving away from the treated area and infesting other areas of the structure causing considerable costly damage. A new nest formed in this manner will continue its activities separate from that of the original nest increasing the total number of termites and the potential for more damage to the structure. In the case of the Asian Subterranean termite, a mature colony will have millions of termites

SAFER PESTICIDES

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Traditional creole house on Henri Christophe Street, Vieux Fort,

Historic Preservation... Document Before Demolish!

Historic Preservation... Document before demolish!

By: Mark Hennecart

Architecture is the only form of art from which we never escape.

It creates our environment and to a far extent it determines the type of lives we live. Similarly, the extent to which our social and cultural background affects our architecture suggests also that old buildings can disclose a great deal about the era in which they were built and the persons who may have built and lived in them.

That in the struggle to combat social intolerance and violence in Castries, St Lucia’s capital today, the authorities now literally ‘turn every stone’ and demolish buildings thought to be havens for gangs, can only be described as unfortunate.

The architectural vernacular of many of these buildings is of tremendous social and cultural significance that it warrants documenting…at least, before these buildings are demolished.

Observe for example, in the photograph shown above, what many of us might only see, is a decrepit shack, on a quaint street ‘behind-God’s-back’, in a small town said to be “waiting for the Americans to return.” However what we ought to recognize, is how unpretentiously the picture speaks to our kwéyòl heritage.

Even in a 21st century urban context, ‘this cre..,’ole house’ is still a symbol of resilience and determination –not so much of the people who may presently dwell in it, but more so of its first Yuroba builders -ancestors of our kwéyòl-speaking Haitian relatives. Consider how even the very name of the street on which the house stands, invokes the same spirit of liberation of their great hero and king.

The Caribbean ‘creole’ house of today is well steeped in African and Amerindian tradition, and is a cross-fertilization of the two cultures trying to adapt to an ultra-modern 21stC Caribbean, more than two hundred years after being transposed from the traditional agbo ile African compound. In the southern US, the term `shotgun house’ is used to describe a similar form of timber dwelling measuring approximately 12 feet across and 20 feet BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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deep. Such a dwelling is usually two or three rooms deep and linked by doors at each end.

Some historians argue that the US adaptation of the dwelling was plagiarized; suggesting that the name was derived from a notion that pellets from a shotgun fired through a door inside of the house can go pass without doing structural damage. Another more logical school of thought ascribes the term `shotgun’ to linguistic error originating in Haiti, where people of West African Yoruba descent still use the term `to-gun’ to describe a house or an assembly hall.

The ‘creole’ house was typical of rural ‘afro’ communities and was especially used as worker housing after emancipation.

Today, this dominant house type is still widely used in the Caribbean with applications in commercial, civic and touristic architecture.

Socially, the plan of the ‘creole’ house fostered a closer physical contact between users, as in the case of the traditional African village compound. In an urban setting the dwelling offers more communal living and interrelationship of persons who reside within clusters of them placed side by side on the periphery of a communal yard as opposed to living in an urban townhouse or ‘tenement’ yard.

Evidently, the pressures of urban transformation have been unable to conceal the physical identity, state of mind, dreams and determination of the people from whom this house vernacular came -a people of deep-rooted African heritage.

Therefore, before we demolish some of these seemingly useless structures, let us document how these ‘creole’ buildings express the social and cultural background of not only our Afro-Caribbean peoples but more importantly, the spirit of our ancestors. ¤

St. Lucia Electricity Services

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Micoud Branch Lady Mico Street Tel: (758 ) 454-4499 Fax: (758) 454-0273

Vieux Fort Branch Beanfield Tel: (758 ) 454-8370 Fax: (758) 454-6272

Email:info@monreposcreditunion.com Website: monreposcreditunion.com BusinessFocus

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On The Bookas: Aliens Licensing Act

On The Books: Aliens Licensing Act The Aliens Licensing Act regulates the holding of land, shares or debentures by “aliens,” or companies under alien control, and other related matters. It is under the authority of this act that the Aliens Landholding Licence is given.

• In this act, “alien” means: 1. A person who is not a citizen of Saint Lucia; 2. A company incorporated in Saint Lucia or in a Member State if it is under alien; 3. A corporation incorporated in a foreign country; 4. A firm, partnership, or unincorporated body of persons of which more than fifty percent of its membership consists of persons to whom paragraph (a) applies.

• Also in this act “debenture” includes: 1. Mortgage or charge by a company, whether floating or otherwise on any, of the company’s property, its undertaking; or its uncalled capital; 2. An obligation by the company (not being a bill of exchange or promissory note) for the payment of a debt or the repayment of money lent or to be, lent; and 3. Debenture stock; • Furthermore, “Development Control Authority” means the Development Control Authority established under section 3 of the Land Development (Interim Control) Act 1971, or any successor in title of the Development Control Authority; • The term “land” includes immovable property in Saint Lucia, and an interest in land in Saint Lucia; • The term “member of a company” means a person entitled under the by laws or resolution of the company to participate in its assets or in its divisible profits, but a servant or agent of the company shall not be a member by reason only that the amount of that servant or agents • Emoluments depend on the amount of the company’s profits; • “Member State” has the meaning assigned to it by Article BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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2 of the Treaty signed on 18th June 1981 at Basseterre establishing the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); • “Minister” means the Minister responsible for Finance unless otherwise provided in this Act; • “Mortgage” includes an instrument creating a hypothec, privilege or other charge on land; • “Repealed Act” means the Aliens (Landholding Regulations) Act 1973; • “Share” includes stock, and, in the case of a company not having a share capital, the interest of a member in the assets of the company; • “Unlicensed alien” means an alien who does not hold a license granted under this Act.

Exemptions To Licensing Requirement: Notwithstanding this Act • An alien may hold two acres or less of land on a lease for up to two years for the purposes of the alien’s residence, trade or business in Saint Lucia; • An alien may acquire land under a will or as an executor under a will or on an intestacy and the land shall not be forfeited if within two years from the date of the death of the person or within an ended period of time as the Minister may grant, the land is sold or the alien applies for and obtains a license to hold the land; • An alien may acquire land in pursuance of his rights under a mortgage or debenture, and the land shall not be forfeited if within one year from the acquisition or entry into possession of the land or within an extended period of time as the Minister may grant, the land is sold or the alien applies for and obtains a license to hold the land. ¤

St. Lucia Co-operative Credit Union League St. Lucia Co-operative Credit Union League T’was two scores ago that our founding members united for a purpose that would imprint their ideologies on our National Co-operative Movement.

T’was two scores ago that those same pioneers felt that the budding Co-operative Movement was in need of a support system that would run secondary to their own. A system that would work for them, while the Primary Co-operatives worked for the needs of working people. It was those thoughts that would unfold onto January 26th 1977, the registration day of the Co-operative League for Saint Lucia.

Exactly 40 years to this date, the League was registered under the name ‘St. Lucia Co-operative League Ltd.’ and operated at the Parish Centre on Micoud Street with Mr. Hayden Williams as its first Manager.

As the country and the Co-operative Movement evolved, it was recognized that a secondary society to

serve each Co-operative type would maximize the efficiency of service provided to members. This thinking led to the Co-operative League transforming into the Co-operative Credit Union League of Saint Lucia. With this streamlined focus coming to fruition in 2011, whilst still maintaining the Co-operative blueprint for operations, the League re-embarked on its original mission of development through education and being a proponent of Co-operative philosophy for credit unions.

Together, through the years the Credit Union Movement of Saint Lucia can proudly claim to be of service to more than 87,000 members.

Now, on January 26th 2017 we have become the proud owners of a national landmark as we also lay claim to a piece of history and culture. It would also be remiss of us to not mention the honour bestowed

• Crushed stone quarry products • Asphalt and paving capilities • Washed pumice sand products

• General Contracting - Civil & Earth Works

• Ready mix conrete

• Marine works - Rip Rap, Piling etc

by operating on the William Peter Boulevard of Castries. This monument was secured to bring further prominence to the Credit Union Sector and naturally the Co-operative Movement. Now more than ever we are of the belief that the Co-operative image and values should be hoisted and of a forward direction. These values teach that it is up to all of us as Co-operators to ensure that we continue to function in unison to serve our members.

The St. Lucia Co-operative Credit Union League is proud to be celebrating its 40th year of serving and looks forward to continuing to uphold its vision of meeting our Credit Union’s needs.

St. Lucia Co-operative Credit Union League William Peter Boulevard, Castries Tel: 452-5467 | Fax: 453-7387 www.sluccleague.org

“We’ll Move The Earth To Please”

C O Williams Construction

Bois D’Orange P.O. Box 1485, Castries, St. Lucia Tel: (758) 452-0094 Fax: (758) 452-0298 BusinessFocus

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Saint Lu Metal & Plastic Manufacturers Ltd.

Saint Lu Metal & Plastic Manufacturers Ltd.

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Saint Lu Metal & Plastic Manufacturers Ltd.

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ESSENTIAL HARDWARE LIMITED

TAKES ITS GREAT SOUTHERN Essential Hardware LimitedSHOPPING EXPERIENCE NATIONWIDE! When building, every contractor knows, that time is of essence, and the management and staff at Essential Hardware are fully aware of the time constraints when building. For your steel roofing sheets, this cost effective product is produced by their associate company, New Frontier Industries Limited and distributed by Essential. NFIL also produces Galvalume Steel Roofing Sheets in two profiles — Corrugated and U-Panel up to 50 feet length. The flexibility in length offers substantial savings to contractors and home owners with no overlapping, no wastage.

Essential Hardware Limited is the distributor for ARAWAK Cement.

Apart from our competitive retail price, arrangements can be made for delivery ex-ship at a considerable saving.

Omar Gafoor - Director / CEO In construction, especially when building in the south of the island, it is almost second nature to reach out to the most professional and reliable team you can trust, and for almost two decades, Essential Hardware has been the company to trust for all your building needs.

The company’s longevity as a principal distributor/retailer to the local construction industry is primarily based on its structure.

With a system in place that allows the directors, managers and employees to engage the clients with enthusiasm and commitment, customer satisfaction is guaranteed. Customers are encouraged to visit any of the branches and not limit themselves to items available only at that location but from any of the six branches — all offering the best quality products at affordable prices. Contractors are welcomed and special discounts are applied to quantity purchases.

If you need real savings, for quality products when building.

Essential Hardware is the company you can trust to deliver! ¤

This long-standing company is a part of Gafsons Group of Companies which also operates out of Guyana, Barbados and Grenada. When first established in Saint Lucia some eighteen years ago, Essential Hardware made a commitment to establish a branch in every major community nationwide. To this end, Essential Hardware, which started out in Vieux Fort, are now located in Cul D’Sac / Bexon Highway, Bois D’Orange, Vieux Fort/ Laborie Highway, and soon at Rodney Bay and Soufriere.

Essential Hardware provides everything you would need to construct, from creating the foundation to completing your roofing details and everything else, you would need in between for your home or building. They offer a wide range of household and electrical supplies, PVC gutters, pipes, conduits and fittings, doors and windows and even an assortment of fans. For your building supplies, they can easily offer a range of lumber, interior and exterior treated ply wood, galvalume corrugated and U-Panel roofing sheets and even paints, varnishes and accessories for your home or commercial building.

Coming Soon to Excelsoir Plaza in Soufriere

Essential Hardware Limited

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A Solar Hot Water System. The Right Choice in Building

A Solar Hot Water System.

The Right choice in Building By :James Husbands - Solar Dynamics Ltd.

The installation of an adequately sized, high performance solar hot water system would eliminate the recurring energy costs for hot water, traditionally provided by an electric or gas water heater.

In sizing a solar hot water system, an increase of 30% to 60% in volume over that of an electric water heater has been found to be required to satisfy the needs of the same sized family. This is because enough hot water has to be made during the day, to satisfy the needs in the evening and the morning following for the whole family. The stored hot water has to retain the heat for 17 hours.

The adequately sized system for a family of 3 to 4 persons would therefore be 65 to 80 US gallons, at a temperature of 135 F to 140 F. The rule of thumb is 15 to 20 gallons of hot water per person in family. This allows for a shower in the evening as well as one the morning following. If the volume in storage is inadequate, the family members using the shower last in the morning, will not have a satisfactory hot water shower; requiring them to use the electric back-up booster often. The hot water used in the morning is that heated the previous day, and held in storage for up to 17 hours, while some of it has been used the evening before. The water used in the evening is replaced by cold water entering the storage tank at the lowest level of the tank. The cold water being heavier stays at the lower level of the tank, while the lighter hot water floats in the upper level of the storage tank.

Size and temperature are the two most essential elements in having a satisfying solar hot water system experience.

The 15 to 20 gallons at 135F to 140F per person has been found to satisfy 98.6% of client needs. In calculating energy saved, an BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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allowance of 5 days of supplementary energy by an electrical element installed within the system.

Expect Increased Use Of Hot Water‌ More liberal use of hot water obtains after the installation of a solar hot water system, as the family is no longer under the economic pressure of the frequent high electricity bill. More hot water is likely to be used in the shower, kitchen and laundry than obtained when electrical or gas heating was in use.

There is a win-win-win on lifespan, performance and return on investment.

On the basis of the lifespan: Solar Dynamics Hot Water Systems last longer than electrical water heaters. These reviewed are 15 years +.

On the performance of the systems: The satisfaction of the Solar Dynamics Hot Water System is rated between 95% and 100%.

On the return on investment. Annual returns of 118.96% for Turtle Beach and 91.3% annually for Bay Gardens Hotel are astounding.

The savings speak for themselves. We know of no other investment which provides this rate of return. Solar Dynamics has been at the forefront of the commercial development of solar hot water systems since 1974 in Barbados and 1993 in Saint Lucia.

Its product has been exported to Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, The Bahamas, St Marten, Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Dominica, Suriname, Antigua, St. Vincent, and The Cayman Islands. ¤

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Orkin

吀攀爀洀椀琀攀猀

䄀渀琀猀

䴀椀挀攀 ☀ 刀愀琀猀

Elks Credit Union

䌀漀挀欀爀漀愀挀栀攀猀

by use financed Members ho n nio Elks Credit U

OWN A PIECE OF ST. LUCIA We offer Mortgage Loans to our Members:

• Land and House purchase • House Construction • Land Purchase

100% financing from January 2017 to June 2017.

Terms and Conditions apply.

P.O. Box 1924 | Cnr. Brazil & Coral Street Castries | Tel: 452-6820/453-2951| Fax: 452-2884 | Email: elks@candw.lc BusinessFocus

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Renee’s Construction Company Ltd

Since 1983, we design and construct with a solid foundation Renee’s Construction Company Ltd Renee’s Construction Company Ltd

RENEE’S CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD Construction Craftsmanship and Management You Can Trust

completion; living up to their mandate of delivering exceptional service and extra value at the most competitive cost.

Established in 1983 under the leadership and vision of the late Everard George Renee, this home-grown company packs decades of building experience and workmanship, which created a legacy of efficient craftsmanship, strong work ethic and a meticulous approach to projects —allowed this company to stand the test of time. A firm that can easily boast their local history continues to build their culture of dedication in providing the best construction solutions to any size project.

In an ever changing economy, cost control is a major factor in the construction industry. With over 34 years of proven success, Renee’s Construction Company continues to be a leader in the Saint Lucian world of construction management, craftsmanship and project

Cedars Rd Box GM819, Castries T: (758) 452-1681 F: (758) 452-6518

Steering this company in an era of new generation construction as Managing Director is Martin Renee who combines his 20 years of construction skill and experience with a Master of Science Degree in Construction Management.

Our mission is to cooperate with our client and its project team to deliver exceptional service and extra value at competitive cost.

Email: renee.construct@gmail.com www.reneesconstruction.com

We approach our responsibilities on the premise of offering top quality service at fair competitive prices. The following guidelines represent our approach • Each client project is our most important project.

• Our manager and technicians look for solutions not problems.

• We emphasize exceptional workmanship and responsible cost control.

• We provide more than “on time” and “within budget” to our client.

AREAS OF OPERATION • Building Construction • Civil Engineering Works • Construction Management Traditional Contracting In which the client engages an architect to prepare its design and we are asked to submit a bid on the project or a price is agreed through negotiation with the client’s representative.

Design & Build In this method we are engaged to create the design and construct the project. This method affords the client the advantage of single point responsibility. In that it has to deal with only one entity instead of a design company and a construction company.

Construction Management In this process Renee’s construction would be engaged as a construction manager to select specialist contractors and to organize and manage the construction operations. ¤

Completed Building

Constructing Uur Heritage The Walcott Place Project

Constructing our Heritage The Walcott Place Project “Our house with its bougainvillea trellises, the front porch gone, was a printery. In its noise I was led up the cramped stair to its offices. I saw the small window near which we slept as boys, how close the roof was. The heat of the galvanize. A desk in my mother’s room, not that bed, sunlit, with its rose quilt where we were forbidden to sit.” From Omeros, Derek Walcott The creation of Walcott Place is ambitious; it is grand; and it is long overdue. Walcott Place proposes to create a physical space to celebrate Roderick and Derek Walcott’s achievements, and to be a source of inspiration and education. It shall be the focal point for our acknowledgement of the enormity of their contribution to the arts. The Walcott Place project will restore the Walcotts’ childhood home located on Chaussee Road in Castries, and convert it, along with adjoining spaces acquired by the Government of Saint Lucia, into a museum of the brothers’ works, with studio space for art and writing workshops and a theatre. Moreover, the project will lead a renaissance in the Chaussee Road-Grass Street area through the creation of economic opportunities associated with Walcott Place.

The Government of Saint Lucia through the Saint Lucia National Trust seeks to convert the boyhood home of Derek and Roderic Walcott into a heritage site and interpretation centre. The (SLNT) notes that the home is one of the few remaining iconic structures on the east side of upper Chaussee road. The site is in a state of disrepair and needs urgent attention. As part of a short-term measure to preserve what is left of the building, the Architectural Section of the Ministry of Physical development was mandated to carry out measured surveys of the property and prepare proposals and estimates to restore the existing building.

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Original Building PHASE 1 • Proposed Reconstruction Walcott Family Home (Museum) • New Court Yard PHASE 2 • Theater, Class rooms & Studios • Extension of Grass Street • Parking • Restaurant & Accommodations

Site Plan

Floor Plans Programme • Literary Centre (Research Library) •Museum and Art Gallery •Exhibition Hall •Gift shop •Turks Outdoor Café (public) Kitchen (private) •Arts Yard (Court Yard) •Walcott Heritage Foundation &Arts Guild Office •Walcott’s Studio •Theatre ¤

Architect Rendering

Source: SaintLuciaTrust.org, Government of St. Lucia, Embassy of Taiwan

Tiles Plus

Open Monday - Saturday | Beausejour Rd Tel: 4509156 | Castries 1-758-453-7939 | Vieux Fort 1-758-454-8864 | Email: Tileplusltd@gmail.com BusinessFocus

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Windor Trading - Opening Your Windows and Doors to a Brighter Future

Opening your windows and doors to a brighter future In building your home, or constructing an office building or even creating an A class resort or private Villa in Saint Lucia, having the best and most unique windows and doors are of outmost importance. In this manufacturing industry, Windor is the first company that will always come to mind.

This local manufacturer in quality windows and doors, continued the legacy of Carib PVC limited after they were acquired. Since then, Windor has continuously improved upon the lasting work and dedication they introduced to the Saint Lucian market. Windor has maintained their reputation throughout the years as one of the most trusted companies in the industry.

The creation of unique and one of a kind windows and doors right here in Saint Lucia has never been this easy before. If you are interested in your own concept, Windor’s dedicated sales team works along with you in every step to ensure the finish product is just what you envisioned for your home or office.

What makes Windor the company to trust is simply their quality work, dedicated customer oriented service, meticulous workmanship and over twenty years of proven success.

Insurance building are other examples of the diversity of designs and quality Windor offers.

Their styles are noted to be very easy to install and can be used to change the character of any room, extend it or bring in more light.

With homeowners and cooperate society entering a phase of environmental concern, adaptation and change is something that Windor is known for. Understanding that their homeowner clientele wants an environment in which their children can study in peace and their family can enjoy music and quiet moments and lead a healthy and happy life.

Windor offers speciality doors and windows aiding to noise reduction and perfect natural light opportunities for your family home.

Another changing trend that Windor has easily adapted too is the style and size clients are interested in for their homes and offices. According to Windor’s management “most clients are looking for higher and wider doors and windows.

Getting the most natural light, air and perfect views are what they are looking for, and Windor can easily provide.”

Catering for both residential, commercial and luxury resorts and villas, Windor’s doors and windows are easily accessible by anyone in the market.

Cost is another major factor in every aspect of construction.

Unlike some windows, Windor’s windows and doors retain its lustre for years truly demonstrating the concept of value for money.

Because of their trusted value and unique style, this company is the first choice for any developer and or contractor — making them a major player in the doors and windows supplier in the construction industry.

With a dedicated team of professional technicians and designers, Windor offers the highest level of experience on island.

Luxurious results such as Sandals, Le Sport and Royalton, as well as exclusive villas such has Harbour ECO villas, Samara Villas, Eastern Caribbean Villas and high end residential homes are some of the main clients this company supplies for. Commercial buildings such as the newly opened Nagicor

Quality of products, customer focused service, workmanship and years of proven success has allowed Windor company the best stop for all your window and door needs and services. ¤

Windor Trading

Lewis Industries Ltd. Lewis Industries Ltd. - Leader in Cleaning Service

Contrary to popular belief, cleaning services are an integral part of the building and construction industry.

“Cleaning doesn’t start nor end when a building is completed,” Andre Lewis, founder and managing director of Lewis Industries stated.

The brainchild and lifeline of Mr. Lewis came into existence after he realized such services would render great opportunities for entrepreneurship in Saint Lucia given the economic climate some 27 years ago. This homegrown company has proven, throughout the years that we are far more than just janitorial services. With a track record of quality work and meticulous finishing – like our managing director’s personality, this company has stood the test of time.

As this company expanded in size and dynamism, Mrs. Thecla Fitz-Lewis joined her husband in the capacity of Director of Operations, Human Resources and Quality Assurance and has propelled Lewis Industries to a higher level of service excellence which has continuously allowed this power couple to steer this company in maintaining its 80% market share in Saint Lucia.

Mrs. Lewis brought on board her skills, knowledge and education in Business Development Strategies and branding which has augmented the services Lewis Industries offer and provided the much-needed assistance Mr. Lewis was yearning for to manage a growing business which has transitioned from a small to medium enterprise with over 100 employees.

So just how important is cleaning in the construction industry? A question our proprietors are readily able to answer with a plethora of examples.

Environmental, aesthetics, maintenance and the control of hazardous materials are just a few areas which are fundamental in the cleaning process

of construction. However, intricate the process sounds, it comes in a three (3) fold process. The initial clean up— focusing on the what can be pellucidly seen. The second phase —focusing on the ongoing cleanup efforts during the construction phase, particularly on what can get trapped in small fragments within the building site. And the third phase primarily focusing on the final clean up. The appearance of the finish product ensuring that nothing remains which may result in any in harm of the occupants.

According to Mr. Lewis, “A clean construction site ensures safety, pushes productivity and aids to his reputation of being the premier player in this industry.”

During the construction phase, debris scattered around is inevitable, but can pose a tremendous threat to anyone in the immediate area, therefore it’s vital to take care of it right away. Same for the presence of toxic materials and chemicals. If not properly disposed of, anyone has the potential to be hurt.

Adequately handling this aspect of construction is something that Lewis Industries specializes in, with over 27 unbroken years as proof.

Andre Lewis Managing Director

Some of the biggest projects our homegrown company has successfully completed are the Hewanorra International Airport, from its inception to current operation.

Distillers distribution company, Financial Institutions, supermarkets throughout the island, The Luxury hotel industry such as Sandals, Landings, Sugar Beach and their niche market — high-end residential homeowners.

Our multifaced company offers much more than cleanup and maintenance services. We also, because of the numerous qualifications of our experienced team and director, offer sanding and finishing of hardwood

Thecla Fitz-Lewis Director of Operations, HR & Quality Assurance

” y it l a u Q n o e t e “We Only Comp s e c i v r e s g n i n Leader in clea floors. Not to any surprise, the leader in this industry as well.

World renowned Jade Mountain resort is an example of their floor finishing project.

For 27 years, Lewis Industries can proudly state that they have never encountered a bid that has been turned down. For such success, we have attributed this to several reasons. Firstly, our attitude towards our clients and potential clients.

Offering free consultation to potential clients sets the tone for how we relate to our customers. “It is not always about getting the job, it is advising our clients on the best possible recommendations for their home or business,” Mr. Lewis would often state. This outlook is a flagship of our office and is instilled in our employees — The customer is always first.

Attention to detail, product knowledge, trained and qualified staff and staying up to date with current market trend are other factors which makes Lewis Industries dominating over 80 percent of the market, leading us to truly be “a cut above the rest.”

Lewis Industries Ltd •Installation •Restoration •Sanding •Sealing •Staining Filling •Coating •Finish Application •Preservation Application •Sale of Maintenance Care Products Tel: (758) 450-4060 Cell: (758) 485-3976 Email: lewis@candw.lc www.lewisindustries.com

Lewis Industries

“We Only Compete on Quality” Leader in cleaning services

IN TH EKNOW

Dangers of Treating Employees as Family

Dangers of Treating Employees as Family

By Brian Ramsey

It is a commonly held belief that employees who are well treated are more productive and will tend to view the company almost as if it were their own and so seek the company’s best interests. This belief is bolstered by many academic studies that have identified a correlation between the benefits provided to employees and their overall work performance. Now it is certainly not our intention to suggest that employers should treat employees badly or that neglecting the welfare of employees will not affect worker productivity. There are however times when the good intentions of owners can backfire and actually hurt the company and this is particularly the case with small enterprises.

The writer had conducted an investigation in a company and in the course of that investigation the danger of treating employees as family was revealed in startling light. This was a small company that had been in existence for approximately 20 years. The company was started by the owner who worked in the business. As time progressed, the owner identified an employee who he believed had the potential to develop BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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and so he nurtured him. This employee was a young man whose family he knew and so he took a special interest in the development of the young man, going beyond simply ensuring that the young man received training but began to treat him like family. Over the many years that the young man worked in the company the owner began to include the employee in functions that he had at his home. Also when the owner had personal activities involving his friends, he would invite the young man to join him and his friends. Unfortunately after several years the owner began to suspect that he was losing revenue in a particular area and began an investigation, which revealed that certain revenue that should be coming in was no longer doing so and the investigation began to point in the direction of the young man.

Eventually the young man confessed that in collaboration with someone else he had been diverting income that would usually come to the owner and that he had been doing so for about two years.

There is clearly a danger in business owners literally treating employees as family and the danger can arise because an employee sees the physical rewards that the owner has reaped

from his investment and hard work in the company. The employee sees the new cars, the nice home, possibly the vacation home, hears about the vacations that the owner took abroad.

Eventually some employees form the view that the owner has reaped these

Brian Ramsey has a B.A. in Accounting & Management, along with an M.B.A. in Finance and over 29 years in the Caribbean security field. He is the Regional Development Director for Amalgamated Security Services Limited which operates in Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago and is the parent company of Alternative Security Services (St. Lucia) Limited. He can be contacted at bramsey@assl.com.

rewards because of his (the employee’s) hard work. Indeed to some extent that would be true because a business needs all its employees to work hard and deliver excellent customer service if that business is to grow.

Often, however, the employee does not take into consideration the financial risk that the owner took in starting the business; he does not consider the long hours that the owner would have undertaken to grow the business. The employee only sees the rewards that the owner is now getting and begins to form the view that he should get some of those rewards. Now a good owner would undoubtedly reward long serving hard working employees, possibly with salary increases, more vacation time, sometimes overlooking small foibles of the employee.

However notwithstanding these types of rewards some employees begin to believe that they deserve more especially in the situations where the owner exposes the employee(s) to aspects of their personal life. In such employees there begins to grow a temptation to steal or to siphon income into their pockets.

The main point is that all owners should treat their employees well and with long serving employees who have a good understanding of the company, the owner can discuss the business with them and draw suggestions from them. Owners however should not draw employees into their personal life and should not expose them to the activities of their family

and friends. Owners should definitely avoid exhibiting a flashy lifestyle in the view of their employees.

In closing we wish to recount the experience of the writer as a young man with only a few years experience in the business world. The writer often had to deal with an older man who owned several businesses and was a multi-millionaire. The businessman and the writer would often engage in negotiations and over time a rapport developed where the businessman would give advice and provide insights into his personal thinking and business philosophy. During one discussion the businessman revealed that he owned several Rolex watches but for his day to day work activities he wore a Timex and that he always drove a used car, a well maintained car but a used car nevertheless. He pointed out that he enjoyed his wealth and whenever he wanted he took vacations to all parts of the world, staying in luxury hotels. He also used his wealth in ways that benefited his family. The businessman explained that he operated in this manner so that he would not build resentment and envy among his employees, nor make himself a target for those who only saw the trappings of wealth and would conspire how to obtain some of that wealth from him.¤

EC Global Insurance

1st Floor Financial Centre Building Bridge Street P.O. Box 1860 Castries LC04 101 Tel: (758) 451-3244 | Fax: (758) 458-1222 Website: www.ecglobalinsurance.com | Email: ecglobal@ecfh.com

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YOUTH IN FOCUS HEALTH & WELLNESS

Three Reasons Why It Makes Sense To Invest In Branding

THREE REASONS WHY IT MAKES SENSE TO INVEST IN BRANDING

By Hanna Fitz

Consumers are being bombarded with a clutter of information, messages, commercials and requests every day.

Unlike the brick and mortar model where you were probably only exposed to the businesses and people operating in your town; today the Internet has created a seamless world, a meeting ground for buyers and sellers worldwide. This has made it even more challenging to stand out and reach your ideal clients.

As a business owner, a key part of building your business is building your brand. Steve Forbes said “Your brand is the single most important investment you will make in your business.” If you don’t have a brand then you will find yourself competing on price and long-term, this won’t be good for your business.

Here are three reasons why building a brand is worth your investment in time and money:

1. Stand Out in a Sea of Me-Toos If you want to stand out as different, you need to be deliberate about your brand building. A study showed that on average consumers see 4,000 messages a day and only remember 76. It is becoming more BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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challenging to be visible and reach the right people. To stand out and be memorable, you need a brand.

Building a great brand image to support your brand is essential in this information age. Millennial are influencing purchase decisions to the tune of $500 Billion each year and 59% say that they will buy from brands that reflect their style and personality. To sell to Millennial, a great brand image isn’t just the key, it is necessary.

2. Command a higher price Philip Kotler said if you are not a brand you are a commodity. 40% of Millennial are willing to pay extra for a brand that reflects the image they wish to convey about themselves. People are willing to pay more if the brand’s image is aligned with theirs.

There is a higher perceived value around branded products that are not only well packaged, but associated with the lifestyle of the client.

This is why it is worthwhile taking the time to understand your ideal client and build a brand around their lifestyle. If you think about how you make purchase decisions every day, even in the supermarket, you may be attracted to a colour packaging or pictures that are similar to your own sense

of style. When you invest in, not only a great brand image, but also create great products with your ideal clients in mind, you are able to create greater perceived value than another generic brand and charge more.

3. Work with the Best Top brands can be selective about who they work with or for. They understand their value and have invested time and money crafting the right image to support the development of their brand. If you don’t brand yourself, people will brand you. So own your brand and work tirelessly to create an image that people want to be associated with. These high performers are also selective because top brands, know that who they work with or work for is part of building a strong brand image. ¤ In my Free e-workbook “THE IRRESISTIBLE BRAND”, I share seven steps to building a brand that attracts high-value clients and how to build a brand that can charge a premium price. Download it to get started on magnetizing the right clients to your business at www.hannafitz.com

UN Women Support CARICOM To Address Gender Inequality

CARICOM’s Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and UN Women Representative Tonni Ann Brodber

UN Women Support CARICOM to Address Gender Inequality A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed recently between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United Nations Women to strengthen initiatives aimed at reducing gender inequality.

The MOU was signed during the 39th Caribbean Community Council of Ministers meeting held at the CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Georgetown by CARICOM’s Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and UN Women Representative Tonni Ann Brodber Secretary General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, said that the support from UN Women is significant given the challenges faced by the Community, particularly on issues relating to gender.

“It is particularly significant for us given that challenges with financial resources have hampered us in our quest to fill a number of crucial positions including in the area of gender,” Ambassador LaRocque noted.

The two year MOU will see the UN Women providing assistance in enhancing Caribbean wide data, statistics and analysis on the implementation of the gender dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals and the SAMOA Pathway.

• ensuring that there is a Caricom wide voice in the normative process shaping national levels of sustainable

development as it relates to gender equality • deepening capacities of the Caricom member states to implement the international, regional and national

commitment such as the convention on the elimination

of all forms of discrimination against women and the

Beijing Platform for Action to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women

The support will be key in addressing inequalities such as gender based violence in CARICOM states. In the Caribbean, it is estimated that 30 to 50 percent of all murders are a result of intimate partner violence.

Representative of UN Women, Tonni Ann Brodber, pointed out that Caribbean States cannot afford the cost of gender inequality.

“What we are seeing is, this is something that we cannot afford anymore. Not just the gender based violence but the fact that we are not tapping into the potential of our young boys or our young women,” Brodber said.

The UN Women Representative congratulated CARICOM for taking the lead in the Region to address gender inequality. “We will support in every way that we can, to ensure that this is not just something that is theoretical but it is a lived reality that the women and men of the CARICOM feel,” Brodber pledged on behalf of UN Women.

The MOU will also go towards strengthening the work of the CARICOM Regional Gender programme and the CARICOM Regional Statistics programme. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has provided a grant of US$500,000 towards the development and implementation of a gender sensitive CARICOM results based management system. ¤ BusinessFocus

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Dr Jules highlighted said certain instances of failure occur because ordinary public sector workers cannot teach the skill of entrepreneurship.

“Sometimes we set up ourselves for failure if we give people to do things for which they are not well suited. I see sometimes governments setting up in ministries’ units to do entrepreneurship, but public servants cannot teach entrepreneurship.

OECS To Get Centre For Entrepreneurship Training

It is a different type of approach and culture of work and mindset. To be the best entrepreneur is somebody who has failed, succeeded, picked up and gone on.”

Jules gave further details of where the centre and coordinators will be throughout the OECS.

OECS to get centre for entrepreneurship training British billionaire Richard Branson will assist in building a centre to train entrepreneurs in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Dr Didicus Jules said while this had not been broadcast to the public as yet, dialogue with the mogul had begun.

“We have not announced it publicly yet, but I had discussions with Sir Richard Branson and he has agreed to set up an OECS centre for entrepreneurship.”

Unemployment to Rise

in Caribbean in 2017

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is predicting that unemployment in Latin America andUnemployment the Caribbean will to riseRise to 8.4in per cent this year.

The ILO has released its World Employment Social Outlook, indicating that global unemployment levels and rates are expected to remain high in the short term, as the global labour force continues to grow.

“In particular, the global unemployment rate is expected to rise modestly in 2017, to 5.8 per cent from 5.7 per cent in 2016, representing 3.4 million more unemployed people globally bringing total unemployment to just over 201 million in 2017.”

It said that the increase in unemployment levels and rates in 2017 will be driven by deteriorating labour market conditions in emerging countries as the impacts of several deep recessions in 2016 continue to affect labour markets in 2017.

“In fact, the number of unemployed people in emerging countries is expected to increase by approximately 3.6 million between 2016 and 2017 during which time the unemployment rate in emerging countries is expected to climb to 5.7 per cent, compared with 5.6 per cent in 2016.”

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“We are going to have the head of the centre and an itinerant trainer located in Dominica. And, located in each OECS country will be a coordinator, and that coordinator will be responsible for working with the cohort in that country who wants to be a part of that sector.”

Support for entrepreneurs will be available online according to Jules.

“All of the initial work will be done online, and there is a website you can go on for guidance, in terms of developing your business plan.

You get advice and then you go through a process of elimination.

So we end up with 10 persons from each OECS country for a core of 100, at a time, as official students of the Branson Centre.

They will get mentoring support, marketing support and all of the supporting systems will be in place to help you grow your business,” Dr Jules said. ¤ Courtesy: Antigua Observer

The ILO said that of notable concern are developments in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the unemployment rate is expected to rise by 0.3 percentage points in 2017, to reach 8.4 per cent.

The ILO report notes that in several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, the percentage of those who are looking for work but unable to finds jobs in 2017 will range from four to six per cent in Trinidad and Tobago to above 17 per cent in islands like St Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Caribbean in 2017

The ILO report notes that in Caribbean countries like Guyana, Haiti, Barbados and Suriname, the percentage of people looking for work is between nine to 13 per cent, while in the Bahamas the figure is between 13-17 per cent.

The report also notes that discontent with the social situation and lack of decent job opportunities are both factors that play a role in a person’s decision to migrate.

“In fact, between 2009 and 2016, the share of the working-age population willing to migrate abroad permanently increased in every region of the world except for Southern Asia and SouthEastern Asia and the Pacific.

“The largest increases over this period took place in Latin America and the Caribbean and the Arab States. Overall, the share of people willing to move abroad remained the highest in subSaharan Africa, at 32 per cent, followed closely by Latin America and the Caribbean and Northern Africa, at above 30 per cent and 27 per cent, respectively,” the ILO report added. ¤

Saint Lucia Public Service Undergoes Good Governance Training

Saint Lucia Public Service Undergoes Good Governance Training According to Dr. Chris Bart of the Saint Lucia-based Caribbean Governance Training Institute (CGTI), there are three essential qualifications all board directors must meet if they are to properly do the job: Competence, Curiosity and Courage.

Equipping Caribbean board directors with ‘competence’ has been CGTI ‘s primary mission for the past three years, and they have delivered the information, research and skills required by directors serving on any type of board, whether corporate, educational or non-profit, to delegates from as diverse organisations as the Dominica water company (DOWASCO), Turks and Caicos Financial Services Commission, Sandals International and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

The company’s signature ‘Chartered Director Programme’ covers all aspects of corporate governance, and since 2015, the CGTI team has delivered its message to hundreds of candidates in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Turks & Caicos and Dominica, among other Caribbean venues.

Senior managers and directors from a range of industries have benefitted from the expertise of CGTI’s faculty of governance experts through three days of high-energy, interactive sessions and a final C.Dir exam, and become some of the first professionally-certified Chartered Directors in the world.

During the week of January 23 to 27, The Government of Saint Lucia became the latest regional organisation to undergo CGTI’s Chartered Director Programme. Eightyfive members of ‘senior management’ from government departments, who included fourteen Cabinet ministers, fifteen Permanent Secretaries and twelve

Board Chairpersons, came together in an unprecedented training exercise.

The schedule covered every angle of “good governance” from defining roles and creating accountability, to financial oversight and risk management, ethics and culture, strategic thinking and planning.

Three groups of delegates from across the ministries, including members of the former Saint Lucia Tourist Board, executives from Invest Saint Lucia and other “subsidiary” organisations, exchanged ideas and experiences, learning valuable lessons from private and public sector examples, challenging practical exercises and famous case studies from around the world.

As he prepared to sit the final exam himself, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet was asked about the expected outcome of this considerable investment in governance training.

“If we want to change things, we can’t continue doing them the same way. You have to change how people view things to effectively change the culture within the civil service, so this is a very important investment in our key people. What better organisation is there to receive governance training than the public service, where the shareholders are really the voters, the citizens of the country?” explained Prime Minister Chastanet.

“The purpose is for cabinet ministers and ‘senior management’ - the Permanent Secretaries and senior directors - to understand what their roles are. The same with government’s equivalent of ‘subsidiary companies,’ which are the statutory bodies. Our goal is to improve the overall efficiency of the public sector, and it starts with the people. Everybody must

understand the roles [and structures], and if everybody performs . . . we will have a transparent and efficient government.”

Indeed, the training exercise came at a time when Caribbean governments are being urged by the World Bank to rethink their approach to governance in a new report titled “Governance and the Law,” which explores how unequal distribution of power in a society interferes with the effectiveness of government policies.

According to World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, “Without better governance, our goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity will be out of reach. At the conclusion of the programme, CGTI’s co-founder Dr. Chris Bart, was enthusiastic about what he called the “bold initiative”.

“Prime Minister Chastanet and the Government of Saint Lucia are to be congratulated for achieving what no government in the world has ever done, which is to become “officially certified” in the principles and best practices of governance. Embracing our CGTI Chartered Director Program speaks volumes about the progressive and innovative nature of the administration, and is one important step in [the Prime Minister’s] personal vision to create real change in Saint Lucia.”

The Caribbean Governance Training Institute will take the Chartered Directors Programme on the road again in 2017, to Antigua in March, St. Kitts in May and Jamaica in September, while the third annual ‘Hot Topics in Governance’ conference will take place in Saint Lucia in July. For more information, please visit www.caribbeangovernancetraining.com or call the CGTI office on 451-2500. ¤ BusinessFocus

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IN THE KNOW

WICB Rebrands, Now Called - Cricket West Indies

Dave Cameron

President of the Board

WICB Rebrands, Now Called -

Cricket West Indies

By: Vinode Mamchan

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will now be known as Cricket West Indies (CWI), this is according to the President of the Board, Dave Cameron.

Johnny Grave

Verlyn Faustin

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Jimmy Adams

Johnny Grave

Cameron added, “At this point in time we are no longer called the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) but Cricket West Indies and we have also formed a company to deal with the commercial matters of West Indies cricket and this is called “Windies”. We continue to explore ways to take West Indies cricket forward and this rebranding is necessary as we move along.”

Cricket West Indies (CWI) now falls in line with Cricket Australia (CA), Cricket New Zealand (CNZ) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) all of whom have rebranded themselves for marketing purposes.

Cameron, who has moved WICB’s finances from the red and into a profit in difficult financial times is optimistic for the future finances of the board.

He added, “I am a businessman, so I understand what it takes to make it successful. One thing you need to understand is that sport is a business and we at Cricket West Indies is like a government, we need to manage the affairs of the sport not only in terms of improving the performances of our various teams, but also the financial aspect in order to gather what we all want - which is success.”

Cameron said that the Board is open to partnerships with corporate entities in moving forward and hence forming the company Windies was essential.

He pointed out that, “We want to do things right and do it in a way that would keep us up to date with the changing face of sport management. Every day the world of sports management and administration is changing and you need to keep up with this or face serious problems. We at the Cricket West Indies are ready for the challenge and we will be successful.”

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Director of Cricket

Head Coach

In 2016, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne revealed to a WIPA event that his government, in partnership with the WICB, was negotiating with the Stanford liquidators to acquire the Stanford Cricket Ground, the Sticky Wicket and other amenities in Coolidge for US $6 million.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the WICB have since entered into an agreement to co-own and manage the Stanford Cricket Ground and Sticky Wicket Restaurant. Outgoing CEO, Michael Muirhead, recently met with corporate Antigua and spoke about the “exciting opportunities to be available with the acquisition of the property and how both the island and cricket will benefit as a result.”

The Sticky Wicket facility will be redeveloped into a fullservice space which will cater to a range of services including cricket matches, camps, entertainment and an exquisite dining experience. “The transition will take place in phases over a threeyear period,” noted Muirhead. Regional super 50 cricket matches were played at the Stanford Cricket Ground in February. ¤

Getting to know our NRDF Board members: Getting to know our NRDF Mr. Mallet Edwards

St. Lucia; • 5 years (2000-2005), Programme Manager, Office of Private Board Mr.Prime Mallet Edwards members: Sector Relations, Minister’s Office, St. Lucia; • 4years (1995-1999), Programme Manager, CARICOM Secretariat, Guyana;

• 13 years (1982-1995), as a Career Diplomat…

2 years: Second Secretary, Eastern Caribbean High Commission, United Kingdom;

11 years: Head, Permanent Missions of St. Kitts and Nevis to the UN and the OAS, as well as resident

Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the USA;

• 15 years (1966-1981) as an Educator in St. Kitts and Nevis,

and in Barbados.

As the ‘youngest’ NRDF board member, he made the following observations: “The other Board members symbolize the convergence of a divergence of knowledge, skills, capacities and experience altogether geared towards facilitating the Foundation’s achievement of its goals and objectives.

Mr. Mallet Edwards had only been with National Research Development Foundation (NRDF) serving on the Training and Marketing Committee for a short time when he was invited to join the Board of Directors. A gentleman with a varied career including an educator, diplomat, management consultant and calypsonian; he has been a major asset to the NRDF community.

Always punctual for every meeting and the most prepared, he is an invaluable part of the Board of Directors at NRDF. The National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF) was founded in 1983. It has become an organisation known for its small business loans, wide range of educational, vocational and training courses for the betterment of the Saint Lucian community. Let’s meet one of its Board members making this happen.

Mr. Mallet Edwards started his journey with NRDF three years ago, in 2013. He served and continue to serve on the Training and Marketing Committee, one of the more vibrant committees at NRDF. He joined the Board a little over a year ago.

Before joining NRDF, he admits he knew very little about the organisation.

“My knowledge of the Foundation was limited to its being no more than a lending agency that funded small national development projects, primarily in the fields of Agriculture, Fishing and Construction.”

Once Mr. Edwards joined NRDF as a facilitator, he was moved to play more of a role in the policy and strategic planning of the organization. His expertise and experience complemented the talents and skills of the other members of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Edwards holds a Master’s Degree in Management majoring in Human Resources Management; a Graduate Diploma in International Relations; and Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Caribbean History. He also has more than 50 years’ work experience which includes: • 3 years (2013 to present), Facilitator, NRDF/AIB Degree

Programme, St. Lucia; • 7 years (2009 to present) as a Management Consultant,

St. Lucia; • 4 years (2005-2009), Programme Officer, OECS Secretariat,

“The meetings have been productive primarily because they have been focused on overseeing and monitoring the Foundation as it implements the kinds of strategies that enable it to continue contributing to the socio-cultural and economic advancement of St. Lucia.”

In his mind, the most challenging part of being on the NRDF board was designing and implementing such strategies as would enable the Foundation to mobilise the funding necessary to finance its programming.

Mr. Edwards has learnt while serving on the board that “human development is the key to the advancement of any agency, enterprise, organisation, or nation in this world.”

He has been enjoying his time with the NRDF Board and committee, he stated that ‘the congenial disposition, the cooperative attitude, the dedication to duty, the seriousness and indeed cohesiveness have been the hallmarks of my brief experience thus far with the team.”

Mr. Edwards also weighed in on whether he felt that Board members should be compensated for their duties and attendance at meetings.

“Cognisant as I am of they the serious financial challenges currently facing the Foundation, I am satisfied that an Out-OfPocket Allowance should suffice for the time being.”

And when asked where he would like to see NRDF in the future, Mr. Edwards responded with the following: “An organization held in high esteem nationally and regionally An agency that has forged ties with like-minded institutions regionally and internationally An institution that is economically viable A body that continues to pride itself on the furtherance of human development An entity that has found a new ‘home’ i.e. a more suitable environment, as it continues to expand.” ¤ BusinessFocus

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OECS Unveils Public

Education Forum Launches Project in the BVI OECS Unveils Public Education Forum Launches Project in the BVI

T

he Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States has launched a Public Education Forum Series to dialogue with the people of the OECS on key topics impacting the future of the region. The Series, dubbed Vini Kozé – Kweyol for ‘come chat’ – is part of the public education component of the OECS Regional Integration Programme.

Persons from across the OECS, including students and professionals in the education sector attended and participated in the BVI Forum which highlighted successes in education in the OECS, while creating greater awareness of deficiencies, with a view to formulating strategies and solutions that can be applied across Member States.

The Public Education component is aimed at educating and informing the populace of the OECS on the social, economic and political benefits of Regional Integration. It is essential to ensuring citizen engagement and active participation in the Regional Integration process. The forum provides an opportunity for key decision makers, civil society and experts within respective fields to discuss and debate issues raised by the live audience on the achievements, development opportunities and challenges facing the region.

OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules hopes the OECS Public Education Series will provide a forum for intelligent and open public dialogue and debate on issues of deep concern to the average citizen. Dr. Jules believes the reinvention of education is fundamental to meeting the development challenges which we face as a region. He said: “Education must assume a broader, more inclusive role in preparing Caribbean people – young or old, student or worker – for success in every arena.”

The first Public Education Forum was held on Friday January 13th 2017 at the new Tortola Pier Park in the British Virgin Islands.

It focused on the Education sector under the theme “Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.” The BVI Forum was led by a panel comprising BVI Education Minister – Hon. Myron Walwyn and CXC Registrar – Glenroy Cumberbatch. The panel also included a representative of the private sector, a community activist, and a civil society representative. The concept of the Forum was to involve a ‘live’ audience who were invited to participate and pose questions to the panel. There were several key resource persons in the audience who were able to broaden the scope of the discussion, and answer questions relevant to their area of expertise and experience. OECS Member States have embraced the concept of ‘skills for inclusive growth’ with education as one of the drivers of economic growth, individual empowerment and social cohesion in the region.

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The OECS Public Education Forum Series (PEFS) will run until March 2017. It will be staged across six (6) OECS Member States including The BVI, Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Martinique. Citizens will be engaged on topics such as Youth, Education, Climate Change, Agriculture, Economic Growth, and Regional Integration. The views, opinions and aspirations of the people will be canvassed in shaping the future of the OECS in relation to these key areas of development.

Vini Koze will be televised across OECS Member States, the wider Caribbean and the Diaspora. The series is funded by the European Union through its 10th EDF programme on Economic Integration and Trade of the OECS region. It is being produced by ELShaFord Productions on behalf of the OECS Commission. ¤

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

Moving From Subsistence To Sustainability; Renewable Energy And The Way Forward For Island

Moving from Subsistence to Sustainability;

Renewable Energy and the way forward for island states.

By Mark Hill

The prevailing narrative surrounding renewable energy development in the Caribbean usually begins with the discourse and science of climate change. While it is an extremely valid point, this starting point needs to be re-examined by Caribbean people and policy makers. In the Caribbean, renewable energy goes beyond climate change, sea level rise, global warming and the creation of a sustainable environment. Rather, the approach which must be taken is one which places renewable energy as the fundamental basis for healthy growth and development of our island nations. With this in view we must face the reality of the Caribbean’s contextual development and come to grips with our island’s mode and means of production. The term “ocean economy” encompasses this reality where we acknowledge specific limitations for small land masses yet having foresight of the potential that our oceans have in propelling renewable energy development within all sectors.

Our conversation must begin with the discourse before climate change began, and must start where Sir Arthur Lewis distinguished St. Lucian economist left off. We must explore the subsistence economy and the movement towards a sustainable economy, taking into consideration Lewis’ model and the Dual Sector claims. Lewis explored the relationship between the capitalist and the non capitalist subsistent worker and he argues that the capitalist generate considerable capital, due to the low cost of labour and the oversupply from the subsistence economy. Additionally, he argues that this newly created capital is reinvested into other growth areas, which can move the subsistence economy towards a sustainable economy, hence the heart of his model is capital creation and job creation relationship, it is this relationship that must drive our Caribbean conversation around renewable energy.

Therefore, the domestic or the household take up of renewable energy is central to “capital” being put to work for productive proposes and creating future means of production, especially with solar and small scale wind. Solar and wind is best fit in an island context as distributed small scale system on the roof tops of each home, rather than large scale industrial applications— solar farms as an example. Such investment does little for

generating real growth, and sustainable Jobs. Small island state must form our own narrative or rather their own poetry around renewable energy.

Putting the roof of each household to work is a key development strategy, and Barbados is making a considerable steps and progress as they move in this direction. Jobs around solar energy will come for mass grid tie and energy storage take up, however these technologies since they are imported require foreign exchange to cover 60% of the capital invest hence we need to look to a technology that has a 30% dependency and foreign exchange and at the same time complements the Lewis model, moving from a subsistence economy to sustainable economy.

The biggest growth area in renewable energy that creates the greatest hope for the oversupply of labours is the biotechnology; it has a harmonious relationship with the historical agricultural sector, transforming it into a biotech industry. Therefore the future of the Caribbean based on our view of development can move in two directions, the labour supply can either regress back into hardcore subsistence, or move forward as global leaders in biotechnology and other renewable energy as a model to the rest of the nations, of what it means to be Caribbean. ¤ Mark Hill is a research student in The Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), Cave Hill UWI, he is also the founder of Innogen technologies Inc. a solar electricity company, now own by the One Caribbean Media Group. He is also the Chief Sustainability Officer of Biogen Biotechnologies Inc. a research and development company

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YOUTH IN FOCUS FOCUS ENVIRONMENTAL

Saint Lucia’s Young Leader Heads to Buckingham Palace Saint Lucia’s Young Leader Heads to Buckingham Palace

The Queen’s Young Leader Award recognizes and celebrates exceptional young people aged 18-29 from across the Commonwealth, who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives. This year, 19-year-old Ajani A. Lebourne from Micoud has made his family, friends, community and nation proud as news hit that he was selected for the 2017 Queens Young Leaders award.

Lebourne, like the 60 other young people from across the globe, was selected based on his exceptional work locally. In Saint Lucia, he was recognized for his advocacy and capacity building work towards the development of the student movement in Saint Lucia.

Lebourne’s diversity as a young adult is seen through his involvement in youth leadership activities, community projects and his career choice. Thought at some point he hopes to enter the political arena, he has his eyes set on becoming a Civil Engineer.

“Currently, I am developing my interest in the construction industry since it has been a long-term goal for me to become a qualified Civil Engineer. Apart from this in the long run I may consider entering the political arena to revolutionize how volunteerism and youth development are viewed and treated in this country, “the young leader commented.

BF: What drives your passion for advocacy?

Ajani: I am moved by the actions of young people who are determined to break away from nature of stereotypical youth to positively influence each other. I feel good seeing individuals grow from a point of low confidence to stage where they are able to empower others. My journey has completely transformed my life and by advocating on issues which affect youth just like myself, my peers and my classmates, I am able to empower them to empower others to turn an oppressive environment into one which embraces growth and progression.

BF: What are some of your major accomplishments thus far?

Ajani: Through my involvement with the Saint Lucia National Students’ Council and during my presidency I was able to generate great visibility for the NSC which had been in the shadows for a good while. Furthermore, through a collaboration with the Ministry of Education the NSC was able to host the first ever National Students’ Forum for students to discuss the education sector with the minister. My executive also laid ground work for the establishment of the first ever students council at the Sir Arthur Lewis Southern Extension. The level of engagement from civil society and government received by the organization within that period and due to my advocacy work has to be my greatest achievement and intervention for students in Saint Lucia. Lastly, I was recently announced as a recipient of the 2017 Queen’s Young Leaders Award, becoming the second Saint Lucian to receive the prestigious accolade.

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BF: What was the main reason for your nomination for the young leader’s award?

Ajani: My advocacy work was the key factor in my nomination for the QYL award. Through the 3 years that I had spent on the executive of the NSC, the frustration I felt from dealing with a lot of the issues affecting students could not keep me away from media.

Social media, newspapers, radio shows and television interviews became my medium to share both my personal concerns on these issues and the position of the council. This proved to be the most effective way of adding pressure to the relevant authorities and through this a lot of changes were made to the education system and the manner of doing things.

BF: How do you plan on using this award to further your work here in Saint Lucia?

Ajani: Through my enrollment in the Leading Change course which is a one-year program offered by Cambridge University as part of the Queen’s Young Leader’s experience, I expect to gain a much greater appreciation of true leadership. I am approaching the course with an open mind so that I may appreciate the diversity of leadership. This diversity is what I want to transfer to youth development work in Saint Lucia. The approach which says that every young person can be volunteer and without isolating and stereotyping a certain group, we can be able to tap into their potential and interests to generate a different group of volunteers.

Ones who are willing to impact society in a non-traditional way, one of those is the creative industries. Being a recipient of this award also makes me form part of a much wider network of youth leaders who are making similar strides in their individual countries.

I am hoping to use the resources from this Commonwealth youth as well as knowledge and guidance from mentors to learn new and better ways to execute and secure funding for youth development programs in Saint Lucia, especially the establishment of a National Youth Centre that I have conceptualized. ¤

ECONOMY & TRADE

Private Sector on Board with National Awards of Excellence 2017

Leslie Collymore, Principal Consultant of AIM presenting the award for Outstanding Performer for Information Technology to Dion Recai.

Jacqueline Emmanuel Flood, CEO of TEPA presenting the Top Business student award to Cheyenne Quinlan.

Private Sector on Board with National Awards of Excellence 2017

O

n January 17th, The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, held its annual National Awards of Excellence as part of the Nobel Laureate Festival activities. The Theme for this year’s Nobel Laureate Festival was ‘Celebrating Excellence: Fostering National Pride’. The Ministry uses the ceremony as the opportunity to highlight excellent performances in the recently concluded year academic year in this case the 2015/16 academic year.

This year several members of the corporate world and embassies came onboard to partner with the Ministry: LUCELEC Digicel B & B Money Saver Inc International American University Darren Sammy Computer World (St. Lucia) Ltd Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited Financial Investment & Consultancy Services Ltd Saint Lucia Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) TEPA Advanced Intellectual Methods (A.I.M) The Embassy of the Republic of China Taiwan Embassy of Spain in Saint Lucia Spartan Health Sciences University St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association Massy Stores One of the strategic priorities of the Ministry is to strengthen inter sector collaborations, and one avenue to achieve this is to collaborate with members of the private sector on projects that provide real life application and innovation for students. TEPA and AIM were the two private sector partners who are onboard with the ministry to accomplish such goals.

Saint Lucia Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) is the lead agency mandated by the Government of Saint Lucia to spearhead Saint Lucia’s national export development effort. TEPA is charged with improving the legislative, regulatory, administrative, fiscal, and business framework, to ensure a greater level of responsiveness to, and an increased facilitation of export development endeavors. TEPA is responsible for guiding Saint

Lucia exporters with best practices, advising the government and exporters on trends and changes in world trade, and ensuring that the exporters and export volumes increase.

TEPA works to promote and expand business in export markets around the world. It does so by: • Serving as a focal point for exports through advocacy,

information dissemination and public education • Coordinating export development policy • Managing and expanding the trade/ export services network • Implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the national

export development strategy • Strategic planning for exports • Export promotion and marketing at the national level The objectives of TEPA correlate to that of the Ministry’s goal to ensure students are equipped with the skills and opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to the development of St Lucia and the world. Consequently, apart from sponsoring the awards for CSEC Principals of Accounts, Principals of Business and Economics, TEPA will be launching a programme where CXC students in the fore mentioned subjects can submit their CXC SBAs and the project which is deemed to have the most potential will receive a prize and support.

Advanced Intellectual Methods (A.I.M) is a Management Consulting firm specializing in strategic marketing, innovation and technology and provides customized digital marketing, research & web solutions as well as business advisory and public relations services throughout the St Lucia and the Caribbean. Committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, AIM will be sharing its digital education and training capacity with the Ministry.

The result will be the YAP-Athon , the Youth App Development Programme, which is a collaboration with the subject areas and programs, mainly Technology Integration, Health and Family Life Education and the School Counselors.

This year’s programme will focus on providing training and support for primary and secondary school students to develop social apps which address social issues such as bullying, life skills, drug and sexual abuse as faced by St Lucian students and schools. ¤ BusinessFocus

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ECONOMY & TRADE

manager asserted, were key to the success of any business and, most importantly, business-minded individual.

Sandals Foundation Business Enthusiast Sandals Foundation Business Enthusiast Program Reaches 119 from 10 Communities Program Reaches 119 from 10 Communities

Director of Programs for the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke, has reaffirmed the Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting programs like these that target young men and women and directly impact individuals, families and ultimately communities.

“This is our third undertaking with TSOBE and we are very pleased with the successes thus far. We have seen and heard from the participants themselves and most have gone on to develop active and thriving businesses at all levels. We couldn’t be more proud,” Clarke said.

At least five eight-week training sessions have so far been conducted in several communities in the north and south of the island. During the program, likeminded participants find themselves in groups or teams and are tasked with conceptualizing a business from planning to implementation.

Each session wraps up with a business plan presentation where each team is required to pitch their business plan before a panel of judges that include a Sedu Development Officer, a Ministry of Youth and Sports Officer, a TSOBE Representative, a Sandals Resorts Manager and a senior Business Person. The panel would applaud or critique the details, viability and profitability of the execution of the presented business plans. The winning business pitch and plan also receives a small seed capital towards the start of the business.

Among the most successful of graduates and businesses include Hester St. Clair, a 28-year-old university graduate who is now running a youth development program catering to at least 35 children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old.

St. Clair was like many unemployed graduate Saint Lucians who believed the path for professional growth must begin with the average job. Her exposure to the Sandals Foundation/TSOBE program opened her eyes to a different path.

Photo: Sandals Foundation Director of Programs Heidi Clarke Addresses Young Business Entrepreneurs at a TSOBE Workshop

The Sandals Foundation and The School of Business Entrepreneurs (TSOBE) have recorded tremendous success in its EC$60,000 undertaking dubbed ‘Business Enthusiast (BE)’.

The program, which kicked off in April 2016 is poised to end in January 2017 and targets young entrepreneurial minded Saint Lucians. These youngsters are provided with the necessary tools in business planning, financial management and direction from seasoned trainers and business professionals from across the island.Some 119 of the desired 180 youth from 10 communities across the island have so far been reached and successfully completed the program.

“We hosted the program in the town of Vieux Fort and Castries, however had participants from Choisuel, Soufriere, Micoud, Vieux Fort, Baboneau, Castries, Gros Islet and Anse La Raye,” said TSOBE Project Manager Janelle Sealy.

She explained the key focuses of the Business Enthusiast program which included the development and maintenance of an “Entrepreneurial mindset.” Sealey said this was achieved through a series of conditioning approaches that included Temperament and Personal Development, Business Plan Development, Market Analysis and Competition and Plan, Business Finances and Business Registration & Licensing.

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“The important thing that stood out for me was the mindset that finding a job was not the only avenue for growth. But being an entrepreneur not only empowers me, but those around me. I realized that if I put my mind to it, I can be successful doing what I love. It was a lot of work but well worth the challenge,” she said.

Talisha Decembre, 25, is another such candidate who embodies the concept of an ‘entrepreneur at heart’, having stumbled upon the Sandals Foundation/TSOBE program in a Google search with keywords entrepreneurship courses.

Decembre, who now runs a pastry kitchen, said, “My whole idea of business is where we teach our consumers and not only produce for them. Clients can also learn to do baking for themselves.”She said the program has helped her to not only plan for the start of her business but also to lay the right platform for sustained business growth.

“Business is not only to make money; it’s like giving life to something. Creating something is more important. Having a business that surpasses your lifetime is what entrepreneurship is all about, in my mind. I want my business to contribute something to society. It’s an outlet of me and is more or less like having a child.”

The Sandals Foundation/TSOBE Business Enthusiast program ended in January 2017. ¤

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Take a breath….

Ten minute

Take A Breath….Ten Minute Breathing Technique

breathing technique By: Samantha Turner-Girard

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind.

Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the presentmoment I know this is the only moment.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

A

t any given moment we are in a constant conversation with our environment, through the exchange of the most most subtle essence of matter - air. We often think of breathing as nothing more than an autonomic, mechanical process whose only function is to keep us alive.

Whilst this is true, the humble breath can play an integral part of the mindfulness process if utilised correctly. We are constantly looking outside of ourselves when we have already built within us this powerful mechanism that offers us the opportunity to selfregulate, detoxify and bring about peace of mind.

Ancient wisdom traditions have long understood and studied the sacred breath through Pranayama (mastery of the breath), one of the branches of Yoga and through Qi Gong (breath cultivation), one of the main branches of Daoist arts and Chinese Medicine to more modern therapies such as the Buteyko method. The mind is a repository of muddled thoughts, and when we begin to refine our thoughts and choose to express them we use our breath to form the words. It may not always be possible to calm our thoughts, unless you are an experienced meditation practitioner or similar, however you can consciously practice breathing techniques to calm the fluctuations of your mind. One simple technique that can be done at your desk at any time of day is abdominal breathing. This technique is what is instinctively practiced by babies and young children, however as we become adults we learn to become restricted, thus reflected in our breathing pattern.

By practicing abdominal breathing for a few minutes daily and making it a habit you will begin to adequately oxygenate the blood, improve cellular distribution of nutrients and improve organ function as well as increase life-force or prana. Begin to consider breathing as the bridge between matter and the ethereal self; a larger alchemical interchange between body, mind, spirit and the environment and cosmos.

Breathe fully and deeply and be well! ¤

Abdominal Breathing Technique 1. Choose a suitable time whilst sitting at your desk, and with your back supported begin to consciously notice your breathing without changing it. Where is it? Is it deep, shallow, cool, warm? Become an active witness to the process.

2. On your next in-breath allow your abdomen to move outward, creating maximum room for your lungs to expand to full capacity.

3. As you exhale, draw your belly-button towards your spine allowing your lungs to fully expel any air that is no longer required.

4. Continue doing this for at least ten minutes but longer if time permits.

Samantha Turner-Girard is a Vedic Master and Master of Medical Qigong and the founder of The Qi Garden, Health for Mind Body and Spirit.

Her company specialises in private individual and group workshops in yoga, meditation, mindfulness, ayurveda and qigong, as well as private Tea & Meditation workshops.

To find out about conducting a Corporate Mindfullness program at your company, contact Samantha at samantha@theqigarden.com or 7289499 www.theqigarden.com BusinessFocus

Feb /Mar

|

95

Cosmetic Surgery in Saint Lucia By: Glad Taylor

Is Cosmetic Surgery available in Saint Lucia? ... YES Is Cosmetic Surgery for you? ....

Consider the options, and arrange a consultation for advice.

Cosmetic Surgery in Saint Lucia

M

aintaining a younger look, while still, hopefully, striving to maintain a healthy body, has become a chosen option for many as we grow older.

Some treatments, like Botox, give a temporary facial lift but there are other face and body cosmetic surgeries, now available in Saint Lucia, which can give more permanent help to maintaining a younger appearance.

Arranging an aesthetic surgery procedure can often mentally boost someone’s confidence, and even encourage them to make life changes to their eating habits and exercise routine.

Let’s take a look at Belpharoplasty Q. Do all Ophthalmologists offer Blepharoplasty Surgery?

A. No this is a specialization when qualified.

Q. What is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) and what does it involve?

A. Blepharoplasty reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids.

After the surgery it is important that the Ophthalmologist’s instructions are followed to help recovery. On the first day after the Surgery, frozen compresses should be first applied to reduce edemas and bruising. These will later be changed to war compresses, under the instruction of the surgeon, to help healing.

For the first twenty four hours some painkillers may be need to relive post surgery pain. As always sleep is a good healer after surgery, but it is important to sleep on your back with your head and back elevated … i.e. lying on the side can cause more bleeding where the stitches are.

With any surgery it is important to take special care when washing the face to avoid any irritations and infections. While you recover, your eye area will be bruised and red, with swollen eyes, particularly during the first few days. The whites of your eyes (sclera) also may become red and bloodshot.

If you have local anesthesia, you will remain awake during the procedure, but the area around your eyes will be numbed with a drug administered through a needle The surgeon will usually cut following the natural lines of your eyelids. Through these cuts, your surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying tissue and remove the excess fat, skin, and muscle. Next, the surgeon will close those cuts with very small stitches. The stitches in the upper lids will stay for three to seven days.

This surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons. It is also an effective way to improve sight in older people, whose sagging upper eyelids can get in the way of their vision.

The Eyelid Aging Process

As skin ages, it gradually loses its elasticity. A lack of elasticity plus the constant pull from gravity, causes excessive skin to collect on the upper and lower eyelids.

Excess skin on the lower eyelid causes wrinkles and bulges.

On the upper eyelids, an extra fold of skin can hang over the eyelashes and get in the way of seeing.

The best candidates for an eye lift are people who are in good health and who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have the surgery done sooner.

Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence Surgeries are usually planned, in St Lucia, on a Tuesday or Thursday. Expect and plan to stay home from work, and limit your activities, for several days after surgery while your eyelids heal.

Some people have dry eyes after surgery, but that rarely lasts more than two weeks and medication can be given to relieve this.

BusinessFocus Feb /Mar

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96

This procedure cannot alter dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nor can it change sagging eyebrows. Though blepharoplasty is often performed as a single procedure, your surgeon may also later recommend a browlift or facelift, to achieve the best results.

But with the eyelid surgery and a short recovery time your eyes will certainly begin to look much younger. The new Vision Express private surgery facilities in Rodney Bay now offer same day, international standard, aesthetic surgery in St Lucia, and are an addition to the private medical options available on this beautiful Caribbean island . If you are interested in finding out more, check prices for aesthetic surgery, or arranging an initial consultation for a surgery procedure. ¤

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

VE Medical Private Surgery Facility now offers Visions Express a range of cosmetic surgery procedures

Eye, Facial or Body Cosmetic Surgery Surgeon: Dr Mora Rodriguez, Ophthalmologist Dr Lowell Hughes Aesthetic Surgeon Your pre-surgery consultation is the first step.

Karlione Court, Rodney Bay Tel: 457-7400 email: visionexpressceo@gmail.com

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dises www.para

www.amsstlucia.com • lokesh@amsstlucia.com Soufrière South to km) (37 Vieux Fort South to km) (44

BELLA ROSA

1-800-622-1015 1-800-744-74770 459-650

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events 2017 18th ANNUAL SALISES CONFERENCE 2017 April 26-28, 2017 – Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago The Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social & Economic Studies (SALISES) UWI St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago is hosting its 18th Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago from April 26-28, 2017. The 2017 Conference theme is: Small Nations, Dislocations, Transformations: Sustainable Development in SIDS. The 2017 Sir Arthur Lewis Distinguished Lecturer is James A. Robinson, University Professor at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy.

For more information view: http://sta.uwi.edu/salises

CARIBBEAN HOTEL AND RESORT SUMMIT CHRIS 2017 Wednesday, April 26, 2017 to Friday, April 28, 2017, Miami, Florida, U.S.A. The Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) is the Caribbean’s most noteworthy hotel investment conference. Join us in convenient Miami for informative sessions and unbeatable networking opportunities. With over a decade of experience in bringing the hotel/tourism investment community together in the Caribbean, the host of CHRIS has created a conference which is innovative, timely, and focused. Wednesday, To register: http://chrisconference.com/registration/

SPECIALTY CARIBBEAN EXPO – ‘A Unique Buying Experience’ March 9-12, 2017 – Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, St. Lucia This multi sectoral trade exposition organised by St. Lucia’s Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) targets the OECS and Martinique exporters, providing the opportunity to interact with participants, stakeholder, policymakers, regional/international buyers, customers and competitors. Specialty Caribbean Expo will run for four days from March 9-12, 2017 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. Through this show, patrons will appreciate the quality of the range of products and services being showcased by existing and potential exporters in both the domestic and international markets.

Additionally, the event will serve as a platform for networking, solutions and transaction exchanges with OECS and Martinique business/exporters.

For more information contact:

Trade and Investment Convention 2017 6th - 9th July, 2017, Center Of Excellence, 17A Macoya Road, Tunapuna Trinidad TIC takes place at the crossroads of the Americas, in Trinidad and Tobago, the region’s financial capital and the largest economy in the Caribbean, with strong links to Central and South American companies and businesses from around the globe! TIC will be held from 6th - 9th July Center Of Excellence, 17A Macoya Road, Tunapuna Trinidad, W.I So when you take part in TIC, you’ll do business with more than 35 countries! Their multi-sectoral trade show brings together local, regional and international businesses. Exhibitors with thousands of products meet hundreds of buyers seeking new suppliers, goods and services. With structured networking events, a cutting-edge business education programme and assistance from an experienced team on hand to provide expert guidance and matchmaking services, you’re sure to succeed at TIC. To register visit: http://ttma.com/tic/exhibitors/registration

2017 Chief Executive Officers & Finance Conference Tuesday 16th May 2017 to Friday 19th May 2017 The 2017 CARILEC Chief Financial Officer’s and Finance Conference, which is being held under the theme Movement: Utilities, People, Technology and Investment is “THE” leading annual networking and information-sharing event of the year for Utility CEO’s and CFO’s in the Caribbean and Latin America. This year’s Conference will keep you connected to all the key players in the utility industry and provide you with a platform to exchange ideas, share advice, discuss challenges and solutions with highly respected industry peers. The programme has been carefully devised to highlight valuable insights from high-level leaders and utility experts, allowing you to gather insights on best practices from the best in the energy business.

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MAJOR MOVES

Dr. Charmaine Gardner, BA, LL.D – appointed Honorary Consul of Israel.

An iconic and well respected member of the business community, has been appointed Honorary Consul of Israel in Saint Lucia.

Dr. Gardner is the Managing Director of Carasco and Son Limited, President and Board Chair of the 1st National Bank of St Lucia Ltd and Chair of the Cave Hill School of Business, The University of the West Indies, Barbados.

Dr Gardner is also a former President of the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce and the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce. She also was appointed as a Senator and served as President of the Senate. Dr Gardner was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree (LL.D.) from The University of the West Indies.

She is also involved in social issues such as advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness, a women’s shelter and the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre.

Mr. Andre Cleghorn appointed Training & Development Manager at Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & spa Cleghorn is no stranger to Saint Lucia having spent considerable time in the past two years as a Management Trainee at all three resorts on island. He stands today as a proud representative of the advancement opportunities available through the Sandals Corporate University and personal drive. Cleghorn has also worked at Sandals Barbados, Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, and Sandals Grande Antigua

Della John is the new Operations Manager at Sandals Regency LaToc Golf Resort & Spa A true product of dedication and professional development, John has spent some 15 years at Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia and has grown consistently from the role of a Play-Maker in La Toc Entertainment Department, progressing steadily through the resort. Since 2002 she has occupied several managerial posts including Wedding Manger, Sales Manager, Zone Manager, Club Sandals Manger, and most recently Elite Services Manager with responsibility for the Regency’s overall concierge services.

John today holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Sciences with a major in Hospitality and minor in Human Resource Management Ms. Opal Francis is the newest Human Resource Manager for Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & spa She began her journey with the award-winning company in 1998 as an administrative assistant and has steadily worked her way through the realms of accounting, middle and upper management across several resorts in the Sandals chain.

Ms. Francis has worked in various capacities and different resorts such as; Sandals Dunn’s River and Beaches Sandy Bay – no longer owned by Sandals.

Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Whitehouse (now Sandals South Coast), Sandals Negril, Sandals Halcyon and presently Sandals Regency La Toc. Sandals Recency LaToc welcomes her return.

Berthia Parle

Mrs. Berthia Parle, who has been the brand flag bearer for over two decades, will be relinquishing the General Manager position at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, to focus her attention on preparing the Bay Gardens brand for expansion and diversification. She will serve as a special advisor to the Board in charge of Business Development.

Ms. Waltrude Patrick is the new General Manger of the flagship property, the Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa. Ms. Patrick started as the General Manager of the Bay Gardens Inn in 2002, and led the property to a number of international awards. In 2009, she took over the Bay Gardens Hotel under very challenging circumstances and helped engineer a dramatic turnaround in the Hotel’s fortunes. Her hands on, personalized approach to property and personal management are hallmarks of the Bay Gardens culture.

Ms. Cheryl Gustave is the new General Manager of the Bay Gardens Hotel and Inn. Her achievements as an industry professional have been nothing short of extraordinary. She has been a two-time winner of the Manager of the Year award and was enshrined into the Bay Gardens Hall of Fame, when it became clear that she would most likely walk away with the award year after year.

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MAJOR MOVES

Chef Dave Parker, who also has been with the company for many years first starting as an Executive Chef, will fill the very important role of Assistant General Manager of the Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa. Having presided over consecutive years of improved performance in the fastest growing department, Chef Parker, a two time winner of the Manager of the Year, has gone from being the Executive Chef of the Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, to becoming the Food & Beverage Director of all three resort properties, and will continue this extremely critical role while being the Assistant General Manager.

Sean Devaux – General Manager IGY Marina.

Sean brings extensive knowledge and experience in marina operations and management to the IGY Rodney Bay facility. Prior to his promotion, he served as Boatyard Manager, followed

by Operations Manager at IGY Rodney Bay Marina. A St. Lucian national and an active member in the community, he is the President of the St. Lucia Game Fishing Association and serves as Maritime Director on the Board of the St. Lucia Hotel Tourism Association. He received his Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Minor in Business at the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

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Tenesha Hutchinson

Tenesha Hutchinson has been appointed Sales Manager for Equipment and Solutions of J.E. Bergasse & Company Ltd. Tenesha has over 7 years of experience in all aspects of customer relations, team building and delivering operational results, including field expertise in the St. Lucia market selling office equipment and solutions since 2014. She holds a BSc in Marketing from the University of the West Indies and is currently pursuing her Masters in Management and Information Systems from the University of Manchester.

The Media Association of St. Lucia (MASL) recently elected a new executive for the period 2017/18. Listed below are the members of the Executive.

Miguel Fevrier President Miguel has started out his term by hosting the first AGM on January 8th 2017 where scores of media professionals gathered at the landings resort to hear the president speak on his plans for MASL. He is currently a News Reporter, Journalist and Anchor at Helen Television Systems (HTS) He is currently studying at the Monroe College focusing on Media & Communications studies.

Stan Bishop - VicePresident Stan Bishop is the Assistant Editor at The VOICE. He was among the first batch of students in the one-year Media and Journalism Studies course run by Monroe College (St. Lucia) campus from which he now holds a certificate in that field of study.

Jenna-Anne Gaston - Secretary Jenna-Anne is currently one of the directors of Legends Carnival Band and employed at The STAR News Paper as a writer and Sales & Marketing Executive. She studied Business Management at the University of New Brunswick.

Rehani Isidore - Public Relations / Communications Officer. Rehani is known as one of Saint Lucia’s leading news professionals.

He is the lead presenter for the HTS e-poll segment and HTS’s point crime and politics correspondent. He has completed a specialized media-training course at Monroe College.

Glen Simon Treasurer Glen is currently the Communications Officer for the Millennium Heights Medical Complex. He is also a two time winner of the PAHO Regional Award for best short feature and Co winner of best Short Film at the Jamerican Film Festival in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

MAJOR MOVES

Trudy EdgarLouis, is the Human Resources Manager & Organizational Development.

Mrs. EdgarLouis joined the 1st National Bank family on May 16th 2016 as the Manager, Human Resource & Organizational Development. Her professional experiences range from both the Retail and Banking sectors, serving in various capacities including Learning and Development Manager and HR Manager.

Trudy is a firm believer of developing the greatest asset in any organization, ‘Human Resources’ and has been involved in the development and facilitation of training programs both locally and within the OECS. She holds a BSC (Hons) Management Studies from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus and a Master’s Degree in HRM and Training from the University of Leicester, UK. Chermaine Emmanuel is the Executive Manager, Finance (Acting) and has been employed with the Bank from May 2016.

Prior to the 1st National Bank, she was employed with the Antigua Commercial Bank as the Finance and Accounting Officer, in a management capacity, for two and a half (2 ½) years.

Her professional experience also includes auditing where she worked with KPMG Eastern Caribbean (St. Lucia) for six (6) years.

Miss Emmanuel is ACCA qualified and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of East London.

Government recently announced the appointment of the following statutory Boards

Businessman Pinkley Francis is the Chariman of Invest Saint Lucia — The island’s investment promotion agency.

Other members of the Board are: Jody Boodhoo - Deputy Chairman.

Mr. Modestus Louis — Director.

Mrs. Paula Mr. Peter Devaux — Director.

Mrs. Paula Valerie James — Director Mr. Ronald James — Director.

Banking and Finance Professional Ryan Devaux is Chairman of the Board of the Citizen

by Investment Programme — This most important new source of Investment Funding.

Other members of the Board are: Mrs. Brender Portland-Reynolds — Representative from Attorney General’s Office Mrs. Esther Green-Ernest — Attorney Mr. Lucius Lake — Immigration Department Ms. Beryl George — Attorney

The National Insurance Corporation Board is headed

by Chairman Mr Isaac Anthony, representing Government. NIC is responsible for the collection and disbursement of social security benefits in Saint Lucia. Effective August 18, 2016 the board was appointed for a period of three (3) years ending August 18, 2019.

The other Board members are: Mr. Frank Myers - Deputy Chairman also representing Government.

Mr. Matthew Lincoln Mathurin — Director Mrs. Venessa Zephirin — Senior Legal Counsel / Corporate Secretary Mr. Marcus Joseph & Ms. Paula Calderon — Representing Employers Mr. Nigel Fulgence & Mr. Wilfred Pierre — Representing Employees

Cultural Development Foundation — is headed

by Chairman Mr. Lanfraze Cherubin.

Other Board members are Mr. Buffalo Odlum Mr. Hilary La Force Mr. Chrispin d’Auvergne Ms. Dawn French Mr. Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson Mrs. Barbara Jacobs-Small Mrs. Jane King Hippolyte Mr. Jallim Eudovic

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MONEY MATTERS

Contact: Rendra Gopee | Assurance Mobile: +1 758 722 8149 | Email: rendra.gopee@bb.ey.com NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS Marc Roper | Tax Mobile: +1 758 725 4202 | Email: marc.roper@tt.ey.com EY | Assurance | Tax | Transactions | Advisory

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY

NATURE OF BUSINESS

DIRECTORS

Advance Corporate Solutions (ACS) Inc.

Holding Company

Gilbert Fontenard

Economy Lab Services

Optometrist Lab – manufacturing of Lenses

Dr. Romanus Thomas

Grace Consultancy Agency Inc

Construction

Carl David Gustave

Serenity Management Co Ltd

To carry on the business of hotel, restaurant, cafĂŠ and apartment / Housekeepers. To fit up and furnish any property for the purpose of letting same to visitors or guests whether in single rooms , suites chalets, cottages or otherwise

Garry Craig Hendrickson Heidi Melissa H. Shue Andrea Hinds Holder

Precision Investments Company Inc

To sell Petroleum Products

Marcellinus Faisal, Luke Jn Pierre Zephirine Sealys Lewis Emery Orrin, Kenneth Joseph

PALSL Limited

Hospitality Services

Pif Corporate Services Inc.

Northumberland Ltd

Property Holdings Company

Northumberland Holding Ltd.

Quality Plumbing Services Limited

Plumbing and Utilities design and Installation

Owen Eugene Avil Groden

Royal Saint Turf Club Limited

Race track operation and maintenance

Tea Ah Khing

TAK Caribbean (St.Lucia) Limited

Design consultancy

Teo Ah Khing, Ng Chee Choy

Arco Ltd

Sales &Rental of building materials, architecture, epers. To fit up and furnish any property for the purpose of letting same to visitors epers. To fit up and furnish any property for the purpose of letting same to visitors design and buildings construction.

Taddeus St. Prix Ayman Kahlil

Drop Leaf Investment Company Ltd.

Investment Company

Bereal Xavier

Pegasus Holdings Limited

Boat Sail Retailing

Valentine Vitalis, Susan Jane Vitalis

TKO Inc.

Property Management

Tamara Elenora Jeanelle Smith Kerris Ivor Smith

Octopus Limited

Consultancy and importation of goods

Suzie Lubin- Wilson Liberata Torlontano

Doodle Interactive Ltd

Marketing

Raul Joseph

Vertical Pioneers Machinery Ltd

Engineering , Project management and construction related services

Micah Edwin Humbert Edwin

Elle Media Ltd.

Marketing

Duane Jean Baptiste

Mc Mathius Ltd

Financial Consulting

Michael C. Mathius

Wilcom Limited

Construction & Consultancy Services

Gildnad Wilson Damian Wilson

Sa Terre Inc.

Real Estate holding Company

Geraldine Johnny Ramon Rueda

Blue Reefs Rentals Limited

To carry on the business of property rentals

Maria Buchner Donnelly John

United Investment Inc.

Real Estate

Francis Pierre Linus Demar

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Contact: Rendra Gopee | Assurance Mobile: +1 758 722 8149 | Email: rendra.gopee@bb.ey.com Marc Roper | Tax Mobile: +1 758 725 4202 | Email: marc.roper@tt.ey.com EY | Assurance | Tax | Transactions | Advisory

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY

NATURE OF BUSINESS

DIRECTORS

You And US HOMES LIMITED

Construction and Development

Craig Winter Faisal Albishir Ibrahim A. Alkhadi

High Rise Empire Corporation

Property Holding Company

Andie Wilkie

Luxury Indulgency Pleasure Supplies (L.I.P.S.) Limited

Entertainment & Sales

Kimberly James Nina Rene

Swells (St. Lucia ) Limited

Water Sports

Royron Adams Daniel Jules

Adams Insurance Agency Limited

Selling Insurance

Royron Adams

MBM Holding Co. Ltd.

Holdings Company

Mikhail Mongroo

JVW INC.

Holding Company

Jody Von Wahl

Cabot (St.Lucia) Inc.

The construction and operations of a hotel golf course and residential development.

Cabot Pointe Development Inc.

Blue Daisy Holdings Incorporated

Holding Company

Lydia Blanchard

Raniga Limited

Holding Company

RNG Inc.

Pro- Active Services Ltd

Transportation & Importation of goods

Jonathan Curtis Fowell

L&B Inc

Property Holding

Lisa Gardi Benedict Richardson

Sale Winds Limited

Sales Call Center

John Berkowitz David Robert Rubin

Chiron Al Limited

Sales Call Center

John Berkowitz David Robert Rubin

General Construction & Draughting Services Limited

Architectural drawings, cartography, General Construction and Contacting, Building Supervision.

Gregory Thomas Clairmont

G.P.S.P. St Lucia Limited

Payroll Accounting Services, Reporting, Time and Labour Management, Compliance and Registration

Michael D. Cote

Q.S.R. Construction Inc.

General Construction

Quincy Dave Jermaine St. Rose

P.Y.F Managemnet ( Peter & Yasmine Felicien Management Ltd

Construction & Project Management

Yasmine Louis - Felicien

Savannes Heights Development Limited

Property & Land Development

Zephirine Lewis- Sealys

Atala Seafood Ltd

Seafood processing & Export

Brice Allain Samuel Dumeix

Term Finance (St.Lucia) Limited

Provision of Money Service Business

Oliver Sabga

Ali Rose Limited

Manufacturing of Coconut Products

Keran Rosemond

TriStar Investment Inc.

Investment Company

Tanya Destang –Beaubrun Desmer Destang Sanovnik Destang

Helen Financial Service Inc.

Money Service

Brennan Fitzgerald Francis Marie Jacinta Francis

The Property Nest Ltd.

The Annexed scheduled is incorporated in this form

Franck Daniel Chevrier

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ADVERTISERS INDEX COMPANY

Page

COMPANY

Page

Advertising & Marketing Services

97

J.H. Larchers Electrics Ltd.

59

Axcel Finance

11

Lewis Industries

81

Mon Repos Eastern Cooperative Credit Union

65 45

Bank of St. Lucia

2

Billys Cleaning

47

National Skills Development Centre (NSDC)

Caribbean Line

57

Orkin 73

Caribbean Metals

52

Rayneau’s Construction & Industrial Products

35

Caribbean Metals

53

Rayneau’s Construction & Industrial Products

39

Cool Breeze

55

RBC Royal Bank

19

C O Williams Construction

67

Renee’s Construction Company Ltd

74

Digicel 5

Rock Cake Real Estate

47

EC Global Insurance

83

Sagicor 57

Elks Credit Union

73

Saint Lu Metal & Plastic Manufacturers Ltd.

68

Epic Construction

48

St. Lucia Co-operative Credit Union League

67

Essential Hardware Limited

71

St. Lucia Electricity Services

65

Fast Cash

21

Tiles Plus

77

FDL - Pest Control Solutions

62

Visions Express

97

1

Windor Trading

79

Windward & Leewards Brewery Ltd

23

First Citizens Investment Services First National Bank

61

FLOW 24 FLOW 25

Covers

GnG Interiors

51

DIGICEL ISBC

Grant Thorton

23

Harris Paints

Hot Sports Auto Rental

23

LIME

OSBC INFC

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