St. Lucia Business Focus 102 by AMS St. Lucia

“The Finest Saint Lucia Rum”

M Motors

Goddard Catering Group

After successfully operating as the oﬃcial Caterer for Cricket World Cup 2007, Goddard Catering Group saw the need to raise the bar on catering services throughout the region. This led to the birth of GCG Events in October of 2008. GCG Events is an aﬃliated company of Goddard Catering Group and a member of the Goddard Enterprises Group of Companies.

FOR ALL YOUR CATERING NEEDS!

Our vision is to become the premier catering company in the region by providing culinary experiences that consistently meet and exceed customer expectations. To achieve this GCG Events has invested in a state of the art facility, an internationally trained team of event experts, and ingredients that meet our exacting standards. From conception to completion, our experienced team will help you turn your dream event into a reality. GCG Events is committed to making each and every event, “Simply Outstanding” At GCG Events we are dedicated to making you the perfect host. We strive to make every catered event distinguished, blissful and stress-free. Our high standards, supreme service and exceptional quality will make your event a ﬂawless, unforgettable experience. GCG Events is delighted to assist brides, grooms and their families with the menu planning for that signiﬁcant day of their dreams. From grand and lavish to intimate and informal, we can make your special day something you and your guests will always remember. Your employees and guests will surely appreciate your catering choice whilst consuming each delightful bite of their lunch, canapé or breakfast. Choose one of our menus or allow our chef to create a personalized menu for you that matches your vision and theme. Our team will make sure everything runs smoothly to ensure you and your guests have an unforgettable time.

• WEDDINGS • CONFERENCES • BANQUETS • OFFICE PARTIES • SOCIAL GATHERINGS • COCKTAIL PARTIES • OTHER EVENTS

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uvf.gcg-events@gcggroup.com www.gcg-events.com

No. 102

APR/MAY 2019

CONTENTS FEATURE Rodney Bay Medical Centre 36. 38. 40. 42. 44. 48. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 58. 59. 61. 62. 66. 68. 70. 72. 74.

The Early Days The Making of a Medical Career Establishing My Medical Practice Finding the Life Balance Between Work and Family Following A Dream Q & A with Dr. Tanya DestangBeaubrun Dr. John Mondesir Dr. Kristin West-Gustave Dr. Monique Monplaisir Dr. Omar Ramos RBMC Team The Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre RBDC Team Clinic Testimonials Laboratory Services Dr. Martin Plummer Dr. Dawit Daniel Kabiye Dr. Leonard Surage Changing Course Of Bubbles, Buddha And Butterflies

78. Dr. Desmer Destang The True Aesthetic Practitioner

80. Wellness In The Workplace 4. 6.

Editor’s Note Business Briefs

The Future For Kids: What Tools Will They Need Today to Enter the Workforce in 2030 and Beyond? (Part 2)

10. Top Attributes of Exceptional Employees Economy & Trade 12. Chew on It: St. Lucia's Economic Performance and Prospects for 2019/2020 14. LUCELEC: Safety – An Action Word

15. Export Saint Lucia Delivers Results from U.S. Mission 18. Creating Shared Value 19. CCJ Publishes a New 5-Year Strategic Plan 20. CARICOM Heads of Government Committed to Competitive Transportation Industry 21. CARICOM Advances Regional Integration 22. Jamecob's -The Evolution of An Enterprise Business Tech 24. Artificial Intelligence... A Part of Humanity 25. Grenada to Host Major Regional Forum on Internet Connectivity 26. Traditional Family-Owned Businesses and Impact of Evolving Technology 27. CXC to Issue E-Certificates Across the Region 28. CIBC FirstCaribbean, At The Forefront of Cancer Awareness and Support in Saint Lucia

88. HIRSUTISM – Hair We Go! 89. Your Questions Answered on Cataract Surgery Women In Focus 90. Tea & Testimony - Makes it Happen for Women's Support Centre 92. How to Stand Out and Continue to Profit in Highly Competitive Markets 93. Mastering Your Mindset For Success Tourism Focus 94. Nurturing an Exuberant Culinary Arts Landscape in Saint Lucia 95. Booming Global Travel & Tourism Is Driving Economies 96. Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa Wins Multiple Awards from Around the Globe 96. Saint Lucian Taxi Firm First to Become HA Certified in Region 97. Cruise Lines Start Catering to Millennials

32. Touch Therapies Day Spa - A Peaceful Getaway

Environmental Focus 98. Solar Lights and Caribbean Practicalities 99. Sandals Foundation Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary with Renewed Commitment to Environment 100. Caribbean Biodiversity Stakeholders Host Successful Access & Benefit Sharing (ABS) Week 101. Taiwan Assists Saint Lucia Banana Farmers

Must Reads 81. Coaching 101

Youth In Focus 102. 3rd Annual District Two Career Exhibition

Money Matters 30. ECCB to Issue World’s First Blockchainbased Digital Currency 31. CARICOM Chairman Highlights Threats Facing the Region’s Financial Services

Health & Wellness 82. Cataract Surgery at Vision Express 84. A Safe and Healthy Future of Work 85. Create Happiness Within Your Workplace

103. Events 104. Major Moves 106. New Company Registrations 108. Advertiser's Index

86. FDL Pest Control - How Pests Impact Your Health & What You Can Do About It BusinessFocus

Apr / May

Balancing Life for Success! The cycle of life and how individuals view life will vary based on circumstances and their environment. However, there are some constants which are relative to all of us. Some constants are that we are born, grow up, go to school, get a job, build a family, retire, grow old, develop health problems (sometimes early in life) and ultimately go to the great beyond. The legacy we leave behind will hopefully impact future generations positively. In our personal vision of life, we chart a course for ourselves through independent thinking and become responsible for our actions – be they resulting in success or failure. We can also be fashioned and influenced by those near and dear to us either consciously or subconsciously.

Lokesh Singh Editor / Managing Director

Our parents, through their efforts, lifestyle, success and failures, career choices and personal guidance help to shape the personalities and approach to life of their children. Our parents are generally our role models and greatest fans. Genetically many habits are reflected in their children, who are also influenced by the behavior and bond established between children and parents. People in society also influence us and sometimes have as great an impact as our parents. In today’s environment especially, ‘Role Models’ are a very important element in the development of our future generations. In this regard we are pleased to present our Special Feature, dedicated to celebrating the evolution of Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun as a successful Medical Practitioner, Wife, and Mother turned Entrepreneur and an obvious ‘Role Model’. She has shown that we can dare to dream and believe that we can achieve our goals through application and hard work despite the many challenges. Her family’s successful evolution from humble beginnings and focus on strong family values are the foundation on which her story is built. Celebrating 25 years as a Medical Practitioner and 10 years of establishing the Rodney Bay Medical Centre is testimony of her success and character with so much to balance. Sharing her story and enhancing Health Care and a Healthy Lifestyle are her focus for the future and we wish her and her team continued success in the years ahead. We trust that you will enjoy reading this edition with the many articles from our contributors and others as keep you abreast of happenings in the world of business. Look us up online at www.businessfocusstlucia.com and share the Magazine with your business associates, friends and family.

BusinessFocus Apr / May

BUSINESSFOCUS The Saint Lucia Business Focus magazine is published every two months by Advertising & Marketing Services Limited (AMS) Ltd., Saint Lucia. Managing Director: Lokesh Singh - lokesh@amscaribbean.com Project Manager: Ashwini Singh - ashwini@amscaribbean.com Editor’s Note Editorial Assistants: Ashwini Singh

Graphic Designer: Tannel George | Carlisle Searles Advertising Sales: Cennette Flavien – cennette@amscaribbean.com Cavell Robertson – cavell@amscaribbean.com Webmaster: Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS) Ltd. Photography: Ashley Anzie | Ashwini Singh | Bill Mortley | Belle Portway | Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun Dr. Stephen King Contributors: Lokesh Singh | Surren Maharaj | Olivier Bottois Nirmala Maharaj | Lyndell Halliday | Brian Ramsey Allen Alexander | Germina Melius | Hanna Fitz Menellia Valcent | Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce | Beacon Insurance | Skin Envy Vision Express Editorial, Advertising, Design & Production: Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS) Ltd. P.O. Box 2003, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: (758) 453-1149; Fax: (758) 453-1290 email: info@businessfocusstlucia.com www.businessfocusstlucia.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. On The Cover: Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun Rodney Bay Medical Centre

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Happy 40th Independence Saint Lucia We offer fuel service for boats and yachts. We Provide the following services in addition to the refueling of vehicles: • Cooking gas Sol & TexGas

• Telephone top up Lime & Digicel

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• Convenient Store • Lottery Tickets • Vehicle accessories

Car Batteries, Air Freshners BusinessFocus Apr / May Oil & Lubricants

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS

BUSINESS FOCUS

Parking Meter Installation Approved

Ministry of Tourism, through the OECS Regional Tourism Competitiveness Project (ORTCP). During the last week of March, a consulting team was on site at the Boulevard where they were joined by Mayor of Castries, Mr. Peterson Francis who expressed his expectations for the Boulevard as a unique space that is free-flowing, pedestrianfriendly and encompasses a pavilion for hosting local talent and entertainment. He also confirmed that the physical and functional transformation are part of plans to revitalize Castries.

After a long running sensitization campaign, the Government of Saint Lucia has taken another significant step toward addressing vehicular traffic in the capital city. According to Minister for Transport, Hon. Guy Joseph, a bill was passed to authorize the Castries Constituency Council to install parking meters within the city of Castries under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act Cap 8.01. It is hoped that the installation would help alleviate traffic congestion, not only in the City of Castries but in the north of the island as well. According to Minister Joseph, paid parking has been on the cards for years now, however it has never been implemented. He noted that there are several advantages to the implementation of the initiative being undertaken by the Castries Constituency Council. Without the amendments to the Motor vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Minister Joseph said the Castries Constituency Council would not be able to introduce the required parking regulations within the city of Castries.

William Peter Boulevard to Get Makeover

Saint Lucians can expect noticeable improvements and a possible re-purposing of the popular William Peter Boulevard in the coming years, as plans are afoot for enhanced appearance of the area. This initiative is being spearheaded by the BusinessFocus Apr / May

Under this initiative, the Boulevard is not only expected to get a face lift, but also a fresh look that will include pedestrianization, storefront enhancements, beautification, and deliberate interventions to increase economic activity. These improvements are meant to fall into a seamless alignment that is modern, yet convenient for both locals and visitors and is expected to stimulate revenue growth for local businesses in the area.

two main bus terminals be created outside of the City centre would bring some relief. According to Ferdinand, there’s need for two satellite terminals in Castries – one North-bound and the other South-bound. The new executive comprises: PRESIDENT - Godfrey Ferdinand, 1st VICE PRESIDENT - Kentry Frederick, 2nd VICE PRESIDENT - Michael Flood, SECRETARY - Sheldon Leriche, TREASURER - Demitrius Duplessis, PRO - Dominic Lesmond, TRUSTEES Fabian Desir, Phillip Jn. Baptiste, Spencer Mc Phee.

SLTA to Launch New Marketing Campaign

NCOPT Elects New Executive Limitless Saint Lucia will inspire new audiences with stories that will nurture travel to the island. With the arrival of 2019, and 40 years since the Independence of our island, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) will be launching its newest marketing campaign. NCOPT President Godfrey Ferdinand Bus drivers voted to re-elect Godfrey Ferdinand for a fifth straight term as President of the National Council on Public Transportation (NCOPT). He was voted in at the head of a nine-member executive of the organisation at a meeting in Micoud. The new executive will serve a two-year term. Ferdinand said one of the priorities is modernising the public transport sector. He acknowledged that members would like to see changes in how reports are done and more frequent meetings and promised to address those issues. NCOPT will be seeking to address the matter of bus terminals, as well as the appearance and professionalism of bus drivers through driver education and certification. The view was expressed that

In this latest campaign titled “Limitless Saint Lucia,” the SLTA is aiming to reach and inspire a new audience of hundreds of thousands, organically, with stories of the island that will nurture the desire for voyages to the island. To this end, the organization is calling on the help of Saint Lucians in an effort to jointly raise awareness for the island. The campaign promotes the destination as a true escape and will utilize the images and stories submitted by every-day Saint Lucians to provide potential visitors with an intimate look into life on the island. Saint Lucians can get involved by sharing their images and videos online at: http:// stlucia.stories.travel/invite/guest. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority will help bring these stories to the world and by promoting the campaign through their social channels, media placements and press releases.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Saint Lucia to Host 2nd Caribbean Youth Conference

The Saint Lucia National Youth Council has begun preparations for the observance of Youth Month in April, and among the activities being planned is the Caribbean Youth Conference (Saint Lucia). The Caribbean Youth Conference (Saint Lucia) was developed to provide a platform for youth from all backgrounds, and across all areas of interests, to meet and discuss the multitude of issues affecting them, develop sustainable solutions, and converse with the state’s governance to ensure that these possible solutions receive a platform. The theme for the Conference ‘Promoting a Sustainable and Innovative Caribbean; Through Youth Participation, Passion and Creativity’, seeks to engage young people in creating a plan of action where we can merge our advocacy with proper plans and implementations.

to be fully competent in constructing below-knee prosthetic legs. They also made brand new artificial legs for themselves as a donation from LDS charities. The training and the setting up of equipment were overseen by Mr. James Dewees, a certified US-trained prosthetist. His airfare and training costs were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gros Islet. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the NCPD, co-funded additional vital modern equipment and materials to complement what was originally purchased with funds from the Australian government’s Direct Aid program. Saint Lucians requiring high quality, modern, artificial legs can now access this service at more reasonable costs without having to travel overseas.

Coco Palm is delighted to announce that it has received a British Airways Customer Excellence Award for 2018. This award comes from unbiased customer reviews and is designed to showcase the hotels that make their guests the happiest. Coco Palm received an overall score of 9.4/10.

Artificial Leg Manufacture Center Now Open

Four Saint Lucians—three of whom use artificial legs—were trained as technicians

Coco Palm Awarded 2nd Consecutive BA Holidays Customer Excellence Award

Bay Gardens Resorts Nab St. Lucia's First Green Globe Gold

The Conference hopes to engage about 180 youth leaders from across Saint Lucia and the Caribbean from April 29th to May 1st, 2019. The Conference will be held at the Golden Palm Event Center in Rodney Bay.

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), through the assistance of the Australian government’s Direct Aid program, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the Rotary Club of Gros Islet, has officially launched a prosthetic leg manufacture center at its head office in Carellie, Castries.

(Styrofoam) products at its properties. It has also embraced other ecological innovations such as installing GEM Link occupancy sensors in its guest-rooms, leading to a 15 percent energy use reduction per occupied room. Bay Gardens Resorts' environmental efforts also include converting its air conditioning units to energy efficient inverter units, changing lighting to LEDs across its properties, and implementing a farm-to-table menu that reduces its total food miles.

Bay Gardens Resorts has been awarded St. Lucia's first Green Globe Gold member certification with three properties having been awarded – Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn. Green Globe's Gold Member status is awarded to members that have been certified for five consecutive years. This prestigious designation is only possible when a member meets all requisite criteria within the Green Globe Standard for Travel & Tourism and have completed the independent and mandatory on-site and desktop audits in alternating years. Bay Gardens Resorts has phased out the use of plastic in favor of biodegradable vessels and utensils made from wood, paper, compostable plastic and sugar cane bagasse. The company has also ended the use of all Expanded Polystyrene

British Airways Holidays is one of the UK’s leading tour operators. As part of its commitment to providing highquality holidays, British Airways Holidays uses customer feedback to find its toprated hotels. Reviews are only collected from genuine British Airways Holidays customers, who are asked to score hotels based on location, service, cleanliness, and sleep quality. Mr Jean St Rose, General Manager who has been managing Coco Resort from inception 14 years ago, gave credit to all departments saying, “Receiving such an accolade from our biggest UK operator is very encouraging knowing our guests have enjoyed Coco Palm. This is testament across all departments who have been recognised for their excellent service. Given our upgrades on property with a new lobby, new executive lounge and all our Palm rooms being upgraded by mid-2019, we are confident we will exceed our guests’ expectations.”

BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESS FOCUS

The Future for Kids: What Tools Will They Need Today to Enter the Workforce in 2030 and Beyond? (Part 2)

The Future For Kids: What Tools Will They Need Today to Enter the Workforce in 2030 and Beyond? (Part 2)

By Surren Maharaj

“We’re in a kind of gap where we’ve got educators hanging on to the traditional viewpoint of schools and others who are looking at 21st century education and preparing kids for the digital world,” Yerington.

and writing are information and communications technologies and, like all technological innovations, would have been subject to reactions ranging from unquestioning enthusiasm to reactionary scepticism.

The lines of communication are becoming frazzled as we transition from one concept of education to another. The ability to prepare our children for the 21st century carries with it significant ramifications. Think of it this way, we have some teachers and parents living on earth while some teachers are living on the moon. It is an agreed fact that if our educators are not teaching using 21st century techniques, they are certainly not preparing our kids for the future workplace.

In 1999, Douglas Adams noted that our attitude to technology is determined by the age we first encounter it. Now this is particularly interesting when we consider that the World Wide Web (WWW) celebrated 30 years on March 12th, 2019. An entire generation grew up almost instant access to information, not available to generations before. This new generation is experiencing even more revolutionary advancement at a pace never before seen in human existence.

Our kids are being raised in a digital world, many parents and teachers are struggling to understand the impact, the reality and how it all connects. The big question is how we communicate so that we can effectively connect the digital world to those not quite familiar with this medium. There are promising signs (mainly from 1st world countries) when it comes to aligning our kids for the future. Growing interest in the area of alternative learning environment can be seen in many of these 1st world countries. What are some of the consequences of this “generation gap”? Consider for a moment... Computing technologies have been heavily criticised by educationalists and educational philosophers as a vehicle to promote shallow learning, mindless copying and pasting, and decontextualized acquisition of definitions and facts. In short, a tool for “jogging the memory, not for remembering… [providing students] with the appearance of intelligence, not real intelligence… they will seem to [have] wide knowledge, when they will usually be ignorant.” The above quotation is not a modern view of technology but is adapted from Plato’s ‘Phaedrus’ (p69), in which the author recalls Socrates’ criticisms of writing. We must remember that reading BusinessFocus Apr / May

Surren Maharaj (MBA; BA; PCC) is the Principal Consultant and Chief Coach for Boundless Coaching Consulting and the President of the Life Coaching Association of Trinidad and Tobago. As Professional Certified Coach (PCC), he is part of an international community of coaches and is constantly called upon by local and regional clients. He has designed and delivered coaching courses. He is an active Mentor with YBTT and one of the Shell LiveWire Trainers. His career history includes over 20 years of expertise in Leadership and Management in the financial, logistics and retail sectors of Canada. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University, Canada and a Master in Business Administration from Wales Bridge, UK. He can be contacted at +1 868 689 4034 / surren.maharaj@gmail.com.

they want from any angle. What does all of this mean for the classroom of the future? It means that geography and finance will cease being a barrier for teachers who want to give students access to enrichment material that can only currently be found outside of the school building. It also means that various learning styles can be accommodated by adding sound, video, images, and interaction to what used to be a text based, 2-dimensional world.

We have also seen the disappearance and emergence of industries and jobs. So, as we look towards the future, we know that many of our traditional jobs will no longer exist or may evolve differently. Understanding this employment evolution is the first step in making sure we adequately prepare the children of today for the jobs of tomorrow. Added to this, we can not use the same methods of teaching we did in the past to solve our future workplace needs. It’s difficult to discuss the classroom of the future, as if it is something that it exists in some faraway time. The truth is, education is changing right now. Technology and expanded knowledge of the learning process have already resulted in a metamorphosis of the classroom and of teaching methods. There will be even more changes in the future.

Flexible assignments will accommodate multiple learning styles. o Today, in the majority of classrooms, students all complete the same assignments. For example, if the assignment is to use MS word to write a research paper on tools developed during the Bronze Age, this is the assignment each student must complete. The only time when exceptions are made is usually when the student has special needs and accommodations are required. Unfortunately, this one size fits all approach does not take into consideration learning styles. With flexible assignments, the teacher will be more interested in proof of competency than in receiving 25 assignments all completed using the same methods. So, instead of passing out an assignment to write a research paper, the teacher will outline for students’ what skills or understanding they must demonstrate to successfully complete the assignment. The student will then be given the autonomy to decide how they will do that. This might include recording a video, creating an elaborate timeline, giving a presentation, or putting together a traditional research paper.

MOOCs and other online learning options will impact secondary education.

How will the classroom of the future look like? Here are some examples of changes already in place in classrooms: • Online posting of grades and assignments. • Group projects completed through collaborative software. • Assignments completed online and uploaded through classroom portals. • Students using cloud storage instead of flash drives or paper to store their work. • Teachers, parents, students, and administrators communicating via social media platforms designed specifically for education. But what are some of the changes predicted to take place over the next 5 to 10 years: The layout of the classroom will change immensely. o Standing desks for students who have difficulty maintaining focus while sitting. o Accommodation for students who need more movement. o Private workstations will be available for individual tasks while collaborative workspaces will be available for group projects. o Interactive projectors and other technology will replace interactive whiteboards. o Students will be given more autonomy on how and where to sit. o Moving walls will make spaces more adaptable.

Virtual and augmented reality will change the educational landscape. o Imagine this: A student opens a book to what appears to be a page with a picture of the earth on it. Then, the student puts on a pair of special glasses and threedimensional images pop out at them. Now, instead of seeing a simple, flat image, they can see various landforms; look at a cross section of the planet to see all of the various layers going down to the earth’s core. Picture a student walking through an art gallery and scanning a code next to a picture using a special app on their cell phone and then being able to watch a video of the artist speaking about their own work. This is all possible today because of a technology known as augmented reality. Apps and other educational devices act upon trigger images to create an augmented learning experience. Here’s something else to imagine: Middle school students in a rural classroom, more than 100 miles from the nearest major city are told that they will be spending the day touring a science museum. There are no buses to take them anywhere. Instead, the students are each given a pair of inexpensive virtual reality headsets that have been constructed largely from cardboard. With just these items they are able to virtually walk through the museum, page through books, watch presentations given by docents, and view any image

o You must stay in school. You must get good grades. You must get your diploma. If you don’t do these things, you cannot get into college. If you don’t get into college, you won’t be able to get the degree that leads you to the career that you love. All of these seem like very logical statement, and chances are most people reading this were raised being told these very things by their parents and their teachers. There’s just one problem. The diploma simply isn’t as necessary or as valuable as it used to be, and neither is the college degree. In the future, students will feel less inclined to spend 4 years in high school learning the basics, plus another 4 years in college, especially when the first two years is simply covering the basics yet again. Today, a thirteen-year-old with an email address and access to the internet can sign up at Khan Academy and complete courses of study in a variety of academic disciplines, all for free. They can sign up for free classes designed and taught by professors at prestigious universities that are created and distributed using MOOC. In the time that it takes to finish high school, a student who is particularly motivated could have mastered multiple technologies; learned as much about history, business, mathematics, science, economy, etc. as a college graduate, and earned industry recognized certifications. Technology will certainly be a major factor in how education in the future differs from education today. However, it won’t be the only influence. Successful educators will realize that they need to rethink the entire model of education and redesign it so that it is more student-centred. This means adopting new technologies, but it also means giving up on archaic attitudes about what constitutes educational success and recognizing that educational competition is a reality. BusinessFocus

Apr / May

Volume 14

LEADERS'

They are resourceful and solution oriented

CORNER

Exceptional employees don’t find excuses and don’t accept “the way it’s always been” when something isn’t right. Instead, they look for possible solutions and then the best solution. They measure around each problem so they can quantify the issue.

Top Attributes of Exceptional Employees

Exceptional employees truly represent who you are as a company even when they are off duty.

By Olivier Bottois

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to work with great employees but also exceptional employees. Great employees embody a wide variety of easily defined skills: Strong work ethic, dependable, team-oriented, effective communicator, self-motivated, positive attitude. This being said, some employees are simply exceptional. They have skills such as soft skills, emotional intelligence and personality traits that you won’t identify on most performance evaluations but make a huge difference to their performance, the performance of people around them, and have a major impact on the company's results.

They get the job done and take projects to “the finish line”

Exceptional employees go above and beyond their job description. You won’t hear them say “that’s not my job”.

They are disciplined and focused on the task at hand

Exceptional employees don’t get distracted and focus on what’s important and needs to get done.

Resilient

They have the ability to recover quickly from difficult situations, learn from their failures and they don’t give up. They are accountable and accept responsibility They recognize their mistakes and don’t blame others. They learn from their successes and failures.

They check their egos at the door

Exceptional employees are willing to back down in order to maintain team harmony.

They don't let toxic people affect them

Instead of letting toxic people emotionally affect them, exceptional employees display self-control and stay away from negativity.

Likeable

Exceptional employees are friendly, open and interested in getting to know people. They’re approachable and look for the good in everyone.

Grateful

They are willing to recognize the many things for which they are grateful for such as family or a great boss.

They don’t settle for less and are never satisfied

Exceptional employees don’t settle and always look for ways to be more efficient and improve themselves. BusinessFocus Aor / May

Ambassadors

Critical thinkers and problem-solvers

These employees are able to step back from emotional reactions, and put their minds to work to solve problems.

Fearless and confident

They choose to not allow fear to take over by consistently recognizing their unique value and strengths. They push to be honest with themselves and build never-ending self confidence.

Goal-setters

They create a plan to achieve their goals based on priorities. They hold themselves and others accountable for reaching those objectives. They believe that goals are only as valuable as the efforts to achieve them.

Effective time managers

Time spent can never be recovered. Exceptional employees have the ability to focus efforts on activities that will help move their company forward.

Strong communicators

Exceptional employees are active listeners, articulate speakers and effective writers. They also praise in public and disagree in private.

Self-motivated

Exceptional employees have a force inside them that drive them to do things. They display personal drive to achieve and the desire to improve. In my experience and as a best practice, it is critical to recognize and reward those employees to retain them. Incentive programs are a great way to show appreciation for your employees, and keep them motivated. Don’t take them for granted and do what it takes to make them stay!

Olivier Bottois is a third generation Hotelier broad hospitality Top with Attributes experience in France, England, Germany, ofUSA Exceptional Canada, and The Caribbean. He is a Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts alumni Employees who led Leading Hotels of The World, Relais & Chateaux, Small Luxury Hotels and Preferred Hotels properties as General Manager, Managing Director and HOA President. After the successful repositioning and expansion of Ladera Resort in St Lucia (2011-2016) as Vice President of Operations & Marketing, Bottois joined Marriott "Autograph Collection" in the US, and presently engaged in projects in the West Indies leading Lussoria Hospitality Management Services. The company specializes in repositioning hotels and asset value enhancement for independent owners and has offices in St Lucia & the US. Engage Olivier on LinkedIn: Olivier JP Bottois

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Apr / May

ECONOMY & TRADE

Chew on It: St. Lucia's Economic Performance and Prospects for 2019/2020

Chew on It: St. Lucia's Economic Performance and Prospects for 2019/2020 Ministry of Finance Says Economy Growth Slowed Down in 2018 But Expects to Pick Up in 2019/2020 Economists in the Ministry of Finance advised the Business Community that preliminary data reveal that while the economy grew in 2018, the pace of growth has slowed down, with construction showing the greatest decline. Hotels and restaurants, manufacturing and agriculture also grew in 2018. These were just a few of the areas discussed at the Chamber luncheon “Chew on It” hosted by the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on Friday March 15th, 2019, where the Ministry of Finance addressed the Performance of the Saint Lucia Economy in 2018 and Prospects for 2019/2020.

Among other things to “Chew On” was information on inflation and Government's fiscal performance. Inflation levels rose from 0.1% in 2017 to 1.9% in 2018 due primarily to increases in the price of fuel, according to Ministry officials. Another variable of great interest relates to Government’s fiscal performance, with the Ministry reporting an improvement in the fiscal performance where the current balance as a percentage of GDP declined 1.6% to 0.9%, while the deficit as a percentage of GDP moved from -2.2 to debt -3.4%. Meanwhile, the Ministry advised that the debt to GDP ratio moved from 64.9% of GDP in 2017 to 63.8% still above the ECCB target rate of 60%. The Ministry highlighted what was described as “Game Changers” of its Medium Term Development Strategy. These seek to address the slow rate of project implementation in the public sector and has resulted in the establishment of a Delivery Unit located in the Prime Minister’s Office which has a strong monitoring and evaluation role as well as a catalytic role to support and build project execution capacity in the relevant line ministries. Chamber embers asked questions related to the lack of results in successive governments thrust in “Making it Easier to Do Business” and the frustrations faced by the Business Community to start a Business, get a trade license and other required permits only to

BusinessFocus Apr / May

development initiatives is a serious problem for the private sector. The Chamber thus plans on keeping a close monitoring eye on the many initiatives that have been proposed and highlighted with the intention of working with Government to ensure successful and timely implementation. The Chamber was also anxious to hear more about other issues raised by the Ministry of Finance including the Tax Reform, Government’s approach to addressing the OECD and EU Blacklisting matter, as well as the timely and considered implementation of the various social programs discussed.

be frustrated in “opening a banking account.” Also raised was the stymieing of development efforts, when governments change and project plans no matter how far advanced are stopped, delaying not just the project but the delivery of the benefits, or resolving of problems be they social or economic. Attendees enquired as to what the technocrats could and are doing to minimize this issue which negatively affects the pace of development and many times the waste or resources. The Chamber luncheon was welcomed by the membership of the Chamber as it provided critical information that firms utilize for their own planning and as such, the low implementation rate of

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Apr / May

BUSINESS FOCUS

SAFETY – AN ACTION WORD The lights must always stay on. An outage, no matter how short, is an inconvenience. From hospitals to schools, businesses to the student at leisure playing a video game. A life without electricity is no life at all. To deliver as required, St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) must maintain its network. But how to do that safely and without an interruption? One way is through the use of live line techniques. With this technology, linemen use “sticks” to repair and maintain the network without turning off the power, and keeping customers connected. In that way the company can do what it must so customers can do the same. The sticks are like extensions of a lineman’s hands. Burning bright orange in the sun, the sticks are a piece of personal protection equipment that ranges from hardhats, protective eyewear, boots to gloves and even the type of clothing worn. And while not all maintenance on the network can be done through the use of live line techniques, its addition to LUCELEC’s maintenance regime has meant fewer interruptions while the business of work gets done. That’s the context. Let’s break it down. LUCELEC is committed to providing customers with a reliable and least cost service. The company is equally committed to the safety of its staff who deliver that service. No one would argue working in electricity calls for knowledge, skill and, very importantly, precaution. Making good on the promise to return staff home in the same condition they left is a driving force of LUCELEC’s safety policy. Our staff work hard. They deserve to do so in a safe environment. For us, safety is not a noun. It’s a verb - meaning a doing and action word.

LUCELEC:LUCELEC Safety – An Action Word

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical part of preparation for every job.

Every LUCELEC employee is equipped with the personal protection equipment required to do their job. They are responsible for its use and that of every member of the team. All employees are empowered to report hazards and make suggestions to address it. They are also mandated to report any incident (near misses as well) within 24 hours of its occurrence. In executing a response to any safety incident, the company is guided by its severity. The process allows for internal redress and working with external agencies like the NIC, Police and Labour Department as needed. Getting here took time, patience and reinforcement. For the past twenty-three (23) years, LUCELEC has been actively training its staff and contractors on best health and safety practices. And now, in March each year, safety and wellness take centre stage at LUCELEC. This is an uptick from the first observance. When it started, training in Health and Safety was a one week and done affair. The sessions were also specific to how best to execute a job safely and the protective gear required to do so. Topics ranged from fire safety to first aid training and included a company-wide walk. The scope has broadened over the years to include overall employee wellness. Nowadays, LUCELEC observes “Health, Safety, Environment and Fire Awareness Month.” The sessions are held at every company location and include a focus on mental, spiritual and physical health as well.

Fire Safety Training The training is not just to tick a box. Every member of the LUCELEC team is responsible for putting what is taught into practice. Because every year, we aim to record no injuries or accidents resulting in lost time (work days). And our performance in that area is actively monitored and measured and forms part of the company’s corporate performance targets. Any incident that requires more attention than a Band-Aid contributes to the company’s annual corporate performance in that regard. And it can be done - a full calendar year with no injuries resulting in lost work hours. We did it in 2013. And, on average the company records no more than 3 such incidents in any given year. In 2018, the number was 2. There are other ways the company ensures everyone is on the same safety page. There is a designated Health, Safety and Environment Officer. The role broadened in 2007 from what was a Health and Safety Officer. She oversees a Committee tasked to inspect each location and ensure safety protocols are observed. Once a month, the Committee inspects and maintains the fire extinguishers at each location. And every 3-6 months, a fire safety service provider inspects the fire alarm system and ensures all components of smoke detectors are functional. LUCELEC has also installed a fire suppressant system in its two Control Rooms where there is 24-hour monitoring and control of the diesel generators that produce electricity. This system is designed to detect and extinguish any fires that may occur in these rooms.

Live Line work allows fault repairs without interruption in the power supply

Live line work requires specialised PPE The power plant in Cul-de-Sac is also home to a “mini fire station” with strategically placed hydrants, a fire truck and trained personnel. Employees are also drilled to respond to various types of disasters. The Committee also ensures an adequate stock of safety supplies such as First AID kits, designs the month long activities for Health and Safety Month and investigates all staff injury incidents. LUCELEC has a well-documented Safety Policy that is prominently displayed in several places at all company locations. A section on Health and Safety that commits employees to complying with the

safety policy, rules and guidelines and to report accidents, injuries and unsafe practices or conditions is included in the company’s Code of Ethics. All staff members are required to sign as having read the Code of Ethics. By virtue of its inclusion, the team agrees to take personal accountability, to work safe for theirs and the wellbeing of their colleagues. We keep the lights on. Safely. And we work hard so our team members return home in the same physical condition they left. For, LUCELEC, it’s a commitment. And we work hard at delivering on it every day.

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We've been here since 1964, working long and hard... through Saint Lucia's successes... through the challenges... we've been powering lives, dreams and communities.

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BusinessFocus

Apr / May

ECONOMY & TRADE

Export Saint Lucia Delivers Results from U.S. Mission

Export Saint Lucia Delivers Results from U.S. Mission Source: Export Saint Lucia

The United States market has been one of the most coveted yet difficult markets to penetrate. Border regulations including Sanitary and Phytosanitary regulations and other non-tariff barriers have made it increasingly difficult for small countries like Saint Lucia to successfully penetrate these markets.

mission a success. “We can confirm that we have received contracts for nontraditional agricultural produce, for example our local breadfruit, which buyers have stated is among the best they have seen because of its yellowish color and size, which is preferred by the U.S. consumer. There is also confirmed demand for sea moss, particularly in California, for its potential health benefits, and we think that it can only augur well for our sea moss farmers if we can take advantage of this opportunity.”

Export Saint Lucia has been actively pursuing export opportunities in the United States, and in February 2019 embarked on a familiarization and fact-finding mission to the market. The overall objective was to strengthen existing exports, address non-tariff barriers and explore opportunities for new exports and exporters. According to the Director of Client Management Jerson Badal, Export Saint Lucia sought opportunities beyond the traditional supermarkets and distributorships, to target ethnic stores and terminal markets with a view to increase exports for smaller exporters.

The CEO also went on to identify two major deliverables coming from the mission. “In our meeting with some members of the Miami Chamber of Commerce, it was agreed that we would explore the use of Algas Organics “Plant Tonic” on a number of baseball fields in the wider U.S. and possibly for golf courses in Florida. This would be a wonderful opportunity for the company if the product is adopted as the “go-to” fertilizer for the fields of play for two of America’s favorite pastimes. “

Sunita Daniel Export Saint Lucia CEO

Badal added, “We also wanted to look at existing exporters and how best we can increase their arrangements for market entry. Critically we wanted to ensure that once market entry was successful, that the exporters had the ability to maintain and sustain entry requirement and demand. We also want to look at opportunities for artistes, musicians, and persons in the fashion industry. The mission went through an enormous amount of research to identify which products presented the best opportunities for market entry, which distributors should be targeted, including logistics and other factors which may impact exports.” Export Saint Lucia CEO, Sunita Daniel also weighed in on the deliverables coming from the U.S. Mission, hailing the BusinessFocus Apr / May

Daniel further stated, “As it stands, some Saint Lucian products are not allowed entry into the US, specifically; soursop, mangoes, and golden apples. During the mango season we see an abundance of mangoes, some even going to waste in St. Lucia, while there is a great demand for these products in the US. We’ve had discussions with the FDA, and they’ve given us a contact at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and together with our Ministry of Agriculture we will examine how we can start the conversation with the USDA on lifting those restrictions for these agricultural products. So very soon we should see the export of Golden Apples and Mangoes to the U.S. market” Export Saint Lucia will continue to keep the public abreast on these and other strides as it relates to the U.S. market.

Sagicor Life

BusinessFocus

Apr / May

ECONOMY & TRADE

Creating Shared Value

Creating Shared Value By Nirmala Maharaj

“Capitalism is suffering from a crisis of trust. Today’s businesses take the blame for many of society’s economic, social and environmental woes, despite the launch of countless corporate social responsibility initiatives in recent decades. Now more than ever – in the midst of a global economic crisis that has strained the capacity of governments and NGOs to address complex societal challenges – it is time to restore public trust through a redefined vision of capitalism with the full potential to meet social needs.” Source: Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness, Harvard Business School Corporations will need to leap frog to the strategy of creating shared value if they are serious about their sustainability. It’s not just about corporate profits. According to Michael Porter and Mark Kramer of Harvard Business School, corporations are prospering at the expense of their communities and urgently need to rethink their strategy by exploring new ways of creating shared value; not just their profits. Corporations are so caught up in meeting financial targets that they lose sight of market opportunities that can generate new areas of competitive advantage. Should corporations continue to ignore the social distress of the communities of their customers or suppliers which they depend on for buying and selling? Porter and Kramer advocate that there needs to be a redefinition of corporate purpose on creating shared value that generates economic value for the corporation and the society by addressing its urgent social issues. In this way, corporations prosper as well as communities. The concept of creating shared value holds the key to transforming commercial entrepreneurs into social entrepreneurs and invigorating more corporate entities to adopt the “social mission.” For instance, Nestlé Global Corporation, has embraced the approach, “Creating Shared Value.” The company believes in order to be successful in the long term, it needs to create value for shareholders and for society. Its impact on society focuses on enabling healthier and happier lives, on developing thriving and resilient communities and on stewarding the planet’s natural resources for future generations with a focus on water. In an article from the MIT Slogan Management Review, 2013, Hans Joehr (Nestlé), interviewed by Nina Kruschwitz provided the example from the partnership with farmers on “Creating Shared Value. Joehr indicated Nestlé accomplishes its goals by providing agricultural “extension services” for hundreds of thousands of rural farmers who are its suppliers. As a company, it sources raw materials such as cocoa, coffee and milk from more than 680,000 BusinessFocus Apr / May

farmers worldwide. Farmers sometimes lack the investment in the social and agricultural infrastructure in a region or country which can make it difficult for them to supply Nestlé with high quality, safe and sustainable crops. Nestlé therefore provides farmers with the access to knowledge and information they need to increase productivity and establish sustainable production systems. Corporations need to re-connect with society by closely examining unmet human needs – not just unmet market needs. This is more than corporate social responsibility that looks at the after effect strategies of bringing “goodwill” to the corporation balance sheet. It’s more than a charitable call of a corporation. This is strategy that creates the sustainable value by tackling the unmet human needs in partnership with their stakeholders. By recognizing unmet human needs, corporations can tap into large new markets. According to Porter and Kramer, for the concept of creating shared value to realize its benefits, we need: 1. Leaders of organisations to develop new skills and knowledge about creating shared value as a corporate strategy; and 2. Governments to learn how to regulate in ways that enable shared value, rather than work against it. For corporations in the Caribbean, pay close attention to creating shared value not just the profits for shareholders! Nirmala Maharaj is passionate about developing a strong, integrated relationship with academia, public, private and nongovernmental organisations that will nurture, develop and grow social entrepreneurs in the Caribbean region. As a social entrepreneur guru, she is a writer in this subject area in her column of the Trinidad Guardian entitled – About Social Entrepreneurship. Her doctoral research is also in the area of social entrepreneurship. She is the Director, Internationalisation and Institutional Relations at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business (UWI-ALJGSB). Her research contact details are +1 868 689 6539 or you can e-mail her at socialprogressinst@gmail.com

CCJ Publishes a New 5-Year Strategic Plan

CCJ Publishes a New 5-Year Strategic Plan Source: CCJ

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has unveiled its Strategic Plan 2019-2024, under the theme ‘Unlocking Potential’, which will chart the Court’s direction over the next five years. The Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the CCJ and Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, asserted that the implementation of the strategic plan will help to move the CCJ forward. The CCJ President stated, “our intention is to take bolder strides and to be more innovative; to better empower decision makers; to communicate more effectively both internally and with all our stakeholders; to work more meaningfully with partners and justice sector bodies in the region; to strengthen our bonds with the Caribbean people and to advance the rule of law.” Lessons learned from the Court’s first strategic plan period, which ran from 2012-2017, served the Court well in the design and execution of its new strategic agenda.

Mrs. Jacqueline Graham, Registrar and Chief Marshal of the CCJ, stated in the Plan’s opening statement that the theme of “unlocking potential through the implementation of this Strategic Plan will also encourage a more streamlined monitoring and review of our systems. These systems must, at all times, be characterized by high levels of accountability, transparency, efficiency and fairness, and they must be harnessed by the Court’s governance principles.”

The CCJ’s Strategic Plan 2019-2024 is available in hard copy at the CCJ’s headquarters and can be downloaded from the Court’s website at ccj.org. The CCJ’s strategic plan contains six strategic issues, which are further broken down into 14 goals and 41 strategies that will be used to effectively fulfil the CCJ’s aim of unlocking the potential of the organisation. The six strategic issues include: communication; independence and accountability; high performance environment; equality, fairness and integrity in promoting the rule of law, organisational capacity for caseload growth and enhanced regional system capacity and performance. The new strategic plan also includes a new mission, vision and values for the Court, which was developed by the judges and staff. The plan is already guiding the CCJ’s operations as each of the units of the Court has used it to develop their work plans for 2019. The process of implementing the strategic plan will be iterative, each unit will assess the results of their efforts on an ongoing basis and will adjust their work plans to ensure that results are aligned with the stated goals.

Grant Thornton

The development of the strategic plan, the second in the organisation’s history, was made possible with support from the JURIST Project, a judicial reform initiative funded by the Government of Canada, and being implemented by the CCJ. Dr. Daniel Straub, Dean of the Fellows Programme of the Institute of Court Managers (ICM) of the National Centre for State Courts, helped to steer the process which will direct how the Court will assess its performance and direct its resources over the next five years. The strategic plan was developed using a collaborative process with input from representatives of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC), the CCJ Trust Fund, regional judiciaries, bar associations, law schools and faculties of law. The judges and the staff of the Court were also integral in identifying issues and providing recommendations that informed the plan.

BusinessFocus

Apr / May

ECONOMY & TRADE

CARICOM Heads of Government Committed to Competitive Transportation Industry

CARICOM Heads of Government Committed to Competitive Transportation Industry Source: CARICOM Heads of Government of CARICOM are committed to deliver a competitive transportation industry, and are looking for the right model that would be fiscally appropriate for the provision of transportation services in the Region. The CARICOM Heads of Government had extensive discussions on regional transportation during their two-day Intersessional Meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis. Transportation was a main item on their agenda. The talks were preceded by a one-day Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines earlier in February. One of the steps the Heads of Government have agreed to is to look at charges and tax structures that could have a negative effect on the provision of air services with a view to rationalising those structures as deemed appropriate by the Ministries of Finance of Member States. There is also movement on the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) to which nine CARICOM Member States have now signed on to, thus allowing for its provision application. One country has ratified the MASA. Assent by all Member States to the MASA would give effect to the Community becoming a liberalised environment for CARICOM air carriers. The MASA was opened for signature in February 2018. The Heads of Government also held talks on a regional ferry service as emphasis is being placed on improving work in the maritime area. They agreed to establish a joint private and public sector team to review the findings and recommendations of reports on the ferry service. The team has been requested to provide preliminary estimates for the implementation of a ferry services following discussions and negotiations with prospective ferry operators, according to the Communique of the Meeting. The Communique added that Heads of Government agreed that the Directors of Maritime Affairs of each Member State should meet regularly with the intention of coordinating and presenting a holistic approach to addressing the maritime safety and security issues of the Community. Heads of Government have also agreed to restructure the Regional Transportation Commission and its programmes. At a press conference at the conclusion of the Meeting, CARICOM Chairman, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. BusinessFocus Apr / May

Kitts and Nevis said that in order to boost and facilitate the free movement of goods and people, transportation had to be affordable. The Chairman pointed out that there was no “magic bullet”, that the transportation sector was evolving and that there were periods of restructuring and adjustment of regional air carriers. “We discussed the possibilities and various options going forward, vis-à-vis private sector engagement as against governmental and public sector engagement in the transportation sector. We are committed, by and large, to deliver a competitive transportation industry to the Region and to ensure that in order to boost and facilitate the CSME, the free movement of people and goods, that the transportation would be affordable,” PM Harris said. “We have to be careful that our expectations are reasonable. It is well known that for a very long time air transportation within the Caribbean Region has had its share of problems. There is within the Region a strong commitment to finding an affordable and efficient means of transportation that supports our integration efforts and that continues to be a work in progress because some of the issues that impact upon the outcome, they are very deep, they are very structural and they require a thoughtful approach,” the CARICOM Chairman said in response to a question on LIAT airlines. Acknowledging the importance of LIAT and other regional airlines to the Community, Prime Minister Harris said that the shareholder governments had provided an update on the airline “and there is a lot of solidarity to ensuring that we can achieve a sustainable model that would make LIAT – or any other entity, for that matter – or put them in a better position to provide the kinds of services that our people reasonably expect and ought to have with respect to air travel, and the same arguments go with respect to the ferry service.” “We are now looking at some considerations as to what is the best model, and it is not just a question in these cases of buying a ship; in the end how will they sustain themselves? So you have to address all the logistics and other issues pertinent to finding the model that would be self-financing or at the very least would not create a fiscal problem for those who are going to be contributing to them,” he said.

Coco Palm

CARICOM Advances Regional Integration Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, highlighted the gains made towards the regional integration movement, particularly through the signing of the Protocol of Contingent Rights by all CARICOM Member States, as one of the success stories coming out of the 30th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Frigate Bay, from February 26-27. The Protocol of Contingent Rights is viewed as a key aspect of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). It refers to the rights granted to a CARICOM national and his or her spouse and immediate dependent family members if he or she moves to another country under the free movement of skills regime. These rights include access to social services. The official communiqué issued at the conclusion of the week’s Inter-Sessional Meeting stated that, “Eight countries CARICOM Advances Regional have decided to apply the measures that would allow their nationals to benefit in those countries from the provisions Integration of that agreement on contingent rights which allow for spouses and dependents of skilled workers who move to another country to access services such as education and health on the same basis as nationals. The countries involved are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.” Furthermore, the CARICOM Heads reached an agreement on a protocol to deal with public procurement that would open the regional market for goods and services procured by public entities. “All in all, we have had a very successful two days which would redound to the benefit of the citizens and to our international image,” Prime Minister Harris stated. Source: CARICOM BusinessFocus

Apr / May

Jamecob's -The Evolution of An Enterprise Jamecob's Quality Construction Ltd.

The Evolution of An Enterprise Steve Jameson’s journey tells an inspiring story of a smalltown boy from Jacmel, Anse La Raye building his own path into the big city – or rather, the Cul-de-Sac Industrial Zone. Steve Jameson might not be a household name just yet, but many of his projects certainly ring bells. From a family of fourteen, all heavily invested in the business of farming, Jameson made a bold move by opting out of farming, and into the field of construction. Steve credits his humble beginnings – learning the rudiments of the construction trade as a mason and carpenter – to his current successes. He believes it laid a solid foundation for many of his core principles; hard work, commitment and determination.

complete a task effectively and efficiently. His past customers would attest that he has always started and finished projects, completing them with the highest possible quality of workmanship. He maintains that his reputation is important to him and that “it’s in me that I just want to get things done, and I want to get things done properly.” What most men see as challenges, he sees as opportunities, as he beamed when speaking about the “challenges” others may face constructing in the heart of the country’s capital Castries, with notable mentions to a few of his most recent projects; Maher Center and Dayana Center.

After working for others for years, Jameson felt ready to take that next step in his career, and make a name for himself, and so “Jameson’s Construction Enterprise” was established in 1986. Jameson considers that his first “sizable” break came when a local priest in Jacmel having some faith in his small business, contracted him to build a church in his hometown. The success of this project set a precedent for Jameson and his small team of six men, to move on to greater things. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Jameson admits to not being invincible to the woes and shortcomings that come with being a contractor. However, he insists, he has never had his reputation tainted by the inability to

Male Construction Staff BusinessFocus Apr / May

Administrative Staff

Female Construction Staff |

Jameson is one of the foremost contractors on the island, and it is no wonder that the owner of a multi-billion-dollar company such as Sandals sought him out and trusted him to construct a number of projects, including the Sunset Bluff at Sandals Regency La Toc. Again, like a proud father, he beamed when speaking of how successful that project was, not just completing it on time and within budget, but doing it “perfectly”. It didn’t stop there for Jameson. After relaunching his company under the name “Jamecob’s Quality Construction Limited” in 1998, Jameson’s vision progressed into what he now reckons to be his “ultimate goal” for the company. Jameson envisions one day driving around the island of Saint Lucia and seeing his brand plastered on hundreds of projects happening simultaneously, both minor and major. The path of Jamecob’s Quality Construction Limited is nicely paved as he explained his next business move is to go into investment development. With his team by his side, Steve Jameson knows that there is truly no limit to what the company can accomplish. Jameson has always believed in giving back to his community and country, even through his efforts to invest in the development and education of many of his own staff. From once working with six men, to now over two hundred men and women, Jameson wants to create continuous employment in his community. His ability to pass on his knowledge selflessly has reflected in the elevated careers of many of his former employees who have gone from being technicians to now contractors. “They still call me, and I still share my experiences with them” Jameson says, when speaking proudly of the men and women whose hands he held and guided in learning the trade.

MAHER CENTER

Jamecob’s Quality Construction Limited is committed to ensuring that their reputation is maintained through their ethical practices and assuring clients that they will work assiduously with all stakeholders to ensure that once “You dream it, we build it.”

CAPELLA HOTEL

DAYANA CENTER

Box RB2401, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, W.I. Tel: 1(758) 458-2197 Fax: 1(758) 458-2198 Mobile: 1(758) 484-6276 Email: jameson.const@candw.lc

BusinessFocus

SANDALS REGENCY

Apr / May

BUSINESS TECH

Artificial Intelligence... A Part of Humanity By Allen Alexander

Human talent and innovation are expressed in a multitude of ways, which do not always meet the approval of popular belief or public opinion. A lot of the art which has been created over past decades has been heavily criticized and consequently damaged or destroyed, on the basis that they violated the moral standards of their time. The popular ones of course, were paintings accused of corrupting the concept of modesty and sexual morality; even though the paintings themselves, posed no threat of physical harm. Software developers and technology experts are currently being criticized for the art that they produce. Artificial Intelligence (AI), is one famous art-form which has been denounced by a number of notable people, including technology entrepreneur Elon Musk, for what has been labeled by some, as “fictitious reasons.” Whether AI is an art or not, is a question for debate. Bear in mind however, that it is a popular human habit, to not consider as art, the things whose beauty we fail to see. The music and the art that we enjoy, our smart phones and the modems that keep us all connected, are the products of human ingenuity and innovation. All of these inventions have overwhelmingly enhanced the lives of people in a number of ways. Of course, there will always be pros and cons to every invention that abounds. Our technology has enabled us to socialize with people whom we have never met, as we ignore persons who are physically in the same room as us. Sociability and anti-sociability, productivity and counter-productivity are simultaneously being supported by the very same devices. In spite of this, artificial intelligence continues to be submerged under a lot of pressure in recent times. There are rising fears that it will take jobs away in the future, as if AI were a more educated and qualified candidate for employment than competent human ability. If that is the basis for such fears, then it is a reflection of the little confidence that humans have in their own intelligence. All of the technology which has enhanced our lives may be said to be a precursor of AI. It was developed with the intention of enhancing our time and energy management; and to bring us the miracle of sustaining our relationships across oceans and continents, which otherwise could not have been possible. They were not invented as part of a conspiracy to rob us of the use of our intellect, by allowing the technology to think for us. However, it is plain to see, how technology (particularly AI), would BusinessFocus Apr / May

be arraigned for being humanity’s “biggest existential threat,” according to the words of Elon Musk; for almost everything which was intended for good, has in some way been used for evil. AI is not a bad development, but that does not imply the misuse of it is not. In fact, the misuse of anything is indeed, a terrible thing. Even religion, which has its values, has been twisted and misused for centuries in order to manipulate and annihilate millions. This is not criticism of religion, but emphasis to show that technology too, can be misused for destruction in much the same way. To suggest the abolition of religion in order to rid the world of its conflicts may be extreme; and to suggest the curtailment of AI to eradicate its problems may be just as bad. The fact is, technology is here to stay, and it is advancing at an incredible pace. It is not the threat to humanity that it is currently being considered to be. It could be a phenomenal tool for human enhancement if it is viewed positively as the art it truly is. Positive mindsets have produced so much good out of every situation, that the great achievements of a positive-global-human mindset can only be imagined. The more productively technology is used, the less available it becomes for counter-productive activity. All the processors, the networks, the logic programming, and the countless other components of AI were designed to work together; and they are working relatively well despite the glitches. If human beings can understand the network of the entire human race, and work together half as well as the machines then we will find that none of our inventions are worthy of such fear. Allen Alexander is a reporter employed at The Voice Publishing Company. He has had a passion for reading, writing, story telling and theater for as long as he can remember. His interest in Artificial Intelligence... history, philosophy and the human have inspired him to A Partcondition, of Humanity think deeply about life which has in turn given him many things to write about. He enjoys writing articles which educate, inspire, and enlighten the reader; and articles which provoke the reader to look at things from a fresh and different perspective.

Grenada to Host Major Regional Grenada to Host Forum on Internet Connectivity Major Regional Forum on Internet Connectivity Source: OECS

The Eastern Caribbean island of Grenada has been selected as the venue for the 5th regional meeting of the Caribbean Internet Peering and Interconnection Forum, CarPIF. The international event, which draws Internet giants like Facebook and Google to the region, is focused on developing the Internet in the Caribbean by improving policy and building relationships between network operators and content providers. Set for June 12-13 this year, this announcement was made by the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) and the Internet Society (ISOC), co-organizers of the unique annual event that brings together policymakers, regulators, private sector leaders and academics. CarPIF plays a key role in bringing together different parties to form the relationships and agreements necessary to increase local traffic exchange across the region said CaribNOG Executive Director and co-founder of CarPIF, Bevil Wooding. "This event presents an opportunity for Grenada and the region to showcase the steps being taken to accelerate Internet development in the Caribbean,” said Mr. Wooding. “In addition, the forum addresses the peculiar policy and regulatory challenges that have made internet connectivity, access and affordability difficult in some Caribbean countries. “Removing barriers to infrastructure development, content availability and Internet traffic distribution can have a significant and positive impact on Internet growth in the Caribbean, along with the benefits of economic development and social empowerment that follow,” said Mr. Wooding. CarPIF, launched in Barbados in 2015, was created to promote the development of Internet exchange points and greater regional and international interconnections between Internet service providers, content delivery networks and other content and network service providers. “We will be building on the momentum of past meeting where major international Internet companies like Google, Facebook and Akamai have participated alongside our regional and national internet service providers,” said Wooding, who also serves as the Caribbean Outreach Manager for the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN). By staging CarPIF in Grenada this year, the organizers hope to highlight how the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has been leading by example in the successful establishment of Internet exchange points in countries like Grenada, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. “Increasing Caribbean interconnections requires collaboration and partnership among a diverse set of stakeholders,” said Brent Mc Intosh, the local event coordinator and Head of Regional IP Operations at Cable and Wireless.

“Hosting CarPIF 2019 provides Grenada and the OECS with the opportunity to showcase local initiatives aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of Internet services in the region. "This is important because improved Internet services facilitate greater socio-economic development,” said McIntosh. Manager, Regional Affairs for Latin America & The Caribbean Bureau of the Internet Society (ISOC), Shernon Osepa, expressed delight that Grenada was selected to host CarPIF in 2019, especially since the forum will be celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. “From its inaugural meeting, CarPIF has sought to bring together key infrastructure, service, and content providers to improve network interconnection, lower the cost of connectivity, and increase the number of Internet users and services in the Caribbean,” said Osepa, who together with Wooding co-founded CarPIF in 2015. “A very important fact unique to the Caribbean region is its vulnerability to natural disasters. Raising awareness on the need to build resilient telecoms and Internet infrastructures is very important. "IXPs can play a key role, to a certain extent to keep local communications ongoing also during a natural disaster,” Osepa said. The CarPIF organizers affirmed that ISOC, CaribNOG, Packet Clearing House and ARIN intend to deepen the strategic partnerships cultivated with local and regional stakeholders like the Caribbean Telecommunications Union and the OECS Commission. “The relationship cultivated in CarPIF meetings and within the CarPIF community are crucial to the ongoing development of Internet Infrastructure and services, and the acceleration of digital innovation and inclusion in the Caribbean,” shared Wooding. Over 100 participants from the Caribbean, North America and Europe attended the 2018 CarPIF in Belize City, Belize. The organizers hope to exceed this number in 2019. About the Caribbean Peering and Interconnection Forum The Caribbean Peering and Interconnection Forum (CarPIF) is an independent, not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization designed to advance the interests of individuals and organizations involved in peering and interconnection in the Caribbean. CarPIF provides participants with regional as well as global insights on how the Caribbean can maximize the opportunities that can be derived from greater interconnection and peering. The Forum targets high-level participation from industry stakeholders, including Internet Exchange Point operators, content delivery networks, Internet Service Providers, infrastructure providers, government officials and regulators. BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESS TECH

Traditional Family-Owned Businesses and Impact of Evolving Technology By Germina Melius

While I was arranging stacks of newspapers by subject in preparation for the National Archives’ exhibition, commemorating Nobel Laureate Week, one article published in the ‘Voice’ newspaper on February 2, 1985, caught my eye, “We’re 100 Years Old”. I began thinking about traditional family-owned businesses in Saint Lucia, and people like Philomene Marie Justin, who kept the tradition of selling newspapers to avid readers at her newspaper stand on Micoud Street in Castries for almost fifty years until her retirement, leaving her newspaper stand to her daughter, Marcella ‘Margaret’ Justin. There are many people who are self-employed by tradition. The family trade has passed on to family members, who perhaps had little opportunity for an education or had a desire to learn the trade, and mastered the art like an expert with a Doctorate degree. Some people have embraced the advantages of technology and have become well-known entrepreneurs. Traditional family-owned businesses are owned and operated by members of one family over an extensive period of time. Growing up, I consumed a lot of delicious ice-cream from Ferrands Dairy, still in operation today. Some family-owned businesses have survived and expanded over the years by the efforts of family members, who have kept the business tradition in providing quality goods and services to the community, ensuring the continuity of the family business. The knowledge and skills applied in operation and production, are passed on from senior family members who are senior managers to their subordinates – younger family members, who may be willing or reluctant to learn the relevant skills in managing the company and continue production – sometimes, a tedious task with the use of older, out-dated, slower but well-maintained machines, contrary to newer models with the advancement and implementation of technology. Technology has positively and negatively affected traditional businesses. Some companies can increase production, productivity, improve sales and employee skills, while other companies become non-operational. Technology has lured the younger generation from pursuing careers in the traditional family business like agriculture and other manual employment, as they head to the cities or travel overseas in search of better jobs in a crowded job market. They are happy to choose computers over ‘tradition’. BusinessFocus Apr / May

Some traditional family-owned businesses have also changed with the advancement of technology; they have created attractive positions for younger family members to encourage them to remain in the family business. Diversification is a motivator for traditional companies seeking to respond to an ever-evolving market. Technology has made life easier, improving our living standards but the cost of living is increasing. Those individuals who have money will seek to attain higher qualifications in their field of work in response to inflation. They can acquire the basic necessities, meet their financial obligations and or maintain their lifestyle. Similarly, many companies are seeking to increase their market share, investing in market research, and becoming more competitive with e-commerce. Traditional family-owned companies are evolving under management of experts hired by the Board of Directors of these companies. Many old companies have survived over the years because someone saw the importance of history, market research, providing quality products and services, changes in the global business environment, reflecting on performance, changing the old tradition, and the need for acknowledging the services of employees – it is not a cumbersome load on the tongue, longevity deserves acknowledgment. Acknowledgement is a tradition which has kept the departments of many organisations glued together, improved employee morale, increased efficiency and ensured longevity. Should traditional family-owned businesses change with technology or stay committed to tradition? We can learn from tradition but not ignore the importance of technology. Germina Melius is a former Spanish teacher, an author, book reviewer, and currently Traditional Family-Owned aBusinesses research and assistant at ofthe Impact National Archives Authority of Evolving Saint Lucia Technology for over ten years. She holds certificates in Business and Spanish, and a certificate in Real Estate from Monroe College. Germina was appointed an ‘Ambassador of the Word’ by the Cesar Egido Serrano Foundation in support of the cause for Peace. She has keen interests in Creative Writing, Health, Spanish, History, International News, Business, and Japanese Culture.

CXC CXC totoIssue Issue E-Certificates E-Certificates Across Across the Region the Region Source: Caribbean Examinations Council After a successful trial period, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has announced that it will continue to provide students with e-certificates across the region. While CXC will still be offering the traditional paper-based certificate, students who have registered unique and valid email addresses will now have the option to acquire their official certification through Blockcerts or blockchain based credentials, as a free downloadable e-Certificate in a digital format. It will be immediately available to students on their electronic devices once the certificate is ready and available. CXC started the first regional blockchain-based credential project last October, by issuing e-Certificates to a select group of 24,000 students from Barbados and Trinidad who sat the 2018 May/June examinations. CXC Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Glenroy Cumberbatch said: “Serving 19 countries, this is the first multi-national implementation of digital credentials designed specifically to maximize cross-border employability and transferability of skills in the region. From inception, our primary goal was to empower students to have ownership of their records and be able to share them in a secure way, with whomever they choose. “The move was also to boost security and transferability of official examinations records. It also helps to prevent loss of official records. The blockchain, combined with strong cryptography, provides a new security infrastructure that guarantees the authenticity of these records and enables convenient verification.” CXC e-Certificates will be offered for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam, Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate and the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence. “E-Certificates are tamper-proof and registered on the Bitcoin blockchain, so they can be shared to colleges, universities, and clearing houses as well. Once received, the recipients of the e-Certificates can independently verify it anywhere. This is all free to students receiving their e-credentials as well as to colleges, universities and potential employers who can now verify certificates immediately. Verification only requires a mobile device or web browser.”

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CXC partnered with Learning Machine in June 2018 to collaborate and develop this open source standard for blockchain based records for Caribbean students. http://caribbeanchronicle.org/cxc-to-issue-e-certificates-acrossregion/ BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESS FOCUS

CIBC FirstCaribbean, At The Forefront of Cancer Awarenessand Support in Saint Lucia CIBC

CIBC FIRSTCARIBBEAN, AT THE FOREFRONT OF CANCER AWARENESS AND SUPPORT IN SAINT LUCIA

From 2012 to 2018, CIBC FirstCaribbean has raised over USD $2.2 million towards the cause of cancer across the Caribbean. Saint Luciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contributions in that regard totals EC$270,000 which has been channeled to cancer patients through the Saint Lucia Cancer Society and the Faces of Cancer organisations. The bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary mechanism to raise funds for cancer advocacy is through the annual Walk for the Cure (WFTC) which is hosted in September and early October in every country where the bank does business. Proceeds from the walk are channeled through cancer support organisations to aid in the provision of assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families, and for purchasing and maintaining equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. In addition to providing financial support for what is an extremely expensive condition to treat, Walk For The Cure also maintains a heavy focus on education and building awareness that cancer is no respecter of persons, can in some instances be avoided or greatly minimized by avoiding high risk behaviours like smoking or drinking and that early detection is still the best form of prevention. Ultimately, the thrust of these key messages is to influence lifestyle change to lower the incidence of cancer in the Caribbean. BusinessFocus Apr / May

The Walk For the Cure initiative pursues its objectives by mobilizing support and participation among the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3000 staff, through partnerships with corporate sponsors and by working closely with cancer care and support organisations and with families and caregivers. This is backed up by the groundswell of support from thousands of caring men, women and children who take to the streets in support of the cause every year. Reports from the beneficiary organisations indicate that the annual injection of funds from WFTC have become critical to the achievement of their mission. Through WFTC cancer patients can access financial support for travel, accommodation and costs associated with hospital stay, chemotherapy and diagnostic procedures. At the organizational level, WFTC supports the hosting of health fairs which make information, mammograms, clinical breast exams, ultrasound and prostate screening freely available to attendees. Led by its parent company in Canada, CIBC has been affiliated with the cause for over two decades, donating millions to breast cancer research in Canada.

MONEY MATTERS

ECCB to Issue World’s First Blockchain-based Digital Currency

Source: ECCB

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and the Barbadosbased fintech company, Bitt Inc. (Bitt) have signed a contract to conduct a blockchain-issued Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The watershed contract was signed on 21 February at the ECCB’s Headquarters in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis. This ECCB CBDC pilot is the first of its kind and will involve a securely minted and issued digital version of the EC dollar (DXCD). The digital EC dollar will be distributed and used by Licensed Financial Institutions and Non-Bank Financial Institutions in the ECCU. The DXCD will be used for financial transactions between consumers and merchants, including peer-to-peer transactions, all using smart devices. For example, an individual in St Kitts and Nevis will be able to send DXCD securely from his/her smartphone to a friend in Grenada in seconds - and at no cost to either party. The Governor of the ECCB, Timothy N. J. Antoine, emphasised that in contrast to previous CBDC research and experiments, the ECCB is going a step further. “This is not an academic exercise. Not only will the digital EC Dollar be the world’s first digital legal tender currency to be issued by a central bank on blockchain but this pilot is also a live CBDC deployment with a view to an eventual phased public rollout. BusinessFocus Apr / May

The pilot is part of the ECCB’s Strategic Plan 2017-2021 which aims to help reduce cash usage within the ECCU by 50 per cent, promote greater financial sector stability, and expedite the growth and development of our member countries. It would be a gamechanger for the way we do business”. CEO of Bitt Inc., Rawdon Adams, said, “I thank the ECCB for choosing Bitt. Our mission is the practical application of cutting edge technology to solve persistent financial problems. It is about a successful currency union building on its impressive record of financial stability, development and integration to deliver a quantum improvement to the lives of all its 630,000 citizens. Enhancing economic growth and the quality of life of ordinary people is the aim.” The ECCB is now poised to embark on the DXCD pilot from March 2019. The pilot will be executed in two phases: development and testing, for about twelve months, followed by rollout and implementation in pilot countries for about six months. As part of pilot implementation, the ECCB will ramp up its sensitisation and education initiatives to facilitate active public engagement throughout all member countries. The ECCB is being technically supported on this Project by Pinaka Consulting Ltd.

CARICOM Chairman Highlights Threats Facing the Region’s Financial Services

CARICOM Chairman Highlights Threats Facing the Region’s Financial Services Source: Times Caribbean The labelling of Caribbean countries as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions and its adverse impact on the financial services of small island states were among the burning issues addressed by CARICOM officials during the opening session of the 30th InterSessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held on Tuesday, February 26. The blacklisting of small island developing states (SIDS) has long been an issue on the front-burner for countries of the wider CARICOM region. Chairman of the Caribbean Community and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, stated in his remarks that the continuous addition of “onerous requirements” to comply with new tax regulations “is tantamount to cruel and unusual punishment.” “The EU [European Union] and its Member States are going well beyond the regulations and requirements of the OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development], of which they are a part, and with which our countries are largely compliant. Further, the selective application of their strictures does not apply to everyone and has a distinct bias,” Prime Minister Harris told his fellow CARICOM Heads of Government. The St. Kitts and Nevis prime minister said these actions by EU member states raise several alarming questions, such as ‘Why are

the revenue earning measures of small states within the Caribbean Community and elsewhere being deliberately targeted?’ In underscoring the threat against the region’s financial services, Dr. Harris stated, “The denial of correspondent banking services affects our tourism sector and indeed our capability to engage in international transactions such as when credit card transactions are delayed, and also affects remittances, a significant financial element in many of our small economies.” The CARICOM Chairman also used the opportunity to reiterate his call for the international community to address with urgency the sterile measure of the per capita income criterion now employed to determine the graduation of countries. “Many of us are unable to source concessional development financing having graduated out of access by the use of GDP per capita as the major criterion rather than the more comprehensive vulnerability index,” Dr. Harris stated. “We have to press the case at every level that as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognised, we have significant vulnerabilities that set us apart from other middle-income states.” In light of this, Prime Minister Harris strongly suggested that vulnerability be the major criterion in determining access to concessional development financing, and urged his CARICOM counterparts to continue their advocacy of this critical point. BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESS FOCUS

A Peaceful Getaway Touch Therapies Day Spa - A Peaceful Getaway

Touch Therapies Day Spa

Rejuvenation for Mind, Body & Spirit

A spa day to some may be considered a luxury; a birthday present to a friend, Mother’s Day gift for the leading lady in your life, Valentine’s Day surprise for that special someone, or even a self-care treatment to yourself, but Tessa Clement and her team are here to debunk the idea that this is a once in every blue moon occasion. With years of experience and training in massage therapy, owner of Touch Therapies Day Spa wants her fellow Saint Lucians to know there are a multitude of benefits attached to the practice of therapeutic massages, and why her spa is a notch above the rest. Touch Therapies Day Spa opened in 2008, with just one treatment room, offering massages, facials, ‘manis’ and ‘pedis’. It has become well-known for overall wellness and holistic healing, a place to get away and find peace. With years now under it’s belt, the spa was able to open its doors to more clients with the addition of new treatment rooms. Tessa Clement’s brand has become synonymous with relaxation, tranquility and professionalism. She believes her drive in this industry came along with the desire to align her business with who she is as a person and the lifestyle she was leading. The owner of the popular spa gets personal when speaking on how she has transformed her thinking, and how it has reflected in the changes in her own body. Apart from going on a natural hair journey, Tessa has become a vegan, and has even tried out the alkaline diet. She opens up about her weight loss journey and explains how she used to be a size 12, and can now easily fit into a size 6. BusinessFocus Apr / May

Therapy encourages relaxation, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, helps strengthen immune system and many more health benefits and of course, the product lines used are completely all-natural. Taking that all-natural approach to the next level, the Touch Therapies Day Spa will soon be expanding their treatments to the outdoors. Packages will soon be offered that combine massage therapy in natural settings with tour experiences in various popular tourist communities on island. Touch Therapies’ services extend beyond the average full body massage, they also do deep tissue massages, hot stone treatments, sports massages, and Swedish massages. The variety allows for massages to be tailored to each individual’s needs in order to fully heal the body, mind and spirit. Tessa and her team also offer top-class facials which have been reviewed as being the best on island. The service incorporates steams, extractions, microdermabrasion, and even galvanic high frequency facial treatments. The spa services also include; manicures, pedicures, body waxing and even body sculpting performed by Donna Joseph. Being an aesthetician herself, Tessa highlights her waxing services, and notes this treatment as being sought-after by locals and visitors alike. She performs full leg, bikini, and even Brazilian waxing. She explains that while waxing may feel like a daunting experience, her spa makes the experiences as painless as possible, clean, and quick – as most of her clients have expressed. She says all her clients are always satisfied with her services as she constantly gets referrals. Touch Therapies is all about thinking outside the box, and providing world-class service. It is no wonder that Tessa has formed a strong alliance with a therapist who has gone half-way across the world to Thailand to study ancient methods of therapy. She opted to study at the Thai Massage School of Chiangmai, in an effort to increase her knowledge in a practice she had been engulfed in for years. Suzy Eristhee is a freelance, licensed therapist with several years of experience and a specialty in reflexology and Thai massage. She holds a Diploma in Physiology and Anatomy, as she believes it is important to know the functionalities of

Call (758) 452-9901

the body to identify areas of improvement for her clients. At Touch Therapies, Suzy brings a new massage to the table Thai Massages. Thai Massage helps with weight loss through the stimulation of circulation by relieving physical and emotional tension. It is also known to boost energy, relieve headaches, improve range of motion and calm the nervous system. Tessa Clement encourages inclusion, and promotes wellness of body mind and spirit, backed with years of experience. She explains that this practice should be part of your health maintenance routine, just like a doctor’s visit. Passionately, Tessa leaves us with some parting words, “The truth is, a spa isn’t just about relaxation, a massage helps you rejuvenate. It’s a way of taking care of yourself if you want to preserve your body a little longer as your body is your temple. It goes beyond taking care of yourself. It’s about loving yourself.”

Touch Therapies Day Spa

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ECGlobal / GK Insurance

BusinessFocus Apr / May

Special Feature Celebrating

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS of Delivering Quality Medical Care

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Apr / May

The Early Days

just for their children, but by extension, their grandchildren. “They came from nothing” she explains; coming from the small parishes of Laborie and Choiseul, they made a way for themselves. Speaking proudly, she indicated her grandfather was a hardworking carpenter, who worked on major projects like the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Castries – playing a part in the constructing of one of Saint Lucia’s most monumental architectural sites. Her grandmother on the other hand, was doing some constructing of her own, sculpting and shaping the lives of all ten of her children. Tanya says she has learnt through the blood, sweat and tears of seeing her grandparents work so tirelessly. As a direct result, she views life through grateful eyes and never takes anything in life for granted.

Parents; Joyce and Desmond Destang

The Early Days Tanya Destang was the first of three children born to Joyce and Desmond Destang, two young teachers with great ambition for their future life and young family. In their early years of marriage, they lived on Hospital Road in Castries alongside other family members.

grandparents, Tanya did some observing of her own. She attributes her work ethic to seeing both her grandmother and grandfather work hard to provide not

Tanya, affectionately known as ‘Bubbles’ by close family and friends, recalled that Hospital Road offered some of the fondest memories of her childhood having lived there for the first twelve years of her life. Those were idyllic times for her and her sister Desmer, as they were able to roam, run free and just be kids. She believes that living very close to her grandparents during her childhood days forged a close-knit family relationship which sprouted an early understanding of what a sense of family, belonging and community meant. It also provided protection and comfort through her “safety net” – her family. The Destang and Glace families including uncles, aunts, and grandparents maintained a tight bond. Being under the watchful eyes of her BusinessFocus Apr / May

Grandparents; Antoine and Rosa Glace

Dr. Beaubrun’s parents were no different in setting great examples for their children, as they were young parents charting a course for themselves. As educators, Tanya saw through the eyes of a child, that even this was a difficult job. Watching her mother and father bring home piles of paper after a full day of school, only to do more work; marking papers and planning lessons in the evenings – “it’s not as easy as everyone thinks.” Things slowly began to shift in her life, when at the age of twelve, her entrepreneurial parents decided to go into business officially. She tells the proud story of the family’s first business, where they sold chicken and meats. Reminiscing on the early business days, she says she

can still feel the texture and weight of the chicken and raw meat as she broke them apart to weigh and sell them on a weekend. This business eventually gave way to her mother, Joyce Destang, making the bold move into the retail industry, selling clothes. Her parents rented retail space and opened what is now known nationwide as the fabric store ‘Stardust’. The “original” Stardust was a clothing retail store in the center of Castries, where most of the clothing items being sold were bought on family “business trip vacations”. Tanya’s childhood vacations were spent shopping in places like San Juan and New York, and being a little helper in her mother’s new endeavour. As a pre-teen, she was involved in the development of her mother’s first major business venture. She remembers the process of choosing the clothes, folding and packing, bringing the items back to Saint Lucia, where they then had to price them, put them out on the shelves and take inventory manually – which she described as being quite a labour-intensive task being there were no computers back in the day. Tanya credits her mother for being the epitome of a strong woman breaking glass ceilings in her time, entering into an industry which at the time was the domain of Syrian males in Saint Lucia. She applauds her parents for again taking that leap of faith, with an enormous amount of courage and setting foot into an industry they would later on dominate – the hotel and tourism industry. She agrees that to an extent, family life fashions people, and while parents may not always realise the intent of their actions, they indelibly impact the minds of their children, especially in a child’s formative years – shaping their personalities. It is those bold moves made by her parents, transitioning from education to enterprise, which stimulated Tanya’s own vision and upward mobility in her medical practice from traditional to integrative medicine. Being the first of three, she adapted to the role of being an older sister and cousin very quickly and took it seriously she says, “I felt that I had to be in charge”. That sense of responsibility as the protector and elder, she recalls one very significant time in her early years when she knew she had to assume and assert her role. While her father was abroad on a scholarship furthering his education, Mummy Destang was left to try to hold it together, and care for a toddler (Tanya) and new born (Desmer). One of those nights, Desmer fell

The A-Level Years

ill, and her mother had to make the hard decision to leave young Tanya at home sleeping while she rushed the baby to the hospital. She chuckles as she says, “I made a subconscious decision to do everything in my power to keep that baby well so Mummy never left me alone in the dark again.” Joyce Destang made sacrifices to become the entrepreneur and provider, moving from one business venture to the next – meat, clothing, real estate, property development and then the hotel industry. The only critique that Tanya has, which in retrospect she sees as a sacrifice her

mother had to make to provide, was that many holidays were being taken over and consumed by the business. If school finished on a Friday, twelve-year-old Tanya was in her mother’s clothing store on Saturday morning. Tanya says her parents struggle and difficulty to fund their own education was a driving force to ensuring that their childrens’ educational future was secured. When her mother went into real estate, she explains her mother’s drive, “Her main thing was to have properties so that our University education funds would be secure.”

Siblings; Desmer, Tanya and Sanovnik

BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESS FOCUS

when retelling the story of getting the scholarship news, as her mother called her, she asked one question “Did I get it? I don’t want to know the grades, just let me know, did I get it?”

The Making of a Medical Career

Receiving Maths Award at A-Level Graduation (from Richard Peterkin) - 1986

The Making of a Medical Career Growing up as a child of two educators, there was an unspoken rule, that you had to do exceptionally well in your own academic career; Common Entrance, CXC and A Level. Tanya noted that most of the families she knew and grew up with, who were children of teachers had done well and topped the island; the Kings, the Georges, and so she had to follow suit. “As a teacher’s child, you had to toe the line.”

her, as she was an exceptional student and her academic career looked bright. When the time came to sit the Cambridge exams in 1986, she had one goal in mind “get the Island Scholarship.” She laughs

At eight years old, she just knew who she wanted to be – Tanya Destang, MD. Tanya can’t remember the clear or significant moment that led her to wanting to have a career in medicine, but it was etched in her mind and heart that this was going to be her path. At the Destang home, her parents saw the interest she acquired in medicine. While most girls her age were probably playing with dolls, Tanya was cutting them up, and bandaging them. If she wasn’t reading books like “Modern Ways to Health” – both volumes cover to cover, she was diagnosing her family based on the information she had just absorbed. While there was a heavy emphasis on academics in her household, she still took part in extra-curricular social clubs such as Girl Guides at the St. Joseph’s Convent, which helped shape who she is today. There was no unnecessary pressure on BusinessFocus Apr / May

Sports Day at Mona UWI - 1988

After receiving the Island Scholarship for her outstanding performance at A Level, she was ready to head off to University of the West Indies in Jamaica at seventeen. She wanted no stops on this train, as she had planned out her career thoroughly and had wanted this for the past decade. “Straight into Medicine, I was ready to go. I needed to get on with my life, I wanted to come back and serve my community.” With her parents having previously attended UWI in Jamaica, and the island having one of the best UWI Medical Faculties in the Caribbean, it seemed like the most plausible step to take. An eager teenager hops on a plane and heads to Jamaica, excited to see for herself the picture painted by both her parents of this beautiful island that they not only studied in, but where they exchanged their vows. She was not ready for the turn of events once she landed, as living in Jamaica in 1986 was no walk in the park after the political uprising which took place post the Michael Manley era. A teenage Tanya remembers being warned about violence, curfews, areas on the island to avoid, accessibility to certain foods in the supermarket and even restrictions on what clothing colours to avoid – orange and green, as you did not want to be affiliated with any political party. It’s safe to say this is not what she expected.

That wasn’t the only shock she had to come to terms with. While being in Saint Lucia and receiving this prestigious Island Scholarship, and being told that she was part of the “creme de la creme” of academics, in Tanya’s young mind – it couldn’t get better than this. There was nothing that prepared her for walking into University with students who had done five and six A Level Subjects, while she walked away with only three. She considered the competitiveness was humbling, but still gave her a drive to be just as good, if not better. Tanya settled in easily, living on her own and being away from family for the first time. Her experiences at home and in the family business gave her a sense of responsibility and maturity which she credits to being prepared for University life. She coped better because of those experiences and an amazing roommate from Saint Vincent whose connection she describes as “a beautiful pairing.” She was the Vincentian version of herself, with a very similar background; her mother was a teacher, and she herself was an Island Scholar. She admits, while she won’t do it over, it was a still one of the greatest experiences working with Professors and Doctors she describes as the “most brilliant minds in not just the Caribbean, but the world.” Tanya holds the teaching standards of the Professors who worked with her in the highest regard. In her opinion, Caribbean Professors are some of the most underrated, but most dedicated to their craft in imparting knowledge on generations to come. Many of the Doctors who would have trained abroad, still returned to the Caribbean to give service to their communities. “Doctors with heart”, is how Dr. Destang-Beaubrun describes them; those Doctors cared about how they sent students out to deliver medical care, and that is something that we don’t see much of lately. Back then, when Tanya attended UWI, she explains that while they may have been deprived of the technological advancements available today, she appreciates the invaluable lessons that were gained from having a more hands on approach. The method of teaching was described as “see one, do one, teach one.” She explains that the process of being shown a procedure in detail, then being guided a few times on your own, and then having to teach the procedure to another student was what gave Caribbean students the edge over those coming from the other countries. By the time Tanya had begun her Internship, she felt like it was “natural” as it was not her first run of the mill.

Newlyweds; Tanya and husband, Matthew Beaubrun

Tanya had reached a point where she had to decide what she wanted to specialise in, and as life goes, plans we make don’t always follow through. Tanya knew from the time she was eight, that she wanted to become a Doctor and more specifically a Paediatrician. However, she said a few experiences in her early medical career dissuaded her from going down that path. She vividly remembers one of those moments during her Internship. “I saw too many physician parents, having to neglect in some form or fashion their little kids. Being in a hospital emergency room one day and seeing something moving on a chair, all wrapped up at two in the morning. Two parents who happened to be ‘on call’ were both called out. They had no one to leave the child with, so they brought the child to the nurses’ station, wrapped her up and let her sleep. She had probably been used to that because she had been sleeping.” She says that compassion and motherly instinct in her had compelled her to leave whatever she was doing and go over to comfort that child in her arms.

Tanya marked this as a turning point and gave herself a few options; if she wasn’t going to get married and start a family of her own, she was going to specialise in Paediatrics or go into Family Medicine which would afford her the chance to work with children, but she didn’t have to do it with hospital ‘on call’.

Anatomy class - hands on BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESS FOCUS

Establishing My Medical Practice

Working at her solo practice

Establishing My Medical Practice The choice to return to Saint Lucia was not only because a young and eager Dr Tanya Destang wanted to serve her country, but within a week of her return she’d be hyphenating her last name and getting married to businessman Matthew Beaubrun, CEO of Cox & Co. Ltd. Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun came back with the expectation that she would go straight into work mode, getting a job with Government to do what she dreamed of all these years, unfortunately there were no opportunities for the recent graduate. It was at this point she heavily contemplated returning to school as she had grown “frustrated and disillusioned”. If she would return to school it would be to acquire a Diploma in Child Health, a topic she had expressed interest in from an early stage. Having her first child by then, she was trying to figure out how to juggle being a new mother and finding employment, or returning to school if need-be.

While it provided Dr. Beaubrun with the opportunity to be self-employed and to practice, the Rodney Bay area was just beginning to develop and there was very little traffic coming her way. In addition, the competition was tough; the hospitals and majority of businesses and support services were in Castries and the few people who did live in the Rodney Bay area had long-standing relationships with those doctors. She developed a defeatist attitude, feeling like she was a failure, many

times questioning her decision to enter into this field. Her tone changes as she remembers the dark times. “Four days… five days would pass by and there would be not one patient in the office.” Tanya’s story is admirable and inspiring, hearing about her perseverance, dedication and commitment to a dream that was forged by an eight-year-old ‘Bubbles’. Despite the slow days, she kept at it, coming to work at eight in the morning and leaving at five in the afternoon, doing many on call visits, not knowing how her staff would even get paid at the end of the month, or how she would keep the lights on. Faith drove Tanya and she persevered. Eventually, tourism and business in the North grew and her client visits picked up, with the Rodney Bay area finally becoming the new hot spot. As her client portfolio expanded, she saw a need for more support services in her clinic and the North, as all of these services had to be sourced in or just outside of Castries, which was not conducive to efficient medical care and the patient’s best interest. She initially was able to convince Dr Stephen King to use her practice as a base to collect Blood Samples as an extension of his Laboratory Services. With a boom in construction and tourism and a rapid population shift to the North, M & C Drug Store and other complimentary medical services also opened their doors to the public. After some ten to twelve years since starting her solo practice, Tanya was then able to realise her ultimate vision to establish ‘a one stop medical centre’ offering a full suite of medical and related services to residents and visitors in the north of the island. Enter the Rodney Bay Medical Centre.

At this difficult period, Tanya’s parents became a beacon of light. They owned a family building opposite the J.Q. Mall in Rodney Bay and suggested it be developed to offer medical services anticipating the growth and expansion of the northern end of the island. Together with her uncle, Dr. Kent Glace, they set up the Rodney Bay Medical and Dental Centre. Building from the ground up - site inspection with the contractor BusinessFocus Apr / May

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Apr / May Now Offering After-Hours Call Out Services forBusinessFocus our Patients

Finding the Life Balance Between Work and Family

Family matters; Tanya, husband Matthew, children - Nicolas, Jason, Ariana

Finding the Life Balance Between Work and Family 10 years ago, we asked Dr. Tanya DestangBeaubrun, a mother of three, and married for seventeen years at the time, how she was able to balance the roles of being a family-oriented and a woman devoted to providing medical care. “As a Doctor, it’s difficult but you need to make a decision as to what your priorities are. Very early in my career I made my family my priority.”

form of a cairn – a human-made pile of stones. More intuitive and in-tune with herself; having lived her “truth” for a number of years, Tanya says all you need is a solid foundation and those should be your core values and beliefs. Hers? The same answer

10 years later, not much has changed, but when asked the same question on balancing work and family, Tanya’s response was very direct. “There is no balance. It’s a myth.” She has come to the realisation that this is an unrealistic dream sold to so many, especially women. “As a female and working woman I felt more was expected of me, there was an expectation that I must be able to do it all.” She expressed that having it all, somehow always meant sacrificing something; whether it was quality time with her children or time with her patients. The unrealistic dream is that the scales of life must be equally balanced on both ends. Tanya emphasises that the most realistic visualisation of life-balance comes in the BusinessFocus Apr / May

The Destangs

as 10 years ago, her family. Every decision she makes is related to her family. She admits that some days the work stone may take precedence over the family stone, and it might do a little bit of leaning, but in time, and as the years go by and the stones pile higher, you will find that they always balance out themselves. When speaking on motherhood, Tanya couldn’t help but applaud all women, and especially single mothers raising a child/children while trying to balance life all on their own. She believes that most good values are intrinsic to being a good mother and family is what will be critical to a child’s development. She says most women intrinsically possess these values and they do whatever they can to instill those values and create stability in their children’s lives. However, the workplace, the community, and our culture in general, is not always supportive enough of women trying to do their best or being able to give their best. She is hopeful, saying, “It’s not all lost, if more of us women got together to be more authentic in what is going on in our lives, if we got more real about what it took to raise children; sharing authentically our stories and how difficult it is at times and the lessons we learn from this “work-life” balance myth, it would help the younger generation. We need to do more family mentorships as there really is not enough being done.”

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BusinessFocus

Apr / May

Rodney Bay Medical Centre in the Providence Commercial Building

Following A Dream

FOLLOWING A DREAM Rodney Bay Medical Centre - A Vision for Health Care When Dr. Destang decided to plant her practice in Rodney Bay, with the support of her parents, she was not only thinking of means of sustaining her family, but providing quality service to others. She visualised an opportunity for the people of Gros-Islet to have more accessible and affordable health care. The true vision of Rodney Bay Medical Centre was created for the people. When the original clinic opened in April of 1994, Tanya Beaubrun was keen on working with her uncle – Dr. Kent Glace, to provide just that. “I wanted radiology, X-ray and ultrasound but we didn’t have the room,” she reminisces BusinessFocus Apr / May

New office of Satya Integrative Medical Services

on working in that original clinic with her uncle. At the time it was a much smaller facility, with just two practicing doctors, and a limitation on the services they were capable of providing. But fifteen years later that would all change. In May 2009, The Rodney Bay Medical Centre opened, and was set to feature a walk-in clinic, general surgery, dermatology, paediatrics, x-rays, ultrasounds, even incorporating holistic approaches to healthcare like: yoga, massage therapy, reflexology and even Pilates. We take a look back at our first interview with Dr. Destang-Beaubrun ten years ago, when she was featured on Business Focus issue no. 45. “We are looking to offer anything that’s new and cutting edge in family practice and care” she said, a month before the grand opening of the Medical Centre.

Distinguished guests at the official opening of the Rodney Bay Medical Centre

were large enough to accommodate heavy machinery and equipment, even speaking of the thickness of walls to be able to withstand the radiation from X-Rays. Every detail of the clinic was deliberate, precise, and all part of the vision.

Welcoming the then Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy

From inception, Tanya was wholeheartedly involved in the process, and construction of what she and even some colleagues call “her baby”. The facility was going to be done right, and so Tanya recalls being at the site every day from 8 in the morning, to 3 in the afternoon. Dr. Beaubrun takes us back as she journeys through the painstaking days of bringing her vision to life. As she speaks on the journey of constructing the Medical Centre, we look around the clinic and see everything she envisioned ten years ago realised. She speaks on measuring the distance between walls in order to facilitate a gurney – even going so far as to getting a gurney and rotating it to replicate patients coming in and out on stretchers. Dr. Beaubrun, seemingly taking the role of a contractor remembers going over the plans, ensuring that rooms

Part of Tanya’s main goals for the walk-in clinic was to be able to save the patient’s time and improve the quality of care. “She stated in her original BF feature that, “Our aim is to provide comprehensive, quality care — it’ll be a one-stop care facility.” Gros Islet residents know this is just what the doctor ordered. “We are looking to offer anything that’s new and cutting edge in family practice and care”, and that is just what she did.

The team of Doctors - 3 ladies and a gentleman

BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESS FOCUS

The welcoming smile of our Front Office Manager Ana-Faye

FOLLOWING A DREAM Offering Affordable and Accessible Heath Care In our discussion with Dr. Destang-Beaubrun, the topic of accessibility to health care was brought up, a topic that can be very touchy for most practitioners and business owners in “naming their price”. Yet, it was refreshing to find that she was very open and honest in talking about it. It is a general perception that goods and services provided to the north of the island are quite expensive, and sometimes exorbitant. Neither of those adjectives describes the affordable nature of Rodney Bay Medical Centre’s services. While it is in every owner’s best interest to maintain a lucrative business to ensure its success and sustainability, Tanya did not make that her number one priority when creating accessible fees for her clients and patients. Dr. Destang-Beaubrun’s pitch seemingly changed, almost as if to prove us wrong, she knew we would probably be surprised that the pricing for a visit was even more affordable than BusinessFocus Apr / May

A team approach to patient management

we anticipated. She opened up to us, almost in a compassionate manner, as if thinking of families who are not able to afford the best in health care. When developing and building her brand, she wanted to maintain one thing, that health care was an all across the board necessity that people were able to afford and access. She speaks about wanting to be able to provide for those from any background; not just tourists and middle-class families. She has even created payment plans in order for her patients not to feel intimidated if they are truly not able to afford her services at the time. In carrying this practice and culture throughout her office, she has maintained one rule “No one gets turned away”. Considering the quality of service provided, and the standard to which this clinic is held it was heartwarming, or as she calls it “heartbased.”

Delivery of care in the Urgent Care Suite

10 Years Later – Mission Accomplished 10 years ago, Tanya Beaubrun made a bold move in deciding to move to an area in Saint Lucia she had faith would grow into a popular hub — exactly what it is today. She opened her doors to the many patients in the Gros Islet area who were deserving of better health care. Their ultimate goal at the Rodney Bay Medical Centre from inception has always been to create a “Medical Home” for her patients. She wanted the clinic to be the place where her patients could access quality medical care, delivered in a caring and compassionate environment. When contemplating how far she has come, Tanya says she gets emotional. Many times, she catches herself looking at inanimate objects that remind her of where she was ten years ago, and feels overwhelmed with emotion and especially grateful about her journey. These emotions come with flashbacks of moments of weakness she had early on in her career where she felt like giving up, and calling it quits.

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Ten years ago, when Tanya Beaubrun pictured what the Rodney Bay Medical Centre would be, she had an end goal and aim in mind, and that was to bring comprehensive, quality service to the northern part of the island. She has checked both those things off her to-do list. Tanya Beaubrun is truly a success story, but with all there is to celebrate, Dr. Beaubrun says her time isn’t up yet. While she feels accomplished in what she has done so far, she still feels there is so much more to be done. While she grows personally, and professionally along with the growth of her Medical Centre, one thing remains; she wants to continue serving her community with the utmost standards, and cater to mind, body and spirit of each individual patient coming through her doors.

33 Tapion Road (after the school of music) Tel: 758 450 0309

Cell: 758 485 8393 Fax: 758 452 3049 Website: www.medcareslu.com

To customers Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays weekly.

The ten-year goals have certainly been accomplished, but new goals have been set for the next decade and beyond. BusinessFocus

Apr / May

Q&A

with Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun

Q & A with Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun

BF: Establishing a new business can be

a daunting yet exciting experience for a young person. What was your experience in making the transition as a medical doctor to a young entrepreneur when launching your start up 15 years ago?

Doc: First of all, it never occurred to me

that I was going to be running a business. Naively, I just thought I was opening a medical practice, and I was just going to be doctoring. It took me a while to realise that running an efficient and successful practice would need me to also have human resources, managerial, operational and accounting skills, and I just did it. It took me a very long time to finally let it sink in that I was actually running a business.

BF:

As a startup business, the fear of failure, lack of investment capital and bank loans are the major challenges in establishing a business. Your initial medical practice was established in Rodney Bay at the time when there was a small population and lack of support services. How did this affect you as a startup operating with possibly little traffic coming through your door and earning less than projected revenue in your early days of business?

Doc: It was scary, it was very scary. When

we opened that solo practice there was nothing and the population was certainly not what it is today. There were days that I despaired, that I would never be successful and have to pack it all in, and I even tried at one point opening a branch in Castries, and splitting myself between two offices which was not very efficient for me or the practice. Lack of investment capital or working with the banks in those days was a lot easier than it is today, so I must say that I got support from the banks then. Going to the bank, not having the income and the revenue that you expected, and not having being taught in a medical school about BusinessFocus Apr / May

how to run a practice; I had to do things [on my own], and pay attention to my gut a lot. Thank God for my husband who had the business acumen to help me through it.

BF:

You were fortunate to have had experienced and successful business persons around you in your parents, family and husband, how did this help to fashion your thinking and approach to business especially with the challenges you faced?

Doc:

My parents always involved us in their businesses, although we didn’t realise what was being taught officially, we were picking up things almost by osmosis. Also working at Stardust from the time I was twelve helped. So I knew certain things because I had already worked prior to opening my practice, but having my husband as a partner with me in this business, he gave me invaluable advice. The late Jeffrey Stewart was my accountant then, and he helped me put systems into place. There were a few people who volunteered advice; “why don’t you do this,” “how’s it going?” I think I was and I am indeed still fortunate to have my family who are in business and who have a collective wealth of experience — it is invaluable.

practice. What was behind your drive to establish the Rodney Bay Medical Centre? Clearly this is taking you out of just thinking medicine, and focusing on a business opportunity, using medicine as a platform.

Doc:

I didn’t see it as a business opportunity, it all came from a desire to serve the northern part of the island, with something way bigger than just a solo practice. I saw there was a need for the auxiliary services, like the Laboratory, the Diagnostic Centre, a Pharmacy – a one stop shop so patients wouldn't have to be going back and forth into town through traffic. It was also a more efficient way of treating patients; for the patient and for the physician. When I decided to open the Rodney Bay Medical Centre and expand into what it is today, it actually wasn’t that I saw a business opportunity per se, it stemmed from a desire to provide accessible and reliable services for the patients in the north of the island.

BF: Whilst that may be so, this venture

would have forced you to consider your ROI BF: A startup is the launch pad for the (Return on Investment) based on the sheer realisation of a vision of a bigger picture, scope of the project initially. How did you meaning a business plan to guide your navigate that aspect? future growth and expansion. Most doctors are happy with a thriving local Doc: I was lucky to have the resources, the bank [Bank of Saint Lucia] and my

bankers were terribly supportive, not just from a financial perspective, but from giving me advice on how to set-up certain things. They were actually coming into the building as well, helping me set-up. I didn’t have a full-fledged business plan, it was “we’re going to have a group practice and we’re going to serve the people and keep it affordable and accessible, and we’re going to make it work”.

I’d look at it and ask how could we use some of that in our setting, because it’s not an American setting. It’s little things like that I would do to just make this clinic something different.

of the Rodney Bay Medical Centre, you have now been thrust into managing a multi-faceted enterprise with layers of professional support staff, whilst at the same time being a primary care doctor. How prepared were you for the challenges of leadership and management which came with this?

My approach to management was very involved. I try as best as I can to involve the team in every decision. I’d have an idea and go to them, and ask them what they thought, and I’d let them guide me, or they would give me ideas on how to implement, or how best to do things. I have an opendoor policy so as to encourage dialogue and a healthy working environment. What I do tell people is that, you don’t work for me, you work with me. The ultimate goal is to get our patients better, so once the patient steps through the door it’s a team effort. We’re all taking care of that patient.

Doc:

BF: People are the most important asset

BF: With the construction and opening

I’d like to tell you that being the first born and having to take care of my younger siblings would have prepared me in a leadership role, but there were lots of challenges that I never expected and I just had to go with my gut and use my intuition. Again, I had to deal with so many things that when you are a solo manager and owner of a place, you take it in and you just do it. There are many days where I don’t know how I did it. I didn’t have an office manager, I did everything, and I continued to see patients. That was just the reality that I accepted.

in a service-oriented enterprise such as Rodney Bay Medical Centre. How have you addressed developing people — your most important resource, to share your vision and passion for success, enhance service delivery and loyalty and to take advantage of opportunities for growth?

Doc: I am always supporting my team in

continuous education. When we look at education, we don’t just look at medical education. A lot of my front office staff have been involved in Customer Service workshops. Whenever the hotels, or hotel association has things like that, we send the team to attend the workshops. We also encourage them to enhance their education. We had one of our team members who came in as a temp, then we hired her as a full-time receptionist, and she started showing interest in nursing. We supported her and she became a Licensed Practical Nurse, and now she’s going on to become a Registered Nurse. We supporting her by allowing her the time to go to classes, and in any other way we can. We try to support all members of the team. If the doctors have to do recertification in anything, they get the time off, and we work around them to make sure they can do that. Two of our doctors have actually done, postgrad diplomas in Family Medicine and as well as Emergency Medicine and we have been able to provide support, by being accommodating with study leave,

BF:

In a short ten years, Rodney Bay Medical Centre has grown to become a success story. Being a manager and entrepreneur, with a young family and a myriad of responsibility; what are some of the leadership and management approaches you implemented to guarantee success whilst balancing family life?

Doc: Doing everything in alignment with

my core values which are Faith, Family and Friendship. Family is always first, so all the decisions I made, once they were in alignment with my family not being compromised then it was a ‘go’. I did everything knowing that my family would come first. There were times when it wasn’t always possible and I had to put patients first, but once I knew that, it was easier to move forward. Another thing was that I followed my intuition, a lot. I would get an idea and think, “Oh, that’s a good idea”, and if it felt right, then I’d go with it. You know you’d read something and I read a lot, I subscribed to the American Academy of Physicians – in fact I am a member, and they gave a lot of management guidance. BusinessFocus

Feb Apr / Mar May

| 49

Q&A

with Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun cont'd

and time off to write exams. We do try to support them and encourage them to take advantage of available opportunities. I’m always looking for courses, if I find an online course that is right for them, I’ll show it to them and say, “Do you want to do that? Maybe we can pay for half of it.” We do the same thing with the Diagnostic Centre in terms of emphasizing continuous training.

BF:

Your decision to support your children to progress academically took you away from the business for three years. What were some of the changes and challenges you encountered in running a business long distance?

Doc: Challenging. There were many days

BusinessFocus Apr / May

when I was just ready to pack up and come back. Right before I left Saint Lucia, I hired an excellent Clinic Manager which was the best thing I ever did. She took over the dayto-day operations, the running around, and together we would make the decisions. My husband was still in Saint Lucia, so he stepped in and would meet with them and they would call me and we’d have Skype meetings. Doctor Mondesir was promoted to Medical Director, so he became involved in the decision-making. The first year was tough because everyone was trying to find their footing, and it was as if we pulled the rug out from under us, with me going away and a new person coming in. In time, it all settled nicely, and we were able to make it work, with the use of technology.

BF: The reality of that experience would

have shown person-specific centric leadership. The absence of that person exposed the gaps. What were your takeaways?

Doc:

That’s what we took three years to repair. We realized that the roles of our Office Manager and Medical Director were key factors in the way forward, as we realised that it was too heavily dependent on me. We also started to delegate; by giving people more specific responsibilities and clearly designating roles. It is always evolving.

BF: After twenty-five years, as a successful

medical practitioner and entrepreneur, how would you offer guidance specifically to other women and especially the next generation following in your path to success while balancing work, family and everything else?

Doc: Follow your heart, and listen to your

intuition, and have faith that you can do it. My belief in God has always anchored me. There is a Power far greater than me guiding and directing my path. I have Faith that despite the struggles, things usually fall back into place and Faith that there is a Plan pre-destined for each one of us and that it is all working out perfectly.

I had a dream to provide the northern area with medical services that would save lives. That was what drove me to keep expanding and evolving the business. A lot of it was intuitive, because I didn’t have the training, it was just something that said, “I think this is right for us. I think we should do this. This is how I feel.” If I didn’t believe in myself, and believe in my team, I don’t think we would have fulfilled it. I had faith that together we could do so much. I have the ongoing support of my husband, my kids, my parents, my siblings and there are so many other people that I’m now more comfortable reaching out to for support. In the early days I used to think, “Who am I, to go to this person for advice.” Now, I just want to soak in the wisdom of the elders, by just going in and asking. If I don’t know something, I will ask. If someone is doing something and I like it, I’d pick up the phone and say, “I really like what you’re doing, is there a way we can collaborate? How can I help you?” That’s really where I think maybe another critical factor is; reaching out for help before it’s too late.

BF: Based on your business experience over the years, what would be your advice to new young entrepreneurs to ensure that they are successful with their ventures.

Doc:

Make sure that you have a proper business plan, which is something I didn’t have and that you have the support of your accountants, bankers and the other professional people around you who make sure that your business is viable. I think twenty-five years ago I could get away with just opening up, and flying by the seat of my pants, and going with it. I don’t think that in this current economic time, we can just say, “okay, it’s going to happen.” We need to have structure and the advice of qualified professionals. However, I still think that we also need to follow our intuition, because there have been times when on paper something doesn’t really make sense, but I have a strong feeling that it would work and I would go with it slowly, and it does play out well.

BF: Having fulfilled the dream of being

an island scholar, a caring doctor with a professional Medical Centre and growing into a successful entrepreneur, a mother and home maker, what is next for Tanya Beaubrun?

Doc:

Service. Service. Service. I think right now, I am at the stage where I want to give more and give back by educating,

Dr Beaubrun with her husband, parents and siblings empowering, and encouraging patients more, and reach more people, to get the knowledge that I have out to my people. That’s where I think I really want to go. I see myself doing more community outreach, and doing the TV Shows ( Daily Buzz on Choice TV), the Radio Shows, just giving that information on how people can remain well. It is about serving the community by showing them how they can get healthier and encouraging everyone to take better care of themselves. For example, Rodney Bay Medical Centre now hosts a free event every October to educate women on cancer awareness. Last year, we changed the format to a Fitness Party; which was a huge success. Not only did we educate attendees, but we walked our walk by joining them in an hour-long fitness session. This year, we intend to host a few more community outreach events, including a health awareness event geared towards our men. Our ‘’What’s to Know Down Below” event will focus on cancers “down there” as well as education on other chronic diseases.

BF:

Finally, on reflection after introspection of your life, channeling your energies in a new direction and your overall impact on society, what legacy would you like to leave behind as you close the chapter on your professional life?

Doc: I think that I would love this Clinic

to be here way beyond my lifetime. Giving the service in the way that is unique to the Rodney Bay Medical Centre, putting patient first, being the patients’ medical

home, going beyond just the clinical aspect of medical care but also embracing compassionate heart-centered care. A lasting legacy of wellness is important to me. I am advocating for the dissemination of wellness education to the masses. The concept of Education along with the critical tools of empowerment and encouragement are invaluable as basic education is not enough. We need to also empower people as well as encourage and support them on their journey to health. A legacy of compassionate, heart-based medicine, where the patient is treated as a whole and not simply looked upon as a disease to be treated. What I’ve always said is that this Clinic is bigger than me. It’s not about me. It's about bringing caring, intuitive physicians into one centre, all working together to provide service and a level of medical care that is just not found anywhere else. My hope is that this clinic will always beable to provide that service, long after I am gone. No matter what happens the provision of affordable, accessible, heart-based medical care will always remain, twentyfive years from now. That is the core of the philosophy. Technology will come, and robots will come, but people will still be people, who will need accessible, affordable, heart-based care. 100 years from now, people will still want that and need it.

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Dr. John Mondesir

DR. JOHN MONDESIR Medical Director Dr. John F. Mondesir is registered and licensed with the St. Lucia Medical and Dental Association. He is the Medical Director of the Rodney Bay Medical Centre, where he practices General, Family and Emergency Medicine. He is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and is a first responder with the St Lucia Red Cross and N.E.M.O (National Emergency Management Organisation). Before all these accolades, Dr. Mondesir had always nurtured an interest in the sciences and knew as a teenager that he would pursue a career in the field of science or medicine. As such, when the opportunity arose, he successfully applied for a full scholarship to study medicine in Cuba. He went on to spend seven years there studying at the “Raul Dorticos Torrado” Faculty of Medical Science in Cienfuego, Cuba. After graduating in 2008 with a Medical Degree, and interning at the same institution, a now bilingual Dr. Mondesir decided to return to Saint Lucia, where he completed an internship at the Victoria Hospital, before relocating to the United States. He worked diligently in the Emergency Room Unit both in New York at the New York Presbyterial Hospital and soon BusinessFocus Apr / May

thereafter in Florida where he was based for a short period of time. After his U.S. medical tenure, he chose to return to Saint Lucia where he was able to fully immerse himself as a local doctor. For a limited time, Dr. Mondesir worked at Victoria Hospital before moving to Tapion Hospital. Trying to gain the most exposure, he worked part time at the Rodney Bay Medical Centre before being offered a full-time position by Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun in 2013. Dr. Mondesir rose to the occasion when the clinic became unforeseeably shortstaffed, requiring him to operate as the sole medical practitioner on staff for over a year. He credits his experience at the Victoria Hospital for conditioning him to be able to take on heavy workloads and work independently as needed. He also acknowledges that he has become comfortable in emergency settings while ensuring that patients receive the best care possible. With the growth of the Rodney Bay Medical Centre, and with Dr. Beaubrun heading off to pursue functional and integrative medicine, it became apparent that the centre needed more visible leadership and accountability for the clinic in her absence.

The role of Medical Director was created specifically for Dr. Mondesir to fill this gap, being the longest standing doctor at RBMC. He is responsible for ensuring that the doctors are held to the highest standard of care and responsibility with respect to the quality of their work. Dr. Mondesir admits the role came to him naturally based on the preexisting relationships that he had built, and he has since found a rhythm that works for both him and his team. He appreciates the working relationship he has formed over the years with all the staff, and is grateful that he can rely on them, and vice versa. Even with a busy schedule, Dr. Mondesir still finds time to give of himself. Dr. Mondesir tutored as a Professor of Microbiology at the American International Medical University (Saint Lucia Campus) and was a former Basic Sciences Professor of Physics at the Atlantic University Medical School. He is currently the medical consultant for the Tiger InFLOW Tennis Academy, and serves as a managing committee member. The tennis academy introduces the sport of tennis to inner city youth of Castries. It doesn’t hurt that while helping empower youth, he gets to dabble in a sport he is passionate about and an avid player of.

Dr. Kristin West-Gustave

DR. KRISTIN WEST-GUSTAVE Family Practitioner From her earliest memories Dr. Gustave was convinced she would be a lawyer or go into business. Her father, who was an engineer, always suggested that she and her siblings consider careers in the Sciences.

that specialty. Her plans changed when her father became ill and she realized that she preferred a specialty in which she could offer medical care to anyone of any age with any illness.

While studying Sciences in Form 4, she discovered a passion for human biology. She recalls being fascinated that the body had so many perfectly designed processes all occurring at once, allowing it to function almost seamlessly. She was also curious about what caused disease and what could be done to stop it.

Shortly after, she took up a position in the Emergency Department at the Mount St John’s Medical Centre in Antigua. While working in that department she had to quickly learn how to deal with medical emergencies, how to triage patients in order of priority and often how to deal with “an angry mob” who believed they had been waiting too long to be seen.

She saw the “human” side of Medicine when her aunt who is a Pediatrician invited her to observe ward rounds. Medicine wasn’t simply a collection of body parts that may not be functioning as they should; but also involved interacting with people with feelings and fears who were seeking guidance and reassurance from doctors in whom they placed their trust. She then realized that becoming a doctor was the perfect way for her to combine her wish to help others with learning about disease and healing. She completed her medical degree at the University of the West Indies in St Augustine, then went on to complete her Internship at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. She later worked as a house officer in the Pediatrics Department at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Trinidad. At that time, she wanted to specialize in Pediatrics and even began her studies in

Working at the Rodney Bay Medical Centre has only enhanced her love for this field. From the moment a patient steps through the door they are treated with courtesy and respect and attended to in a timely manner. If a patient requires referral to a specialist or to the hospital they are not just handed over and forgotten but are still part of the Rodney Bay Medical Centre family. “We often call and check up to make sure the patient is happy with their follow up care. There is a feeling of comradery among the staff that also enhances the patient’s experience.”

She completed the Post-Graduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine and was promoted to Registrar in the Department. The opportunity soon arose for her to enroll in the Post-Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine and she was transferred to the newly formed Family Medicine department of the hospital.

She looks forward to contributing to the growth of the clinic by constantly seeking to expand and apply her knowledge especially in the fields of chronic disease management, preventative medicine and wellness training. Community service is also of utmost importance to her and to the Rodney Bay Medical Centre.

Although she enjoyed the adrenaline rush of working in the high-paced Emergency Department, she felt like she wasn’t able to connect with and truly counsel patients on disease management and wellness due to time constraints.

Dr. Gustave was instrumental in the planning and redesigning of the program for the Clinic’s Annual Pink Party for Breast Cancer Awareness and is eagerly looking forward to planning the next one as well as our first ever Men’s Health Conference.

Dr. Gustave regards Family Medicine as being a thoroughly fulfilling field which allows patients to have a medical ally and a confidant.

In her spare time, she enjoys doing Socafit to stay healthy, spending time with her family, as well as exploring the natural beauty of Saint Lucia.

“I’m able to interact with patients and their families and help them through often difficult times,” she says.

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Dr. Monique Monplaisir

DR. MONIQUE MONPLAISIR Family Practitioner Dr. Monplaisir has been interested in the medical field for as long as she can remember and always had a curious nature. In attending doctor’s visits with her mother, she would ask constant questions and not shy away from what most would consider the gory aspects, like blood tests for example. Keeping true to that nature, she always had a love for learning about the human body. Summers at the A-Level College were spent working in a lab (both at Victoria Hospital and Lab Services at Tapion Hospital). Additionally, she would attend as many post mortem examinations with Dr. S. King whenever she could. Based on that background, Dr. Monplaisir initially wanted to become a pathologist. However, that changed when she started going on the wards and meeting patients. According to her, “there is no greater feeling in the world than being able to help someone heal and feel better.” This empathy helped direct her future decisions. After completing an internship at Victoria Hospital, Dr. Monplaisir went on to work in their Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Department. During her tenure there, she learnt indispensable skills in pain management, how to be diligent and BusinessFocus Apr / May

meticulous, and how to keep calm in the face of emergencies. These are qualities she first attributes to learning from her mother, which were later reinforced at Victoria Hospital. She asserts that an outward calm nature keeps the team focused and productive and helps patients and relatives not worry too much. She later worked at Tapion Hospital in the emergency room where she gained invaluable experience, working closely with many consultants who were all amazing role models. However, she realized that she did not love Emergency Medicine, and chose not to stay long term. When it was presented, she jumped at the opportunity to join the team at the Rodney Bay Medical Centre. Dr. Monplaisir feels that family practice allows her to use her clinical skills in a more empathetic way, affording her the opportunity to better connect with her patients and to educate them. She is able to do what she has always loved and wanted to do; which is to care for her patients, and help to heal and guide them to a healthier lifestyle. She feels that working with the team at the Rodney Bay Medical Centre has been “a

wonderful experience”. The team members are all supportive and friendly and that warm camaraderie spills over into excellent customer service, making the clinic feel welcoming to everyone who comes through the door. Dr. Monplaisir has several interests outside of medicine. She is an avid reader, especially of novels and history. The latter led her to join the re-instated St. Lucia National Trust Youth Group while attending Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. She was also briefly the president of the group. Additionally, she loves dancing; even from as early as the age of six years old she would dance ballet. While attending UWI she learnt Latin dance and ballroom. She is a family-oriented person; with weekends usually being spent with her family on a beach. In the future, Dr. Monplaisir is looking forward to continued learning and growth. Most importantly, to continue her life’s calling to help and heal people to the best of her abilities. She would like to use her skills to help the clinic to keep having the up-to-date amazing service that it currently has, as well as to continue improving.

Following his accreditation, he spent a lot of time teaching at the provincial hospital, where he was taught, as it was important for him to give back. Being principal teacher, he was instrumental in design and application of both practical and theoretical assessments in the education of his medical residents. Dr. Ramos first came to Saint Lucia in 2013 to work at Victoria Hospital as part of the international medical exchange programme in co-operation with the Cuban Government. He was responsible for orthopaedic consultancies and conducted rounds, clinic visits and training as part of his regular duties over the course of 2 years. He fondly recalls being made to feel very welcomed, saying that he received a lot of support from Saint Lucian doctors who had studied in Cuba, making it a relatively easy transition for him in better understanding Saint Lucian culture.

Dr. Omar ramos

He left Saint Lucia in 2015 only to return later in the year with the intention of taking up residence here. Dr. Ramos admits that he had a hard time transitioning as a result of the language barrier, but is slowly and surely making his way. He appreciates the similarities between Saint Lucian and Cuban cultures and very much feels settled in his new home. Dr. Ramos speaks highly of the array of services offered by the clinic with a variety of specialty services and specialist doctors within reach. Treatment for his patients is made especially accessible with the availability of lab services, x-ray imaging and physiotherapy immediately available on site. According to him, he has everything he needs to do a great job!

Dr. Omar ramos bone specialist

Dr. Omar Ramos is the resident Orthopaedic specialist at the Rodney Bay Medical Centre. He is originally from Cuba and has been with the clinic now for just over 3 years, since early 2016. The doctor recalls starting his journey into medicine in 1985 which resulted in the acquisition of his medical degree in 1991. He also completed his residency in Cuba where he was formally trained as a first-grade specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology. Looking back, he remembers his training being a very intense 4-year programme requiring a lot of work and study. His foray into orthopaedics and traumatology was inspired by an unfortunate accident involving a close friend who ended up losing his leg. This made an indelible impact on Dr. Ramos and provided him with perspective that influenced his decision to specialize.

He is very grateful for his colleagues and the positive working environment that has been created at the Rodney Bay Medical Centre. He credits Dr. Destang-Beaubrun with being extremely supportive and understanding of her medical team and support staff. He appreciates all the effort that goes into making the environment warm and close-knit and applauds her for making particular effort to take good care of her doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; emotional and mental well-being. He wanted to make a point to acknowledge her prowess at managing medical team so seamlessly and says â&#x20AC;&#x153;she always makes sure to listen to her staff.â&#x20AC;?

RBMC Team BUSINESS FOCUS

RBMC TEAM Farida Bousquet Clinic Manager

Ms. Bousquet joined our team in 2015 as Clinic Manager. She completed her schooling in the UK and later returned to St. Lucia to assist her father in managing their family business, N. Y. Daher and Co. Ltd. Upon his death in 1990, she assumed the role of Managing Director until the closing of that business in 2000. Since then, she has worked as Sales Manager for Prestige Auto Imports, as well as Managing Director of Poinsettia Apartments Ltd. In her role as Clinic Manager, she is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of both the Rodney Bay Medical Centre and the Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre. Since assuming the role of Clinic manager, she has implemented systems which have contributed to a more effective patient care delivery system. Faridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong work ethic along with her leadership capabilities and attention to detail have all contributed to the smooth running of both departments.

Tanzania Daniel Clinic Nurse

Ms. Daniel is the most recent addition to our Clinic team. She has been a Registered Nurse for the past 7 years and is a graduate of the Nursing program at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. In 2016, after having worked at St. Judeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital for the past 5 years, she was transferred to the Gros Islet Polyclinic Urgent Care Department. She derives great pleasure in seeing patients leave the Clinic looking and feeling happier and healthier than when they came in. Tanzy as she is affectionately called is passionate about nursing, with a goal of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner in the future.

Janelda George Practice Nurse

Ms. George is currently our Licensed Practice Nurse. A member of our family since February of 2010, she forms an important first contact point with all our patients. She is responsible for the initial welcoming and triaging of all patients, as well as ensuring that our clinic remains well stocked with all supplies. Janelda, with her ever-present smile, is an all-important bridge between the untreated patient and our doctors. Her jovial personality as well as her care and compassion leave her loved by all her patients. BusinessFocus Apr / May

Ana-Faye Giraudy Front Office Manager

Mrs. Giraudy joined our family in February 2011 and currently serves as our Front Office Manager. Ana is responsible for the managing of all doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; appointments, filing and all areas pertaining to the front office area. With more than ten 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in customer service, she is the first and last face one sees when you visit our clinic. Her skills of effective communication, effective time management, patience, attention to detail, good interpersonal skills and not forgetting her smile, makes her perfect for her position. She is a passionate soul, who works hard to ensure that every patient who walks through our doors leaves happier and healthier.

Janisse Mondesir Administrative Assistant

Ms. Mondesir is a recent addition to the Rodney Bay Medical Centre Team. A graduate of the Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School, Tyler (as she is affectionately called by all) forms an integral part of our front office team for both the Rodney Bay Medical and Diagnostic Centres. Her responsibilities include: triaging patients, front desk operations as well as assisting in the Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre. A Red Cross responder and one of the few female lieutenants in the St. Lucia Cadet Corps, Tyler strives to make each patient feel at home.

Cecelia Epiphane Office Attendant

Ms. Epiphane joined us in 2011 as our Office Attendant. She is responsible for maintaining our offices as well as ensuring that every area of the Clinic is clean and spotless. Her ever-ready smile and pleasant attitude has made her an important member of our team.

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Our radiographer performing X-ray

The Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre

THE RODNEY BAY DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE When the Medical Centre opened in May 2009, Diagnostic Services were provided by Medical Imaging Ltd. Their decision to cease operations in Rodney Bay left a void and meant that patients in the North, would once again have to head into Castries for Diagnostic services. This was not in keeping with the vision of the center in providing a one stop shop for our patients and we felt there was no option but to take over the Imaging Center. A few months later, the Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre was opened with the vision of providing digital x-rays and mammograms as well as ultrasounds. Under the direction of Consultant Radiologist, Dr. Jurado Iglesias, the center has become one of the leading imaging centers in Saint Lucia. The use of teleradiology, which is the transmission of radiological patient images, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, mammograms, from our facility to the Dr. Iglesiasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Center for interpretation and diagnosis, has allowed us to deliver reliable results in a timely and efficient manner. Using the latest in technology and innovation, our team continues to expand our services to those who are in need of faster results. We recently launched our Ramsoft Portal which allows physicians to log in and access patient images and reports from anywhere in BusinessFocus Apr / May

Digital processing and viewing of X-rays

Our certified sonographer performing ultrasound

the World. This focus on technology also means that our equipment is regularly serviced and software upgrades done as they become available. Services offered at the Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre include:

Digital X-rays - which allow images to be instantly available and shared with physicians. Mammograms - this specialized medical

imaging technique uses low-dose x-rays to view the breasts. Mammography assists in the early detection, diagnosis and management of breast diseases in women.

Ultrasounds - including general and

obstetric ultrasounds, as well as vascular ultrasounds. Also known as sonography,

this imaging tool uses highfrequency sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. These images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.

Patient leaving diagnostic centre after having X-rays reviewed by our team of doctors leading to more efficient management

At the Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre, we strive to deliver the highest quality care in imaging. Our practices and techniques are regularly monitored by Dr Iglesias and his team and all examinations are performed by our certified technologists. The team at the Diagnostic Centre will provide you with personalized treatment, giving you the attention you deserve. Our courteous staff will continue to work diligently to accommodate your

appointment time and to stay on schedule, in our comfortable, â&#x20AC;&#x153;non-hospitalâ&#x20AC;? like setting which has been designed to make your experience as relaxing as possible. For your convenience and peace of mind, you can expect to receive test results within 24-48 hours of your procedure.

RBDC TEAM Dr Jurado-Iglesias

RBDC Team

Consultant Radiologist

He earned his medical degree in 1990 and moved on to complete a residency in Radiology in 1993. He has been working in the Caribbean since 1997 as a Consultant Radiologist at Princess Margaret Hospital in Dominica as well as at the Gablewoods Medical Center and Tapion Hospital in Saint Lucia between 2000-2002. He also worked at the Victoria Hospital from 2001-2002. In 2003, he proceeded to the United States and worked as a Radiologist Assistant at Perfect Diagnostic in Florida and went on to become licensed by the American Registry of Diagnostic Ultrasound and American Registry of Vascular Ultrasound. He is the owner and Medical Director of Medicus Diagnostic Inc in Dominica, servicing other Caribbean islands via Teleradiology. He has also worked as an Associate professor of the Clinical Sciences Department at Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica lecturing on Anatomy and Radiology. BusinessFocus

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RBDC TEAM Ernella Hercules RDMS Sonographer

Ernella joined our team in 2014, as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. She underwent her training at Keiser University in Florida, from where she graduated with first class honors in 2012. She is certified by and registered with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Ernella is extremely knowledgeable in the field of ultrasonography, and is an integral part of the team at the Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre. Her ability to keep calm under pressure as well as her dedication to patient care makes her invaluable to our team.

Alfredo Calzada Imaging Technician

Alfredo joined our team in February 2018 as a Medical Imaging Technician, responsible for our X-ray and Mammography Unit. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Imaging and also holds a Diploma in Electronics. He began his career in 2005 as a Radiographer and he has been developing his skills in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography scanning, Mammography, Fluoroscopy and Angiography. He has 15 years of experience assuming Medical Imaging roles within the public health sector at the University Surgical Clinical Hospital Lucia Iniguez in Holguin city, Cuba, and also spent 4 years as an X-ray technician in Venezuela. As our go-to person for all things technical; Alfredo’s commitment to his work and attention to detail has made him a valuable member of our team.

Alisha Felicien-Cox Front Office Manager

Alisha joined the Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre in 2013, in the role of Front Office Manager. Hers is the smile and calm demeanor that welcome patients as they enter the Centre. She attended the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, followed by the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, where she studied Business, Accounting and French. She has several years’ experience in Accounting, Customer Service and Administrative Duties. She is responsible for booking of appointments, as well as assisting the Clinic manager with accounting duties. Alisha has played a key role in ensuring that the department runs smoothly and efficiently. BusinessFocus Apr / May

Clinic Testimonials

CLINIC TESTIMONIALS

Dr. Tanya “Bubbles” Beaubrun has been my doctor for over twenty years. And ‘my’ is used here intentionally because that is how she makes you feel – that you’re her only patient. Her approach and bedside manner are calm, reassuring and always spot on. Bubbles truly cares about her patients and her follow ups are relentless. She always makes certain that your annual checkups are carried out. All in an effort to ensure that her patients remain in optimum health. Bubbles has been the calm in my life for all these years. I wish her continued success and congratulate her on being featured in Business Focus.

- Peter I. Foster, QC

“Among many physicians I have seen during my lifetime, Dr. John Mondesir has been exceptionally compassionate, attentive, scientific, and methodical. Together with attentiveness and professionalism from all supporting staff my visits have been very satisfying and pleasant indeed.” - Dr. Stephen Montrose, Veterinarian “Dr. Tanya Beaubrun has been my family’s GP since returning to St. Lucia 20 years ago. I have always found Dr. “Bubbles” approachable, contactable and available. She has eagle’s eyes and a very intuitive nature so diagnosis has been a strength I have witnessed. This of course must be backed up by the science and over the years Dr. Destang Beaubrun has invested in her practice in an integrated way. By this I mean that her team, equipment and services offered, cater for the whole human, body and spirit. Over the years she and her team have undergone continual professional development, which brings in so-called “alternative” practices that comfortably sit alongside the traditional modern medicine. In times of worry or routine medical checks, the team has always been professional, caring and efficient. Well done Dr. Bubbles. It has been a pleasure witnessing this metamorphosis.”

- Mrs. Germaine Waters

“My family and I placed our health in the hands of the dedicated and caring professionals at Rodney Bay Medical Centre almost a decade ago. It was the best decision we ever made. The quality of care, facilities and services available are top notch and we feel like part of a family that is truly invested in our well-being. As busy parents and business owners it’s also really convenient to be able to go to one facility for our whole family and have access to a comprehensive range of services so close to home. Happy Anniversary!”

- Damon and Shawnella Walters and Family

Recently both my daughter Wendy and I have had the opportunity to use the medical facilities at the Centre and we can, therefore, vouch for the high quality of service and timely response to the needs of patients. Not only have we used the services of Dr. Ramos and the orthopedic unit but also the x-ray unit in the Rodney Bay Diagnostic Centre. Accordingly, we applaud Dr. Beaubrun and the team for their entrepreneurial skill and their contribution to the upliftment of the medical services of Saint Lucia and the north in particular.

The Rodney Bay Medical Center is home away from home. I have been a patient there for years, and not once did I not get excellent service. From the moment you enter there is a warm and welcoming smile from all the ladies at the front desk especially Anna and Nurse Janelda. All the doctors there have a high level of professionalism, and they explain everything you need to know about your health to put your mind at Ease. Dr. John Mondesir is my General Practitioner is the best doctor I could ask for. Overall, everyone there are highly skilled and professional, and very knowledgeable in answering my questions. The level of service I receive is the best. I, as a patient, am honored to be a part of an establishment that I am pleased with and won't change it for anything. Thank you all for your service. God bless.

- Jeannette Hood

What a pleasure it is to step into the Rodney Bay Medical Clinic! Beautiful uplifting ambience, professional and personable staff and a range of medical professionals all under one roof. I have been a patient from inception. The holistic approach of the Clinic and its practitioners creates a supportive environment for healthcare where the whole patient is the focus. Dr. Destang-Beaubrun’s Satya Integrative Medical Services is all about creating healthier balanced lifestyles in a caring healing environment. Having a personalized roadmap for health which integrates diet and exercise makes all the difference for me.

- Michelle Anthony-Desir

Not until I went to Dr. Beaubrun did I realize the difference between a doctor and a health partner... the team at the Rodney Bay Medical Centre has supported me through difficult medical times with care and listening. It is indeed a special place.

- Peter Dillon

My family and I have been patients of the Rodney Bay Medical Centre for many years. The team at the clinic are a cut above the rest. Every experience leaves me feeling better than the last. Being greeted with top notch courtesy and Ana’s smile when not feeling your best can make you forget that you are sick and at a doctor’s office. Nurse Janelda always puts me at ease, even before I see my doctor. Dr. Monplaisir is excellent at what she does. I am most pleased with the clinic and the service which they provide. It is truly a cut above the rest.

- Gifta Eugene

Dr. Gustave is a professional, caring and sensitive person. She is a very good listener which is extremely important to me as a patient. She is someone I can have an open conversation with, which makes me feel very comfortable. I always leave her office with confidence knowing that she has given me the best consultation ever. As Mother Teresa said, “It is not how much you do but how much love you put in the doing.” Dr. Gustave provides me service with a personal touch.

- Janitha Regobert

- George Theophilus

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Dr. Stephen King (Left) and Lab Services Staff at Tapion Hospital

Laboratory Services

LABORATORY SERVICES Caring for People and Saving Lives Dr. Stephen King comes from a medical family with his father and uncle both having been doctors. His interest in medicine was stimulated from an early age growing up in a household familiar with medicine and health services. Even though he eventually decided to pursue medicine, it actually wasn’t his first choice. He relays that he had an active interest in and enjoyed farming as he frequented his family’s farm in Canaries. He also considered doing engineering before finally settling on the field of medicine. He pointedly states that he has never regretted his decision. He went off to Jamaica to study and returned to Saint Lucia in 1976 with his first degree. Upon his return, he served as the District Medical Officer in Soufriere for 2 ½ years before BusinessFocus Apr / May

Lab Services Rodney Bay Staff

going to Toronto to study pathology. Dr. King became Saint Lucia’s only pathologist and worked in the public sector running the lab, and conducting all pathology on island. Laboratory Services and Consultations Limited, often called “Lab Services”, was established in August 1993. Dr. King was approached by Michael Chastanet who wanted a lab to be set up to compliment the Medical Centre that was being established at the recently completed Gablewoods Mall in Sunny Acres. Hesitant at first due to work constraints, Dr. King eventually agreed based on some wise words shared by Mr. Chastanet that he remembers to this day: “Business, social and national development are all linked. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the private sector driving development because it actually gives greater opportunity to do what is necessary without having to rely on the public sector bureaucracy.” That was all the convincing he needed. Lab Services was born as a family business with 3 main partners; Mrs. Anne King – his mother, Mrs. Alison King– his sister, and Mr. Albert Walter Joseph – his then brother-inlaw. Dr. King’s wife, Mrs. Rumelia DalphinisKing also plays an integral role as she sits on the board, contributing to business decisions and assisting with human resources. Mrs. Alison King is the current chairperson of the Board and Mrs Cynthia Combie-Martyr is the Company Secretary. The company started with 5 staff members and has grown to a complement of 35, serving 8 locations across the island. Thanks to the concerted efforts of Mrs.

Anne King, the culture has always been a close-knit family-oriented one, with customer care and service being the driving forces of the operation. Their philosophy is two-fold – to provide a service that meets client needs and to “get it right and get it right the first time,” as his mother always said. This has led the lab to provide the best possible lab information and to become a one-stop-shop for lab services by doing their utmost to offer everything they possibly can through strategic partnerships and networks. In keeping with this philosophy, Lab Services also became accredited 8 years ago by Accreditation Canada, going through a cycle of auditing every 3 years to continue to build on the quality of their systems. The business underwent quick expansion, almost immediately opening an office on

High Street in Castries, which then inspired the concept of setting up several outlets to provide convenience for customers with easier access to services. Lab Services now has 8 outlets conveniently located throughout the island from Rodney Bay in the North to Vieux Fort in the south. They are located at Rodney Bay Medical Centre, Emcare Medical Centre, M-Care Medical Clinic, Sunny Acres, Cardiovascular Centre in Sans Souci, Blue Coral Mall, Tapion Hospital, Bridge Street in Soufriere and Vieux Fort. This model has worked well for them with the locations having varying degrees of testing available at respective sites. The two main testing facilities are located in Castries at Tapion Hospital, and in Vieux Fort. Many of the other locations have onsite testing capabilities and are called point of care systems. The seamlessness between sites is all made easier because of the universal health information system in place which allows for all data to be tracked at all locations so as to ensure optimal efficiency. Lab Services offers a wider and fuller range of tests than any other lab on island. These include Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Serology, Histopathology, Cytology and Specimen Collection; the whole gamut of lab testing including molecular testing which is made available through partners in the United States. This makes Lab Services one of the biggest and most comprehensive labs with the most locations and staff and with testing volume on par with those of the public lab, which is saying a lot. Even more growth and evolution are in the cards for Lab Services with ongoing investments being made in updating technology. Plans are in place to upgrade testing apparatus and equipment so as to BusinessFocus

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provide state of the art services in Saint Lucia that are on par with what is being offered in the rest of the world. Dr. King emphasizes that they are always seeking to up their game because it is what the patients deserve. Lab Services believes in building indigenous capacity, being a fully 100% Saint Lucian owned and operated business. Effort is continuously made to keep services bought from external suppliers to a minimum, not exceeding 10%, with 90% of testing being done right here at home. Beyond just lab services, the lab offers consultations to patients and doctors alike. The business and structure of labs is moving toward empowerment of patients where patients are in charge of their information. Patient autonomy is a pillar of their ethics so it is important that patients have proper guidance when it comes to their diagnostic test results.

Mrs. Anne King

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Nowadays a lot of tests can be purchased online, however, rather than going it alone it is better to have professional guidance. Dr. King is the in-house doctor offering this aspect of service. Lab Services’ relationship with Dr. Destang-Beaubrun goes way back as they were a part of the clinic since she opened her doors at the original location. Dr. King attests that they have grown together. He says that she has an excellent point of view in approaching her practice as she pushes the envelope especially as it relates to alternative and integrated approaches to patient care. And she pushes the lab by extension to grow and improve as theirs is a symbiotic relationship. Dr. King wanted to make special mention of the role that his mother played in developing Lab Services. The spirit of Anne King was very much infused into the business from the get-go and she strongly believed in what they were doing. She always said that in this life you have got to help people – that’s what God put us on Earth to do. That is how she was and that is how she nurtured her family to operate. When the lab was opened, she felt that it was living up to that ideal and that it was a good endeavour, in fulfilling that mission and purpose. She related to patients through unrivalled customer care as she would often offer cups of tea to fasting patients after they had their samples drawn. His mother studied Social Anthropology as a degree and she was a teacher. She was both nurturing and strict. She

could be strict with staff and management alike in advocating that they do their best to get it right the first time. The nature of business was such that one could not afford to make mistakes, especially not with client’s test results. She passed away 9 years ago but her teachings are still very much carried on as the business moves forward in her absence. It is important to honour her memory and her contribution from foundation through evolution. She was involved in the business from 1993 right through until her passing. Mrs. King was active in the lab, physically spending most of her time at Gablewoods, but often travelling mid-morning to check in on the other locations. She operated as business manager and board secretary, kept track of finances and paid salaries. She is dearly missed not just as a mother but as a business partner because she had a fantastic network which proved to be a valuable asset in improving operations. Titles don’t adequately encompass what people like her did since she did so much – Dr. King says, “we never really defined her role but we all knew that she was in charge.” In her stead are now General Manager, Mr. Dale Louis, who runs VF operation but manages the entire lab. He is joined by Deputy & Quality Manager, Ms. Donna Providence, who is based at the Tapion location and is responsible for executing daily managerial duties at that site. Dr. King beams as he speaks of the well-trained staff and technologists who continue to faithfully work, serving doctors and patients, understanding the crucial role they play in caring for people. He is especially proud of the fact that Lab Services still subscribes to his mother’s mission for the business: “To deliver using science, technology, and caring professional staff at every level of the organisation.”

Congratulations to Rodney Bay Medical Centre on 10 Years of Excellence.

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of the services he provides include, but are not limited to, new born examinations, immunisation, vaccines, developmental assessments of children and ear piercing. They also provide Electrocardiogram (EKG) heart tests along with other tests conducted in association with Laboratory Services and the Diagnostic Centre which are both conveniently located on the premises.

Dr. Martin Plummer

He performs routine child health examinations that are initially carried out at the age of 6 weeks as stipulated by Public Health Services and mandated by the Ministry of Education. This incorporates developmental assessments which are typically administered at 8 months, 1.5-2 years, 3-3.5 years and at 4.5-5 years of age. Conveniently, these time frames coincide with the vaccine administration schedule and are also offered through his practices for children up to the age of twelve years old prior to being admitted to secondary school. This is all in an effort to ensure that the developmental curve is progressing as it should and that there are no childhood developmental delays in psychomotor ability and emotional intelligence. These tests also need to be completed in order for any child to enter our public schooling system.

Dr. martin plummer Paediatrician Dr. Martin H. Plummer, is a seasoned Paediatrician with over thirty years of experience in the medical field. While he loves the overall specialisation and the practice of different forms of paediatrics, his area of interest is in Neonatal Care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; caring for newborns, particularly those born prematurely or for ill â&#x20AC;&#x153;tiny totsâ&#x20AC;? as he refers to them. He, however, works in all types of paediatrics and is often consulted by obstetricians as well as parents in treating young patients right up to the age of eighteen years old. He currently offers services from three different locations: Victoria Hospital, Tapion Hospital and of course, from the Rodney Bay Medical Centre. Some BusinessFocus Apr / May

Dr. Plummer advocates for these developmental examinations to be performed on all children in a timely manner in order to pick up on any deviations in responsiveness, growth rate and weight gain, among other things very early on. These early indicators serve as markers which can assist in solving a lot of problems that can have an adverse lifelong impact such as hypothyroidism and mental retardation. His paediatric journey began at the University of the West Indies at Mona Campus in Jamaica. Dr. Plummer also did a short stint

A Seasoned Paediatrician with a Wealth of Experience in England before heading back to Saint Lucia in 1999 where he would settle at Gablewoods Mall in Sunny Acres, Castries to begin his private practice as a paediatrician. He did not limit his practice and desire to serve the wider parts of the island by restricting himself to Gablewoods, as he also worked at Victoria Hospital, Tapion Hospital and in the community of Dennery.

expand his practice, evenly distributing his time and services throughout the island. He lauds the fabulous working relationships that have been fostered between all of the doctors and the clinic in that everyone does their part to support each other with ideas and materials are exchanged as needed. He even expressed that patients are sometimes redirected if any services

are overloaded to create a better patient experience. Dr. Plummer indicated that they are always exploring ways to make the services offered at Rodney Bay Medical Centre more complete, and are currently considering adding more sub-specialties as well as expanding office hours to provide even more options and convenience to the public.

Dr. Martin Plummer, while conversing spoke enthusiastically about not just the field of medicine, but the practice of paediatrics. We begged the simple question of why he liked it so much, in order to better understand his drive and passion. He listed two main reasons why paediatrics is his calling. One reason was that he enjoyed seeing a child recover from their ailment – he describes the moment as “magical” and “wonderful”. He believes that because children are so unfiltered, you see positive results instantaneously as they start to smile and play once there is any improvement. He appreciates this unabashed innocence in providing him with the exact feedback that he needs to know he is on the right track. The second reason feeds more into logic; he was a great student, and while he excelled at majority of his courses, he said paediatrics simply came naturally. He noted that there was also additional appeal in the low mortality rate associated with the specialty. As a creditable and reputable doctor in Saint Lucia, he shares his wealth of knowledge in medicine and paediatrics with junior doctors and interns every year at The Victoria Hospital; sometimes working with as many as 5 junior doctors, and 5 interns at a time. Dr. Plummer’s genuine interest in his field inspires hope and confidence that patients; mothers, fathers, and children visiting the Rodney Bay Medical Centre are getting what they need. We became curious to know what drove him to practice in the North of the island, and he chuckles before responding “Tanya begged me to come to Rodney Bay”. After being offered an office at the Rodney Bay Medical Centre, Dr. Plummer decided to

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December 2003 as a consultant surgeon at Victoria Hospital where he joined the medical community and in 2006 started at Tapion Hospital and today still provides medical care at those two institutions. Dr. Kabiye is married and has three children. Dr. Kabiye’s specialty and surgical expertise covers the entire body excluding orthopedics. These include head and neck surgery, thoracic surgery (non-cardiac), abdominal procedures covering the liver, spleen, stomach, gastrointestinal tract and other areas. Dr. Kabiye is highly trained and able to address a number of issues relating to those organs arising from either diseases or traumas. His surgeries can be done openly or laparoscopically (minimally invasive) and over the last eighteen (18) years Dr. Kabiye has done large volumes of laparoscopic and open procedures in adult and paediatric age groups. He is very mindful of the changes in new and open technology and has kept up to date with those changes as they relate to advanced laparoscopic procedures.

Dr. Dawit Daniel Kabiye

His portfolio is fairly extensive as can be seen from some of the procedures listed below: • Mastectomy • Breast Biopsy • Endoscopy • Colonoscopy • Gastrointestinal surgery • Pancreatic surgery • Hepatobiliary surgery • Advanced trauma life support and trauma surgery • Arteriovenous fistula formation for dialysis for renal failure • Chemo port placement for cancer patients • Abscess incision and drainage • Surgery to treat acid reflux (Laparoscopic and open) • Surgery to remove the appendix (Laparoscopic and open)

General Surgeon Dr. Dawit Daniel Kabiye’s journey into medicine is an interesting one. Originally from Ethiopia, he was able to secure a scholarship to Cuba at the tender age of 12 to pursue secondary education. He took advantage of the opportunities offered to him in Cuba and went on to acquire his medical degree. He has always had an interest in medicine and from an early age he recalls clipping articles on diseases as keepsakes from the local weekly newspapers. In his second year of medical school, he was able to secure a non-graduate assistant post in General Surgery since this was his area of interest and so he got started in the field and never looked back. Dr. Kabiye became a specialist in general surgery in December 2000 and started practicing in Guyana. After three years of practice in Guyana he moved in BusinessFocus Apr / May

Rodney Bay Reception Area

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Surgery to treat anal fistulas Bronchoscopy Colorectal surgery Surgery to remove haemorrhoids Hernia repair (Laparoscopic and open) Varicose veins surgery Surgery to remove gall bladder stones (Laparoscopic) Circumcisions ERCP (Pioneered the procedure in st Lucia) Surgery to remove enlarged thyroid gland Surgery to remove the pilonidal sinus Parathyroid surgery Surgery to remove benign skin and soft tissue lesions Surgery to treat an umbilical hernia Ingrown toenail removal Keloid removal Hydrocelectomy, orchidopexy Varicocelectomy, vasectomy Gastrostomy Endoscopic gastrostomy placement Peripheral artery disease surgery And others…..

Nurse Philogens in Operating Theatre

In February 2019 Dr. Kabiye opened an office at the Rodney Bay Medical Center in the north and it is the most recent addition to the offerings provided at the medical center. A lot of effort and hard work went into the setup of this practice to ensure that adequate equipment is available and he proudly says, “When you love something, you do what it takes.”

standards of care administration are adhered to for that seamless transition. He is of the view that medical practice usually flourishes where there are existing synergies in the services provided at such a facility like the Rodney Bay Medical Center as there is seamlessness in the working relationships between the clinic, labs, X-rays and respective specialists. He looks forward to working with the team to provide a more holistic approach to patient care at the facility.

The Rodney Bay Medical practice has received positive feedback from clientele in the north that are happy for the new-found convenience. His Rodney Bay Medical Practice offers day surgeries and other minor procedures such as endoscopies and colonoscopies which are procedures that are preventative in nature. Colonoscopy for example, aims to detect and treat colon cancer becoming a major issue by detecting it at an early stage so as to nip it in the bud. Dr. Kabiye believes that the services offered at his Rodney Bay Medical Practice will complement the medical treatments provided to his patients who have had to receive inhospital care and who may need safe transition from RBMC to hospital care if the condition of the patient requires it and so all

Recovery beds and monitors

Dr. Kabiye showcases top of the line Olympus Endoscopy Tower BusinessFocus

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Dr. Leonard Surage

Dr. Leonard Surage Saint Lucia's Premier ENT Surgeon Dr. Leonard Surage is Saint Lucia’s first Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist, having worked in the field since 1992. He attained his specialization at a Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow, Scotland, UK “many moons ago” he jokes. He went on to work in the public sector at Victoria Hospital for over 25 years. Subsequently, he has remained in private practice, working with Tapion Hospital as well as at St. Jude’s Hospital, where he has privileges. He currently operates out of three locations; Vieux Fort, Tapion and Rodney Bay. He offers a wide range of general ENT services; dealing with nasal allergies, sinuses, headaches and dizziness. Dr. Surage also performs nasal surgery and post traumatic cosmetic surgery but mainly for reconstructive purposes. He is also heavily focused on early childhood development and hearing and language development. According to Dr. Surage, these are all fundamental BusinessFocus Apr / May

to childhood learning and perception. Children stand the risk of sometimes being wrongfully diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder, only to later discover that they are being affected by sleep disorders and adenoid problems. As a general ENT with interest in paediatrics, he is tasked with evaluating hearing loss, behavioural problems, snoring and sleep apnea to name a few. These symptoms sometimes speak to bigger developmental issues in the long run and can have lasting side effects. Dr. Surage’s work is quite extensive as he not only works with children, but with adults as well. One of the new services he now offers is Industrial Audiology, where he evaluates noise level exposure of employees at various industrial sites on island. He explained that as stated in the Labour Code, employers are responsible for the safety of employees, which is inclusive of exposure to noise. In carrying out his evaluation, he works with the various entities to ensure that noise is within reasonable levels so as not to compromise ear health. Committed community

to providing the local with the latest medical

solutions, Dr. Surage has undertaken to bring a number of never-before-offered treatments to his patients. He has, along with three other doctors, opened a sleep laboratory at the Tapion Hospital to investigate pervasive sleeping disorders. He has also recently delved into Balloon Sinuplasty which is one-time sinus surgery geared toward ideal candidates with chronic symptoms who have exhausted their options. Dr. Surage remembers the pivotal moment when his decision to specialize in ENT was sparked. While in Barbados, enrolled in the “DM surgical program” he witnessed a number of Saint Lucians finding their way in accessing the Government ENT service. It was not without its challenges. He lamented that, “when you see a fellow national being treated in such an ill manner, it hurts you”. He then

discovered that the reason for so many traveling to seek medical care was because there was no one in Saint Lucia providing the service. Having now established an extensive practice, he is grateful to be able to conveniently provide services to his patients from multiple locations. In the future he intends to allocate more resources to the Rodney Bay location by adding a full audiological service. He is also exploring expansion of his services to the island of Grenada.

1st National Bank St. Lucia

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Changing Course

CHANGING COURSE SATYA INTEGRATIVE MEDICAL SERVICES

What is SATYA? “SATYA is the Sanskrit word for truth. It also refers to a virtue in Indian religions, referring to being truthful in one's thought, speech and action.” An avid yogi, Dr. Bubbles is very connected to her higher-self. Her spirituality has guided her to follow her intuition which has led to this point in her journey where she believes living truthfully also means caring for yourself and others in a holistic manner, being truthful in thought, speech and action. She wanted to live her truth and allow the word to guide her especially in taking care of her patients; living her truth meant going out on a limb and searching for new ways to advance the state of healthcare in her community. This is where the concept of SATYA Integrative Medical Services – “A Holistic Approach to Healthcare” was born. After leaving her practice and travelling overseas to study Functional and Integrative Medicine over the past three years, Dr. Body Joy, found a way to usher in a new generation of healthcare services to Saint Lucia.

Satya Integrative Medical Services is the Integrative Medicine arm of the Rodney Bay Medical Centre – offering Functional and Integrative Medicine. Functional Medicine, otherwise known as Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine or Lifestyle Medicine, focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each disease can stem from many different factors. Functional Medicine focuses on getting to the root cause of each and addressing each one. It is patient-centered medicine; where the patient is addressed as a whole, as opposed to focusing simply on the disease process. Integrative and Functional Medicine use the wisdom of nature and ancient medical practices along with modern scientific research to restore balance to the body. Marrying these with traditional western medicine as well as Lifestyle Coaching, a unique program has been created called the Body Joy™ Process, which focuses on getting each patient to look, feel and be well.

The Story Behind SATYA During her practice, Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun has always remained true to her passion for holistic care, and subconsciously weaved it into her practice. She has maintained her interest in integrative health through continuous education from as early as 2004, when she enrolled in online courses at the University of Arizona Integrative Medical Program. She soaked up all the knowledge she could about different methods of integrative medicine, including the integrative management of breast cancer. What really pushed her to be more committed and get fully immersed in the specialization was when she realised that the health of some of her patients was not improving as expected. In some cases, she felt like some of her patients would come back time and time again with the same ailment, with declining health in some cases, no matter the treatment prescribed.

love and care. While she rubbed his cold left foot, his daughter rubbed the other, and so he drifted into sleep, and later on that day, into the next life. She realised she didn’t always have to tend to the physical needs of her patients, that it could now be a fully holistic approach to body, mind and spirit. “He left this world knowing he was loved and cared for.” One of Tanya’s greatest attributes as a doctor would be her compassion for her clients. She is adamant that when administering treatment, she doesn’t focus on the disease or illness but on her patient. It was this epiphany, coupled with her desire to live in her truth, matched with her knowledge and passion for integrative health which began the journey to SATYA.

She felt like the process had become monotonous, with her options being limited to updating prescriptions. Something had to change – and the truth was she didn’t feel like she was giving her patients the all-round medical care they deserved.

While Dr. Beaubrun was considering the move from traditional to integrative medical care, and having to study abroad to achieve that, she was on the fence. She had to consider everything she was leaving behind; a thriving practice, her husband, the comfort of everything she knew, along with placing her medical firm in the hands of her colleagues.

She soon had an “aha moment” while treating one of her ailing patients. As a doctor, it is not always possible to save every life you touch, but she certainly wanted to make this patient’s transition into the next phase more peaceful. She recalls him nearing the end of his journey when the family called her over, knowing there was nothing that could be done. She recounts, “We could have tried, done the heroics maybe given him another 24 hours, but he didn’t want to do it.”

Yet, while she thought the world was spinning haphazardly around her, things were falling into place quite nicely. Tanya had recently enrolled in an Integrative Health Coaching course and the first client who gets coached is the student (themselves). It was a form of introspective learning which she described as refreshing, as the more she learnt about her own state of body, mind and soul, life and health – the more capable she was of integrating it into her own world and by extension, her practice.

Dr. Destang-Beaubrun wanted his transition to be peaceful and comfortable so the best medicine she could prescribe was tender

She had put everything in place for this move to become a reality, from giving advanced notice to patients, to implementing a new

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structure in the clinic for smooth operations in her absence. She was well prepared. But, like most lifealtering changes and decisions go, the first year was difficult. Yet, the tone changes during the interview as she lets out a sigh of relief saying, “Delving into that Functional Medicine Fellowship was one of the best things I’ve ever done, I learnt so much.”

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It was like going back to the drawing board, relearning everything she had been taught from anatomy and physiology to bio-chemistry. Of course, this was just the refresher Dr. Beaubrun needed as things had evolved and progressed over the past thirty years. As she came to the end of her journey having completed her written exam and heading into her oral examination of the Advanced Fellowship in Metabolic, Nutritional and Regenerative Medicine, an interesting opportunity presented itself in the form of a Degree in Alternative Medicine. It was destined to be as the University was only fifteen minutes away from where she lived. She paid them a visit, did her due diligence, and was ready once again to take another step forward to materialising her dreams. Tanya understands that the journey from Functional Medicine was meant to lead her in this direction where she would now learn: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda Medicine, Homeopathy, Herbology, Naturopathy, and many ancient healing modalities. While many of these methods of treatment were not new studies for her, she was able to get a more in-depth understanding. Dr. Beaubrun was able to see where medicine has come from and where it is now, and that combination of the old vs. new is imperative to the concept of integrative medicine; she describes it as “science, but art.” As that chapter of her life came to a close, she realised that all this new-found knowledge needed to be packaged and presented to her colleagues and patients. Without a designated office back home, she bounced from one available space in her clinic to the other, for three months. A mantra she lives by helped her through those unsettling days “To thine own self be true”, and so she allowed things to divinely fall in place. Eventually she got settled, and began to think about the direction of the next developmental stage for her brand. After speaking to both colleagues and patients, she felt encouraged and confident that there was a need for an integrative medical care section of her clinic. She began the process of visualising the dream “I’m going to establish SATYA Integrative Medical Services, and I am going to develop a line of supplements and that will be called SATYA Supplementals.” Tanya’s philosophy is to approach each patient based on their bio-individual characteristics and unique genetic makeup, social, emotional and physical history and simply to approach their nutrition and management with a different outlook than what she had done in the past. She often quotes this from Hippocrates, when approaching a patient: “It's far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has.” Learn more about her work at www.tanyabeaubrun.com.

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OF BUBBLES, BUDDHA, AND BUTTERFLIES

Author Her personal journey has been chronicled in her recently published book entitled “Of Bubbles, Buddha, and Butterflies” where she delves into the changes that have occurred in her life since she decided to follow her heart and pursue her dreams. Tanya has always known that her calling was to heal, nurture, and care for her fellow human beings so it was natural that she became a family physician who put patients first. This release of her book is especially poignant as she was recently reminded by her sister and other friends that she was into health and writing even as a child. They fondly recall her physically constructing books out of paper and staples and of course, writing the content.

Of Bubbles, Buddha And Butterflies

TA N Y A D E S TA N G - B E A U B RU N

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Of Bubbles, BuddhA And Butterflies

It may then come as a surprise that when she started writing again as an adult, she was afraid. But once she started, she was able to recapture that aspect of herself that she mistakenly thought needed to be hidden to maintain the façade of being solely “The Doctor”. Unfortunately, she has realized that many other people hide as well and have even forgotten what their childhood dreams were. This often happens because of influences that we internalize – it is sometimes as simple as being told what we should or should not do. As a result, we suppress those integral aspects of ourselves, of who we really are.

There is much more to Dr. Tanya “Bubbles” DestangBeaubrun than meets the eye. The Body Joy™ Doctor wants people to know that beyond our careers, we must cultivate other aspects of our lives. She understands that it is one thing to know someone in the office but it is entirely another to get to know them personally. She tries not to separate these things as who she is outside of work plays such an integral role in how she delivers health care. She wants to encourage people and specifically young women to remember that there is life beyond a career, and that critically informs who we are in our careers. BusinessFocus Apr / May

Skydiving for the first time

Adventurer

Spiritual Warrior

In making the decision to leave her practice to go away to school, she committed to no longer living in fear. She essentially went away into the unknown not knowing if it would pay off in the long run. To symbolize all of these steps she took the ultimate plunge and went skydiving. It was something she always wanted to do and for her it embodied a leap of faith into a new frontier of her life’s story. She felt that if she could jump out of a plane and land safely then there was nothing that she could not accomplish.

She stumbled upon the realization that she is in fact a very spiritual person and everything she did was a part of that spiritual journey – from holding a patient’s hand to connecting with patients in any way. From that point on she decided that she would make all of her interactions with her patients a “holy encounter.” Based on “A Course in Miracles” book by Marianne Williamson, the premise of the holy encounter is to leave any exchange with all parties being better off for it. This enforced mindfulness encouraged her to constantly live in a space of gratitude.

Empowerment Coach

She immediately noticed a difference in feeling more fulfilled and happier. Patients sensed a difference as well. After a while she found that there was also a change in how her entire office operated. She found herself looking at everything with fresh eyes, considering how the office could be made more approachable and zen-like.

It was a symbol that she could overcome and rise above all things. She then decided to take advantage of every opportunity that came her way and completed as many courses and certifications as she could. She was able to train under Gabby Bernstein, Lisa Nichols, and Les Brown – even being invited to share her story at one of his events. She attended these trainings with the intention of merging the spiritual aspect into everything she did to help her patients, not realizing it would affect not just her patients but every aspect of her life.

Bubbles and Les Brown

Motivational Speaker As part of these trainings she also realized how much she liked to talk. She was able to unpack her love of speaking and is now using her voice to heal, making a concerted effort to inspire others with her words. The right story told at the right time can transform a life as words are powerful. She decided that she would use the story of her journey to transform in big ways. She was forced to overcome her fear of speaking to large crowds and is being challenged yet again to evolve into a better version of herself. Bubbles and Gabby Bernstein

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Doing her thing at Women's Empowerment Conference

Fitness Enthusiast She is a lover of exercise and has become certified in Spinning, TRX Suspend, Pilates and Yoga as a Noga Trainer. She did this not only to help her personal fitness practice but also to extend the knowledge that she gained in these various trainings to her patients. It is all infused into her approach and informs how she treats patients.

Tanya playing crystal bowls

Sound Therapist

TRX Suspend Teacher Training BusinessFocus Apr / May

Another one of her passions is Crystal Bowl Sound Healing where she creates an environment for women to deeply relax and get into a mental space where they are open to receiving healing. This is held twice per month for one hour. Women are invited lie down, slow down and just allow themselves to be spiritually and emotionally impacted by the frequencies emitted from the bowls and music.

Advocate Being the daughter of teachers, it comes as no surprise that Dr. Destang-Beaubrun values education. She served as Chairperson of the Board of the International School because she was passionate about getting children the education that they deserve by having them learn according to their learning styles. This was especially applicable in her own life with the differences in the learning styles of her two sons. It put a lot of pressure on her in terms of the time and dedication that was required and there were many moments when she despaired but she persevered and kept to role for two years being wholly driven by her passion and commitment.

Bay Gardens Resorts

What’s Next? Now she is back home and focused on continuous improvement and self-discovery. She is always exploring ways to serve her community by sharing her knowledge, expertise and experiences to help inspire people to go after their dreams. Dr. Beaubrun implores us to stand up for what we believe in – walk our walk and talk our talk. She is now actively seeking out ways to build up her spiritual muscle and no longer has any interest in censoring herself. She knows that on this journey she has been given the gifts of time and perspective. She sees her fears as hurdles to be overcome and knows that taking these challenges head on is key to her spiritual growth. She hopes that we can all embrace our own Body Joy™ by being more accepting of ourselves and becoming the best versions of ourselves for the next stages in life.

BusinessFocus

Apr/ May

BUSINESS FOCUS

Dr. Desmer Destang The True Aesthetic Practitioner

Dr. Desmer Destang DDS, MSc (Ortho) Glasg, MBA, MSc (Derm) Cardiff, MSc (Aesth,Med) London

Caribbean Smiles / Dermalogics Clinic

• Orthodontist • Aesthetic Dermatology & Surgery • US Board Certified in Aesthetic Medicine, 2008 • Level 7 International trainer in Aesthetic Medicine

www.caribbeansmiles.com www.dermalogicsclinic.com

DR. DESMER DESTANG THE TRUE AESTHETIC PRACTITIONER Dr. Desmer Destang has been a practicing clinician since 1995. Her original specialty is in Orthodontics and Orofacial Orthopaedics. In addition to orthodontics, she has extensive training in facial surgery, aesthetic medicine, and aesthetic dermatology. She was one of the first clinicians world-wide to become board certified in Aesthetic Medicine in 2008. Dr. Destang serves as an international lecturer and educator in Aesthetic Medicine. Here she explains more to demystify the field of Medical Aesthetics. Q. What is an Aesthetic Practitioner (AP)? A. An AP such as myself focuses more on the aesthetic nature of medicine, skin and anti-aging. I’ve already had a long history in aesthetics and facial evaluations with my dental specialty background in Orthodontics, so the transition into Aesthetic Medicine was an easy and natural one for me.

Q. What is your role in the standardization of programs in AM? A. The answer would be that my roles are several. The one truly global organization which has been teaching Aesthetic Medicine for over 2 decades in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and India is the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). My long-time role has been as a senior advisor and senior faculty member. Their goal, which they have achieved, is to set a level of standardization across the globe. I know this since I have taught physicians from all corners of the globe – the Caribbean, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, India, and Africa. It is my job to ensure that everyone is on the same educational page. So fundamentals such as my setting of teaching content and board examination questions are all done for a global audience. It is not a perfect system, but it still represents one of the better ones around.

Q. What is Aesthetic Medicine (AM)? A. AM is a relatively new specialty in medicine open to all prescribing physicians. The term physicians includes both medical and dental practitioners. AM involves the non-surgical transformation of the face, skin and body.

The new gold-standard for training in AM, however, will be proper 2-year University courses which have recently come on stream. These will cover many of the deficiencies of the 1 or 2-day courses, in that clinicians will learn the extremely important didactic, evidence-based and academic components of AM.

Q. Is AM a recognized specialty in medicine? A. No it is not a recognized specialty. The current problem with AM is that it is largely unregulated and unstandardized. The content of the courses have evolved significantly since I first began doing my training in 2006. There are several courses available where physicians can do training in 1 or 2 days. These constitute 95% of courses that “certify” clinicians to do procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, lasers and chemical peels. These courses are largely deficient and most clinicians at the end of these few days of “training” still are not proficient at performing these procedures. Hence, until there is a level of standardization of teaching programs in AM, the vast majority of clinicians supposedly trained in AM lack the skill set to manage and troubleshoot complications that can arise from procedures.

There are now good recognized University courses for Cosmetic Medicine open to physicians. I’ve already completed a masters with one of the top recognized programs. Even with over a decade of experience in AM, I believe that there is always so much to learn and build on. As an educator myself, I see the immense benefit of a good solid formal education. With this in mind, I also hold the official role as a University lecturer in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine which is all part of my helping to set the proper curricula and standardize teaching programs for AM.

BusinessFocus Apr / May

Q. You also do a lot of Aesthetic Dermatology. What is this? A. The traditional term used world-wide is Cosmetic Dermatology, and this is what you will hear most clinicians in the field call themselves. Aesthetic Dermatology is an original term that I

coined myself about 8 years ago with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. I believed it to be a more elegant term that described the process of marrying Aesthetic Medicine with the Cosmetic Dermatology treatments that we were teaching to our delegates. Aesthetic dermatology (AD) covers primarily the cosmetic concerns of the skin such as acne, scars, pigmentation management, skin complexion and texture control. This is part of the curriculum taught to all practitioners the world over who study AM, regardless of their medical or dental background. AD is erroneously thought by patients to be part of the specialty of clinical dermatology. In fact, little or no cosmetic dermatology is done in dermatology courses which focus on skin pathology, immunology and disease. Aesthetic dermatology represents part of the teaching curriculum of Aesthetic Medicine. AD has been taught successfully to all disciplines in medicine and dentistry for a very long time now, and is not new. Q. How safe is AM? A. Aesthetic medicine is not 100% complication-free. Although this modality is heavily marketed to patients as little down-time, nonsurgical and extremely safe, the more experienced clinicians such as myself know better. AM can be fraught with complications. The practitioner who does not have a strong surgical background in the head and neck region, and management of dark skin will likely run into problems usually with dermal fillers, facial techniques, lasers, and chemical peels. The question that patients should consider is not really whether complications can arise, because they certainly can. The more important question is whether the practitioner has the experience and skill set necessary to deal with the complications. Q. Tell us about some of your innovations in AM? A. Many of the protocols used for chemical peels, lasers, facial sculpting and medical microneedling on darker skin have been set by research done by clinicians such as myself. For example, 10 years ago, nobody dared to use a microneedle device on dark skin. In fact, none of the suppliers even allowed me to try a demo on my skin. After years of research and under the guidance of my clinical colleagues in South America and Europe, we realized that this procedure was in fact safe for dark skin. My publication in 2013 with the American Journal of Aesthetic Medicine was one of the first confirming the safety of microneedling on very dark skin. Thankfully, this treatment is now becoming more mainstream world-wide and in the Caribbean. There are also other published protocols that I have set including for the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), all with a focus on skin of colour. There are several other protocols that I have developed, but have not published - I prefer that some remain proprietary for my clinical practice and for my patients. My dermatology masters thesis involved a clinical study on the effects of the medication tranexamic acid (TXA) on dark skin. One of the newly published medical textbooks for chemical peels will include a chapter contribution by me, along with other leading global doctors in AM. This will discuss much on the chemistry and mechanisms of action of TXA and various chemical peels, which are often poorly understood by physicians. I also possess a strong background in facial surgery and facial aesthetics, so I get to work with some of the most amazing minds in the Middle East and Asia for developing advanced new facial reshaping, stem-cell and anti-aging treatments. There are some really beautiful, artistic and innovative treatments currently in development.

Personal consultation with television star Jennifer Williams of Basketball Wives Q. You don’t post before and after photos. Why is this? (Laughing) I get this a lot. Although I have a huge database of before and after images, I have chosen to uphold the highest level of respect for the privacy of my patients’ faces. It is extremely difficult to hide the full identity of someone’s face in a small island / region. Many of the treatments I do look natural and most patients would rather that their identity be hidden. Conversely, I also have a number of patients that have consented to the use of their before and after images. These I use for my teaching lectures overseas. I do have a lot of video footage, especially surgical cases from over the years which I will be sharing publicly sometime later this year. Q. Tell me more about the celebrities you do consultations for? A. There are a few that I’ve been lucky enough to see. My protocols were developed and designed for dark skin so it’s known in some circles that I can do transformations especially when skin needs to look smooth and flawless for high definition video camera scrutiny. For still camera photos, images can be photoshopped. For HD video, it’s nearly impossible to hide flaws and bumps. That’s when I get called in – to smooth those bumps and even out skin tones. It’s not an overnight process, but it works quite quickly. I’m only at liberty to name those who have allowed me the rights to disclose them like Cynthia Bailey of Real Housewives of Atlanta, Dr. Holly Frazier of Dance Moms, Jennifer Williams of Basket Ball Wives. There is another young lady I recently did. She’s a 21-year-old singer, but I’m not sure whether I will be able to disclose her. (Smiling) Celebrities expect some form of payment for this. Q. How do the patients find you or get more information? A. It’s very easy. At my clinic we prefer face to face chats, especially for visually assessing the aesthetic needs of the patient. It’s always better if you can drop in or give us a call to make an appointment. 1. Caribbean Smiles Orthodontics www.caribbeansmiles.com Telephone (758) 45-TEETH or 45-30000 2. Dermalogics Laser & Aesthetic Dermatology www.dermalogicsclinic.com. (758) 45-LASER, 45-00100, or 72-BOTOX. BusinessFocus

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knowledge and practice of wellness, not just in her personal life, but in her professional life. The featured speaker was none other than Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun; family physician, functional and integrative medical practitioner, wellness and transformational coach, creator of the Body Joy™ Process and motivational speaker.

Wellness In The Workplace

WELLNESS IN THE

WORKPLACE

And Its Impact on Productivity and Profit With one-third of our adult lives being spent in the workplace, the premise for a seminar encouraging employers to provide a wellness-focused environment for their employees was needed in the corporate community of Saint Lucia. The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in collaboration with The Management of Sagicor Life Inc. held a ‘Breakfast Seminar’ under the theme "Wellness in the Workplace and it’s impact on productivity and profit”. The seminar was held on Wednesday, March 27th 2019, at the Bay Gardens Hotel in Rodney Bay. Another forward-thinking move made by the hosts of the event was enrolling a featured speaker who was well endowed with the

BusinessFocus Apr / May

The event was well attended as all members of the Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses were invited to participate in the open discussion of “Wellness in the Workplace”. The principle behind the conference was to translate information into practice, not just on the restoration of health and wellness but the prevention of illness in order for it not to affect productivity in the office. Dr. Destang-Beaubrun examined how the lifestyles of managers and workers can impact the bottom line of a company depending on the extent to which they are caring for themselves. The conversation provided multiple options for employers, on how their company can encourage and support their employees by delivering a number of reactive and proactive health practices in a cost-effective manner. In speaking to her audience, Dr. Destang-Beaubrun’s addressed one of her major concerns as a doctor, that there is an increase in the fight on chronic diseases. She stated that statistically, approximately 60% of ‘our’ population is battling these diseases, while the rates for obesity are climbing. She calls on employers to show more interest in health and wellness. The conference was very well received by parties in attendance and many were enlightened by the health statistics and workplace wellness practices presented and their impact on business profitability.

MUST READS Volume 30

the focus from the issue to the person dealing with the issue, the person who’s managing the fire. Coaching for development helps employees to learn, improve and grow and we should focus ourefforts more on this type of coaching”.

Coaching 101

Coaching 101 Striving in a Distracted World

By Lyndell Halliday BSc., MBA, CPA, CMA An all too common management catch-22 is that typically as managers we believe that we don’t have the time to invest in teaching our subordinates. Afterall, we are busy trying to meet the demands of a high pressure modern global economy. But as a consequence of not taking the time to invest in developing our teams, they become overdependent on us to solve problems. The end result is that as leaders we become overworked and are run ragged and stressed out. Worse, we become the bottleneck in our teams and organization, hampering the organization’s ability to meet its objectives. This perpetuates a vicious self-defeating cycle. So, what is the solution to this dilemma? According to Michael Stanier, we need to adopt effective coaching habits. And an excellent starting point is Michael Stanier’s 2016 classic - The Coaching Habit – Say less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever. Michael Stanier is a Rhodes scholar and Oxford University alumni. He is the founder of Box of Crayons, a leadership training consultancy that focuses on teaching a ten-minute coaching model to busy managers. Stanier has written several books and he has been featured in several leading publications including Business Insider, Fast Company, Forbes and The Huffington Post. Research has consistently shown that leaders who utilize effective coaching have better organizational outcomes such as higher sales growth, greater efficiency and improved profits. Stanier notes that most leaders are aware of the importance of coaching, yet only 23% of employees are actually being coached. Most leaders simply do not know how to coach effectively. According to Stanier, chances are “you are probably not getting very effective coaching and you are probably not delivering very effective coaching. Stanier distinguishes between coaching for performance and coaching for development. Coaching for performance is focused on the issue – the fire. It is “about addressing and fixing a specific problem or challenge”. Coaching for development is “about turning

The premise of the coaching habit approach is to “say less, ask more”. Resist the urge to give advice and solve problems and listen more. Stanier suggests a list of seven essential questions to get you started. The seven key questions are as follows: 1. The Kickstart Question: "What's on your mind?"; 2. The AWE Question: "And what else?"; 3. The Focus Question: What's the real challenge here for you?; 4. The Foundation Question: "What do you want?"; 5. The Lazy Question: "How can I help?"; 6. The Strategic Question: "If you are saying yes to this, what are you saying no to?" and 7. The Learning Question: "What was most useful to you?" The author is not suggesting that a formulaic approach to asking these questions is what constitutes coaching. Nor is he saying that they are the only questions to ask. This is a guide to get you going if you are not experienced in coaching leadership. Stanier warns that changing your leadership style is not going to be easy. Breaking old habits is hard. It is vital to have a concrete process for developing the proposed new coaching habits. He cites a Duke University study that found that up to 45% of our work behaviours is habit-driven. It is not enough to decide you are going to say less and ask more – you need to identify the triggers that are key to your habit of jumping in and get advice. Drawing partially on Charles Dunhigg’s The Power of Habit, which was reviewed in a previous edition of MustReads. Stanier proposes a three-step model to building the right coaching habits. 1) Identify the Trigger 2) Identify the old habit and 3) Define the new behavior. Michael Stanier has written a handy get up to speed guide to leadership coaching. It is practical, easy to read and highly actionable. If you are new to coaching, you can’t go wrong by starting off with Michael Stanier’s The Coaching Habit. This book will quickly help you get started.

Lyndell Halliday is an avid reader, lifelong learner and award-winning business executive who has served in a range of leadership roles across the Caribbean. He is currently employed as the General Manager of Automotive Art (St Lucia) Ltd. Mr. Halliday has also lectured for several years in a range of courses at the Master of Business Administration level.

BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESS FOCUS

Cataract Surgery

at Vision Express Vision Express

Cataract Surgery at Vision Express

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I had the most wonderful experience from the beginning to the end of both surgeries. I am impressed with the manner that I was looked after. The surgery was so successful that I literally don’t need to use the glasses at all to see. Thank you Vision Express!

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Tel: 1-758 285-2843 or 457-7400 email: info@visionexpressstlucia.com Available to Local, Regional and International Patients BusinessFocus

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

A SAFE AND HEALTHY FUTURE OF WORK A Safe and Healthy Future of Work

28 April 2019

World Day for Safety and Health at Work The sections of the Labour ‘Code’ Act which are most ignored since the implementation of the ‘Code’ are those pertaining to Part 1V “Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).” OSH is one of the most important industrial issues for our country, and as a result, employers as well as the entire workforce should be aware of their responsibilities and obligations under the law. Employers should ensure that they are in conformance with the law at all times, despite the unreasonably high cost of implementing the Act. Although many companies have positive attitudes towards OSH and have instituted elements of the laws with varying degree of effectiveness, the overall knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the law is a cause for concern. There are Employers, Employees, Trade Unions, Technical people and Professionals with an inherent lack of awareness of the requirements of the Law which they perceive as, being too technical, not Human Resource friendly and difficult to comply with. In addition, the lack of institutional support, all contribute to the lack of general knowledge of the legislation. Knowing the law and implementing its requirements either voluntary or otherwise, would be beneficial to companies. Above all, employers need to remember that besides protecting people and the environment, action on health and safety can also make a major contribution to overall business success. Not only will it help stop accidents and work-related ill health among employees,

BusinessFocus Apr / May

but it will reduce losses due to workplace accidents, improve companies bottom lines and help improve efficiency. In addition, employers are required to protect employees from all hazards at work, including ergonomic and psychological hazards. The inability to address these less obvious hazards can result in the risk of permanent injury to employees which are often quite costly. It is therefore critical that companies understand and control ergonomically related injuries and psychological risk factors. These areas of concern have become more important bearing in mind the ever-increasing role of government oversight, improving technology, increasing health and safety awareness of staff and communities, increased human rights awareness and economic constraints, as well as the changing world of work. What is obvious and has been researched, are the benefits that can accrue as a result of implementing effective occupational health and safety management systems. These benefits include potential increases in service quality, productivity, improved employee morale and a decrease in costs associated with injuries and illnesses. Among the aims of the WEEK OF WORKERS (WOW) is to improve both the employers and employees knowledge of good workplace practices so that morale, efficiency, productivity and the country’s competitiveness could be significantly improved.

Create Happiness Within Your Workplace

Create Happiness Within Your Workplace Employee Benefits Plans Can Also Benefit the Employer Source: Beacon Insurance

“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. And if you take care of your employees, they will take care of your clients” – Richard Branson This sentiment speaks volumes for businesses and has stood the test of time. Happy employees will eventually lead to happy shareholders, so as employers it’s in everyone’s best interest to ensure our employees are well taken care of. There are many ways to create happiness within our workplaces. Work-from-home options, flexible working hours, bonuses, regular team building activities, high salaries, pretty workspaces…the options are almost endless depending on what drives your business. In most cases however, the answer is simple. Take care of their health and that of their families. There’s no better way to demonstrate your commitment to people than to invest in their health. Insurance Companies have created Employee Benefits Plans which can help give you the edge in attracting today’s top talent – including some of the most generous and flexible Group Health packages available.

These plans cater to a wider group of businesses, and are crafted to simply cater to almost any sized business, from the very small startups to the behemoths of today’s business world. These plans are perfect for small and growing businesses as they offer cover to groups of three (3) to thirty- five (35) persons. They also offer more comprehensive group plans which provide major medical and group life benefits at competitive prices. Some major medical benefits may also include Maternity and Obstetrical coverage, Preventative care, Vision and Dental Care and non-traditional care which can include alternative medical treatments such as Acupuncture and Chiropractic medicine. There are also Health Plans which are specifically designed for larger companies as there is no maximum to the number of employees covered. This can be a Medical plan only or it can be expanded to include Group Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment and/or Critical Illness riders. It will also cover Doctors’ and Specialist visits, prescription drugs, laboratory tests including X-Ray and

many other treatments related to Vision and Dental care. No matter which plan you choose, you can be assured that you’ll receive expert advice from your professional Insurance Advisor to identify and implement a suitable Plan for the added benefit of your employees resulting in improved loyalty, morale and greater productivity. Beacon Insurance is a long standing and well respected leader in the Insurance Industry in Saint Lucia and across the region. Beacon’s Health Plans are designed for all levels of businesses and can be adapted to include your specific interests whilst offering affordable rates and superior coverage. Give us the opportunity to help your employees make your customers happy. Check us out at https://beacon.co.tt/ products-page/group-health/the-be-betterplan/ for more info or give us a call at our conveniently located branches in Castries: 458-5860/1 or Vieux Fort: 458-5870/1.

Advertising & Marketing Services Advertising & Marketing Services

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Bois D’ Orange Hwy, P.O. Box RB 2768, Castries FDL Pest Control - How Pests Impact Your Tel: 1(758) 453-1056 Health & What You Can Do Fax: About It 458-1068 1(758) email: info@fdlpestcontrol.com FDL Pest Control web: fdlpestcontrol.com

WE PROVIDE THE TOOLS & PERSONALIZED SERVICES to help solve the toughest pest problems in St. Lucia

How Pests Impact Your Health & What You Can Do About It Apart from being a nuisance, pests can be vectors of dangerous diseases that lead to serious illnesses and in some cases, death. We are all aware of the vector status of pests such as mosquitoes, flies and rodents, however, too often we fail to recognize or accept that pests such as cockroaches and structure infesting ants can impact us negatively. Here are a few tips on how to safeguard your families from the potential harmful effects of some structure infesting pests.

Mosquitoes Mosquitoes lurk EVERYWHERE. Because of the climate we live in, it is virtually impossible to avoid them. At home, work, school, in our cars, on the street, everywhere. We know that mosquitoes are vectors of several diseases, yet most of us only take protective measures, when there is a threat of an epidemic. While many mosquito-borne diseases seem to show up in cycles, the threat of contracting them is always very real. Dengue cases for example are now resurfacing in the Caribbean. Neighboring islands have recorded several cases and if history is any indicator, it is only a matter of time before it reaches our shores. Every year Public Service announcements advise on the steps that should be taken to reduce mosquito presence in our environment. Let’s look at a few measures that can mitigate contracting a mosquito-borne disease: • •

Every year before the rainy season clean your storm drains, guttering and any other known areas where water can pond Periodically check guttering and subsurface drains during the rainy season to remove any impediments to the free flow of water

BusinessFocus Apr / May

• •

• • •

Our primary goal is to exceed our clients’ expectations and to encourage client involvement and education in the delivery of our efficient and reliable service.

Do not leave standing water in potted plant saucers When replacing water in vases that have mosquito larvae, vigorously wash the inside of the container especially at the watermark level with a cloth or sponge to remove any mosquito eggs that may have been deposited there by the adult female Use mosquito screens Ensure that your septic tank is properly covered The air vents from your septic tank system should be sealed with a breathable material

Rodents While a mosquito bite serves as physical evidence that we may have been exposed to a disease, the visual manifestation of illness due to the exposure to bacteria carried in rodent urine or on their feces are a bit more subtle. Leptospirosis, the plague and lymphocytic choriomeningitis are examples of diseases that are spread through contact with rodent feces or urine. It is important that once you spot rodents, or their droppings, that you act immediately to reduce conditions conducive to their presence in your environment. A few measures include: • • • • •

Pest proofing; block all entries rodents use to enter your space Do not leave pet food in their bowls when they have finished eating Do not leave garbage out at night, ensure that garbage is kept in a covered container Reduce all other sources of food and water that rodents can access Remember; rodents feed on cockroaches and snails, eliminating these pests from your space together with the reduction of other sources of food will negatively impact rodents

WE WORK YEAR-ROUND to solve your tough pest problems. • General Pest Control • Rodent Pest Management • Nuisance Pest Control

• Pest Risk Assessment • Wood Destroying Organism

• Perimeter Pest Control • Vertebrate Pest Control

Cockroaches

Bats

Cockroaches thrive in unsanitary conditions and live on and eat anything in that environment. They pick up bacteria and pathogens on their bodies as they forage and can contaminate our food and work surfaces. Food poisoning resulting in dysentery and gastroenteritis are examples of ensuing medical conditions when we get in contact with contaminated surfaces. Cockroach dust (cast skins and excrement) contain several allergens that can affect us. Prolonged exposure to cockroach dust has been shown to trigger asthma in children.

Bats usually hide in dark corners in our roofs or ceilings. Bat droppings are usually one of the first signs of their presence and should be a major concern. The histoplasma fungus grows on bat droppings in areas where they accumulate. Prolonged exposure to this fungus, through inhalation, can result in histoplasmosis, resulting in lung damage.

Our island is host to several cockroach species. Controlling cockroaches, just like any other pest, requires proper identification and understanding of their habits. Sanitation is one of the key factors to cockroach control in our structures. Sanitation can include, proper housekeeping through the use of wet or dry cleaning, the reduction and/or removal of clutter, proper storage of goods and foods and keeping the external environment clean through landscape and garbage management, removal of clutter and other possible pest harbourage areas.

If bats are spotted, talk to an expert pest management professional about the safest way to prevent bats harbouring or roosting in your structure. Remember, bats are a protected species and control is based mainly on the use of repellents and exclusion. Pests are not pets. They can cause serious health concerns. Protect your self. Make the time to educate yourself on all pests that lurk in your environment and take immediate measures to protect yourself and your family. Your health depends on it.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HIRSUTISM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hair We Go!

HIRSUTISM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hair We Go! By Dr. Natasha St. Aimee Hirsutism is defined as the increased growth of terminal hairs that appears in a male pattern in women. It can involve a single site or multiple sites e.g. facial hair (moustache, beard, eyebrow), around the nipples, upper back and inner thighs. Hirsutism reportedly affects 5-10 % of women of reproductive age and presents as early as teenage years increasing in severity with age1. Though it is seen mostly as a cosmetic issue, hirsutism can be associated with menstrual irregularities, infertility and obesity. It is caused by an elevation of male hormones in the blood; mainly testosterone. The causes of hirsutism include: - Idiopathic (no reason) with normal menstrual cycle, normal androgens levels - PCOS is the commonest cause and occurs in 75-80% of women2 - Ovarian hyperandrogenism or ovarian tumours - Adrenal hyperandrogenism - Endocrine disorders such as Cushing syndrome or Cushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease, acromegaly or hyperprolactinaemia - Drugs, including oral contraceptives containing androgenic progestins (levonorgestrel, norgestrel, norethindrone), anabolic and androgenic steroids. It must be noted that in some cases of increase hair growth, the diagnosis may be hypertrichosis and not hirsutism. Hypertrichosis is defined by excessive hair on non-sexual parts of the body with no changes in hormonal levels. For a diagnosis of hirsutism to be made it is pertinent to obtain a full medical history, drug history, menstrual history and physical examination. Though hirsutism is mostly a clinical diagnosis, investigations may be initiated in moderate to severe hirsutism or with hirsutism presenting with sudden or rapid onset. It is important to identify underlying endocrine disorders. Investigations are guided by clinical findings and include; - Pregnancy test - Total testosterone - Transvaginal ultrasound - Prolactin levels to exclude hyperprolactinaemia - Screening for Cushing syndrome, thyroid disease and type 2 diabetes - Early morning 17- hydroxyprogesterone to exclude adrenal hyperandrogenism. BusinessFocus Apr / May

Treatment for hirsutism involves both pharmaceutical therapies and cosmetic procedures. Some of the cosmetic modalities involve bleaching of the hair to make it less obvious, depilatory creams, shaving and waxing, electrolysis and laser hair removal. Laser hair removal offers the most effective way of treating unwanted hair as it provides a more long-term relief. Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments over several months. Pharmaceutical therapies involve the use of medication to counteract the male hormones and is used for moderate to severe hirsutism. Some of the drugs used include spironolactone and oral contraceptives containing oestrogen and antiandrogenic progesterone (cyproterone or drospirenone). These work by slowing down the hair growth and make hair thinner and less noticeable. Results are noticeable after 6- 12 months and has to be taken for several years. Other general measures for the management of hirsutism include weight loss and dietary control. Hirsutism can not only be a nuisance with the care and management, but it can be a source of psychological stress. Affected women have been reported to experience low selfesteem, decreased self-image, depression and even feelings of shame. If you suffer from excessive hair growth, please see your Physician for further management and necessary referral. References 1. Zuuren, E. et al, Interventions for hirsutism. Cochrane Systemic Review, April ,2015. 2. Barbieri, R. et al, Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome in adults, UpToDate, February, 2019. Dr. Natasha St. Aimee has been a Medical Practitioner for over 10 years. She recently completed her Masters in Clinical Dermatology at King's College, London. She is passionate about skin conditions, especially in people of colour.

Your Questions Answered on Cataract Surgery What is a Cataract? As we age, the normally clear lens which light passes through so we can see, starts to go cloudy.

Cataract Surgery. Loss of vision depends on how quickly this cloudiness progresses. Once the lens has started to go cloudy the optometrist will see The second presurgery appointment your eyes will be rechecked, Answered on Cataract Surgery this in a routine eye examination andYour let youQuestions know you have the your general medical tests confirmed, and equipment called an start of a cataract. A/B Scan will be used to get the exact measurements and power needed for the intra ocular lens to replace your cloudy lens. When should I have this Cloudy Lens Removed? A third presurgery appointment is often arranged, just before your Once you know your lens is going cataractous then the decision surgery day, with the anesthetist so that he can check if you will to have the surgery and remove it is your choice. It is difficult need any additional medication during the surgery. to estimate how quickly the lens will become cloudy enough to interfere with your vision. The speed of this happening varies in Cataract Surgery Method different people. The cut for the surgery to remove the cloudy lens can be on the But this is a “once only” surgery so whether you have this done as cornea or on the sclera (the white of the eye). If the minimal cut is your lens starts to go cloudy or when your vision has deteriorated on the sclera there is no possibility of astigmatism being caused is your choice and often hinges on the following: which will affect the glasses prescription after surgery. With the use of Phaco Emulsification Equipment a corneal cut is made, this • Being too busy to fit in a surgery – Usually only one to two can now be very small for lens removal. weeks of down time are required for full recovery. • Finances – Medical Insurance normally pays for Cataract Surgery. Some Private Surgery Centres have 12-month payment plans arranged. • Fear of Surgery – the anesthetist will administer calming medication if needed, and this is not a painful surgery. • Age – Am I too young? Usually Cataract surgery is performed after age 50. Cataract Surgery is a major surgery so it is best to do this procedure when healthy, once other medical problems arise from aging, major surgery becomes more problematic. Hospital or Private Surgery Centre? The larger international Hospitals have Operating Theatres dedicated to what is termed “clean surgery”, which is principally Eye Surgery and Aesthetics. As the eye is a very sensitive area, many surgeons will not use a smaller Hospital Operating Theatre which also does General Surgery in the same operating theatre, for fear of contamination. Private Eye Surgery Operating Theatres are used only for “clean surgery”. How important is the Surgeon doing your Cataract Surgeon? This is a very important consideration. How many cataract surgeries has the Ophthalmic Surgeon performed? How available are they for regular follow up visits? All important questions to ask. What appointments are needed with the Ophthalmologist?

How long is recovery from Cataract Surgery?

The first presurgery appointment will be a routine check up on your eye health to determine how advanced the cloudiness is in the lens.

If the surgery is performed under local anesthetic and not a general anesthetic, you would normally spend an hour in the recovery room and then someone would need to escort you home.

If you then decide to go ahead with surgery you will need to do some general medical tests and obtain a letter from your GP confirming you are healthy enough for the Surgery. Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar levels must be under control to do the

You should allow one to two weeks for full recovery and to ensure you have all post-surgery checkups, but many patients recover much more quickly than this. BusinessFocus

Apr / May

WOMEN IN FOCUS

Tea & Testimony - Make it Happen for Women's Support Centre

“ Tea Testimony” Makes it Happen for Women’s Support Centre

Anytime women come together with a collective intention, it’s a powerful thing! That was evident at the recently held “Tea & Testimony,” tea party event which saw over 320 women gather at Government House, adorned in pink, for an afternoon of delights and empowering stories from inspiring women both local and regional. Organized by the Make it Happen Foundation, which is spearheaded by Mrs. Raquel Du Boulay-Chastanet, wife of Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet, “Tea & Testimony” was an opportunity for honest sharing amongst women combined with an element of glamour and fashion to mark International Women’s Day (March 8th) and to raise much-needed funds for the Women’s Support Centre. The Centre is a temporary place of refuge for female victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse and their dependent children. The centre provides a 24-hour service for women in a secure and supportive environment. The line-up of speakers for the March 10th event was impressive and included Mrs. Mara Giraudy-Thompson, the Saint LucianBusinessFocus Apr / May

born former First Lady of Barbados and Parliamentary Representative, Mrs. Michelle Anthony-Desir, Managing Partner of Du Boulay, Anthony & Co, Mrs. Paula Calderon, Managing Director of Caribbean Awnings Limited, Ms. Roberta Polius, Country Manager of Rituals Coffee Houses, Mrs. Neysha SoodenThompson, CEO of Maco Publishing, Spiritual Wellness Coach, Saint Lucian-born Dr. Nadine Collins and the legendary former principal of Saint Joseph’s Convent, Sister Marie Claire-Joseph. The host of the event Mrs. Tracy George kept things lively through an afternoon which featured diverse and compelling stories of survival, acceptance, overcoming struggles and having faith through all things. The Minister of Gender Relations opened the day and set the tone by stating that “When I talk to girls, ladies, people, who perhaps don’t believe that they too can make it, I remind them very simply that I come from the banks of the Troumassee river in Micoud, and I had to move beyond the parameters that

otherwise defined and restricted me. I had to determine a path for myself as a little village girl.” Following the powerful voice of Dr. Rigobert was educator and widow of the sixth Prime Minister of Barbados, Mrs.

Mara Giraudy-Thompson, who also spoke about her early childhood in Saint Lucia. Thompson took the audience on the journey that would bring her to one day become the First Lady of Barbados and to then go on to win the special by-election to succeed her husband in the Saint John constituency in 2011. Her compelling story of love and loss moved everyone in the audience. Up next was the first female president of the Saint Lucia Manufacturers Association and founder of the St. Lucia Sickle Cell Association Paula Calderon. Among other things, Mrs. Calderon spoke about losing her husband, building her business, overcoming the challenges of being married to a politician, how many of her leadership qualities arose from her active netball and physical education background and explained how she spent most of her life turning negatives into positives. Ms. Roberta Polius, a cancer survivor who willingly offers support to other women diagnosed with cancer, tackled the issue of overcoming depression and anxiety. “I survived to give hope, to be hope,” were just some of her inspiring words. The inspirational testimonies continued with Mrs. Michelle Anthony-Desir telling her story of performing a constant balancing act in terms of juggling her career with the demands of being a wife and a mother and everything else, “without a manual!”

presentation detailed her own struggles with cancer but focused on the positive attitude which helped her to overcome it and she also offered some excellent advice for prospective entrepreneurs. Sister Claire, who many in the audience had come to hear, moulded the lives of many of the women present at the event. She reflected on her upbringing in Trinidad and personal journey and talked of how her upbringing shaped her career choice. She also stressed that no matter what the challenges are in life, her experience has been that putting everything in God’s hands would allow the brunt of the burden to be lighter and the journey easier. Mrs. Du Boulay-Chastanet presented the revered former secondary school principal with a token of appreciation for all that she has done to shape and inspire generations of women in Saint Lucia. The event ended on a commanding note with Dr. Nadine Collins who delivered a powerful and uplifting motivational message at sundown about sisterhood and faith. The audience was genuinely moved by her address and as the last speaker of the day, she definitely played a huge part in the ladies leaving the event on a high.

as her special guests three mothers who recently suffered tragic losses of their children but who in the face of unimaginable grief, created foundations in the names of their children to help others: Mrs. Allison Jean who lost her son Botham, Ms. Hazel Joseph who lost her daughter Zina and Mrs. Jacqueline Williams who lost her daughter Zhané. The Make It Happen Foundation made a donation of $1,000 to each foundation. The afternoon also featured an exciting raffle as well as door prizes and a live auction with luxury items such as hotel stays, perfumes and jewellery. The Make it Happen Foundation was thankful to all those who contributed to the event’s success and Mrs. Du Boulay-Chastanet expressed her immense gratitude to Sir Emmanuel Neville Cenac, Governor General and Lady Julita Cenac, as well as the staff at Government House for hosting the event. Based on the success of this event and ticket demands already made in anticipation of next year’s event, the organizers are already hard at work planning “Tea & Testimony” 2020.

Mrs. Du Boulay-Chastanet had invited

The day was not without its light moments, as Mrs. DuBoulay-Chastanet shared some funny stories behind her secret to cooking a healthy meal for the nation’s Prime Minister. Mrs. Chastanet also acknowledged former First Lady Mrs. Rosalia King as an inspiration to her and presented her with a gift. MACO Magazine’s CEO Neysha SoodeenThompson’s lively and effervescent BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESS WOMEN IN FOCUS FOCUS

How to Stand Out and Continue to Profit in Highly Competitive Markets

How to Stand Out and Continue to Profit in Highly Competitive Markets By Hannah Fitz Every business and industry experiences life cycles. The online service-based market is somewhere between the Shakeout and Maturity stages. In the early stages of any industry (development/introduction stage), the marketing and building of brands can be done with very little capital or meaning. Having a great product is usually enough to stay and be profitable. The market has only a few early adopters and competition is scarce. This creates huge opportunities for the few players in that market as DEMAND outstrips SUPPLY. For many industries, it is like a modern-day GOLD RUSH! As one early adopter coach put it; in those days, having a squeeze page (sales page) with a buy now button was like owning an ATM machine on a busy street. And that page didn't even need great copy or to look pretty. But like all prosperous ventures, new entrants become attracted to these markets. The industry begins to grow quickly as everyone wants a piece of the profit and prospect for wealth. The industry becomes saturated with more SUPPLIERS and competition intensifies. At this stage, having a great product, system or framework is not enough. These are easily copied and any innovation becomes the industry standard. Using the online service industry example: funnels, launches, six or seven figure formulas, websites, etc. are all standard and easy to copy. Between the latter growth stage and maturity a few things happen: • • • • •

Many offering the same Price-cutting to survive Fight for market share The shakeout of the weakest in the market A few big players dominating the industry

OR... Smart brands do what every powerhouse brand does... create a distinction that is hard to replicate, create higher perceived value, and make it impossible for the market to ignore.

BusinessFocus Apr / May

Brands in markets that are highly competitive have two strategic choices cut prices and/or shakeout out or LEVERAGE MEANING. The meaning of a brand is one of its most valuable assets. It is a powerful differentiator and allows the brand to create emotional connections with clients in ways no product feature or benefit can. I honestly did not fancy spending $1,200 on an iPhone but when I thought about what an Apple product means to me, I knew a Huawei just would not do. There have been several studies which show that neurologically, consumers develop relationships with brands similar to that of deities or religions. If you are operating in a competitive industry, where everything is replicable and anyone can become an overnight expert, your only strong defense is to build a strong brand identity and leverage meaning. Many famous brands like Apple, Nike and Louis Vuitton have created a distinct BRAND D.N.A that leverages the archetypal nature of the brand and its' ideal client. Archetypes create shortcuts into the sub-conscious mind of consumers elevating their connection and affinity to a particular brand. It is a type of pre-suasion strategy that helps these brands not only create loyal buyers and become the brand of choice but also cultivates a cult-like following. These brands with their distinct what I call I.T. Factor™ in my proprietary system, are able to create a higher perceived value and almost uncontestable market. They can charge more and consumers feel like there is just no substitute only inferior me-toos. 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

Mastering Your Mindset For Success

MASTERING YOUR MINDSET FOR SUCCESS By Menellia Valcent

We want to reach our fullest potential. And it’s absolutely easy to make the decision to want that. The difficult part is maintaining and acting out on that decision. And with life always throwing curveballs at us it can become quite easy to be distracted from our path, from our goals, from our greatness. And sometimes we don’t even realise it until we are just about to tip over the edge, and scramble to get everything back in place. But how do you ensure that you curb your limiting beliefs? I will share with you a few things that you can actively do in order to start today. No actually, right NOW! FIRST OFF — MAKING THE DECISION THAT YOU REALLY WANT IT! Yes, as cliché as it sounds, everything we have done, earned and achieved started with the decision to do it. And because we were adamant about it, that ensured its full manifestation. That’s the secret ingredient. Being adamant and firm on that decision. In my goal-setting course, I speak about our motivation drivers. What is it that makes us do what we do? What is it that makes us set specific goals? If you embark upon something because you aren’t fully embracing or ready for it, at some point you will fall off. The same goes with changing your mindset. If you aren’t ready to accept that change “which is a dynamic change by the way”, you will stray. You will be easily influenced by the distractions to fall back to where you initially were, which brings me to the second point. Actions. TAKING ACTION UPON THAT DECISION Of course, getting to the level you want to be at requires much more than making a decision. Much, much more than making a decision. In order to get the momentum going action is required. But sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start. For mindset growth I believe that it’s a slow process; it doesn’t happen overnight – which is why you need to map out a process. A few pointers: Start Small. Start infusing small amounts of mindset-shifting content into your life every single day. This could be in the form of motivational podcasts, reading one or two books every month, following an uplifting Instagram account tailored to personal development. By starting small, you set the pace for your mind to accept the change. Imagine being a negative Nancy for ten years, then one day going ham on personal development books, CDs, courses, etc. That’s a huge leap, right?! And making such a dynamic change can lead to burnout, overwhelm and giving up. Start Incorporating More. When you have set the stage for your mindset growth, it becomes easier to embrace more change.

This is the stage where you will become fully embracing of your greatness. At this point, you can start a transformational course, start journaling your growth, your change, your needs, your goals. You can start reading more books, and educating yourself more about changing your mindset, eliminating limiting beliefs and then some. At that stage, you become to be fully aware of what you want out of life. Thinking Big. This is my favourite phase, because it really puts things into perspective. It makes you realise that you are growing and you are capable of much more than you allow yourself to believe. I believe that at some point during our mindset transformation, we must make a second decision. A decision to leap into things we are afraid of. A decision to launch into an avenue we have been wanting to take for a while, but we just weren’t ready. With a strong mindset coupled with journaling, actively engaging and educating yourself, this is the stage where you begin to make your dreams happen. When you begin to embrace your greatness. Where you begin to see what you can really achieve in life and your business, because (1) YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE LEFT BEHIND and (2) YOU HAVE AWAKENED THE INNER LION IN YOU. And of course, letting it go to waste is not an option.

Combining her 10 year corporate experience & her training with top success coaches Brendon Burchard, Tonya Leigh & Gina Devee; Menellia Valcent makes vulnerability, goal crushing & creating success in life & online business fun & impactful! She is a certified professional in Supervisory Management a devout Francophile & works closely with her global clients, via high-level coaching, in person intensives, courses and mastermind experiences. Menellia is a regular contributor to Thrive Global, Sivana East & has been featured on Self-Development Secrets, ChoiceTV Saint Lucia & on Jennifer Hardie’s Unstoppable Podcast. To learn more visit www.menelliavalcent.com. BusinessFocus

Apr / May

TOURISM FOCUS

Nurturing an Exuberant Culinary Arts Landscape in Saint Lucia

Nurturing an Exuberant Culinary Arts Landscape in Saint Lucia Source: SLHTA

For most of us, ‘superb culinary experiences’ are limited to only infrequent nights of fine dining and nostalgic doses of ‘mommas’ cooking. When we have devoured the last of a good meal, stomachs bulging and satisfied, we think little of the labour of love that made it all possible. For a select few, however, food holds a more profound meaning and unlocking the combinations for a great tasting meal is more a way of life than merely a response to hunger. Whether kismet or a stroke of chance, chefs are bred from all sorts of circumstances. On a tiny isle like Saint Lucia, it is possible that the head chef at one of the island’s best restaurants hailed from humble beginnings; a once-troubled youth or member of a lowincome household in a far from affluent community. For him or her an introduction into the culinary arts presented a way up and out. For others, their nurtured culinary expertise was the result of an early introduction to the world of food. Perhaps cooking became an innate interest developed while restaurant hopping with wellto-do parents. Under all circumstances, however, one thing is certain; to climb the culinary charts one must possess copious amounts of will, ambition and an above average propensity for hard work. Only then does a chef become well respected amongst peers and other highly regarded foodies. In the era of James Beard Awards, where accolades are handed to chefs perceived as culinary masters on a global stage, Saint Lucia has etched its own platforms to crown ground-breaking local chefs who push boundaries. Many of said cuisine maestros have forgone foreign kitchens to now primarily serve in a country with a vibrant yet gritty, fast-paced culinary scene. Via these formal initiatives, new generations of chefs are supported and the established applauded. A typical case is the efforts put on by the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association to organize high stakes cooking contests where teams of chefs are selected following rigorous elimination processes. These chefs then go on to represent the island on a BusinessFocus Apr / May

world stage. Most recently, six chefs were selected as part of Saint Lucia’s National Culinary team to contest in the annual Taste of the Caribbean tournament, set to take place in Miami in June 2019. The team was selected via Saint Lucia’s National Culinary Competition where 47 chefs battled for a title in one of the following four categories; Chef of the year, Junior Chef, Seafood Chef, and Beef Chef. The competition’s judges focused mainly on menu accuracy, safety, and presentation. When asked about the significance of such opportunities, Culinary Team member Chef Clayton Julien—who was named 2019’s Chef Of The Year and has cooked in several restaurants all around the world—said, “I believe, at the moment, this is the best thing for chefs on the island. One, it gives them exposure. Two, it helps to develop them. Three, it allows for mentorship for the next generation which I find is the most important thing.” The appointed Culinary Team Manager, Chef Richardson Skinner, has said judging in the competition is strict and unforgiving. It is also used to gauge and monitor the current level of culinary skills on the island. Come next year, more opportunities will be on the table for local chefs, young and old. In the interim, while organizations like the SLHTA remain dedicated to supporting one of the islands most lucrative disciplines, chefs will continue to master the region’s flavours; capturing and conveying the essence of Saint Lucia using plates as their canvases. The full list of winners and members of Saint Lucia’s National Culinary Team are: Chef of the Year – Clayton Julien (Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort); Beef Chef – Vernance Dore (Big Chef Steakhouse); Seafood Chef – Ricardo Josue Jr (Harbor Club); Junior Chef – Zyhim Cadet (Cap Maison); Pastry Chef – Emmany Hippolyte (Jade Mountain); Chocolate Chef – Steffie Marius (St James Club Morgan Bay St Lucia); and Bartender – Craig Andes (Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa and Beach Resort).

Booming Global Travel & Tourism Is Driving Economies

Booming Global Travel & Tourism Is Driving Economies Source: Forbes

The travel and tourism sector grew more in 2018 than all other economic sectors but one, adding a record $8.8 trillion to the world’s combined Gross Domestic Product – up from $8.3 trillion in 2017 - as well as 319 million new jobs.

region, which saw travel and tourism generate $62 billion, or 15.5 percent more economic activity than in 2017. Southeast Asia’s travel and tourism sector saw its economic activity rise 12.2 percent, to $373 billion.

The larger manufacturing sector saw its contribution to global GDP grow 4 percent in 2018, only slightly ahead of the 3.9 percent growth of travel and tourism’s contribution to global GDP.

The rest includes Oceania (12.2 percent, $206 billion), Europe (9.7 percent), Northeast Asia (9.6 percent), South Asia (India primarily, 8.8 percent, $296 billion), Latin America (8.7 percent, $336 billion), The Middle East (8.7%, 237 billion) and Africa (8.5 percent $194 billion).

The next-fastest growing sector of the global economy last year was the construction industry, generally regarded to still be a boom cycle despite slowing growth in China. It’s impact on global GDP expanded at a rate of 3.4 percent last year. Two other sectors generally regarded as fast-growing sectors saw their contribution to global DGP at a slower rate than travel and tourism. Retail and wholesale grew at a rate of 3.3 percent in 2018 while healthcare grew 3.1 percent. The travel and tourism sector’s growth performance, touted recently in numbers released by the World Travel & Tourism Council, highlights the size and growing importance of a sector that is not broadly understood by the public to be as big and as economically important as it actually is. Overall, travel and tourism generated 10.4 percent of the world’s total economic activity in 2018. That worldwide growth was greatly aided by rapid growth of travel and tourism in regions such as Oceania (Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Southwest Pacific islands), Southeast Asia, India and China. North America, including Canada, Mexico and the United States, remains the third-largest travel and tourism market. Last year it contributed $1.9 trillion in total economic activity, up 8.2% from 2017. The largest region in terms of travel and tourism economic impact last year was the similarly mature European market, which generated $2.2 trillion worth of travel and tourism-related economic activity. Northeast Asia, which includes China, ranked second with $2.1 trillion in travel and tourism-driven economic activity last year.

By itself the United States remains the largest travel and tourism market when considering individual nations rather than regions. Travel and tourism contributed $1.6 trillion to the nation’s GDP. That’s equal to 7.8 percent of the U.S. economy. The sector grew in this country last year by 2.2 percent. The WTTC's president, Gloria Guevara, says travel and tourism now is responsible for creating one out of every five new jobs worldwide. The global lobby group expects travel and tourism to generate 100 million new jobs worldwide over the next 10 years. That would push the total number of people working in travel and tourism to 421 million by 2029. But there is one area of concern. For rather obvious global political reasons, travel from China to the United States was flat in 2018 vs. the previous year. That followed a full decade in which the growth in Chinese travel to this country averaged 23 percent a year. As a result, now about 11 percent of all economic activity in this country related to travel and tourism is generated by Chinese visitors. That’s why U.S. travel and tourism companies and organizations are hopeful that solutions to the currently-strained U.S.-China trade relationship, featuring tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on the importation of many Chinese-made goods, can be reached sooner rather than later. Guevara also noted that any improvement in U.S.-China trade relations likely would have a large positive impact on both nations’ overall economies.

But of the 10 largest travel and tourism regions in the world, North America is growing slowest. The fastest-growing is the Caribbean BusinessFocus

Apr / May

BUSINESSFOCUS FOCUS TOURISM

Saint Lucia’s Coconut Saint Lucia’s CoconutResort Bay Beach Resort Bay Beach & Spa Wins Multiple Awards from Around & the Spa Globe Wins Multiple Awards from Around the Globe Source: SLHTA

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Saint Lucia’s most popular Premium All-Inclusive, continues to be recognized for its outstanding service and facilities globally from both the consumer and trade travel industry sectors receiving new accolades from Islands, the British Wedding Awards and HotelsCombined. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa was chosen as both the Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice winner of the 2019 Islands All-Inclusive Award in the “Best Pool” category. These first-ever “All Inclusive Awards” were presented to the best all-inclusive resorts across the globe based on their standout offerings, as selected by their well-traveled editorial staff and voted on by their dedicated readers. Islands has inspired affluent travelers through experience-driven journeys for more than 30 years. The resort has once again been recognized by UK couples at the British Wedding Awards for the third consecutive year winning the 2019 award for “Best Destination Wedding Venue.” The British Wedding Awards champion excellence in all things bridal, voted for and chosen by consumers. The resort was previously honored with the 2018 British Wedding Award for “Best Destination Wedding Venue” and the 2017 award for “Best Destination Wedding & Honeymoon.” HotelsCombined, the Australian-based hotel meta-search company, has recognized Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa with their official Recognition of Excellence. The HotelsCombined Recognition of Excellence is not a ranking list but a group of outstanding accommodations chosen based criteria from guest reviews taking into consideration an absence of major customer service problems and recurring or unresolved issues as well as the way the hotel staff answered the Hotels communication team, demonstrating their commitment in providing quick assistance. Coconut Bay Resort & Spa boasts a high satisfaction rating among guests and travel industry experts, receiving 7596 reviews for an impressive rating of 8.8 out of 10. “We are honored that our past guests and respected members of the travel community recognize us as the best in such a wide range of categories including our staff and management team who always strive to exceed expectations,” says Mark Adams President and CEO of Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. “We consistently listen to our guests and work to incorporate their valuable suggestions as we continue to improve our facilities and amenities year-round.” BusinessFocus Apr / May

Saint Lucian Taxi Firm Saint Lucian Taxi Firm First to Become HA Certifiedto in Region First Become HA Certified in Region Source: SLTA A Saint Lucian taxi firm has become the first tourism taxi company in the Caribbean to be Hospitality Assured (HA) certified, an international certification programme for service excellence. Holiday Taxi Limited is among a number of tourism enterprises in member countries of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) that recently completely the rigorous qualifying process towards certification. The taxi company reported that the certification process significantly improved the knowledge and skills of its employees, who are now much better placed to strengthen its performance and overall competitiveness through service excellence. “I would recommend [Hospitality Assured] to anybody,” said Holiday Taxi’s Lucien Joseph. The Castries-based ground transportation firm was one of four tourism service providers whose participation in the HA certification process was funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through a US$265,000 grant to train key HA support personnel and to fund the participation of 30 tourism micro, small and medium enterprises in the programme. Hospitality Assured promotes and rewards the highest standards of service excellence in the hospitality sector and is seen as the standard for service and business excellence in the industry. It provides nine key performance indicators – customer research, the customer service promise, business leadership and planning, operational planning and standards of performance, resources that are required to deliver customer service standards, training and development, service delivery, service recovery and customer satisfaction improvement – against which an organisation can continually evaluate and measure its performance with respect to service quality, while promoting an organisational climate of continuous improvement. To facilitate the certification, process the CTO assigns a business advisor to each enterprise to help the companies meet the minimum requirements on the nine steps of the Hospitality Assured standard. Certification is for a two-year period and there must be continuous improvement in order for a business to be recertified.

Cruise Lines Start Catering to Millennials

Source: Travel Weekly UK

People's Discount PharmacyWE ALSO SELL WHEELCHAIRS, Ltd. WALKERS &