St. Lucia Business Focus by AMS St. Lucia

FLOW

No. 99

BF SEP/OCT 2018

CONTENTS FEATURE Goddard Catering Group 23. Goddard Catering Group Events’ Company Values 25. The Goddard Catering Group Story - Interview with General Manager, Anthony Samuel 30. Feeding Off High Standards 32. Goddard Catering Group’s LongServing Employee Testimonials 34. 36. 40. 42. 44. 46. 48. 50. 50. 52. 54. 56. 57. 58. 60. 63. 64. 66. 68. 69. 70. 72. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79.

Event Planning Location Location Location! Choosing an Event Planner Interior & Exterior Decor Food Safety & Catering in Events Contracts: Read the Fine Print Outdoor Concert Services and Stage Set-up Noise Ordinances & ECCO Permits Goods On Consignment Making Your Events Picture Perfect The Impact of Audio-Visual on Events Parking Management & Strategy Permits The Art of Sound Engineering The Disc Jockey - The Real Life of The Party Major Events Get Big Push from Events Company of Saint Lucia The Night Life Scene in Saint Lucia Hosting A Mass Crowd Event? The Evolution of Carnival Jounen Kwéyòl: A Cultural Explosion If You Host It, They Will Come! The Function of Solid Waste Management Raising More Than Just Funds Sporting Events Planning Fun Events For Children Niche Markets - How They Factor Into Your Event We Make You Look Good Media Coverage is Key! Benefits of Sponsoring an Event

4. Editor’s Note 6. Business Briefs The Arthur Lok Jack Global School Of Business 8.

Living a Balanced Life – How Achievable Is It?

Leaders Corner

10. People Capital: Incremental Changes That Make a Big Difference

Money Matters

Invest St. Lucia 12. Tides Of Change - A Chairman's Insight 14. Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability (ICA) Releases 2017 Annual Report 15. CIBC FirstCaribbean Wins “Most Innovative Bank” Award

Business Tech

16. Cable & Wireless Reaffirms Commitment to the Caribbean Region 16. TickeTing Inc. Launches Caribbean’s First Reusable Smartcard System For Event Tickets 17. Caribbean Export Launches Market Intelligence Portal 17. How Piedata is Cracking the Caribbean Code KP Marine 18. KP Marine St. Lucia Ltd - Surpassing Customers' Expectations with Yamaha

Must Reads

80. On Principles

Tourism Focus

82. Saint Lucian Culinary Team Fares Well at ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ 84. “Capitalize on Linkages In Tourism”, Jamaican Tourism Minister Says

85. Tourism Cares Deploys Hurricane Recovery Resources to Spur Caribbean Tourism

Economy & Trade

86. New CDB Report: Intra-Regional Travel Declines 87. Caribbean Must Reduce Its MultiMillion-Dollar Food Import Bill – Says OECS Director General

In The Know

88. Managing Organizational Change for Project Success 89. Meet NRDF Team Member, Mr. Ernest Ottley 90. Highlights of the 2nd Edition of the Job Fair Expo 91. How to Have a More Productive Meeting

Youth In Focus

92. The Caribbean Millennials Podcast 93. South Castries Lions Win Second SPLT20

Environmental Focus

94. Bill Clinton: St Lucia Can Lead the Way to the Future 95. WLBL Reintroduces Glass Bottles for Coca-Cola, Sprite 96. LUCELEC Welcomes Stakeholder Interest in Renewable Energy 97. Caribbean Aims to Become World’s First-Class Climate-Smart Zone

Health & Wellness

98. Know Your Body 99. Survey Highlights Persistent Discrimination Against People Living With HIV 101. Major Moves 102. New Company Registrations 104. Advertiser's Index BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

BUSINESS FOCUS

The Business of Events! In our personal and professional lives, we are often requested to organise and host many an activity whether it be at our place of work or at our private home. The growth of our tourism sector has accelerated the demand for specialized services to support the hosting of a range of events. Today, the Business of Events can be classified as a high volume economic sub-sector which has spawned a significant number of new businesses and produced a new cadre of entrepreneurs and a support network of skills for a range of services required to successfully host events of all types. The Events sector really came into focus with the launching of the St Lucia Jazz Festival more than twenty five years ago. This event touched all sectors and more importantly exposed the lack of professional skills and services locally available to support its annual hosting as well as opened many eyes to the potential opportunities.

Lokesh Singh Editor / Managing Director

Fast forward twenty-five plus years later, we are proud to state that this event is now hosted and supported almost totally with the support of locally-owned businesses and skills. In addition, the success of hosting the Jazz Festival has also opened the doors for hosting of a number of similar mass crowd events. The Government has taken notice of these developments and has since established the Events Company of Saint Lucia - a special purpose company established to organize and execute major national events such as the Jazz Festival, Carnival, Jounen Kweyol and Independence. Recent mass events such as CPL Cricket, the Annual ARC Yacht Regatta and Mercury Beach have brought added value and we are sure to see other such events being created. This has all been augmented by the increased hosting of Destination Weddings - another growing niche market for the Event sub-sector with the island being labelled as one of the leading Destinations for the Weddings & Honeymoon market. Not to forget the local community and their hosting of business and social events which has helped to make this sector a rewarding and viable commercial opportunity for business owners whilst generating significant full time employment. As we get to the last quarter of 2018 and the looming festive season, this is the time to start planning for the hosting of your events. We are pleased to highlight in our Special Feature – the Goddard Catering Group – a pioneering company and leader in the catering and event hosting business and a number of established and new enterprises who have the experience and requisite skills as professionals to successfully support your efforts. We trust that you will enjoy reading our Special Feature and the many articles on various subjects which will impact our businesses and daily life. Look us up online at www.businessfocusstlucia.com and share the Magazine with your business associates, friends and family. Happy Reading! BusinessFocus

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BUSINESSFOCUS Business Focus magazine is published every two months by Advertising & Marketing Services Limited (AMS), Saint Lucia. Publisher/ Managing Director: Lokesh Singh - lokesh@amscaribbean.com Project Manager: Ashwini Singh - ashwini@amscaribbean.com Editor’s Note Editorial Assistants: Kezia Preville | Stan Bishop Graphic Designer: Tannel George | Carlisle Searles Advertising Sales: Cennette Flavien - cennette@amscaribbean.com Cleopatra Jules Webmaster: Advertising & Marketing Services Photography: Ashley Anzie | Stan Bishop James Adjodha - Wavemaker Photography Contributors: Lokesh Singh | Surren Maharaj | Olivier Bottois Stan Bishop | Kezia Preville | Gerard Best Noelissa St. Catherine | Lorraine Debra Glace Justin Roosevelt Sealy | Lyndell Halliday Deborah Hackshaw | Trudy O. Glasgow Dr. Celia McConnell | Thomas Leonce Anushka Singh-Polius Editorial, Advertising, Design & Production: Advertising & Marketing Services 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: Goddard Catering Group Events Anthony Samuel, General Manager

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Bank of Saint Lucia

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Sep/Oct

BUSINESS BRIEFS BUSINESS FOCUS

Lenard Montoute, Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment; Mrs. Barbara Montoute; and Hon. Edmund Estephane, Minister for Youth Development and Sports, visited Taiwan from August 6 to 10 at the invitation of the government of Taiwan. The purpose of their visit was to strengthen bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucia to Phase Out Single-Use Plastics, Styrofoam

Saint Lucia plans to phase out Styrofoam food service containers and plastics from December 1, 2018, with a total ban on their importation before the end of next year. Minister of Sustainable Development, Dr. Gale Rigobert, said Government was concerned about the negative impact on the environment and human health from food service containers. However, she noted that the administration recognizes that the healthier alternative to these products, such as biodegradable and compostable food service containers, are more costly. Over the last few months, the Department of Sustainable Development and other key agencies have been working to develop a strategy to eliminate single-use plastics, polystyrene and expanded polystyrene from the local market. “To date, we have completed fiscal analyses, conducted a survey of the key suppliers of these products and we have also identified suppliers of the biodegradable and compostable food service containers. All this to ensure that Saint Lucia creates the enabling environment to facilitate this process,” she stated. To ensure adequate sensitization, she said the Department of Sustainable Development will continue its campaign to educate the public on available options during this phase. ¤

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS

provisions and craft market and roadside traders, and focused on the significant components and benefits from the soonto-be-launched Vendors’ Registration Programme. Addressing the consultations, Castries Mayor, Peterson Francis, noted the need for vendors to display unity whilst urging that they take advantage of the programme. “As part of that programme vendors will receive, among other benefits, free access to public comfort stations, job letters identifying them as authorized vendors and provisions to gain National Insurance Corporation (NIC) retirement and health insurance packages. We are now modifying our programme so that all vendors listed under our Vendors’ Registration Programme will benefit meaningfully,” Francis explained. Over seventy people have registered for the programme which will be launched in the coming weeks. ¤

During their visit, the delegation called at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Culture, Sports Department and Taiwan ICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund) and met with Saint Lucian students in Taiwan. On August 7, the delegation visited Taiwan ICDF and conducted a thorough discussion on Taiwan’s cooperation projects in Saint Lucia with Dr. Lee Pai-po, Deputy Secretary General of Taiwan ICDF. Dr. Lee said Taiwan ICDF has cooperated closely with Saint Lucia in agriculture, ICT, medical care and education, the achievements of which have been highly appreciated by the people of Saint Lucia. He promised that Taiwan ICDF will continue to introduce modern technologies to Saint Lucia through various projects. ¤ Photo: Hon. Lenard Montoute, Mrs. Barbara Montoute and Hon. Edmund Estephane with Dr. Lee Pai-po, Deputy Secretary General of Taiwan ICDF and H.E. Edwin Laurent, Ambassador of Saint Lucia to R.O.C. (Taiwan)

Marigot Bay Resort and Marina Announces Strategic Move to Become Independent Hotel

Two Ministers from Saint Lucia Visit Taiwan to Enhance Bilateral Relationship

CCC Conducts Vendor’s Registration Programme The Castries Constituency Council (CCC) in mid-August hosted consultative meetings with vendors plying their trade within the city. The consultations were attended by merchants from the Vendors Arcade, BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Effective August 3, Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, a luxury getaway in Saint Lucia’s Marigot Bay, is no longer associated with Capella Hotels & Resorts. Now a luxury, independent resort, the property recently joined the Preferred

BUSINESS BRIEFS Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection, which represents renowned independent properties that feature the finest accommodations coupled with attentive and exclusive personal service, and memorable experiences through exceptional dining, entertainment and spas.

This was the 30th anniversary of Virtuoso Travel Week, and the SLTA was among the more than 6,000 attendees at the event. Participants comprised 2,888 travel advisors, 2,569 partners and 80 journalists. There were 566 first-time partners and 794 first-time advisors at the event.

Saint Lucia has five virtuoso resorts: Ladera In addition, the resort was recently invited Resort; Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort; Cap to join American Express Fine Hotels & Maison; Jade Mountain Resort; and the Resorts and has been acclaimed as one of BodyHoliday. ¤ "The Top 25 Resort Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas” by Travel + 14 Dennery Segment Artists Leisure’s 2018 World’s Best Awards.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister, “The aim is to showcase our high quality Saint Lucian culture and music to international audiences with the hope of attracting major investments.” ¤

BOSL Continues To Honour Cheques Made To Non-Account Holders

On U.S. Promotional Tour

As part of its new look, the owners of Marigot Bay Resort and Marina have announced an improved management team to lead the rebranding strategy. The team is led by Perle Flavien, Director of Resort Operations, and supported by a strong Saint Lucian team with years of Caribbean, luxury experience. ¤

Saint Lucian Hotel Tops at Virtuoso Travel Week

Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL) has weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding honouring cheques made payable to nonaccount holders at local commercial banks. Fourteen Dennery Segment artistes and the managers are part of a promotional tour to the United States which coincides with the 2018 West Indian American Day Parade celebrations (Labour Day) and 2018 Miami Carnival.

In a July 26 press release, Managing Director, Bernard La Corbinière, stated that, “Bank of Saint Lucia takes the matter of honouring cheques very seriously and continues to cash cheques for non-account holders at all five branches island-wide.”

The artistes will perform in Hartford, Connecticut; Brooklyn, New York; Houston, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; and Miami, Florida.

The bank says it invests significantly in new convenience banking services as well as traditional banking services to make it easier for customers. With the introduction of a number of new payment methods, including Electronic Funds Transfer, the bank says it recognizes that cheques still form an essential part of dayto-day business for many customers.

The BodyHoliday has won the Best Wellness Program honour, beating out other luxury properties in the Virtuoso programme around the world.

The selected artistes are Keenan, Krome, Nassis, Mac 11, Mighty, Subance, Black Boy, Umpa, Bic Sea, Mata, Migos, Cooyah, Shemmy J and Seebo.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) participated in the Virtuoso Travel Week programme in Las Vegas, Nevada from August 11-17 for the first time since the destination became recognised as a Virtuoso preferred partner earlier this year.

The Office of the Prime Minister and the Department of Culture held a press conference on August 13 to announce the Government of Saint Lucia’s endorsement and support for the August 30-October 10 promotional tour.

Virtuoso is a network of the best luxury travel agencies, with more than 17,500 advisors worldwide representing the best of the best in travel, with a portfolio of nearly 1,700 preferred partners – top hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and other tourism interests. Virtuoso brings in US$23.7 billion in travel sales and has travel advisors in 50 countries.

Local company, Empire Media, is collaborating with the Government of Saint Lucia on the tour initiative. Also endorsing the tour are the Saint Lucia Mission NYC, Ministry of Culture, Export Saint Lucia and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet met with some of the artistes and wished them well as they embarked on the U.S. tour.

Bank of Saint Lucia adds that it remains committed to honouring all genuine BOSL cheque transactions, meaning that the cheque is completed correctly including date, payee and sum; sufficient available funds on the account from which the funds are being drawn; and appropriate authorized signatures. Customers are also reminded that valid picture identification is a key requirement for the cashing of cheques. Banks in the region continue to move towards paperless transactions. However, cheques will continue to be honoured until such time that there is a seamless transition from traditional methods to new technologies, BOSL says. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

The Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business

Living a Balanced Life – How Achievable is it?

Living a Balanced Life – How Achievable Is It? By Surren Maharaj

Authors Thomas Kalliath and Paula Brough in their article, “Achieving work-life balance,” published in 2008 Journal of Management and Organisation have indicated there is a growing concern by individuals and corporations for achieving work-life balance. What does it mean to live a balanced life? When we look at our life, there are many components that contribute to how we spend our time. We have Family, Friends, Love, Romance, Work, Personal and Spiritual growth and development… and the list can go on and on. So, how do we know when our lives are in balance? Balance can be achieved when all the moving parts of our life have an adequate level of satisfaction to us. When this happens, we feel fulfilled, satisfied and in tune with the universe. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we feel stressed when our lives are out of balance. This feeling of stress comes to us in many forms… overwhelmed, overtired, overworked, headaches, body aches, dissatisfaction, unhappiness, low self-esteem, disorientation, feeling of lack of control, of emptiness, of misfortune, and so on and on and on. We live in a modern complex world, with countless things tugging away at our time and attention. We often deny the fact that we are stressed in our lives because there are areas where we lack. Consider the following - we are working in our jobs BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

too many hours and this is preventing us from focusing on other areas of importance to us (health, relationship, family, romance and friends). Maybe you are a busy parent with work, kids and family obligations that maybe taking away from your balance in the areas of leisure, personal growth, better health and fun. Anyhow you look at it, when your life is not in balance you literally feel as though you have fallen and at times, getting up can be a challenge. Jacquelyn Smith, in her contribution to Forbes Magazine in April 18, 2013, shared “For most people, juggling the demands of a career and a personal life is an ongoing challenge. Achieving the elusive “work-life balance” can often feel like an impossible goal, especially for people who strive to give everything 100%. In today’s “do more with less” competitive reality, how can we manage careers and families and feel satisfied with both?” So, is there hope? How does one regain the balance in their life? What tools and techniques are available to help us rebalance our life and return to the path of fulfilment? The following are some simple ideas that when followed can serve to put you on the road a balanced and happy life: 1. Airplane Mode Airplane mode (on your smart device) can be a wonderful tool. It allows you quickly disconnect from the internet.

In so doing, you can have planned moments away from work and all the electronic noise around you. Make dinnertime, or a couple of hours before bed your time to unplug and give yourself a digital “detox.” This means no texting and no checking your emails. Setting your phone to airplane mode can help you to resist the temptation to check it—giving you a chance to fully unwind from the stresses of the day and spend that valuable time on the things that require your care and attention. 2. Alerts/Alarms By setting the alarms on your phone, you can hold yourself accountable to completing tasks in a certain timeframe. It will also help you to know when you should wrap up your work for the day, making it easier for you to carve out time to focus on your family, your friends, and yourself. 3. An Activity Log If accountability is something that you struggle with, consider keeping an activity log for a couple of days. In any life’s circumstances it is important to first, write down our life map and second, to have goals. Once we write down the areas of our lives and evaluate where we are, or the level of satisfaction we have in each area, and where we want to go, we can develop goals and an action plan. These can be short or long term goals, and the fact that we plan for it already helps with our feeling of lack of control, which is many times the source of stress.

You may be surprised where your time is going! You can also use an app like FocusMe, which will show you where you spent your time online. This app even has the ability to block certain websites and apps, making it easier to claim back your time. You can even schedule break reminders— to remind yourself to get up, stretch, and rest your eyes.

4. A Fitness App Exercise, health, and getting fresh air are important for a balanced life. While it’s easy to let work and pressing obligations eat into your time, carving out time to get a workout in a few times a week is essential—even if your workout comes in the form of a brief jog or a walk. For fitness goals, consider adding an app like the Fitbit—which, along with the wearable activity tracker, can help you to monitor just about every aspect of your health—including exercise, sleep, and weight—helping you to reach your goals. 5. A Day Planner Don’t underestimate the importance of a daily planner. A planner can help you to track and manage your time, allowing you to plan out your day to get the most out of it. With Day Designer, you can map out your day, prioritize, and plan in a way that’s in line with your overarching goals and priorities. This will not only make it easy to keep track of daily tasks—but will also help to keep you motivated, on course, and focused on the things that matter most. In conclusion, I am of the view that living a balanced life is not only a feeling of satisfaction but also is about the basic human

needs. Some may be fine with and strive on working long hours and be available for their family when they get around to it, or the same can apply to not giving priority to their health by postponing check-ups and exercising. The big picture I really want to convey is that the word “balance” is truly important because it will contribute to a healthy and happy life, and if our priorities are concentrated in only a few areas the results will be seen later on in the person’s life. Life balance. Is it achievable? It depends on the priorities and choices we make in life and it is up to us to plan for it to happen! Finally, one more tip. Another tool available to you in your war against imbalance is the services of a Life Coach. A “Life Coach” is someone that looks to empower others by helping them make, meet and exceed goals in both their personal and professional lives. Working with a Life Coach can help you to overcome the hurdles in your way to achieving a satisfying balance in your life. They will guide you towards a new path that will lead to less stress and increased happiness and hold you accountable for your progress. ¤

Surren Maharaj (MBA; BA; PCC) is the Principal Consultant and Chief Coach for Boundless Coaching Consulting. As Professional Certified Coach (PCC), he serves as an executive, business and life coach for regional and international clients. He is part of an international community of coaches helping individuals rise above their potential or follow their authentic journey in life. He is also passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise through training courses and workshops. He is an active Mentor with YBTT and one of the Shell LiveWire Trainers. He also serves as the Country Supervisor (Guyana & Suriname) at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business and as Senior Academic Advisor with responsibility for several Post Graduate Programmes including the Master of Small and Medium Size Management and the Doctor in Business Administration. Contact details +1 868 689 4034 / surren.maharaj@gmail.com.

BusinessFocus

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small chats can actually make them more valuable, and valued, employees.

Volume 11

LEADERS

So we decided to build our social capital, a form of mutual reliance, dependency and trust. It hugely changes what people can do. This is true now more than ever. It’s impossible nowadays to know everything that you need to know. What we need is lots of people who know lots of different things. Leaders spend time together with their people and develop relationships, understanding that together as a team they are smarter.

People Capital:

Over the years I worked with good people who were so focused on their own work that they didn’t know anything about other people sitting in the same office. So we started a new team exercise: Thursdays at 3pm during our weekly operations meeting, everybody’s going to get together and two people are going to stand up and tell us who they are and what is most important to them. It proved to be incredibly beneficial. That level of trust is needed to have the freedom to think and to have the really good kind of active brainstorming from which the best ideas emerge.

People Capital: Incremental Changes That Make a Big Difference

CORNER

Incremental Changes That Make a Big Difference

It is not different for this Millennial generation because of social media. Digital intelligence and techno-savvy is an entry-level requirement, but without social capital, it won’t get us very far. Work reasonable hours. Take breaks.

By Olivier Bottois On a recent hotel repositioning project in St Lucia it became clear that a change in service culture would take time. We've heard of the Pareto principle also known as the 80/20 rule, “the law of the vital few, or the principle of factor sparsity that states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.” A big part of that 20% was changing the service culture and assembling a strong team that would last, a critical step so changes could be sustained. The outcome of our marketing efforts would depend on improving reputation management in the community and on social media, therefore the guest experience was essential. Our people and their level of engagement, energy and motivation would be key to end results. A significant renovation of the project to be attractive to a successful millenial customer base would matter, but without the right team to create guest experiences that are sustainable and consistent, renovations would not suffice. Investing time and money into people would be key. To bring the property back to the grand old days or even better would not only be a question of hiring architects and designers. I always reflect on my days with Four Seasons where we performed as people came first, having a great product, second, and profit would follow... it is still true. Incremental changes such as giving the team time off to rest and balance their lives makes a big difference in terms of performance. In the old days “working hard” (long hours) was often a key criteria in assessing employee performance. Working smart and resting is more important. Heavy work loads are not sustainable and often result in employee turnover when people burn out. One of the changes we also made was to create a workplace culture where we open channels for active listening, for example taking a lunch break with coworkers, managers feeding workers’ strong need for connection — and for workers to recognize that BusinessFocus

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We know from cognitive science that there are hard limits to what the brain can deal with. We think that if we work seven days a week or all night we’re being very clever. We’re not. We think we can work long hours — month after month, year after year. This is not sustainable. One of my habits is mind wandering. I walk away from my desk, walk around the building for a while and the idea comes to me. Time management means taking time off email and chat. We have what we think of as “real work,” which requires thought and concentration. And then the other work of meetings, phone calls and email. To be more productive, I separate them. I do the thinking work uninterrupted, which results in quality work with less fatigue. And then I do everything else, comfortable in the knowledge that the real work is done. It will mean at the end of the day I feel less tired. Let’s lead and protect our people capital by making small decisions that make a big difference and take projects to the finish line. ¤ Olivier Bottois is a third generation Hotelier with broad hospitality experience in France, England, Germany, Canada, USA and The Caribbean. He is a Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts alumni 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

SMJ Beverages

S.M.J Beverages (St. Lucia) Ltd St. Judes Highway Vieux Fort Industrial Highway Vieux Fort St. Lucia Tel: 1-758-454-7768

Dr . Ramos's Medical Centre ONCOLOGY CONSULTANT

Dr Ramos Medical Centre Cancer

8 R is

reast b r o f s k f a ct o r

• Getting older. The risk for breast cancer increases with age; most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50. • Early menstrual period.. Women who start their periods before age 12 are exposed to hormones longer, raising the risk for breast cancer by a small amount. • Late or no pregnancy.. Having the first pregnancy after age 30 and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk. • Starting menopause after age 55. Like starting one’s period early, being exposed to estrogen hormones for a longer time later in life also raises the risk of breast cancer.

• Being overweight or obese after menopause. Older women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those at a normal weight. • Using combination hormone therapy. Taking hormones to replace missing estrogen and progesterone in menopause for more than five years raises the risk for breast cancer. The hormones that have been shown to increase risk are estrogen and progestin when taken together. • Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Certain forms of oral contraceptive pills have been found to raise breast cancer risk. • Family history of breast cancer. A woman’s risk for breast cancer is higher if she has a mother, sister, or daughter (first-degree relative) or multiple family members on either her mother’s or father’s side of the family who have had breast cancer. Having a first-degree male relative with breast cancer also raises a woman’s risk.

Gablewoods Mall Office 10, Sunny Acres 1-758-458-1107 St. Anthony Medical Center Vieux Fort 1-758-454-4040 Integrated Medical Care Arnos Vale St. Vincent & the Grenadines 1-784-4312488 1-784-534-7488 Dr. Angel Ramos Cell: 1-758-729-6134 dramosmedicalcentre@gmail.com

If you have breast cancer risk factors, come to our office and talk with us about ways you can lower your risk and about screening for breast cancer. BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

BUSINESS FOCUS

Invest Saint Lucia Tides Of Change - A Chairman's Insight

TIDES OF CHANGE

A Chairman's Insight

Henry Martin interviews Chairman of Invest Saint Lucia – Mr. Pinkley Francis Henry Martin:  What are the main aims for Invest Saint Lucia in the short to medium term? Pinkley Francis: Invest Saint Lucia (ISL), has for many years performed the role of investment promotion long before its formal re-branding in 2009, to a full-fledged Investment Promotion Agency for this picturesque 238 square mile island. Over the years, ISL has attracted and secured significant investments across various sectors. Through its dynamic and committed team, ISL has been able to influence those relationships, coupled with an open investment regime to realise noteworthy expansions. ISL, through its investment promotion and facilitation mandate will over the next 12 to 24 months work in tandem with the government to realise the growth strategy geared towards building a resilient Saint Lucia. Tourism continues to be the island’s leading economic driver. Consequently, several projects are expected to commence shortly, including redevelopment of the capital city Castries, which consists of major infrastructural upgrades to the cruise and cargo ports. Renowned as a cruise destination, Saint Lucia now boasts of the capability to berth Quantum class vessels, a feat that will add to the island’s allure as a world leading tourism destination. Additionally, the island’s international airport in the south will undergo major redevelopment, all part of a transformative integrated project which is expected to open the island to immense possibilities with increasing airlift and marina/ cruise goers. Consequently, ISL’s energies will be dedicated to ensuring outcomes for the development of critical linchpin projects. HM: Can you outline the key areas for investment you offer? PF: Having garnered international exposure over the years with established and renowned international brands and numerous BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

awards across the tourism and manufacturing sectors, Saint Lucia is focused on securing investments from new and existing investors in the areas of Smart Manufacturing such as agro- processing and smart technology manufacturing, and Tourism which can include health & wellness facilities, specialty restaurants, shopping/elite merchandising, and eco lodges, all necessary to augment the island’s appeal. Additionally, Infrastructural development has been identified as key to improving the trajectory of this small island economy through the development of alternative energy, technology and vocational training institutions, as well as roads, bridges and highways. With the island’s recent introduction of the first outsourcing company in the Caribbean to use Artificial Intelligence at the core of its operations, Saint Lucia is excited by the burgeoning possibilities. HM: What services can you assist the international investor with? PF: Invest Saint Lucia’s dedicated team of qualified professionals with proven international experience, offers comprehensive knowledge of the processes to set up a business; a keen understanding of investor needs; facilitation and professional guidance in helping investors and existing businesses navigate the official approvals process; and a full understanding of the available incentives and resources to foster growth and to expand business. The ISL team is complemented by technical service officers who are well placed to assist potential investors explore Invest Saint Lucia’s over 2500 acres of strategic lands, which are available for targeted sustainable investment projects. ISL owns and manages seven (7) industrial estates, which contain several factory shells ranging in size from 4000 to 32,000 square feet and strategically placed throughout the island’s economic

INVEST hubs. This endowment serves as a critical element of the facilitation process, which makes business set-up a bit easier, as these shells are available for lease at attractive rental rates. HM: What concessions and/or fiscal incentives do you offer? PF: Investment incentives are a common tool employed by governments around the world to attract foreign direct investment. The Government of Saint Lucia is no different. Signalling its commitment to improving the economy through FDI, Saint Lucia’s Incentives regime include several pieces of legislation that together, constitute a broad framework for attracting foreign investors. The obligations under these legislative instruments vary from classification of project, whether tourism, manufacturing or other type of development, including amendments to legislation signalling the island as a Headquarters jurisdiction. Incentives could include: • Corporate income tax exemption • Duty free concessions on imports, including on building materials, articles, furnishings, fixtures, plant, machinery, imported raw materials • Exemption of income tax on interest payments received by investors • Unrestricted repatriation of profits and capital • No restrictions or taxes on foreign exchange transactions • No taxes on dividends • No work permit fees for management personnel up to a defined period HM: What projects are ready for investment? PF: ISL is focused on key economic sectors and niches in which Saint Lucia has a competitive advantage. Invest Saint Lucia works with new as well as established investors to encourage and assist in the expansion and development of business ideas. We encourage investments that promote a holistic approach to development, ensuring economic viability, social equity and environmental sustainability.

stretch of white sand beach, in a pristine and untouched zone on the east coast, boasting woodland and wildlife. The site is adjacent to an important 9 – acre historical site. Investment is in the range of USD 150 – 200 million. Through the island’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, the Fairmont Saint Lucia at Sunset Bay presents a 4-5-star hotel and villa resort development on the west coast of the island. HM: Are there trade agreements in place to give investors an advantage and if so can you tell us about them? PF: Saint Lucia, strategically located in the Eastern Caribbean, and as a party to several trading arrangements, make it an ideal location to service key regional, nearshore and international markets. The island offers access to a regional market of over 14 million consumers. Leveraged by its partnership with other Caribbean territories owing to the Treaty establishing the regional grouping called the Caribbean Community, commonly referred to as CARICOM, which includes the 15 Member states of the Caribbean, Saint Lucia has market access to the USA, some Latin American countries and Europe. Those trading arrangements, and in some instances, clauses related to investment, provide duty-free market access to Saint Lucia’s exporters and services providers on a unilateral or reciprocal basis. Some noteworthy agreements include the economic harmonisation and integration of the sub-regional OECS Economic Union which allows for the free movement of persons within the 6 independent member states located in the Eastern Caribbean, as well as CARICOM trade agreements with the USA, Costa Rica, Colombia and CARIFORUM (CARICOM and Dominican Republic) agreement with the EU under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). CARICOM and Canada are currently engaged in negotiations on a trade and development agreement. HM: Where geographically have you seen the most interest in terms of investors?

Real estate opportunities exist in a residential community in the north of the island, near the entertainment and lifestyle centre of Saint Lucia. The developers are pleased to offer 2–3acre residential plots with signature home designs. Development amenities include streetscape, water features, security house and front gate, helipad with maintenance garage and VIP lounge. Additionally, in a scenic harbour in the north west of the island, a boutique waterfront development presents a stunning proposition to augment Marigot Bay’s offering, a dream location for discerning yachtsmen. Investments range from USD 3 to 15 million.

PF: Over the years, due to its location, Saint Lucia has played host to FDI coming from its sister island territories. Further afield, due to the island’s proximity, language and cultural affinity to the US and Canada, these countries have been the location of significant investor interest. Moreover, owing to the island’s history with Great Britain, Saint Lucia boasts a long-standing business relationship with investors from the UK. With the eminence of the Citizenship by Investment Programme launched in January 2016, there has been a notable trend for diversification of Saint Lucia’s investment base to include new and emerging markets of wealth including parts of Asia and the Middle East.

An eco- tourism undertaking including up market hotel development is available on 346 acres of rugged land with a

This article first appeared in CEO Insight at http://ceo-insight. com/fdi/tides-of-change-2/ or https://investstlucia.com/ ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

MONEY MATTERS

Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability (ICA) Releases 2017 Annual Report The Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability (ICA) released its annual report for 2017 in June which gave an overview of the agency’s work and achievements for the year under review. The ICA is an operationally independent office that falls under the aegis of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), meaning that it is functionally independent of the other units, divisions, departments and offices of the Bank. ICA reports administratively to the President and functionally to the Board of Directors through its Oversight and Assurance Committee (OAC). The ICA’s mandate is broad, covering five key functions: institutional integrity, compliance, whistleblowing, ethics and accountability. These functions target alleviating poverty, promoting development and exercising appropriate stewardship of the CDB’s funds and other resources. According to ICA’s Head, Dr. Toussant Boyce, the ICA, which came into existence two years ago, is still a work in progress, but nevertheless remains committed to serving its purpose. During the past year, he said the ICA’s work in the five areas “helped significantly to buttress CDB’s pillars of trust, confidence and stewardship”. “A strategic emphasis on prevention enabled ICA to achieve the highlights outlined in this Report, including successfully training all staff across all functions, completion of key procedures for five functions, the conduct of integrity due diligence, and the resolution of 31 matters through investigative activities,” Dr. Boyce said. Among the major highlights for 2017 were the following: TRAINING • 152 staffers attended ICA’s mandatory training and awareness events • There was an 88% average passing score for staffers who took the mandatory ICA training quiz • Cyber-security training was conducted in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) INVESTIGATIVE MATTERS • 3,954 contacts were received through the whistleblower BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability (ICA) Releases 2017 Annual Report

Dr. Toussant Boyce • •

system. (1,014 contacts received in 2016) 31 matters were resolved, including through investigative activities 1 advisory was issued on cyber-related fraud

ACTIVITIES • The ICA co-hosted a MDB Private Sector Integrity Meeting in 2017 • Also in 2017, the ICA hosted CDB Anti-Corruption Week in observance of International Anti-Corruption Day According to the Report, implementation of the Strategic Framework commenced on December 1, 2015 and continued as planned through 2017, on a phased basis in accordance with the Strategy, and some significant milestones were achieved. Key work undertaken included extensive research on best practices, benchmarking, drafting of procedures, consultations, training, prevention exercises and investigations. The year was dominated by the drafting of procedures required for full operationalisation of all five of ICA’s functions, in particular, the procedures for integrity due diligence. In 1972, after being established for two years, its first President, Sir Arthur Lewis, said the following: “The Bank is well-respected in international circles. The very rules that some of our customers find so irksome serve to reassure potential creditors that money lent to us is carefully invested and likely to be repaid.… I hope that our public will learn to judge its Bank by its success in borrowing money, rather than by ease with which it shovels it out.” Dr. Boyce said that despite the Bank evolving over the past four decades, the respect for its work has not diminished. He noted that development partners and member countries continue to place their trust in the Bank’ stewardship, adding that confidence and trust are benchmarks for financial institutions. CDB’s resilience could be severely tested if fiduciary failures like fraud, corruption and money laundering disrupt or threaten to disrupt its mission,” he said. “That is precisely why ICA exists, and places strategic importance on preventing wrongdoing and any social and environmental harm from CDB-financed projects.” ¤

CIBC FirstCaribbean Wins “Most Innovative Bank” Award

Less than two months after releasing enhancements to its Mobile App and Online Banking, CIBC FirstCaribbean has been named the Most Innovative Bank in the region at the prestigious World Finance Banking Awards awarded by UK-based World Finance magazine. The bank is the only Caribbean-based Bank to have been recognized at this year’s event. “We are delighted to have won this prestigious award,” said Trevor Torzsas, the bank’s Managing Director, Cards and Customer Relationship Management. “The award is a testament to our commitment and relentless efforts at leveraging emerging technologies to make banking easier for our clients.”

Scotiabank

Earlier this year, CIBC FirstCaribbean revamped its mobile banking app to include services that are built on Visa technology – namely, mobile location confirmation and “Freeze My Card” service. These features were the first of their kind to be introduced within the Caribbean by a bank. Through the app, clients can also easily check their account balances, transfer funds between accounts or to other CIBC FirstCaribbean clients and pay bills, all from their mobile device. More recently, the bank launched an upgraded Online Banking system that allows its clients to bank online with the highest level of reliability and security. For example, clients can now schedule domestic and international payments online with stronger security through 2-step verification and real-time alert features. According to Torzsas, new technologies play a vital role in allowing the bank to pursue its digital strategy. “Our success could not have been possible without our investment in technology. Technology remains one of our top priorities as a bank and it has allowed us to deliver on our promise of “banking that fits your life” by responding to client feedback and creating solutions that allow them to bank when and how they want. What is even more exciting is that our digital transformation has been well received by our clients who continue to engage with us more through these digital channels.” The World Finance Banking Award is one of the most respected accolades in the banking and financial services sector globally. World Finance magazine has been celebrating achievement, innovation and brilliance in banking and finance since 2007. ¤ Source: St. Lucia News Online BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

BUSINESS TECH

Cable & Wireless Reaffirms Commitment to the Caribbean Region Cable & Wireless Reaffirms Commitment to the Caribbean Region

The CEO of the recently-established Liberty Latin America, Balan Nair, and CEO of its subsidiary company, Cable & Wireless Communications (C&W), Inge Smidts, underscored their continued commitment to drive the region’s technological advancement so that the Caribbean can firmly take its place at the forefront of today’s digital revolution. Both executives addressed Government Ministers from across the Caribbean and other delegates at the 34th staging of CANTO Conference and Trade Exhibition in Panama City on July 23. CANTO is the Caribbean’s leading authority shaping the ICT agenda. In delivering the keynote address at the Ministerial Forum, Nair, said, “Speed is the most important internet attribute after price, and signals reliability and high quality. To meet and surpass the demands of our customers, we continue to invest in our networks with a laser-like focus on digitization and innovation in this modern age.” He added: “We are motivated to continue to invest in the technology that enables the region’s digital revolution to drive prosperity for the economies of the Caribbean and Latin America.” Smidts, the first female CEO in the history of Cable & Wireless, ably demonstrated her mettle with a thought-provoking presentation at the Ministerial Breakfast. The CEO outlined her vision for her role, and for the company, in a bid to grow the economies of the region through the strategic initiatives of the leading complete communications and entertainment provider in the Caribbean. Key pillars of the company’s strategic vision for the region include a more customer-centric approach, technological innovation, ever faster broadband speeds, unmatched video and superior mobile experience, all underpinned by continued community investment. Smidts said: “We will differentiate how we serve this region and how our customers will eventually see us. We will always put the customer first – and ensure we understand and address their needs, help them to stay connected and make their lives easier. We are about making the connection between how products and services enable our customers to enhance their lifestyles and relationships – that is how we create meaningful moments for families, friends, businesses, and communities.” Both executives emphasized the opportunities for growth in the region and their commitment to work even more closely with stakeholders and regional organizations to address the challenges in the industry. Smidts said: “Let’s work together to innovate and provide the best technologies, so customers can have those special experiences while enabling the growth and prosperity of the region.” The annual CANTO Conference and Trade Exhibition is the leading information, communications and technology event in the region, presenting an ideal forum for government officials, technocrats, regulators and telecoms sector leaders to come together to ratify issues and chart the course for the region’s ICT agenda. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

TickeTing Inc. Launches Caribbean’s First Reusable Smartcard System For Event Tickets

TickeTing Inc. launches Caribbean’s first reusable smartcard system for event tickets Antiguan & Barbudan tech company, TickeTing Inc., has expanded the Caribbean’s only digital ticket distribution network by launching their new XPressCard system. The system uses an encrypted contactless smartcard called the XPressCard, which can be loaded with any number of tickets for any number of events listed with TickeTing. Cards may be loaded at any TickeTing outlet (the Source, Townhouse Megastore, Select Start Gaming, Island Photo), or via the TickeTing Events app (once the card is paired to a TickeTing account). When a cardholder arrives at an event, they only need to tap their card on the XPressCard reader to use their ticket. A free card is issued whenever a ticket is purchased from an outlet, but customers are encouraged to reuse their cards to rack up points in anticipation of the launch of TickeTing’s loyalty programme. N’Kenge Drew, Co-founder of TickeTing Inc., said: “One of our founding principles is to continually seek ways to make buying event tickets better, for both our customers and the environment. We know everyone does not have access to a credit/debit card which is needed to get tickets on our app, and that some persons prefer to pay cash to get their tickets.” Drew added: “We listened, and created this system with them in mind, all while allowing them to be a friend of the environment like our app users. Event hosts now won’t have to worry about ticket distribution and accountability since we will handle that for them. “As we continue to expand our outlets to cover the island, their patrons will have easier access to tickets than ever before. The tickets remain secure and virtually fraud-proof, and they’ll also have access to real-time sales statistics. That’s the beauty of going ‘digital’, and the best part is that all of this is being built right here with local talent.” To find out more about TickeTing’s new XPressCard system, visit: https://ticketingevents.co/xpresscard. ¤

Caribbean Export Launches Market Intelligence Portal

Launches Market Intelligence Portal The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in collaboration with the European Union officially launched its market intelligence portal, known as CE-Intelligence. The portal is meant to provide information on investment opportunities in the region, market research, country profiles, opportunities for financing and angel investors, and more. Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, outlined the importance of the portal, stating that, “Trade, business intelligence and market research are key for the successful entry into export markets.” She added that this will allow companies to “develop their own customised reports to learn more about market entry requirements in any given country, important trade data, and key business contacts.”

How Piedata is Cracking How Piedata is Cracking the Caribbean Code the Caribbean Code

By Gerard Best Four years ago, a group called Piedata came together with CANTO, a trade association of Caribbean telecommunications service providers, to hold a hackathon. The goal was simple: shine a light on some big issues facing the region, and get some bright minds to come together to tackle those problems. “For three years, we had the competition and we had really good products coming out of it,” said Ayodele Pompey, CEO and Founder of Piedata, the organization that runs the annual regional code sprint. The event now brings together some of the best developers from around the region to build software solutions that are responsive to real-life problems facing Caribbean islands, he said. “One of our winners last year was called Sonar, built by a young Belizean development team called LXJ Code. So we thought to ourselves, every year we are bringing the best developers together. They are coming up with really smart, innovative solutions. But after the competition, what comes next?” Pompey said. As it turned out, the answer was not technical but relational. “We decided to spend more time developing the solutions, connecting the developers with potential investors, clients and partners to see how far we can take these products, so that ultimately, they can actually solve and address the problems that they were intended to,” Pompey said.

The portal, which is now fully functional, allows people to register and create their own profiles and customize their user dashboards for ease in an attempt to make it more user-friendly.

When the Piedata team is not solving the problems of the Caribbean region, one line of code at a time, the group looks for ways to accelerate innovation by engaging Caribbean talent to create value.

Head of Cooperation at the delegation of the European Union to Barbados, Eastern Caribbean States, OECS and CARICOM/ CARIFORUM, Luis Maia, highlighted that market intelligence is an indispensable commodity in today’s technology-driven environment.

“We think that the Caribbean has talent, and we want to discover that talent and put it to good use.”

Maia said the portal will complement the EU’s Trade Help Desk to enhance the business opportunities of those looking to penetrate the EU markets. “No longer can business-persons operate successful businesses without adequate knowledge of market requirements,” he said. The EU has been supporting Caribbean countries with developing trade capacity for several years now, having funded successful trade desk and trade/market information portals through the Caribbean Development Bank (CBD) and through the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) grant facilities, particularly under the direction of the International Trade Centre (ITC), a multilateral agency which has a joint mandate with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN) through the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It is hoped that, with the introduction of the CE-Intelligence portal, the true potential of regional brands will be unlocked with the use of high-quality information to aid in decision-making. ¤

Shamir Saddler, CTO at Piedata, is the owner of SmartTerm, a software-based solution geared to strengthen the education system by putting school management and learning management at the fingertips of all stakeholders involved in education, including governments, administrators, teachers, students and parents. “Piedata is all about unlocking the potential of our youth and making them well rounded and globally competitive. Smart Term is geared to increase efficiency in schools, saving cost, saving on time and improving processes. To bring it all home, we use data analytics to enable data-driven decision-making about the education infrastructure and processes.” The product is currently in use in Jamaica, and there are plans for an expanded rollout in other countries, Saddler said. “We’re welcoming any pilots or anyone who is interested in using the product for September 2018.” Piedata was one of several organizations on the exhibition floor of CANTO’s annual telecommunications trade show, which took place in Panama City in August 2018. The four-day event attracted a wide range of stakeholders from across the region’s Internet and telecommunications industry, including regulators, government ministers, Internet organizations, network operators, suppliers and vendors. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

ST. LUCIA LIMITED Retail Store – Edgewater, Gros-Islet: (758) 450-5564 Service & Repair Centre – Edgewater, Gros-Islet: (758) 450-5565 Goodwill Fishermen’s Co-operative, Vieux-Fort: (758) 454-5568 Laborie Fishermen’s Co-operative: (758) 455-9930

AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR

Surpassing Customers’ Expectations with Yamaha KP Marine St. Lucia Ltd

Over the last 5 years KP Marine St. Lucia Limited has been oﬀering customers a great product line amazing customer that keeps them coming back. As the soleYamaha authorised Yamaha KPand Marine St. Lucia Ltdservice - Surpassing Customers' Expectations with Distributor in St. Lucia the Company sells and services; outboard engines, wave runners, allterrain vehicles (ATVS), motorcycles, generators, water pumps and genuine spare parts.

KP Marine St. Lucia Limited has been at the forefront of maintaining the high standards for which the Yamaha Motor Corporation of Japan has become synonymous. The company’s trained and certiﬁed technicians and staﬀ serve as reliable sources of knowledge to the many customers who have grown to trust Yamaha products and the high value the Yamaha brand represents: creating value that surpasses the customer’s expectations.

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Sep/Oct

KP Marine St. Lucia operates a 3-S store (sales, service and spare parts) at Edge Water, Gros Islet and a retail outlet at the Goodwill Fishermens Cooperative in Vieux Fort. Our products can also be found at our dealer locations; Dennery, Laborie and Choiseul Fishermen’s Cooperative.

• Outboard Motors

• Genuine Spare Parts

• Fibreglass Mat & Resin

• Fibreglass Boats

• Fishing Tackle

• ATV’s & Motorcycles

• Jet Skis

The Yamaha brand is known world wide for its dependability and durability and KP Marine St. Lucia continues to maintain that standard. Our certified technicians and staff serve as a reliable source of knowledge for the many products we sell and provide excellent after-sales service ensuring that we continue to create value that exceeds customer expectations. The reliability of our products make us the popular choice for fishermen, securing our place as the market leader for outboard motors in St. Lucia. Recently, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force rolled out a new fleet of Yamaha motorcycles. These motorcycles were sourced through KP Marine St. Lucia Limited. We also provided training via the Yamaha Riding Academy (YRA) with Yoshiaki Kato certified Yamaha trainer and former Motor GP racer out of Japan assisted by our certified technicians. The training focused on proper riding technique and safety and was aimed at ensuring safety first for the RSLF. This is just a tip of the iceberg for KP Marine St. Lucia Limited as we continue to increase our market share in the motorcycles market. As we continue to promote safety KP Marine teamed up on the Motorcycle Safety & Sensitization Campaign held at Beausejour on August 19th 2018, this campaign was aimed at ensuring that persons have a better understanding of bike life and safety to help avoid road fatalities. We are committed to ensuring that our products are used safely and will continue to work with our stakeholders to promote safety and proper use. Yamaha worldwide adopts a Kando philosophy. “Kando" is a Japanese word that means something that inspires the heart and spirit ... That which deeply satisfies ... Why Yamaha? Because we Inspire, Imagine and Innovate and aim to satisfy.

Dependability…It’s what powers us. It’s that simple. BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

We offer: Unlimited Mileage Special Weekly Rates Off Season Specials

GFL Charles Airport 758-458-2031

J.Q. Rodney Bay Mall 758-458-0824

Airport (Vieux Fort) Fax 758-459-5309 758-454-7898 Cool Breeze Soufriere 758-459-7729

Soufriere Waterfront 758-459-7220

www.coolbreezecarrental.com Email: coolbreeze@candw.lc

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

Location: Sep/Oct Fond Cacao, Soufriere | 20 Telephone : 459 -7831/459-7729

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• Convenient Store • Lottery Tickets • Vehicle accessories

Car Batteries, Air Freshners Oil & Lubricants

l Featur a i c e e! Sp

Events & Event Services

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Sep/Oct

EXPERIENCE LIFE WITH US • Moet & Chandon • Veuve Clicquot • Dom Perignon • Krug • Ruinart • St. Louis • Fat Bastard • Gerard Bertrand • Two Oceans • Cavicchioli (Proseecco) • Woodbridge

Parties • Smirnoff • Hennessy • Cîroc • Dewar’s • Johnnie Walker • Grey Goose • Campari

Peter & Company Distribution (PCD)

• Skyy • Appleton • El Dorado • Bacardi • Black & White • Stag • Magnum • Carib • Mackeson

Creating an Unforgettable Brand Activation Experience Cul de Sac Box 84-85 Tel: (758) 457-7005 \ 7007 Fax: (758) 457-7019 :pcdexperiences :pcdexperiences Email: pclcustomerservice@thegelgroup.com BusinessFocus Sep/Oct | 22 • For All Your Festive Occasion.

• We offer A Wide Range of Products

• Enjoy Responsibly

Goddard Catering Group Events’ Company Values OUR VISION Our vision is to become the premier catering company in the region by providing culinary experiences that consistently meet and exceed customers’ expectations. To achieve this, GCG Events will invest in state-of-the-art equipment and an internationally-trained team of event and culinary experts, and ingredients that meet our exacting standards.

Goddard Catering Group Events’ Company Values

OVERVIEW 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 2008. GCG Events is an affiliated company of Goddard Group of Companies and currently operates in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Guatemala, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad. In keeping with the strategic plan of Goddard Catering Group, a GCG Events Unit is to be launched. OUR MISSION Our mission is to build a company whose name is synonymous with excellence and innovation in food taste, presentation and service. We will offer inspired and exciting menus with a variety of delectable, high quality food selections for meetings, events and social gatherings. In carrying out our day-to-day business operations, we strive to: • Treat our employees with fairness and respect and create an enjoyable working atmosphere that inspires loyalty and dedication • Follow the philosophy that our customers are our first priority and ensure that all our personnel are well-trained in providing reliable, timely and efficient customer service • Be considered as a responsible business leader in the community

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Sep/Oct

FOR ALL YOUR CATERING NEEDS!

• WEDDINGS • CONFERENCES • BANQUETS • OFFICE PARTIES • SOCIAL GATHERINGS • COCKTAIL PARTIES • OTHER EVENTS 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. 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 BusinessFocus Sep/Oct | 24 time.

Hewanorra Int’l Airport | P.O. Box 363 Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, W.I. +1.758.459.6400 Ext: 6429 | +1.758.728.9400 uvf.gcg-events@goddardcatering.com www.gcg-events.com

The Goddard Catering Group Story Interview With General Manager, Anthony Samuel By Stan Bishop

BF: When was Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Ltd established and how long have you been with the company? Samuel: Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Ltd a subsidiary of Goddard Enterprises Limited, was opened on December 16th 1987. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been employed with the company from November 18th 1994.

The Goddard Catering Group Story - Interview with General Manager, Anthony Samuel

BF: What position did you hold when you joined the company? Samuel: I started as a janitor and later became a sales rep for Paradise Water, cabin service operator, stores clerk, store keeper, purchasing officer, purchasing manager, operations manager and now general manager. BF: What services does Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Ltd specialize in? Samuel: Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) is a conglomerate consisting of over 70 different corporations, however, the GCG brand focuses mainly on Airline and In-flight catering. After the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007, the group thought it made sense to take advantage of the experience we gained and also make use of all the equipment we had on hand at the end of the World Cup. Hence, we diversified into events catering.

Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Ltd. has for three decades been a caterer for major international airlines. Based in Vieux Fort, the company prides itself on delivering a high-quality service through its trained and dedicated staff. BF recently sat down with General Manager, Anthony Samuel, who shared an overview of the catering company, as well as its vision and mission, and why Goddard Catering Group manages to remain a leader in its field.

BF: What airlines do you cater to? Samuel: Our main customers include Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Delta Airlines, TUI and JetBlue. We also cater for private flights, especially during the high season. BF: What kinds of meals does Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Ltd provide to these flights? Samuel: Menus and requests would vary depending on the sector and the customer/flights. For long-haul flights like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, we provide dinner and breakfast service, while for Delta Airlines, we provide just one service (dinner).

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

BF: Who determines what meals are prepared? Samuel: Prior to menu and cycle changes, a presentation is held. Our chefs are involved in the actual preparation and presentation of various types of dishes. That would include breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, salad, fruit and special meals. After the testing, tasting and weight checks are complete, the final approval will be done by a representative of the airline. BF: High quality standards are obviously a priority for the company, right? Samuel: That’s right. Food safety is top priority for us. We are a HAACP-compliant facility, so food safety is key. We are audited every year by third party auditors (NSF and Medina). --We have security audits, hygiene audits – we are also audited by the local authorities (Ministry of Health). BF: Does Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Ltd have a presence elsewhere? Samuel: We have 24 kitchens in 23 territories. Spanning throughout the Caribbean, North America and Latin America. So, it’s a very huge organization. BF: What is your staff base like, both in Saint Lucia as well as regionally? Samuel: Goddard Enterprises Ltd (GEL) has a combined staff compliment of 6,500 employees across all of the companies. In Saint Lucia, however, we have a complement of 76 employees. BF: What about training for your staff? Samuel: Training is done both internally and externally. Depending on the needs of the employee or the department we would target the type of training. Our hygiene coordinator conducts most of our in-house hygiene refresher training requirements. We also have training done overseas or through the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards, UWI, Celestial SDC and other institutions. BF: The company is located next to the international airport in Vieux Fort. Was this a strategic move? Samuel: That was very strategic. For most of the kitchens, we try as much as possible to be located near the airport. In Grenada’s case, for instance, the facility is actually part of the terminal building.

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

BF: Aside from the airlines sector, do you cater to other customers? Samuel: We operate several different business units. We have two Delis at the airport in Saint Lucia -- one at land side (caters to the general public) and one in the departure lounge. Both of these Delis operate under the Island Deli brand. There’s also GCG Events brand, which we are in the process of growing. This brand deals with any other catering, such as birthdays, corporate events, weddings, funerals etc. GCG Events is capable of providing a complete customer experience. The level of service is really dependent on the customer’s needs. We can provide food, drinks, bar service and staff, servers, decor service and source venues. It all depends on the client’s needs and budget. No event is too small or too big. BF: Where do you source raw materials used in preparing your meals? Samuel: As much as possible, we support local products, especially the small farmers, however, supply is not always consistent. We purchase from Peter & Co Distribution, Trans Caribbean, CPJ, Lazy Lagoon, Admac Ltd, Hyline Poultry Farms, Southern Sales, Bonne Baguette Bakery Ltd, Ecolab, RJB Hotel Supplies, Grew 1989 Ltd and other local suppliers. All suppliers are audited by our company annually in order to remain on our approved suppliers list. The companies we use outside of Saint Lucia are audited by our regional office based in Miami. BF: How important is catering in the events business? Samuel: For me catering should be the number one when hosting an event. In the catering business during the planning process we often experience when persons are getting married, that the bulk of the budget is spent on the rings, dresses and decor. Whatever money is left is spent on food. You find yourself constantly negotiating with clients as it relates to food. You do find some clients who go above and beyond to ensure that the catering is top-notch. This is where GCG Events comes in. I believe food should be paramount at any event. People may forget what dress you were wearing. But if the guest has a bad experience with the food, they will never forget.

BF: What are some hallmarks of the Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Ltd that you think sets the company apart? Samuel: The customer is the most important person to our business. We are governed by international quality and hygiene standards which we use throughout the business. Our hygiene coordinator accompanies any catering event. We adhere to the same procedures used at the plant in terms of temperature monitoring and control to ensure that everything is up to standard. Our cold and hot foods remain at their required temperature. What sets us apart from everybody else is that we make food safety our number one priority. We do not compromise quality for speed or price. We ensure that whatever products are delivered to the client are of the highest standard, safe and of the highest quality. BF: In recent years, culinary arts has taken centre-stage in a big way. Many young chefs have been inspired by Nina Compton and others who have demonstrated that Saint Lucia can produce top chefs. How viable is the culinary arts sector to the local economy? Samuel: I think it is extremely important. Many students attending school now focus more towards business and office administration. Not enough students are encouraged to venture into technical fields such as culinary arts. I think Nina Compton is a very positive role model for our youth. Every year, we have at least 20 interns from the National Skills Development Centre and Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Depending on their drive and performance we may offer them the opportunity for employment.

BF: How would you characterize your growth -- as well as the company’s -- over the years? Samuel: I think my growth over the years with GCG has been phenomenal. One of the goals I had when I started working with this company, was to manage, not necessarily Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Ltd, but any of the companies within the group. Luckily, it happened right here in St. Lucia. Through hard work, dedication and continuous improvement I have been able to achieve my goals. Now that I am where I always wanted to be I am still willing to learn. I am also the general manager of Goddard Catering Group (Grenada) Ltd. I am awaiting my next opportunity maybe someday to become the regional manager. From where we were before catering to just one flight per week, compared to where we are now catering to 18 flights per week, I would say we have grown exceptionally over the years. We have two Delis and Event company and catering to 98% of the private aircrafts that come to St. Lucia. We are constantly in search of new avenues to explore as a Group. This is something that happens on a daily basis. BF: Any final comments? Samuel: Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Ltd is a very good company to work with. We strive for excellence always-- whether in providing food or any other service. Like our slogan says, we are “Simply Outstanding”. ¤

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

BUSINESS FOCUS

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Feeding Off High Standards

Feeding Off High Standards GCG’s Executive Chef Explains The Methods Behind The Meals

By Stan Bishop Executive Chef, Thomas Lurice, has been employed with Goddard Catering Services since 1994. He has intimate knowledge of the high standards the airlines demand and has been instrumental in implementing these standards in the company’s kitchens. The airlines, he says, stress heavily on protocols being followed at all times. “The airlines are very specific,” he says. “They want their equipment to be within certain designated areas. In fact, if we have an audit and the equipment for the various airlines are found mixed together, we can be penalized for that. So all the kitchen bins and other utensils for the various airlines are colour-coded to distinguish them from each other.”

Food preparation is serious business and food safety and other best practices must be instituted and followed to prevent unsavoury experiences. With hundreds of people to cater for each day, many of whom have specific dietary needs, Goddard Catering Group ensures that its staff follow the requisite guidelines. The margin for error is nil in an industry where only the highest standards are expected. Since starting off modestly with just a handful of airlines to cater to thirty-one years ago, Goddard Catering Group’s portfolio has since grown to include some of the world’s most renowned carriers. So much has the company’s business increased in demand and size that there are plans to extend the facility to better accommodate the airlines as well as events for which it caters.

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Sep/Oct

Chef Lurice says each employee has a different assignment daily since they have to be multitalented. They undergo regular cross-training throughout the year so that everyone gets an idea of every function in the kitchen. This allows every team member to be cognizant of and appreciate every function in the kitchen. The menus for the airlines change frequently and the Goddard Catering Group staff have to adjust to these changes. For each class of passenger, the meals are prepared as per the recipes and other specifications provided by the airlines which the chefs must adapt to seamlessly. The company also provides the plane crews with chef charts which explain what goes with what. In the kitchen, sanitation is key: staff must wear disposable protective clothing and hair nets to prevent food contamination. They must also wash their hands regularly and stand in a sterilizing

station before entering the kitchen. Even jewelry must be removed before entering the kitchen. But the strict protocols don’t end there. “For every meal assembled, the kitchen staff must use a weighing scale. We have a 10% tolerance above or below the required weight of that meal. When assembling the meals, the cooks must also do so over ice because they must maintain a certain temperature,” Chef Lurice explains. As soon as the food is cooked, it is brought into a blast chiller immediately so as to decrease its temperature. This is to prevent ‘carry-over cooking’ from taking place. (‘Carry-over cooking’ is the phenomenon whereby food retains heat and continues to cook even after being removed from the source of heat.) When receiving fresh produce, also employees also need to note the temperature of each item immediately and also indicate its allergen level. This information is crucial to the cooks who must cater to people who have specific dietary requirements. If this all sounds too much, consider the fact that one unfortunate incident can result in not only embarrassing complaints but also a loss of business. “The people from the airlines can show up at the facility unannounced to ascertain that everything is done the right way,” says the Executive Chef, who sometimes travel to other destinations to share his knowledge. “That’s why everything has to be spoton at all times.” Chef Lurice’s expertise is also an important factor in GCG Events, another component of the Group that caters for special events. They offer a total package -- from venue to food and waiting staff -- and help you plan the event, too. Clearly, Chef Lurice’s intimate knowledge and vast experience in the culinary arts qualify as an authority on the subject. Expect him to exceed all your expectations when he caters to your next event. Here’s hoping, of course, that you choose GCG Events. ¤

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Goddard Catering Group’s Long-Serving Employee Testimonials

Goddard Catering Group’s Long-Serving Employee Testimonials Goddard Catering Group has provided job stability for many employees who have stayed with the company for many years. Below are six of them who have been with the company for at least 15 years.

Cynthia Gajadhar • Started working with the company as a Cook in December 1993. She is now a Sous Chef and her responsibilities include ensuring that everything runs smoothly in the kitchen. • “I have to make sure that staff are well-trained, well-supervised and follow procedures,” she says. “The meals that we prepare have to be up to standard and according to specifications from our customers.” • Gajadhar describes her tenure at Goddard Catering Group as “a very good experience, just challenging sometimes”. She believes that as long as people are strong and know what they’re about, and put the knowledge they have into practice, the outcome will be good. • Advice: “It’s a great place to work because it’s a very educational experience. You learn many new things every day.”

Troney Glace • Started working with the company as a Janitor in 1993 before moving to Paradise Water (the company’s now-defunct bottled water company). After returning to Goddard Catering Group, he was promoted to Food Handler. • “My experience at GCG has been good. I try to learn new stuff every day and build my confidence,” he says. • Advice: “Be a multi-tasker and build up your knowledge. Don’t stay in one position, but try to get involved in various things.”

Thomas Lurice • Started working with the company as an Executive Chef in 1996, a position he still holds. • His role is to ensure that everything runs smoothly. He also spends a lot of time creating new recipes because he does not believe in giving the customer the same thing all the time. As such, he is forced to be creative and come up with new things. • “The experience has been superb. In fact, I always tell my colleagues that if I’m no longer working at Goddard Catering Group, it would be because they fired me. I would not leave this job – not at all.” • Advice: “It’s hard work and you must be dedicated. However, I would encourage youngsters to take up this job.” BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Rafati Eugene • Started working with Goddard Catering Group in 1998 and was attached to Paradise Water. He was later transferred to the Stores Department and Purchasing Department. He has also been a supervisor in the Sanitation Department and did a stint in the Maintenance Department. He now works in the Quality Assurance Department. • “Basically, I run the food safety management system of the company. It’s a very important function because food safety is paramount to the operation and we cannot afford to compromise on that.” • What about the company stands out most: “The standards here are what stand out most for me and the fact that the company makes it a priority to put out a top quality product.”

Lisa Auguste • Started working with Goddard Catering Group in 1995 as a Trainee and was kept on in the Accounts Department. • In 2008, she joined the Human Resource Department as a Payroll and HR Assistant and, after the HR Manager left, she took up the role of overseeing the HR Department. • Her best experience working with the company: “The opportunity to work in different areas.” • Advice: “Just give it your best. The sky is the limit. It’s up to you as to where you want to go.”

Eyan Celise • He started working with the company15 years ago as a Bottle Operator at Paradise Water before moving into Sales and Quality Control for that division. He was later made Quality Assurance Assistant for both divisions (Paradise Water and Goddard Catering Group). • After Paradise Water closed, he was later appointed Events Assistant, becoming Events Coordinator a year ago. • “My job entails creating the menu, sending the actual prices to the clients, doing site visits, and marketing. Basically, satisfying the client on a whole. I learned mostly everything on the job. For instance, when I became Quality Assurance Assistant, I couldn’t even use a computer. So, to make myself marketable, I went back to school to learn the skills I needed for the position.” • The best part of the job "For me, it would be satisfying our customers and making my boss happy.” ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Event Planning

n event is an assembly for the purpose of celebration, education, marketing or other such motives. Due to the wide range of reasons why events are held, they vary in size, type and context. Event Planning is the process of planning an event which constitutes multifunctional aspects and in an organization, requires the input of sections; operations, planning, logistics and finance. Sound event planning is purposeful and comes with key goals which the organizer needs achieved. Think of your main objectives as a road map to achieving those goals. Why have an event? Is it to attract new customers or launch a product? Whatever the purpose of the event, this will act as a guide when developing the framework which underpins the entire plan. In planning, SMART objectives are often developed for best results. SMART objectives S -Specific (what outcome, by when) M -Measurable (numbers we measure) A -Achievable (can be accomplished) R -Relevant (relates back to companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals) T - Time-bound (timeline of delivery) Smart objectives should easily be related back to the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals. It is imperative to have well defined goals and objectives for any event for the best return on investment. All messaging

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and promotions as well must be echoed throughout the process which will ensure great participation and a successful event. When thinking of having an event, always have a budget in mind. You may ultimately hire a planner but you do need to know what you are working with. The type of event is always a difficult decision but typically, this can be decided based on the purpose of the event. For example, a Business Mixer is not the best format to engage students seeking career advice but an Expo or Seminar may just be better options. Once the type of event is agreed, the right venue can be easy as the one stop shop and convenience of a hotel or a park for an outdoor activity. Next, developing a marketing strategy to ensure the correct audience is targeted, promotions are in sync with the main goals and a plan of action is designed. The guest list and invitations follow while the finer details of hiring appropriate entertainment, programme development and other pre event tasks are completed leading up to the end. As always, it is recommended to have a contingency plan for incidentals. The key to effective event planning is sticking to a timeline and watching the budget as planning proceeds. 6 Reasons to Hire a Planner 1. Event planning can be stressful, let the experts take on the task 2. You will have one liaison and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to deal with every little detail 3. A third party can negotiate on your behalf as biased pricing is usually placed on well-established firms for cost of goods and services

4. No need to create and develop all plans as you only need to review and oversee the process 5. They must stick to the timeline and budget while you focus on being sharp and ready for the event 6. You should benefit from the planner’s industry contacts When Should You Give a Swag Bag? Not every event requires the attendee to receive a full swag bag, however, getting freebies especially for an event which carries a cover charge can add so much value to any function. Sell your brand and make lasting memories in the meantime. What kind of freebie makes an event more exciting and memorable? • branded office supplies like pens and pencils are cool, but add diaries, notepads, travel mugs and thermal cups and you will be remembered • tote bags are always great as they are not only keepsakes but quite functional on a day to day basis • pen drives are widely used and have a multi-function of keeping information stored but can showcase branding in a unique way • working with industry partners to get giftbags, vouchers, dinner and other such giveaways makes things all the more enticing Event Post Mortem After every event, always get the 411 from the participants. Surveys are a great and digital way to get great feedback. If you find it difficult to get attendees to answer questions after, offer an incentive for each questionnaire completed, and make notes of suggestions so the next event can be better. Do you know the different types of events? #1 Seminars - Typically targeted audiences would attend a seminar which usually has an educative motive. Due to the smaller scope, seminars are not usually held in very formal or large space. Most seminars last a couple hours with some going up to a day at times and are significantly lower in cost than conferences for examples. #2 Conferences - Seen as a larger meeting with various speakers and usually a main or keynote speaker. Conferences are big budget items with sponsorship usually a key component. Lasting for half a day at minimum and can going up to one or more days depending on the topic, speakers and attendees. Hotels or large conference spaces which can accommodate mass crowds, offer accommodation and have provisions for breaks and lunches for larger numbers, are ideal for conferences. It is a type of event which promises great networking, phenomenal and inspired speakers and opportunities for doing business. #3 Executive Retreats - Companies often have various retreats which can act as team building exercises and can also be designed to address business development like strategic plans. It is often thought a good practise to have the team relax off the compound in an effort to reconnect with each other, but dedicate time away from the hectic work day, to efficiently discus the way forward for the company. #4 Staff Awards / Ceremonies - Companies of all sizes have had events to highlight the achievements of employees and reward them for their immeasurable contributions. Some may take the form of catered all-staff meetings with speeches and accolades presented for achievements, or off-site engagements where spouses are invited to attend and enjoy the achievements of

their partners. Locations range from the office if large enough, conference halls or hotels. #5 Product Launches - When a new product is launched, the company needs to create a buzz which includes the media and consumers. These often take on multiple types of tactics. It is not uncommon for internal launches with staff sampling sessions, private dinners with key stakeholders invited and a series of sponsored events, sampling sessions and an advertising blitz. #6 Corporate Mixers - As networking is such an integral part of doing business, networking sessions are sought after by professionals who want to get to know the industry better, reacquaint themselves with old colleagues and make solid connections. Typically there are not many presentations but hosts often use incentives like door prizes and quizzes as ice breakers. #7 Workshops - Similar to a seminar, workshops are quite instructive and allow attendees to participate in the proceedings. Typically lasting a day or more, workshops can come in series with certificate offered for the learning experience. #8 Trade Shows / Expos/ Marketplace - These are typically designed with multiple booths laid out and unlike a conference with a keynote and specific speakers, each booth would have its own presenter promoting or selling a product or service. Quite impactful, industry-specific booths would complement each other and make doing business under one roof, a lot easier. #9 Festivals, Cultural Events and Parties - Whether it is a small community-based event or larger-scale on a national level, the branding opportunities are significantly enhanced. Usually held on an annual basis, these types of events have a huge following which is made of up a wide cross-section of the market. Prime Examples are Jounen Kweyol, Summer Soleil Festival, Gros Islet Street Party and Carnival. #10 Fundraisers - These events are often aligned with not-forprofit endeavours and presented with a cause in mind. Poverty Reduction, Health Care Support, Disease Awareness and Prevention, Child Welfare and other such causes have pulled at the heart strings of donors and are often financed through donations. Such fundraisers have taken the form of Fun Run/ Walks, Telethons, Concerts and more. ¤

Location Location Location!

Location Location Location! By Kezia Preville

Finding The Right Venue

lanning an event can be exciting but also taxing if not done correctly. A major component of the process is choosing the best venue to achieve the perfect outcome. For most, this element can be very difficult. Should you opt for locations in the north or south of the island? Indoor or outdoor or maybe a hybrid? Or simply the one stop shop which handles all catering and transportation so you don’t have to? With a barrage of questions putting a damper on what could have been a seamless process, it is essential to have a checklist which would measure and consider the event as a whole, and assist in determining the best location. 1. Consider your target audience In every event no matter the size, there would be an inclination of who would or should be in attendance. This would purposefully factor in the number of persons attending to ensure the venue ultimately selected can accommodate the group. 2. Consider its convenience Depending on the event, access to the venue from public and private sources must be considered specifically if alcoholic beverages would be consumed during the proceedings or, if the venue is off the beaten track and visibility at nights becomes diminished. 3. Consider parking and safety Depending on the number of persons attending the event and the use of the rental space, parking can be difficult. Consider carpooling, parking at a safe nearby location and operating a shuttle service or simply opting for a venue with the right amount of curbside space. 4. Consider having a wet plan No one can control the weather. Consider having a wet plan so items like umbrellas and even tents are already in place. For outdoor events specifically, consider the sound system and other such deliverables which may need coverage from inclement weather. 5. Consider what’s included Some venues come as an empty shell with all other aspects being outsourced which would require logistics’ management

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and can rack up a hefty price in the end. Consider weighing various options with and without services included to determine the best value for money. 6. Consider what’s restricted Each venue comes with its own set of rules and regulations which can significantly increase the total cost of an event. Consider whether the venue allows outside food and drink, has time restrictions for close of events or limited access for set up for example. 7. Consider the full costs Full package deals are great and allow for a comprehensive overview of the various elements when preparing a budget to host an event. Consider the fine details like deposits, final payments, what’s included and what’s additional and any service charges or taxes which could be added to the final bill. 8. Consider having a back-up venue Planning an event can be stressful especially with a venue disaster close to the date of the event. Consider sourcing an alternative venue which can be easily utilized if the optimal location encounters any major setbacks which would make hosting an event impossible. ¤ Kezia Preville is a UK graduate possessing a Master’s in Business Administration. She is a Business Development Specialist with over 10 years’ experience working with regional and national firms. Kezia is passionate about Marketing and Public Relations, working with clients seeking to enter new markets, provide stellar service and develop their Corporate Social Responsibility goals. Currently she manages AdVizze Consulting Inc, hosts the annual Job Fair Expo and the Enterprise Development Forum & Marketplace. Contact her at AdVizze Consulting Inc on info@advizze.co or visit www. advizze.co.

Admac

Southern Sales

Vieux Fort, St. Lucia Tel: 758-454-6489 Fax: 454-8847 southstores1@gmail.com

Bonne Baguette

Sidewalk main St, J.Q. Rodney Bay Shopping Mall, Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Tel: 1(758) 452-0671

Email: info@bonnebaguette.com

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 7 am to 10 pm Sat & Sun: 7 am to 11 pm

We Sell

• Liquor • Agricultural Supplies • Groceries • Animal Feed • Wholesale / Retail

COMMERCIAL SUPPLIES INC. Commercial Supplies

We specialize in: Oﬃce Furniture Home Furniture Teak Furniture

Bathroom Fittings Kitchen Supplies Granites & Tiles

Commercial Supplies Inc. www.commercialsuppliesinc.com Cul De Sac, Castries Tel: 452-1118 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 5:00pm Saturday - 8:00am to 12:00pm

We also make special orders based on your requests!

Hylyne Poultry

Morne Du Don, Castries Tel: 1(758) 453-1422 Fax: 1(758) 451-9768 Mobile: 1(758) 484-6880

• Whole Chicken • Breast – Boneless • Mixed Parts • Breast – Bone In • Leg Quarters • Giblets – Liver – Gizzard – Necks • Wings ur ll yo • Thighs a r Fo ocal • Backs L lthy • Whole Legs Hea ken • Drum Sticks Chic Hylyne Poultry Farm LTD. is St. Lucia's #1 poultry processing plant, specializing in chemical and hormone free local chicken.

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS Delivering fresh fruits & vegetables daily Trans Caribbean 2000

Bel Jou Hotel Is Back and Better!

City Hotel Reclaims Status As Major Conference Host For the better 25 years, the property now known as Bel Belpart Jouof Hotel Jou Hotel has been a prime location for hosting conferences, wedding receptions and other important events. This adult only all-inclusive property sits perfectly on hilly terrain, giving guests great views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. After a recent transformation, Bel Jou Hotel is reclaiming its popularity as a conference and events venue of choice. Bel Jou Hotel formerly traded as Caribees Hotel and later Cara Suites. It changed ownership and underwent a US$1.5 million renovation/upgrade last year. A brand-new pool was added and the conference room expanded. The hotel now boasts a board room for business meetings, spa facilities, coffee shop, gym and rooftop lounge with picturesque views of the Castries. General Manager, Dean La Force, says the property which used to be “the Mecca for conferences” changed its concept during the Caribees era, resulting in its conference business taking a downturn. The holiday aspect was the primary focus for the guests at the time. However, he said that had to change. “We realized that we needed to bring that back under the new ownership,” he said. “So part of our renovations included expanding our conference room capabilities and having two conference styles: small meetings for 10 persons or less in our board room or large conferences. The rooftop lounge and gardens are used for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Depending on your choice of settings, the conference room can be designed to accommodate varying numbers of guests. For instance, the theatre-styled set-up can cater for up to 100 people. The round table-styled set-up can host up to 60 people while the classroom-styled setting can host up to 70 people. Conference room rental comes with audio-visual setup, full table setup and other services. However, organizers are responsible for decorating the venue as Bel Jou Hotel does not currently offer décor as part of its package. In the larger conference room, a small stage can be made available. “Many people are quite impressed with the level of service we offer. We have a fleet of staff who give a genuine experience and actually pay attention to the details our clients are looking for,” La Force explained. Bel Jou Hotel has two restaurants, the popular Verandah Restaurant features an air-conditioned buffet room and offers lunch and dinner passes. Translated, “Bel Jou” means “beautiful day”, and given the rave reviews clients have been showering on Bel Jou Hotel for its ability to please its clients, booking your next event at Bel Jou Hotel might just be the beginning of your next beautiful experience. We offer local rates and day passes.

Sep/Oct Telephone: 1BusinessFocus (758) 456-1800 www.beljouhotel.com

Choosing an Event Planner

Choosing an Event Planner By Kezia Preville

echnology has enhanced the capabilities of the typical Event Planner who was once considered simply a Party Planner. Skillfully juggling many tasks at any given time, an effective planner has the innate ability to evaluate what the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs are, and deliver in a manner which will guarantee a successful and memorable venture. An attempt is made to dissect the core qualities of an Event Planner and present the idyllic version needed today, when considering using an event planner.

planner to the test as he or she pays close attention to all the details and makes allowances for contingencies.

Great organizational skills: This attribute is first and foremost one of the quintessential qualities any Event planner should have. They may work in chaos sometimes, but a good and even great planner has exceptional organizational skills (coupled with time management skills) and can work under any conditions (which in some cases - mainly larger events, are the norm). Managing the expectations of the client and working within the environment to mitigate any issues which may occur are all part of the job.

Great technological skills: An Event Planner should be tech savvy as software-based event management tools have replaced the archaic spreadsheets. This can help to minimize cost, get a quicker and easier group dynamic and provide real time updates with the advanced features. Planners are now incorporating cutting edge technology into their daily work with great results.

Extraordinary interpersonal skills: An Event Planner must be personable. Remember, an event is a collaborative effort and as a planner, it is important to not only manage the process, but work with many stakeholders to facilitate an effective event ultimately. Having a warm personality goes a long way and makes working with such a planner a lot more pleasant than someone who lacks interpersonal skills and when under pressure may react in a less than professional manner. Their passion for the job must be displayed. Superb event management skills: From budgeting to sourcing locations, and designing site maps to menu development, an Event Planner is heavily involved in fine tuning all event deliverables from start to finish. A good planner can provide guidance on the budget for example, creating a full overview of the costs associated for what the client may want, and what is actually possible. Be sure to listen as some events do not go as planned when a budget is not agreed upon from the initial stages. Being in control of the overarching components will truly put any BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Remarkable networking skills: Having connections within the industry will dramatically assist with putting on any event, especially one which has a quick turnaround time. Event Planners should be sociable, approachable and able to maintain relationships with service providers and key professionals to fulfill his or her role.

Dynamic leadership skills: The ability to lead a team is important. The team dynamic in this case transcends from merely the plannerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immediate team but other vendors and service provides who make up the full grouping. Leading the team is a major part of the role of an Event Planner, and the leadership style and effectiveness can be easily seen in the results. Sharp negotiation skills: A good Event Planner is instrumental in negotiating lower rates, add ons and bartering on behalf of the client. Working as an extension of the client, he or she would possess an authoritative demeanour while remaining charismatic and professional. Credibly referenced: Talk is cheap if it is not backed up by a credible source. A good Event Planner can provide clients who can vouch for the service provided and give examples of similar ventures he or she has undertaken as evidence. Some planners are well known and with advertising and word of mouth, can make fact-checking past work a breeze. Be sure to check diligently before signing up. Â¤

Bethels Blessing Events & Conference Centre

BethelsBlessing 758-718-9834 Dennery, St. Lucia flavorferl@yahoo.com

The Perfect Host Venue On The East Coast Looking for the perfect venue to host your event on the east coast? Then make Bethel’s Blessing Event & Conference Centre your first choice. Established nearly five years ago, Bethel’s Blessing specializes in weddings, concerts, camps and other special events. With tables and chairs, the conference centre can accommodate 150 people comfortably. Conference-styled meetings with chairs only can accommodate up to 250 people. There are also rooms that can host up to 30 campers as well as a courtyard where events can be held. Jazz in the Yard - Worship Experience is held in The Courtyard of Bethel’s Blessing annually.

“We wanted to provide a decentralized venue to all of St Lucia, that’s parallel, yet significantly different, to what is located on the north of the island,” Ferlyn says. Bethel’s Blessing offers tables, chairs, tablecloths and sound system as part of the rental package. They also rent other amenities, offer a catering service and have an in-house WPICC Certified Wedding Consultant/Planner. Their team of friendly, professional staff, stand ready and willing to work with every customer to help make their event successful and memorable. Everything about the venue, especially its welcoming ambience and sense of security, leaves a pleasant impression on guests who visit Bethel’s Blessing. Tempted yet? Call Bethel’s Blessing Event & Conference Centre today for a booking and make those precious moments last a lifetime.

Bethel’s Blessing, located on the Dennery Bypass Road, is owned by husband and wife, Eugene and Ferlyn Nelson, and opens seven days a week. With its tagline, “Divinely Inspired”, it truly feels like your home away from home.

Conferences

Events

We have the right ambience for every celebration!

Weddings BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Interior & Exterior Decor

Interior & Exterior Decor By Noelissa St. Catherine

The Importance of Atmosphere ne would think that interior and exterior design speaks to the arranging or decorating of the interior or exterior of a room or building. But there is so much more to it than just what you may think on the surface. So…

What is interior and exterior design and how important is it in creating the right atmosphere? Interior design encompasses not only the arranging of a specific space, but doing it in such in a way which allows it to be functional and safe. Being able to create a beautiful design which brings together different textures, tones and colours in a way which is not just appealing to the eye but safe and livable for others is a work of art.

(a) Is this event during the day or at evening? Knowing the time of day for any function is key in creating a design which appeals from start to finish. Lighting for evening functions is a must-have to create and accentuate features which may lose their design appeal. If the event is during the day-time, it is just as important to know because it allows you the option of using items to enhance the space which would only be effective given the time of day or even the location of choice. (b) How many people are attending? Knowing the number of people you are being requested to arrange for is important. The need for additional space

When deciding on a location for an event, the first thing to consider is that location’s ability to provide the desired ambiance or atmosphere. Décor and design, when done correctly, are more than able to create illusions and change the way things are seen and experienced, but picking a location which compliments the design style which will be used is a crucial first step to creating the décor intended.

Noelissa St. Catherine is the owner and operator of Designed by Nelle, an event design and coordination company in Saint Lucia.

How does one determine what atmosphere should be created for a specific event? When considering event preparation, atmosphere is just as important as what you intend to serve. If the atmosphere is unpleasant or unappealing to the senses, you can consider your event to be not just incomplete but a loss. Sometimes creating the right atmosphere can be tricky, so ask questions when meeting with your clients and read their body language. This can do wonders in helping you to picture the vision which your client may not even know they have.

Management. She is a Worldwide Certified & Accredited Wedding & Events Manager.

When determining the best atmosphere for an event the following should be considered before making a final decision: BusinessFocus

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Noelissa is a graduate of the North American Events Institute, where she graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Event Design, Coordination and

Before deciding to go into business on her own, Noelissa had the opportunity to amass years of experience planning events for both local and international clientele while working for the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT), trustees of the worldrenowned Pigeon Island National Landmark, where she held the position of Resident Wedding & Events Planner.

is another factor. You also need to consider adequate traffic space between sections like the bar, buffet and dance areas. These spaces not only need to be strategically placed, but also arranged with sufficient room to avoid overcrowding. (c) What is the purpose for hosting the event? When hosting an event, a lot is dependent on the reason for having the function. Is it business-based or family-oriented? Design ideas are best when you know the audience you are building it to entertain or accommodate. (d) Is it indoor or outdoor? This question can cause a drastic shift in the design chosen for any function or event. Given the variables which cannot be controlled, your design (if the outdoor option is the one of choice) must be tailored to work with the location of choice. Many options which can be simply created when picking an indoor facility can become a bit more complicated if it’s requested for an outdoor design experience. (e) What is your client’s budget? Having a budget for an event and ensuring that your designer is aware of it can provide them with a target figure and also allow them to know what works best for you. What good would it do for a designer to provide you with a décor idea or plan which is far more than you are able to afford? It wastes time and resources which would be best used to put together a design concept that would not only wow your guests but would also ensure you don’t exceed the amount you were willing to spend towards the function. Which is a greater challenge -- planning an event indoor or outdoor? An outdoor event far outweighs the issues one would face with an indoor event. Given the possibility of inclement weather, it is always a safer option to have the function within a structure away from the elements. There is also the issue of building tent structures when working with an outdoor activity, creating a lighting concept which compliments the event and the surroundings as well as the ambiance under the tents to tie the function together and mesmerize the persons attending. Depending on the type of event which you are setting up, example a wedding, certain things like the crisp clean nature of the tents, drapes and surroundings play a big part in providing the finished product that the client may be looking for. How does one acquire the skills to become involved in the field? Deciding to enter this field is not to be done without great thought and consideration. Some people are born with a knack for this industry. However, even with an eye for design and event coordination, getting guidance to be able to progress in this field is key in becoming great at it. Becoming an interior or exterior designer comes much responsibility. Your clients depend on you for so many things; not just your expertise in this field but sometimes even emotional support throughout the planning process. It is not a a 9-5 job and is rarely one which is easy to detach from. What are some of the events that really call for an interior/ exterior designer?

Not every event requires an interior/exterior designer. Based on the location chosen, sometimes the ambiance is just perfect with the permanent décor which can be found in that location. It all depends on the client and what’s important to them. Events that may require an interior/exterior designer include weddings, receptions, anniversaries, engagement dinners, corporate functions and home design. Mostly anything else can be categorized as a want by a client and not necessarily a need. How does one provide the client with a great end-product even though the customer has a limited budget? When planning an event, it is imperative when putting together the budget breakdown to keep within the monetary figure that a client has allocated for that design. You need to come up with innovative ways to provide simple yet effective décor items which add character and personality to the room. Find out from your clients what is the most important part of their day or event to them. Always remember that your end goal is to please your client. ¤

Food Safety & Catering in Events

Food Safety & Catering in Events By Kezia Preville

What You Should Know! ood is life!

Good food has a way of bringing people together to enjoy the moment while great food can inspire and enhance any occasion. When catering for an event, food often plays an integral part in the overall affair. Many aspects must be taken into considerationâ&#x20AC;Ś. from correct hair wear for servers to adequate heat warmers for food. Food handlers should be trained and supervised in food hygiene during preparation, display and when serving. Three major aspects which are very important to note as it relates to hygiene and waste disposal: 1. Private and suitable toilet provisions with adequate hot and cold water, antibacterial soap and drying facilities. 2. Sufficient arrangements for waste disposal. 3. Adequate supply of potable water for on-site use. It is also advisable to have numerous checks before and during the event and while the food items are being prepared by the caterers. Visual checks are necessary along with random spot checks using probe thermometers to obtain core temperatures of the food. If food requires refrigeration, temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius should be maintained. In food preparation and serving, the use of separate tongs, chopping boards and other equipment to handle raw and cooked food items so as to ensure no cross-contamination, is recommended. This will ensure that food safety is upheld so that the health of consumers is not threatened during the event. With mass crowd events, food safety and professional catering services become more important as there is room for issues to arise due to lack of diligence. To ensure food safety during such events, organizers must apply for health certification of the intended site of the event through the office of Environmental Health at least

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six weeks prior to the event. It is essential that an approved Solid Waste Management Plan, and an individual medical certification for clean bill of health be obtained prior to applying for the Public Health certification for the event. The process is free and usually works seamlessly so events are not delayed. Organizers simply complete the Public Health application form and submit it along with the site plan to the Chief Environmental Officer for review. This certification would cover the food handlers for any incidents of food contamination or any outbreak as a result of poor handling to be dealt with by the department in providing guidelines for care. The department of Environmental Health classifies mass crowd events as: Entertainment: Sportive, musical, commemorative or tourist events. Those events held with the intention of celebrating some important dates, sportive events, music or folklore festivals, etc: sport matches, (Cricket, football, others), sailboat regattas, Jounen Kweyol, calypso contests, LUCELEC Line-man Rodeo, Carnivals, school-related activities, etc. Social/Political: Those that have a social or a political cause and/ or intend to show satisfaction or dissatisfaction with specific political decisions or social situations, political parties, electionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; results, price raising, etc., through political meetings and/or demonstrations, blockorama, etc. Religious: Those that have a religious purpose such as worship rallies, crusades, festivals, weddings, pilgrimages, processions, funerals, etc. Educational: These are events organized for / by schools or Education Authorities or by Students. Events such as Athletic Meets, Rallies, Debating Competitions, Interschool Calypso, SMC TalFest etc. Â¤

Artisal Pastry

Artisal Pastry & Catering Services Great French Pastries…And More The world over, French pastries have had an irresistible appeal on people’s tastes. In Saint Lucia, the situation is no different as travel between Martinique and Guadeloupe has exposed us to the delectable delights our French neighbours have to offer. But you need not cross the high seas to find great-tasting French pastries because they are available right here! Since November 2014, Artisal Pastry & Catering Services has been serving up delicious French pastries made from different types of dough and fillings -- all handmade (hence the name “artisal”, French for “artisan”, or people who make things with their hands). While the company’s pastries are the perfect and satisfying breakfast delights, they can be enjoyed throughout the day. You can choose from croissant, danish, pepito, éclair, pain au chocolat, pain au raisins, and many more tasty treats on the menu. Run by Gail and Michel Regy, Artisal Pastry & Catering Services, from the outset, recognized that there was a limited market for breakfast items in Saint Lucia. From specializing in French pastries in the beginning, the company has since added custom-made cakes and local meals to its menu. All pastries are baked under the careful guidance of Michel, a French chef with many years of experience in

French pastry. It’s their way of giving you a little taste of France at an aﬀordable price! Gail says the target market is everyone who has a yearning for great French pastry. “Pastries are normally very expensive so we've managed to make them aﬀordable so that everyone can enjoy a good pastry.” she says. “Even for people who like the more expensive pastries, we can do those for them.” Artisal Pastry and Catering Services started catering for events in 2016, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, and still does so for many big events for up to 300 people. Everything is prepared fresh daily with no preservatives. So if you’re looking for something fresh and healthy, they have it. Their products are also available in local supermarkets. From local favourites to international cuisine, they aim to serve what you crave as their desserts and custom-made cakes are created to delight the eye and satisfy that sweet tooth. Being mindful of their customers’ dietary needs and preferences, Artisal Pastry & Catering Services also prepares eats to suit every taste. For the complete Artisal experience, the company also provides servers and hostess services. Delicious, artfully-created food with great service is what Artisal Pastry & Catering Services is all about.

Union Terrace Castries, Saint Lucia Call (758) 458-9313 Email: gailedwincs@yahoo.com BusinessFocus Sep/Oct

Contracts: Read the Fine Print

to receive? Do you understand the consideration that is required in exchange for the offer, be it money or some act? Are you able to provide that consideration in the time provided for delivery of said consideration? What is the duration of the contract? When does it commence and when does it expire? Do you understand your obligations under the contract? Do you intend to be bound by the several terms and conditions that are written into the contract? And very important for the validity of the contract, are the other parties to the contract clearly identified and do they have the legal capacity to enter into the contract? To your benefit, is there an exit clause in the contract? If circumstances arise that make it impossible for you to honour your obligations under the contract, can you terminate without penalty? And if perchance you are subject to a penalty for non-performance or for breach of the contract terms, or if there ever is an order made against you for compensation or for damages, would your contractual liability be covered by insurance or otherwise? Are there provisions included for resolving contractual disputes?

Contracts: Read the Fine Print

By: Lorraine Debra Glace, Attorney-at-Law

e hear these words of caution often and usually the implication is that somewhere in the written contract, hidden in some corner or at the very end, are certain obscure terms and conditions which are advantageous to the contracting party who has prepared the document. John Brown who insists that you read each word of the contract with a keen eye, searching out those hidden terms and conditions, recommends the correct action, but for the wrong reason. A properly written contract has no so called “fine print”. The contract is merely the written expression of the intentions of the parties in their dealings one with the other. So, do read the written contract carefully before signing to ensure that your intentions are correctly expressed in that writing and that the intentions of the other party or parties, as you understand them, are so expressed in the writing. There should be no imprecision, no ambiguity. When a standard contract for goods or services is presented to you for consideration, before signing, please do give the written word your full consideration…. Do you understand the extent and or quality of the offer presented in that writing? Do you accept that precise offer, not some other which you hope instead BusinessFocus

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These are matters for consideration when entering into contractual arrangements and there will be no fine print on the written contract to remind parties that they ought to be mindful of these issues. As persons with legal capacity, i.e. having attained the age of eighteen years and not adjudged by a court to be mentally incapacitated, contracting parties are held to have known what they agreed to, unless, one or the other succeeds in proving that they did not know of or intend for the terms of the contract. Usually parties would have resorted to the courts for satisfaction of such questions… but because access to our courts to determine such matters is limited, I recommend that persons know the rules of contract, read the written documents carefully and in cases of uncertainty as to the intentions of the contracting parties, seek professional advice before execution. ¤ Ms. Glace holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from (St. Thomas Aquinas College, NY), an LLB from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad. Ms. Glace commenced her legal practice in 2001 and she specializes in notarial work with emphasis on conveyancing, successions and corporate matters. She also offers management consultancy services to individuals and to small businesses. Ms. Glace has been a TV Social Commentator since 2004 on Daher Broadcasting Service (DBS).

Designed by Nelle is a full service Design & Coordination Company that transforms small spaces into beautiful unique experiences. We specialize in the planning, logistics and execution of authentic events created to build long-lasting memories. Our experience and innovation shine through our services and personal planning approach to each event. As your designer, we understand the importance of planning an event that shows oﬀ your personality. We will ensure that your day speaks to who you are by setting a mesmerizing scene through event decor styling, personalized branding and custom fabrications. With Designed by Nelle, all you need to do is show up and enjoy the experience.

We Specialize in: Event Coordination & Decor Design for both Weddings and Corporate Events. • Day of Coordination • Event Lighting • Audio & Visual Requirements • Catering Speciﬁcations

For more details, contact us at Nellesevents758@gmail.com or 1.758.728.2664 www.designedbynelle.com BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Outdoor Concert Services and Stage Set-up

Outdoor Concert Services and Stage Set-up By Stan Bishop

rganizing an event such as an outdoor concert comes with a great deal of effort, detail and perseverance on the part of a dedicated team committed to seeing the project unfold smoothly to the very end. That is why choosing the right people to do it is essential. Outdoor concerts are part of the norm in Saint Lucia as skilled people from various fields converge to make it all happen. It might sound easy just saying it, but it’s not, because a myriad of things must be done to see the project go from scratch to success. As such, concert services and stage set-up are two crucial areas that must be considered seriously if serious results are expected. That’s where good event management skills come in. Event management is the application of project management to the creation and development of large-scale events such as festivals, conferences, ceremonies, weddings, formal parties, concerts, or conventions. It involves studying the brand, identifying its target audience, devising the event concept, and coordinating the technical aspects before actually launching the event. The basic concert services would include: • Complying with National Emergency and Management Organization (NEMO) requirements/mass crowd legislation: In effect, not having a permit could land you in serious trouble with NEMO and other agencies, such as the police. • Budget and Risk Management: Ensure that the scale of work to be done falls within your budget. Also, organizers must be able to predict with considerable accuracy whether the event will result in a profit, loss or simply break-even. This can be done by identifying and costing all probable expenditures and totaling all expected revenues.

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By comparing expenditures and revenues, it then becomes possible to forecast the financial outcome of the event. Site Inspection and Layout: By doing this, you will be able to determine whether the venue is able to accommodate the anticipated number of people you hope to attract to your event. Also, it gives you a chance to make allowances

Stan Bishop’s career in journalism in April 2008 as a reporter for The VOICE newspaper in Saint Lucia. He covers current affairs, politics, tourism, environmental issues, business, arts and entertainment and human interest stories and also had two regular columns in The VOICE, namely “Strictly Business” and “If You Asked Me”. In September 2012, Bishop was among the first batch of students in the one-year Journalism and Media Studies course run by Monroe College (St. Lucia) campus from which he graduated with a certificate in that field. Bishop has covered assignments further afield in Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of China (Taiwan), Morocco and Israel. From March 2017 to February 2018, he was Editor of The VOICE. He is now a freelance writer and currently writes features for Saint Lucia Business Focus Magazine, OECS Business Focus Magazine, as well as other publications and clients.

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for shelter should it rain as well as the chance to draw up a plan for the location of various aspects of the event, such as stage, toilets, food and drinks stands, and so on. Sourcing of Infrastructure and Set-up: Either through a service providers directory or from online or word-of-mouth sources, you should be able to get a listing of providers for the relevant infrastructure and manpower needed to setup and break down the stage.

Stage set-up would include: • Placement of Stage • Erection of Stage Cover • Sound System and Stage Lighting Installation • Certification of Electrical and Power Sources • Installment of Crowd Control Barriers • Stage Decor • Backstage Set-up Other responsibilities that need to be handled for the smooth running of the event include: • Artiste Bookings and Management (inclusive of technical and hospitality riders): Typically, you’ll have to contact the artiste’s agent if you’re desirous of having the artiste perform at your event. Key information such as fee, availability and other special arrangement must be clarified and agreed upon. It would be wise to have a written contract in place. • Event Marketing and Ticketing: You need to promote the event well ahead of its advertised date so as to create awareness among your target audience. Such information will include what the event is about, date, time, location, who will be performing and where tickets are sold and at what cost. • Bar and Concessionaires Management: You will need to assign a special team of trusted and competent people to manage the food and drinks bar. If you cannot afford to handle that component of the event, it would serve you well to engage the services of outside entities who would take care of that aspect by bringing in their own catering service. Usually, event planners would charge such outside entities a small fee in return. • Event Logistics and Security: With the site plan, you should be able to devise a clearly-defined model that would allow the free movement of people throughout the venue. However, adequate security measures must be in place to mitigate the chances of people being exposed to risk of injury, including during an emergency. • Stage and Backstage Management: The stage and backstage are very sensitive areas because they are the domain of artistes and expensive equipment. Access should be limited to only those who have a genuine reason to be there. In many cases, arm bands or other forms of identification are used to distinguish these levels of access. • Post-Event Breakdown, Clean-up and Evaluation: After the event has ended, the huge task of clearing the venue begins almost immediately. After breaking down the stage and cleaning up the venue, an evaluation takes place to determine whether everything was done as planned as

well as whether the venue has been restored to its original state. Irvin Springer is Managing Director of Right Production Management Inc. (RPM Inc.), a Saint Lucia-based events and management company that was incorporated seven years ago. He underscored the need for having the right team to undertake such events, which usually attract as many as 600 people. “It is your responsibility to ensure that these events are effectively managed in a safe environment,” he says. “Event management is not an exact science and challenges will occur that may require creative ways to overcome them. This is why it’s important to have the right service providers who will be able to adequately respond when things go wrong.” Many opportunities and players exist in the outdoor concerts market, but it remains incumbent on the event planner to ensure that these players do have the capacity to deliver what they are promising. Sometimes a portfolio of their work can act as a measure of their aptitude. However, they must also demonstrate the right attitude. According to Springer, clients expect nothing but the best, especially when they’re spending top dollar. “Strive to deliver a world-class experience to your clients through your professionalism, customer service, experienced and certified staff and effective communication. Your goal is always to exceed the expectations of your clients,” Springer says. ¤

Gablewoods Mall

Sofia Cake Decor Castries, Saint Lucia

We print any photo or image for picture perfect cakes

Edible Pictures Cake Decorating Supplies ENTRANCE VIA FOOD COURT

Tel: 758-456-2253

Email: sofiacake@gmail.com #1 Stop for your cake decorating supplies!!! BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Noise Ordinances & ECCO Permits Goods On Consignment

Noise Ordinances & ECCO Permits By Stan Bishop

f you’re planning to have loud music played at your event, you will need to apply to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) for permission to do so. This application must be submitted along with approval documents obtained from the other respective agencies, especially the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organization for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc. The permit should be applied for to the RSLPF at least 10 days in advance of the intended date for the mass crowd event of less than 200 people or at least 21 days in advance for the mass crowd event of more than 200 people. As per the law, this permit allows loud speakers to be used at the event no later than 2:00 a.m. This is to allow residents nearby to have a good night’s rest.

Goods On Consignment?

By Stan Bishop

oods play a major part of any event. Drinks, food, plates, spoons, knives, forks, and the like. However, they also account for a major part of the budget set aside for the event. Even with volunteers on hand to save a few bucks in overheads, there is no escaping the fact that some level of expenditure will be incurred in putting on an event. To overcome this hurdle, many event planners come up with crafty ways of making it all work. In instances where paying upfront for some goods is not feasible, they turn to consignment. Consignment is basically an agreement to pay a supplier of goods after the goods are sold. It is not uncommon in Saint Lucia for event planners to take goods on consignment, especially when they are strapped for cash. In some instances, arrangements are made whereby, for example, alcoholic beverages would be consigned to the event and paid for afterwards based on sales while the remaining cases would be returned to the supplier. In other instances, event planners would pay for some of the alcoholic beverages upfront while committing to pay the balance later as well as selling a few cases on the supplier’s behalf. Even some sponsors have been known to give event planners a few cases of products free in return for additional cases of such products being sold on their behalf. BusinessFocus

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According to Section 550 (1) of the Saint Lucia Criminal Code (2004): “A person who, without reasonable excuse, proof of which lies on him or her— (a) in any public place; (b) in or in connection with any business, or other place to which the public is admitted; (c) in any premises; or (d) in any vehicle, by operating or allowing to be operated any musical instrument, speaker or amplifier causes, or allows to be made any loud and continuous sound or noise, is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $1,000 or to imprisonment for 6 months.” You will also need a permit from ECCO) if you are planning to play loud music at your event. ECCO, an association of composers, songwriters and music publishers, is the legal entity responsible for administering the performing rights of its members and members of affiliated societies within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Through reciprocal agreements with affiliated societies worldwide (including SOCAN in Canada, ASCAP and BMI in the USA), ECCO has control of the world’s music repertoire. This means that ECCO is responsible for licensing all public use of music in the Eastern Caribbean, irrespective of which country the songwriter is from. After all, songwriters and musicians need to get paid for their creativity, right? Basically, whenever music is played in any business, and is audible to members of the public or members of staff, you are required to obtain copyright clearance for the public performance that you are giving. ECCO provides this clearance by means of its public performance license. This application must be submitted to ECCO no less than two weeks prior to the event and the license comes with a fee. ¤

Regardless of which method of consignment you choose for your event, be sure to contact the consignor (the owner of the goods) early enough to ensure that they agree to your request. Also, make sure that quantities and terms are spelled out clearly. If necessary, get this done in writing. As the consignee, you have a responsibility to settle all payments and return unsold or unused products to the consignor at the earliest opportunity. Bad news travels fast and you are most likely going to need that consignor -- or those to whom they told about their experience with you -- in the future. The advantages of the consignment model to the event planner are: • No need to pay up-front for inventory to sell. • Any products that don’t sell can be returned to consignors or disposed of. • Payments can be made days or weeks after the item sells, improving cash flow The advantages to the consignor are: • No need to spend time creating listings to sell items. • No need to ship or deliver sold items. The major disadvantages to the event planner are: • Dependence on sellers to provide a steady stream of inventory. • Disposal fees if there is a lot of merchandise left over, which can be reduced by donating leftovers to charity. The major disadvantages to sellers are: • Receiving less than could be earned by selling direct to buyers. • Having to wait for payment. ¤

Goods On Consignment?

Options Inc

Dahlia Francois - Living The Craft The Success Story Behind Options Inc. & Saint Lucia Books Since being formed in 2001, Options Inc. has gone on to become one of the leading event decor and planning companies in Saint Lucia. Its creative director, Dahlia Francois, is recognized far and wide as someone who can transform a simple venue into a beautiful, comfortable work of art. Francois took up arts and craft as a hobby at an early age out of necessity when she literally had to create her own clothes. She often created novelty clothing items for her friends who wanted something unique to wear to special functions. The creative habit stuck and today she makes her living from creating the perfect ambience for events. In the 1990s, Francois, who has a sales and marketing background, began showcasing her craft works – earrings and other items – at various expos locally. She registered Options Inc. afterwards as an events company and later earned a diploma in Events Planning.

“I really love to create,” Francois says. Her work is evident at weddings, conferences, corporate functions, national events – just about anywhere. Her signature design concepts are a breath of fresh air at events and Options Inc. is now a household name. A few years ago, Francois started Saint Lucia Books, a trendy bookshop featuring titles by local writers, after the major local bookshops closed their doors. Saint Lucia Books has been a major feature at the Nobel Laureate exhibition since 2015 and was on display at Alliance Francaise for some time. Saint Lucia Books now has an outlet in the A.F. Valmont building in downtown Castries. Francois intends to use the

bookstore as a resourceful project to promote reading, especially among students. Her hope is to have the bookstore include a cafe and library where people can also meet to network and share ideas. “I would like Saint Lucia Books to become a non-proﬁt company,” she states. “Something like this needs to continue even after I’m gone. There is a need for the books and if we empower the children and make the books available to them, they will read them. There’s also something special about people meeting an author and discussing their books.” Despite life not always being easy and opportunities few, having hosted summer camps for students for many years and being involved in her craft, Francois says she was able to gain something therapeutic from these experiences. As a businesswoman who always aims for professionalism, she believes that success comes from capitalizing on even the most basic of things. Having dabbled in event decor and management all these years, and having added a bookstore to the mix, Francois believes every customer is guaranteed the best service that comes with her outgoing and friendly personality.

Tel:758-450-0819 Cel:758-716-5974 Fax:758-452-3172 BusinessFocus Sep/Oct | 51 Email: eventoptions@gmail.com

Making Your Events Picture Perfect

Making Your Events Picture Perfect By Stan Bishop

The Impact of Technology on the Photography Business

hotography is a key factor to consider when staging an event. Firstly, for marketing and sponsorship reasons and, secondly, for archiving for posterity. These images are often the best assessment of what transpired at the event. Moreover, photographs are permanent reminders of our social interactions, so documenting an event is very important. In decades past, long before digital photography came along, photographers used Kodak and Fuji film which was sold on a reel and the negatives had to be taken to a dark room to be developed. Today, digital photography offers instant results: it’s point the camera, click, edit and upload online - all done within a few minutes. Some people even choose to print a few hard copies. Colin Weekes, who has been in the photography business for nearly 30 years, says that because of the increasing technology, one can now afford to employ less people to do a photo-shoot. Even the space that was needed years ago for a shoot has gotten smaller. Technology, he says, has made the business much more fun and inspiring. “There’s even software now that makes the process easier and you don’t really need an office or dark room for post-production,” Weekes said. “Nevertheless, the quality of work has been enhanced despite smaller equipment and shorter times for shoots.” While everyone expects change, it is mind-boggling to even fathom the extent to which the advances in photography have changed the social order. More event planners are including photography on their to-do list and many opportunities have been created for people who went from taking up photography as a hobby to now being professionals in the field. “We never anticipated that technology would have had such an impact on photography. It has also allowed more people to come

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into the game, which has changed the landscape of the profession. You now have more players who are capable of doing many more things. So it forces you to become more creative in terms of how you sell yourself,” Weekes explained. As Saint Lucia continues to blossom as an event-oriented country, Weekes says it is important to groom the photography industry. Many photographers have branched out into other forms of photography, such as underwater photography, the use of drones and even training budding photographers in the craft. So how should one go about choosing a photographer for an event? “It’s always about the portfolio: to look at the work the photographer has done, their style of photography vis-a-vis your needs,” Weekes explained. “It also depends on what you’re looking for because not everyone is capable of doing everything. It’s not a one-stop-fits-all situation. Size and duration of the event are also important factors that would determine the photographer’s fee. The photographer also needs to have an affable personality.” For many people, photography redounds to a simple point-andclick undertaking. Anyone can whip out their cellphones and capture the moments that make them both famous and immortal. But photography is a great art that can only be learned over time by people passionate enough to really learn the pros and cons of the game. As Weekes explains, patience and an open mind for learning are key ways to getting that picture perfect. “Learn the craft and be patient with it. We’re a ‘now’ society and many people want to learn everything now. But it’s still about learning the craft at the end of the day. You have to understand how to appeal to the emotional state of the viewer, which takes time. Also, try to dabble in as many areas of the industry so that you can increase your knowledge of it,” Weekes says. ¤

Photography Train

PHOTOGRAPHY TRAIN Tel: 287-6199 / 519-4011 Email: Photographytrain1@gmail.com www.photography-train.com

Are you looking to capture those memorable moments of your special events on ﬁlm and video? Then give the Photography Train a call today. Owned by Ashley Anzie, a photographer with 23 years’ experience in the business, the Photography Train specializes in photography and videography for weddings, parties, board meetings, conferences, mobile studio, real estate, magazines and much more. Anzie has gained extensive experience working with reputable photography studios – including Mediacraft Productions, Video Ventures and Colorbox -- and in many of Saint Lucia’s leading hotels. He received formal training in photography for three years via the New York Institute of Photography and his impressive body of work includes being the videographer for Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Kenya Moore, when she got married in Saint Lucia in 2017. He has also done many photo-shoots for Saint Lucia Business Focus Magazine, one of the region’s longest-running business magazines. Customers can expect the best quality images and videos when choosing the Photography Train as we use state-of-the-art equipment and help you coordinate the scenes of your photo-shoots. We aim for customer

satisfaction at the highest level with passion and excellence and the endeavour to produce the best in every job undertaken with respect and an optimistic attitude. Photography Train continues to prove ourselves as skilled, professional, and mature. Catering to each individual need, we are able to provide efficiency, reliability to look at challenges as opportunities, and the ability to develop, lead and be very independent in approach in capturing special moments through photography. Photography Train possesses the ability treat each job as unique as it is, with utmost sensitivity and care, as a smile on our clients’ face and the transparent and contagious joy shown as each captured moment is seen upon viewing the final product reminds us that we are doing our best and continue to do our best. Make the Photography Train your first choice when thinking about making those memories special | and BusinessFocus Sep/Oct 53 captivating!

The Impact of Audio-Visual on Events

picture, they say, is worth a thousand words. Apply that same principle to an audio-visual set-up and you can even stretch that number to millions, or even billions. Increasingly, event planners have come to depend of the use of an audio-visual component to get their messages across in a crisp, clear way. Audio-visual (or AV, for short) means possessing both a sound and visual component, such as slide-tape presentations, films, television programmes, church services and live theatre productions. The use of audio-visual takes centre-stage, especially during indoor conferences or the stage background at Calypso or Soca Monarch finals. It adds colour and gets people’s attention immediately. Audio-visual service providers frequently offer web streaming, video conferencing and live broadcast services. Computerbased audio-visual equipment is often used in education, with many schools and universities installing projection equipment and using interactive whiteboard technology. Elon Prospere is an audio-visual technician who works with Fineline Graphics, an audio-visual company which rents projectors and screens for events. People, he says, are keen on experiencing both the visual and sonic aspects of entertainment and other events. “People need to not only hear what’s happening but also see the visuals which usually complement the proceedings,” he says. “The fusion of sound and sight, therefore, makes the proceedings more fulfilling and appealing.” Audio-visual set-ups can range from a simple PowerPoint presentation beamed from a laptop in a small room to a 100foot screen of flashing lights and scenes at a football or cricket stadium. They give a high definition view of what’s transpiring, with up-close clarity and sometimes catchy music or other sounds. But there are both pros and cons in using audio-visual setups at your event. Below are just a few. PROS 1. Using an audio-visual set-up makes your presentation easy to follow. Providing you do not overload your presentation with information, these visual cues can be very helpful in demonstrating your information simpler. 2. Audio-visual set-up has the ability to cater to the various needs of the presenter. For instance, if the presenter is

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aiming for a casual presentation, he or she can use more videos and less charts. Consequently, for a more businessoriented presentation, professional themes and wellorganized charts can help. 3. Audio-visual set-ups can be very engaging. Not only do they capture people’s attention but they also make the information seem more entertaining, thereby allowing the audience to retain the information. CONS 1. Setting up an audio-visual display and realizing that something is not working properly during the event is not only embarrassing but also wastes time. Technical problems are more than common in audio-visual aids, and with many people not knowing how to fix the problems themselves, it is a definite drawback. 2. Audio-visual set-ups can be very costly for what you get out of them. The time and resources used to set up a presentation could possibly be used in a different way. Most of the time, the most costly part of using A/V is setting up the presentation. 3. Audio-visual set-ups can be distracting if used incorrectly. If your entire presentation is on the board or in the video, people would most likely not be looking at or listening to you. In a presentation, you have to capture the audience’s attention, and you should only be using audio-visual aids to assist you in doing so. If you use too many aids, it can be distracting to the audience, and it could overwhelm them as well. According to Prospere, common challenges he has experienced include getting booked late and rushing to get up to speed with the client’s demands. Finding employees who share a similar passion for the job is another. There’s also the heavy investment that must be made in procuring and maintaining the requisite equipment. Because such equipment is fragile, they must be handled delicately. Even troubleshooting the equipment during an event can pose some serious challenges. “Sometimes the equipment would work fine during the test run a day or so before the event,” Prospere says. “On the day of the event, however, the equipment would often fail to work. It brings you to the point where you have to unplug everything, and start from scratch again. Fortunately, that usually works.” Recently, Fineline Graphics starting doing projection mapping, a projection technology used to turn objects, often irregularly shaped, into a display surface for video projection. These objects may be complex industrial landscapes, such as buildings, small indoor objects or theatrical stages. By using specialized software, a two- or three-dimensional object is spatially mapped on the virtual programme which mimics the real environment it is to be projected on. Prospere says it’s something that is becoming increasingly popular with people. Pyrotechnics, or fireworks displays, are also a prominent audiovisual feature at many events, such as National Day and New Year's Day celebrations. Even performing artistes have incorporated pyrotechnics into their acts. However, while fireworks displays do sound and appear magical, safety measures must be in place, including having a trained and licensed person being in charge of such a display. ¤

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passage of people within an acceptable period of time so as to avoid congestion.” The guidelines also cites the June 1997 edition of the Saint Lucia Building Code, which offers advice on the number of exits that should be in place based on the size of the crowd, as cited in the following table:

Parking Management & Strategy - Permits

Number of People 0 to 600 601-999 1000 or more

Number of Side Exits 1 2 4

There are also accessibility guidelines in parking lots for people who are handicapped, as follows:

Total Number of Spaces in Parking Lot

Parking Management & Strategy - Permits By Stan Bishop

Over 500

specially when hosting a mass crowd event, a great deal of consideration and planning needs to go into having a parking management strategy that is clearly outlined and eliminates the propensity for chaos.

It is not uncommon to see a snaking trail of vehicles moving at snail’s pace heading to or from an event that one would have thought organizers would have anticipated. This is often the resultant bottlenecks of not having a clearly devised traffic plan. Even worse, sometimes not enough parking space or personnel to direct traffic often compound the problem. A proper parking management strategy is an essential part of hosting your events, especially if a large crowd will be attending. If people are forced to spend unnecessary time finding a parking spot or find it hard to leave the venue afterwards, that alone can ruin what might have been an otherwise great event. Careful consideration must also be factored in for people who might need special parking, such as people with physical disabilities. These are the people who are at greater risk in case of an emergency. According to the Mass Crowd Events Guidelines approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Saint Lucia on September 24, 2009 (Cabinet Conclusion No. 1151 of 2009), having such a plan plays a crucial role in preserving the safety of those attending such events. Section 5.4 of the manual addresses provisions for parking, stating that: “It is generally accepted that a period of great risk to Mass Crowds is at the time of leaving the facility after an event or during an emergency evacuation. It is important, therefore, to provide exit systems capable of accommodating safely the

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1 to 50 51 to 75 76 to 100 101 to 200 201 to 500

Required Number of Spaces Reserved for Handicapped Persons 1 2 3 4 5 1% of the total number of spaces

The following are accessibility guidelines for handicapped people at theatres, cinemas and auditoria:

Spaces Required for Wheelchairs Number Required for Number of Fixed Seating Wheelchairs Up to 200 2 201 to 300 3 301 to 400 4 401 to 500 5 501 to 600 6 6 plus 1 for each additional increment of 500 seats to a Over 600 maximum of 12

Another important element on your event checklist must be your permit for hosting special events in open spaces. Organizers of mass crowd events must seek approval from the National Conservation Authority (NCA) if they intend to use open spaces, beach fronts, or public parks. This permit must be applied for at least two weeks before the start of the event. The permit fees vary in terms of cost but without that permit, the police reserve the right to bring an event to an abrupt halt if it is not produced. After all, some measure of inconvenience would be borne by other users of the space you occupy as well as immediate environs. Your permit, however, gives you some level of validation that your event is legitimate. ¤

The Art of Sound Engineering

The Art of Sound Engineering By Stan Bishop

hether you’re hosting a formal business convention or a banging dance-till-you-drop staff party, the quality of sound from the audio system needs to be handled by professionals who know exactly what they are doing. Most of us, at some point, have had to endure the screeching, torturous feedback caused by a microphone that should have been adjusted during the sound check prior to the start of the event. Even worse, a few minutes are often lost when the guy attempting to rectify the problem seems to be an amateur at fixing the problem. He usually has to depend on someone in the audience who has some iota of what to do to at least minimize the embarrassment. That’s where the need for a capable sound engineer comes in. Basically, a sound engineer is responsible for the technical side of a recording or live performance. He or she designs and manages sound levels and outputs, and is responsible for maintaining the physical sound equipment, such as amplifiers and microphones. He or she also needs to have a well-trained ear for figuring out the right sound. For small events, a simple microphone and speaker setup is usually the case and takes a few minutes to arrange. However, for large events, the task of setting up humongous speakers and amplifiers require many more hands and takes more time to achieve. While many people tend to appreciate great music being played at an event, few recognize the hard work that goes into creating the perfect sound. Music might be an art form, but it takes a skilled professional to create the perfect sound. The quality of sound from the speaker system can actually make or break an event. Elon Prospere, whose company, FineLine Graphics, incorporates sound into the events for which the company is contracted, agrees. “You have to have an ear for it,” Prospere says. “At the conferences where we’re hired, we try to ensure that our sound is as crisp as possible. We try to get state-of-the-art equipment as well to keep it on that scale.”

A great live band, for instance, can sound terrible if the overall sound output quality and setup are poor. Therefore, careful consideration must be given to sound quality when events are being planned. While sound engineers might have different methods and ideas for doing their jobs, there are some key factors to consider when hiring a sound engineer for your event. • •

•

Gear: Having the appropriate equipment is crucial. These include microphones, cables, mixers, speakers, monitors, amplifiers, and so on. A Good Ear for Music: Among the things money cannot buy is a good sound engineer’s ear. They’re usually born with it or not. So hire an engineer who has sensitive musical ears that have been cultured by the right amount of education and field experience. Experience: The experience of a good sound engineer should never be underestimated. While newcomers to the game would do well with two speakers connected to a basic mixing desk, it is usually the expert sound engineer who raises the roof at your function. Lighting: Finding a sound engineer who can also solve lighting problems is an absolute plus. Lighting and music go hand in hand in terms of creating the perfect ambience at an event. Health and Safety: Hiring a sound engineer who knows how electricity works is very important. With heavy equipment that needs to be plugged into the grid, one simple mistake can result in disaster. At best, it would be good that the sound engineer comes with referrals from previous clients.

Finally, sound equipment comes at a high premium in many cases and must be handled delicately when being transported to and from venues. Secondly, provisions must be implemented to prevent equipment getting wet from rain and other factors. Thirdly, since musical equipment can overheat, it is best to agree on what length of time the equipment will be used for at the event. ¤

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Sep/Oct

The Disc Jockey The Real Life of The Party

The Disc Jockey

The Real Life of The Party Disc jockeys (or DJs) play music in parties, clubs, weddings and other events. They are required to mix and match the music to suit the mood of the event. They also work for radio stations and broadcast the music on air. It is essential that DJs have proper knowledge about the different genres of music in order to get into this position. Another important quality they are expected to have is a professional and affable personality, a common denominator shared by the three DJs highlighted in this special feature. We hope you find their stories as entertaining as they are.

Dr. BEAT - Spinnin’ On The Ones and Twos Dr. BEAT - Spinnin’ On The Ones and Twos

Dr. Beat, one of Saint Lucia’s most recognized DJs, has been in the business for four decades, using his vast experience to spin the best of music -- nostalgic and new. Growing up, Dr. Beat (real name Michael Du Bois) was surrounded by family members who were serious music lovers. He looked forward to his uncles purchasing the latest records and listened to every track.

In 1980, he and his classmates took up DJing seriously. At the time, he went by DJ Flash, later changing that to Master Dee. He eventually switched to Dr. Beat and won his first DJ competition in 1984, winning a trip to New York, a trophy and $1,000. He won two more competitions in 1989 and 1990. Success did not come easy, though. He wanted to become a DJ so much that when he started working, he often spent most of his salary on records. “Back then, I would purchase two of every hit record so I could mix and refix. After spending it all on records, my mother would give me bus money and even purchase the clothes I wore while DJ’ing. You must make the sacrifices to get to each level. Rome wasn’t built in a day; neither will you achieve everything all at once,” he explains. BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Dr. Beat has played at events for prime ministers, ministers, and other well-known people across the island and has interviewed or been the opening act at shows for Buju Banton, Machel Montano, Barrington Levy, Allison Hinds, Crazy, and Shadow. But he had bigger plans. He teamed up with Spektacula Promotions to bring some of the hottest soca shows to Saint Lucia. He also promoted a comedy festival at Mindoo Phillip Park, a Valentine’s special featuring the late Percy Sledge at Pigeon Island, and other shows featuring artistes like Sparrow, Pluto Shervington, Shadow, Ras Shorty I, Crazy and Denise Plummer. Since Dr. Beat’s entrance into the game, the art form has changed and so has the technology. He recalls working with reel to reels, 8-track decks, cassettes decks, turntables, CDs and now MP3s. While technology and its advancement is inevitable, he says DJs need to be careful not to become too dependent on it. Since the 1970s, Dr. Beat began developing a love for radio by listening to programmes like American Top 40. His introduction to radio came in the 1980s when he was brought on-air at RCI. In 1988, he quit his job as a Diesel Mechanic to pursue a course in broadcasting at the New School of Contemporary Radio in Albany, New York. Today, Dr. Beat is still in radio and loving it. He’s on-air Monday to Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Radio 100. Having been a DJ most of his life, Dr. Beat has definitely earned the right to determine the importance of the DJ at an event and cautions event planners to be careful when choosing a DJ. “The right or wrong DJ can make or break a party,” he states. “It’s up to the client to decide what he or she wants. You make the wrong choice, the party will suffer. You make the right choice and your friends will be asking, ‘When is the next party’.” ¤

Sir Lancealot A.K.A Di Gyal Dem DJ Sir Lancealot A.K.A Di Gyal Dem DJ

Sir Lancelot’s career as a professional deejay started in 2007 at Radio Caribbean International. Music had always been his fuel and safe haven. Over the years, he found himself gravitating towards everything associated with music. Whether or not he was destined to be a DJ, he always knew music would play a leading role in his life. He wanted to be different from the

rest of the DJs and worked towards building a high quality and successful brand. There were many challenges in the industry but it became more evident that Saint Lucian DJs had a major impact on society. This realization has fostered the need for DJs as a collective to raise the bar with their exceptional performance which has driven many local DJs to aspire to become international phenomena. What surprised him about the industry was the support from other performers and his circle as the impression he received before committing fully to the craft was that it was cutthroat and no one assisted you. Although he was intimidated at first, the love and support he received was encouraging. Throughout the years, Sirlancelot’s taste in music grew. He has an affinity for all kinds of music -- from the Dennery Segment to gospel. As his craft developed, he had the pleasure of working with many event coordinators who hired him based on his personality and resilience to keep the audience engaged and entertained throughout the event. “I have always approached my deejaying as a business,” he says. “I believe understanding my value while remaining up-to-date with the industry standards has helped me not only stand out, but attract clients who are acutely aware of what is on offer.” Three DJs influenced his craft tremendously: DJ Knockz and Dr. Jay from Toronto, Canada; and Scratchmaster from Trinidad & Tobago, all of whom have inspired him to hone his skills and develop a brand of which he can be proud. Sirlancelot believes the future of the industry is the Dennery Segment: “We finally have a sound that is indigenous to us as Saint Lucians, which has grown to become exportable and cross borders, ultimately opening up a window of opportunity for us DJs to travel and become ambassadors, which is integral for the succession of the industry.” Sirlancelot advises young DJs to remain ambitious and have a contingency plan as starting out in the industry can prove quite arduous. Education is a major component as well, he adds, for those who want to propel themselves in the industry. “I would advise the younger DJs to have a business-minded approach and surpass the tunnel vision of the quick fix and easy job for small gains,” he explains. “Develop a brand you can be proud of, but always ensure you are practising to cultivate your craft and step out from the rest in a positive way.” The future of the industry looks bright with an association being the next logical phase to help grow the fraternity, develop collaborations for success and teach the next generation. In fact, Sirlancelot will be launching his nonprofit foundation which will be geared towards mentoring as a way to give back to the industry which has given him so much. “I live by the mantra ‘friends, family and country’, and will continue to hone and share my skills for the development of the industry and Saint Lucia,” he says. ¤

DJ SHELZ - Upcoming

DJ Raps About The Trade

n planning an event, chances are there will be a need for music. Great ambience, good company and delicious eats and drinks might be a main course. However, great music, especially played by a well-versed DJ, can end up being the real life of the party. Twenty-nine-year-old Sheldon Clouden -- alias DJ Shelz -- is one of Saint Lucia’s hottest upcoming DJs. He took up the craft while living in the United States over a decade ago and being an assistant to his brother. Over the years, he has seen how important a vibe DJs bring to any event, which has encouraged him to continue raising the bar and bringing music to the people. “I started playing in New York around age 18 with my brother,” he says. “Actually, I never thought I’d be a DJ. It was more like helping him out because he was a full-time DJ and played everywhere. After doing that, I just continued.” After returning to Saint Lucia sometime later, DJ Shelz played at popular nightclubs like Turbulence and Verve as well as at major events. He also worked for Radio Caribbean International (RCI) for about seven months before moving to Vybe Radio in April 2016. Although he appears unassuming, DJ Shelz has a unique way of selecting the right tracks that would make even a prude partygoer shake a leg or two. Music is his drive and he delights in taking his audiences on a musical roller-coaster. “You have to know a lot of music as well as read your crowd,” he says when asked what were some of the common challenges faced by DJs. “Your selection of music is a very important factor. You cannot just play anything anywhere. For example, if you’re playing at a kids’ party, you cannot play the raw versions of Vybz Kartel’s songs.” He says the Dennery Segment and Afro beats are the genres of music people gravitate to most. The Dennery Segment, probably the fastgrowing genre of music in Saint Lucia these days, he says, has caught on big time with patrons despite some earlier protestations. “Right now, everybody loves the Dennery Segment. At first, people used to fight it down, but now that’s all they want,” he says, smiling. DJ Shelz, who has hopes of creating his own beats and working with artistes on tracks, believes the DJ brings a very important element to any event. After all, like the saying goes, “If music be the food of love, let it play on”. He intends to do just that -- giving people the music they love and have them feeding off his vibe. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Major Events Get Big Push from Events Company of Saint Lucia By Stan Bishop

Major Events Get Big Push from Events Company of Saint Lucia foundation for the development of culture, or to feed into these

ince coming into existence two years ago, Events Company of Saint Lucia Inc. (ECSL) has been tasked with organizing some of the island’s major events that previously fell under the aegis of other local organizations.

Despite its baptism by fire in 2017 -- when the newly-formed entity had merely weeks to get its feet wet in its new role -- ECSL nevertheless scored many plusses despite the initial concerns expressed by the wider public. Leading that charge was Thomas Leonce, ECSL’s Chief Executive Officer, who comes to the post with a great deal of experience. Prior to his new role, he served as Sales and Marketing Manager at Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited (WLBL) and played an integral part in ensuring that WLBL’s alliances with event organizers ran smoothly. Recently, Business Focus Magazine sat down with Leonce, who opened up about the organization’s mandate, its journey thus far and how events contribute to the general economy on many levels. BF: Can you tell us about the structure of the new Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) and the link to Events Company of Saint Lucia Inc. (ECSL)? Leonce: Essentially, Events Company of Saint Lucia was formally established in April 2017 after beginning operations in February that year under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture while the company was being formally registered. The reason for the formation of ECSL was to consolidate the production of these major national events or festivals under one entity. Prior to that, we had Carnival being produced by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF). The mandate of CDF is not the production of events, per se, but of providing the

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other festivals.

The SLTA’s role is to market Saint Lucia as a whole and not necessarily the production of an event. In the case of the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, I think that consumed the Saint Lucia Tourist Board for the better part of 25 years because it was such a big production. A lot of the staff’s time was spent either producing the event or getting ready for the next one. I’m not sure how that affected the marketing of Saint Lucia as a whole because Saint Lucia is much more than just one festival. You also had the Folk Research Centre producing Creole Heritage Month activities. However, to justify the formation of a company to produce those events, there needed to be more meat to the bone, as they say. So three other festivals were added -- Saint Lucia Food and Rum Festival, Saint Lucia Roots and Soul Festival, and the Saint Lucia Country and Blues Festival – to give a full menu of festivals. So there’s a major festival happening practically every two months among all the other festivals happening on the island. ECSL focusses on producing these events at a high standard and ensuring that suppliers deliver to that standard. Of course, there’s a broader reason for doing these festivals which is the economics of it. Like I said, SLTA’s mandate relates to marketing the destination to attract people here in larger numbers. I think both ECSL and SLTA are doing that to a large extent. The results for the month of May this year show that stayover arrivals were record high. That seemed to be against the background of people saying that the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival is not as exciting and big or drawing the numbers that it did in previous years.

This suggests that people are coming to Saint Lucia for more than a festival – for the total product that Saint Lucia represents. The festival is just an added reason to attract them to Saint Lucia as opposed to Barbados or Jamaica. I think we’ve done that very well.

Sometimes they might indicate that they cannot provide the total service but a part of it instead. For instance, for one category of service, you may have one supplier who can do all of it because they have the capacity, or you might break it down into multiple suppliers.

We had to make sure that the investment we put into the festival matches the returns we get. We don’t want to over-invest. I think we had gotten to the point where we were not bringing in the numbers to match the investment.

BF: Is there a plan to engage the Saint Lucia Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) to brainstorm in an effort to invite young entrepreneurs? There’s a massive move on the island now to promote entrepreneurship and young people are not being hired despite the fact that they may have skills. How can you help them transition from small events to large events?

Another economic reason for putting on the festivals has to do with the number of people, organizations and service providers who are engaged from the very planning stages of the festival. Venues have to be rented. If it’s an outdoor event, you need to get a site plan -- and somebody has to be paid to do that. You also need to promote the event through various forms of media. You also have a lot of other infrastructure that has to be put in, especially if it’s an outdoor event, which are the majority of events we host. There’s a multiplier effect of all these activities: there’s staging, roofing, lighting, sound, security, catering, and so on. If you multiplied that by the number of entities these people employ to provide those services, whether they are on-site or administratively, you can well understand the spillover effect of putting on these events. BF: What’s your management team like? Leonce: There are twelve of us in total: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Finance and Accounts Officer, Marketing and Sponsorship Officer, and Events Officers. These Events Officers are assigned to specific festivals on which they take the lead but also play supporting roles on others. Everybody has a role to play in all events and we produce all of our events within budget. BF: From the point of view of staging an event, you’re trying to put on a world-standard event, which would be the focus of any event. How does the local supplier base stack up in delivering the expectations? Is it that we have the skills, talent and equipment on the ground or do you have to import those skills and services?

Leonce: For many of our events, there’s always a local element featured, especially as it relates to talent. Rashaad Joseph, Chrycee, Michael Robinson are just some of the performers that have been featured at our events. But we always incorporate local talent. BF: Tell us about the core events on the Soleil Summer of Events calendar. Leonce: Soleil is the brand of a group of events. It’s really done for marketing purposes or branding so that once you mention “Soleil”, patrons automatically expect a certain standard of production. However, we do more than just Soleil. We also produce activities for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), which was previously done by the Tourism Authority. We produced activities for Saint Lucia’s 39th Independence celebrations and will be doing so for the 40th anniversary next year. The company is more than just the Soleil Summer of Festivals. Of course, we can add festivals to it or remove festivals from it. We can also reconfigure, or create a new brand of festivals, if we so desire. BF: So, it’s really looking at the national umbrella of things, right? Leonce: ECSL is the national umbrella but Soleil is just one component of events that we produce.

Leonce: I think that was one of the greatest legacies of the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival in terms of the capacity building that took place. Some years ago, there was an association with BET (Black Entertainment Television) and at that time practically everything that was needed for the production of the festival was brought in from overseas: from sound systems to personnel. That has been done away with and we now have people who are making significant investments in the technical requirements for the production of those festivals. In terms of concert production and the requirements we need, I think 95% of what is required to put on a world-class event is available on-island. BF: What is the model for confirming your supplier requirement? In effect, how do you go about confirming who’s going to provide what? Leonce: There’s something called a request for proposal (RFP) which is usually published in the media requesting service providers to submit proposals for the list of services needed -- catering, security, decor -- every aspect required for the production of an event. They submit proposals which are assessed by a committee to determine whether they would have met the requirements. BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

BF: Are you in any way involved in the Mercury Fest? Leonce: Mercury Fest is a private event but we are involved indirectly because we recognize the potential that it has in terms of bringing in visitors. But the closest association would be with the SLTA because of that focus to bring in visitors. A key source market for visitors for all of our festivals is Martinique, which generates five times more visitors here than the next country, the United States. It’s easier for the French to come here because of the close proximity plus our long association and various means of getting here. We’re also helping Mercury Fest in terms of infrastructure: staging, ticketing, putting a budget together, and so on.

BF: In terms of events, what is the island’s interest in weddings, honeymoons, conferences and sports? Leonce: We are big on weddings already. About ten to fifteen years ago, a lot of the expertise in the production of weddings resided within the Sandals chain, which really grew this industry. Today, there are other people doing that. They might not necessarily have the capacity to do so in-house to produce the wedding; however, there are private entities now supplying services for these weddings, such as floral arrangements, decor, photography, and so on. BF: One of the things we haven’t really capitalized on is conferences. We are also missing a convention centre which caters to very large numbers.

Leonce: As long as what they’re doing fits with our mandate or is associated with one of the festivals that we are producing. For instance, Soca Kingdom would have been linked to Saint Lucia Carnival, for which we are the major producer.

Leonce: That’s true. However, we have to ensure that if such a facility is built that we have to be able to utilize it throughout the year so that it can pay for itself. But we do have a challenge in hosting some of the events we produce that are required to be indoors. Many of our indoor events for Carnival were sold out because of the capacity constraints. Right now, our capacity is in the region of 700. I think we need something double that size.

BF: Are there any areas that need tightening up or improving upon that have the scope for opportunities?

BF: How financially viable are these events that are hosted by ECSL?

Leonce: There are many events happening throughout the year, so the task now is to perhaps find an event that is different to what we’re currently doing. I think we have a number of people here who contribute to the pool of people who go to these events who may be close to getting event-weary.

Leonce: In terms of hard receipts, many of the events will not be able to sustain themselves on their own. For instance, a private promoter would not be able to produce the events we produce based on the revenue they get from the gates and sponsorship. Essentially, the events are subsidized.

Carnival is a classic case in point. It may have an impact on their income as well because of the amount of money they put aside for all these events. In a sense, let’s not look at Saint Lucia as a market for our events. I mean, the OECS territories account for about 600,000 people. Add Martinique to that and it’s an additional 400,000 people. That’s a million people.

However, the multiplier effect of putting on these events for the economy, in general, is a different matter. When we put on Carnival and have all these hotels filled and other ancillary services are totaled, that’s the kind of spin-off effect that needs to be studied. But we get an annual subvention of $12 million from government to produce quite a number of events throughout the year. It would be interesting to know how that is multiplied.

BF: Are you saying that for anyone hoping to host an event it would be in their best interest to engage you?

So when you’re producing an event, don’t think it’s just for the Saint Lucian market; think of your market as regional in the first instance and then international in the second. However, the bigger your scope means the tighter your structure has to be as your risk of exposure is greater and the level of investment in putting up the infrastructure will be greater. BF: Which ministry does ECSL fall under? Leonce: We’re a non-profit company -- not a statutory body. We fall under the ambit of the Ministry of Culture. BF: What happens to the profits that ECSL generates? Leonce: If there’s a surplus, it has to be used for the next festival. In other words, if that surplus builds up, we reduce on the demand on the subvention from central government. Ideally, the goal is to make the company self-sustaining via measures such as increasing gate receipts and sponsorship, as well as decreasing costs of production.

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Sep/Oct

BF: Is the current template for the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival working? Leonce: In 2017, tourist arrivals for May was about 5% more than the previous year when the Jazz Festival had the same format. The format did not change much this year and the arrivals for last May were the greatest ever. It begs the question: Were people really coming here for the Jazz Festival in previous years and how much were we investing in a festival for which people were not coming? There are two groups from the UK which have been bringing between 300 and 500 people here for many years now. However, they do not attend any of the Jazz Festival shows; it’s optional. They use the Jazz Festival as the backdrop to sell packages for Saint Lucia at that time. They organize cocktails, boat rides and themed events. In fact, they’re already selling packages for next year without a clue as to who will be performing at next year’s Jazz Festival! ¤

Photography: James Adjodha - Wavemaker Photography

The Night Life Scene in Saint Lucia

The Night Life Scene in Saint Lucia By Stan Bishop

Who's Down For Some Partying Tonight?

s an island that advertises itself as a fun destination, Saint Lucia is generally well-known for its night life -from casual after-work limes to full-blown fetes. Of course, many visitors might just want to have some sea, sand and sun. But if they’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, they get way more than that. From Gros Islet in the north to Vieux Fort in the south, Saint Lucia’s night life scene continues to blossom. Traditionally, Castries has been moving at snail’s pace compared to other communities in this regard. In the past year, however, Saturday City Nights have become a notable feature near the Castries Market, thanks to the Castries Constituencies Council (CCC) which aims to spur economic activity in the city. The Gros Islet Friday night street party has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for many decades now. Dubbed the island’s longest-running street party, the popular event is said to have started back in the early 1980s. Set against the backdrop of households, restaurants and bars, the weekly event is punctuated by scores of vendors plying their trade in delicious food, cold drinks and friendly hospitality. Huge speaker boxes spit out some of the most infectious beats as hundreds of locals and visitors form a cosmopolitan mix of cultural vibes while sipping on cold Piton Beers or hard-hitting spiced rum. On a good night, it is not unusual to see conga lines of dancers sweat to the sweet, pulsating rhythms. The idyllic setting also includes thick smoke-filled scents of grilled conch, barbecued chicken and fried fish, most of which come directly from the fishing village itself. On the west coast, Anse La Raye Fish Friday on the waterfront has been pulling its weight of late again after falling out of favour with patrons for a few years. After some training workshops provided

by central government and nearby hotels over the past year or so, vendors have improved on their culinary skills and are now serving up some value-added hospitality that organizers say will give the Gros Islet Friday night street party serious competition in due time. Over on the east coast, the Dennery Fish Fry continues to cook up a storm on Saturday nights as the beach-side setting lights up to offer patrons some of the best treats imaginable. With the advent of the Dennery Segment growing in popularity, the event has taken on new meaning, especially since the homegrown “Segment” artistes often pass through to drop a few bars of their latest tracks. By far, though, Rodney Bay is arguably the epicentre of the island’s night life scene. With clubs like Coconutz, Verve, Q Jazz Lounge, Ultra Lounge and Club Zen dotting the strip, party-goers have a diverse list to chose from. It’s often a tough choice as all of these clubs are in close proximity to each other. Many of these night clubs have special parties from time to time, featuring local and regional artistes. Elsewhere on the island, club partying is often restricted to weekends or public holidays. Unless, of course, you’re staying at hotels, which often have theme nights. But, with plans being proposed by the government to redefine village tourism, one can only expect that Saint Lucia’s night life scene will truly become a nightly endeavour. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, it must be a hard thing to admit that you have not immersed yourself in at least one episode of Saint Lucia’s night life scene. Those who have experienced it often deem it a memorable experience, so be sure to try it at least once. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Hosting A Mass Crowd Event?

By Stan Bishop

Here's What You Need To Know

o you have a great idea to organize a mass event on which you’re willing to bet top dollar would score and realize positive feedback and return on investment. However, you still need to go through the proper channels to ensure that all “T’s” are crossed and “I’s” dotted for a smooth execution of your plans. After all, great ideas result in great success when great planning is in effect, right? According to the National Emergency and Management Organization of Saint Lucia (NEMO), there are a number of things that need to get done before the event is held. These include: 1. Applying to the Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health for a Model Mass Casualty Response Plan at least three weeks before the event. This gives authorities information about the facilities, the areas at risk and the resources needed to prevent and respond in the case of an emergency to protect those attending the event. 2. Submitting a Public Health (License and Health Certificate) to the Office of the Chief Environmental Officer at least six weeks before the event to facilitate thorough plan review and adequate site assessment. This should spell out the requirements organizers need to meet, such as an approved Solid Waste Management Plan, and an individual medical certification for clean bill of health prior to applying for Public Health certification of the event. 3. Submitting a Solid Waste Management Plan to the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority no less than two weeks before the event. Such a plan should state whether

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Sep/Oct

sufficient litter bins are provided and what systems are in place for all litter on site to be collected properly and disposed of at an approved landfill site within 24 hours after the event. 4. Applying for a permit for live and/or featured music to be submitted to the Eastern Caribbean Copyright Organization (ECCO) no less than two weeks before the event. Applicant must ensure that they: (a) Furnish ECCO with a statement giving the maximum number of people that can be accommodated at the event and the number of admission tickets printed and the admission price(s); (b) Pay royalties calculated at 50% of the estimated gross receipts from admissions based on the details required, under the sub-paragraph above; (c) Enter into a signed undertaking with ECCO that before the conclusion of the entertainment the applicant shall pay the balance due (in cash) based on actual gross box office receipts; and (d) That all tickets (and/or stubs) must be deposited in the official ECCO box, which will be provided by ECCO. 5. Requesting an electrical inspection from the Electrical Department in the Ministry of Works at least three weeks before the event. This is to ensure that all electrical installations meet set standards and regulations prescribed by law. 6. Requesting first aid support from the Saint Lucia Red Cross or Saint John Association of Saint Lucia at least six weeks before the event. Responsibility for the provision of suitably qualified medical personnel and/or first-aid personnel lies

with the event planner. However, the owner/manager is responsible for the provision, upkeep of the first aid room, its equipment and materials. 7. Request of support from District Disaster Committee[s]. Must be submitted to the NEMO Secretariat for onward forwarding to the District Disaster Committee at least six weeks before event. This must be done in a timely manner so that relevant personnel can be given ample time to prepare. They are needed in case unforeseen disasters affect the event. 8. Applying for the necessary work permits. If people from a CARICOM Single Market State are to be employed, ensure that their Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued them with the CARICOM Skills Recognition Certificate that will confer on them the right to work in Saint Lucia. If they are not from a CARICOM Single Market State, ensure that you obtain a work permit for them from the Labour Department. Submissions must be made to the Labour Department at least two weeks before the event. 9. Obtaining a liquor license. If you plan to have alcohol at your event, you will need a license from the District Court in Castries, Vieux Fort or Soufriere. According to the Liquor License Act, the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited if a license is not granted. 10. Further support will also be required, including from: i. Royal Saint Lucia Police Force for (a) Noise levels and times -- applications must be made three days before

the intended date of the activity. (b) Traffic management plan. (c) Security plan. (d) Permission to assemble (for marches, walks, demonstrations, etc.) ii. Saint Lucia Fire Service for: (a) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Ambulance Support and (b) Permission to use fireworks. iii. Saint Lucia Lifesavers Association for: (a) Lifeguards at events near water (boat rides, river limes, sea side baptisms, etc.) iv. Insurance agent for: Public liability insurance 11. Getting a copy of a Model Venue Evacuation Plan from whom you are hiring the venue. Once you have obtained the copy, you and your planning team and your staff must become familiar with the plan. The plan must have been approved by the Chief Fire Officer. 12. Application to erect a temporary tent. As the event planner, it is your responsibility to get planning permission for any temporary construction, e.g. a tent. 13. Application form for permit for beach use. Application forms must be submitted in duplicate to the Office of the National Conservation Authority (NCA) at least two weeks prior to the hosting of the event. These thirteen steps might seem quite a stretch but, if followed, can contribute to the smooth running of your event. Your aim is to host a successful event, not to have your patrons witness an embarrassing episode should the relevant authorities bring an abrupt halt to your proceedings. Â¤

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Sep/Oct

The Evolution of Carnival

The Evolution of Carnival By Stan Bishop

wenty-five years ago, the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival began competing for the spotlight under which Saint Lucia Carnival practically enjoyed alone. It was a new era when attracting tourists from cold climes during the offpeak season seemed a priority. It was a cultural revolution in the making that recently took a 180-degree twist. Historians say the first "modern" Caribbean carnival began in Trinidad and Tobago in the late 18th century when a flood of French settlers brought their almost-century-old Fat Tuesday masquerade party traditions to the island. Despite Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago boasting the best carnivals in the world, other countries have continuously proven that they can at least come close to the standards achieved by those two countries. Saint Lucia Carnival is among them, growing in strength each year. Deeply rooted in colonialism and defiance, carnival has become a sensual expression of freedom, a time when reckless abandon is embraced. After slavery was abolished in the nineteenth century, freed African slaves in the Caribbean demonstrated their newfound freedom in many ways, including adorning elaborate headdresses and costumes, chanting, and beating drums. According to an article published in Visions of St. Lucia Tourist Guide, carnival became an organized festival in Saint Lucia after World War II. The article states that in 1947, “a small group of young people dressed in ragged clothes, beat out rhythms on bottles and pieces of steel as they paraded through Castries on Shrove Monday night. People joined the impromptu parade which ended at the home of Derek and Roddy Walcott on Chaussee Road.” The following year, the British administrator declared Shrove Tuesday a public holiday and that year featured steel bands,

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Sep/Oct

calypsos and costumed bands. The Catholic Church, however, did not take too kindly to the new event, with the principal of the all-boys secondary school, St. Mary’s College, deeming a group of students’ participation in the event “a degrading and vulgar exhibition”. Even worse, some students were suspended, others flogged and prefects demoted. Today, however, there is a Junior Carnival component to the festival. Saint Lucia Carnival was previously a pre-Lenten festival. However, in 1999, so as to not clash with the more popular Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, it was moved to mid-July. The move was also strategic for another reason: to attract more visitors to the island. Saint Lucia Carnival wraps up in July, but the build-up begins as early as February when carnival bands begin offering sneak peeks of their costumes. These soft launches are testing grounds to suss out revellers’ tastes and preferences. Over the years, the

costumes for most bands have become arguably more revealing. While many claim that the festival is a platform for debauchery, others contend that carnival is simply a festival of freedom, fun and frolicking. The music, too, has evolved into a highly marketable product as songwriters, producers and artistes (calypsonians and soca artistes) continue to raise the bar -- pun intended. Winning a soca or calypso title is a major feat as not only does it prove excellence, but also cements gigs locally and abroad. Soca artistes Teddyson John, Arthur Allain, Ezra D’Funmachine, Mantius, Q-Pid, Ricky T, Sedale, Nerdy, Islah Man and Shemmy J continue to impress while calypsonians such as Pep, Invader, Walleigh, Herb Black, TC Brown, Nintus and Oshun bring social commentary closer to home. In recent years, Saint Lucian Kuduro (popularly known as the Dennery Segment) has entered the musical fray. A rich mixture of dancehall, soca, zouk and sewenal, the infectious musical genre is said have started in the 1990s by artistes such as Yardie, Alley Cat, Shepp Dawg and Crocodile. Today, however, artistes like Mighty, Subance, Black Boy, Cooyah, Motto, Mata and Migos and Umpa are stamping their authority on it. A growing number of private promoters have also capitalized on the carnival season. From as early as May, hardly a week goes by without at least three fetes being held, promising patrons the best experience of their lives. Most of these fetes prove to be so exhilarating that the final two-day Parade of the Bands in July seems like a dessert.

Over the past two years, government has signaled its intention to make Saint Lucia Carnival the flagship festival of the island. After more than a quarter of a century of the St. Lucia Jazz Festival (also branded the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival for a few years), Saint Lucia Carnival, which has received a larger budget from central government, is expected to receive even more. During the open session of the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association (SLHTA) annual general meeting held at Harbor Club on July 20, Minister for Tourism, Dominic Fedee, said: “We are encouraged by the best carnival season we’ve ever seen, where it has yielded significant results for the hotel sector. Where reports coming to me suggest that some of you, hoteliers, especially the small ones in the north, were full from as early as January over Carnival weekend. So this is most heartening and encouraging to us that we are moving along the right path.” What Fedee said next promises to deliver to Saint Lucia Carnival what festival stakeholders have literally begged for over the years -- respect and acknowledgement of the business potential of carnival. “My government is of the opinion that the biggest festival in the summer should be our own festival. It should be Carnival, it should not be Jazz. We maintain that this policy decision is perhaps the single largest prescription that will yield and generate that strong nexus between the culture and the heritage and the tremendous contribution it can make towards the development of tourism.” After waiting for decades out in the cold for due recognition, Saint Lucia Carnival has not only broken cultural and social barriers, but has also outpaced the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, previously touted to be the island’s flagship festival and foreign visitor attraction. ¤

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Sep/Oct

Jounen Kwéyòl: A Cultural Explosion By Kezia Preville

or Caribbean countries like Saint Lucia, cultural events often represent a means of preserving and showcasing the important cultural aspects which shape the way of life today. Much like the rest of the region, Saint Lucia’s origin comes from the hardships of slavery, battles between the French and British, and that all too familiar, cry for freedom. Those who lived through these arduous times, have helped to write the stories and have ensured the traditions have been passed on to the next generation. One such event which captures the essence of ancestral struggle and triumph, is that of the Jounen Kwéyòl Entonnasyonal or in English, International Creole Day observed on October 28th yearly. The Folk Research Centre first developed the concept back in 1984, and is charged with the development of the yearly activities which take place during the entire month of October. A host of cultural activities in an island borne out of years of battles and littered with stories of triumph, pain and sorrow, have become a rich spectacle for generations to enjoy. Visitors alike can stand side by side and become enthralled in the proud legacy and merriment.

Jounen Kwéyòl: A Cultural Explosion

evolved, making it a magnet for tourism and has morphed into one of the largest cultural events to date. Corporate Saint Lucia, schools and the wider public all participate in the array of activities in celebration of the country’s Creole Heritage including commemorating the creole month by adorning madras and African print wear throughout the month. With a major highlight for the festival being the last Sunday in the month, this is designated for the community-based events which culminate in a great street fair-like atmosphere with an abundance of creole food, music, games and folklore, which make up the activities. Usually starting from very early in the morning, before daylight, the activities attract thousands who often go from community to community adorning creole wear.

Saint Lucia’s creole festival Jounen Kwéyòl is celebrated in recognition of that history and aims to make the St. Lucian society aware of the strength and value of the Kwéyòl language, food and other associated traditions. It reinforces the need for understanding, preserving and developing its remarkable cultural resources.

This year the event will be held under the theme “FRC Vivan Kweyol La Vivan”, to place a spotlight on the plight of the Folk Research Centre which was engulfed in flames earlier this year. Patrons and onlookers can enjoy some of the traditions which include bamboo bursting, men sawing wood with an old fashion saw, and fun activities like the greasy pole. For culinary aspects, wood-fired creole bread making, cassava flat bread making and traditional bakes and fish cakes made out of Crayfish are all on the menu. Often, displays of traditional items like La te ni Wob Dwiyet, Manche ek Pilon, fer passé longtan, pengne-cho, tesson, paniez, jer, lamp kawozin en kanot and La te zhik ni chilotte kat kod would be showcased prominently with knowledgeable guides providing the historic relevance.

Jounen Kwéyòl or the Creole Festival is celebrated on a national level across the entire island, with four designated communities playing host for the big day. Over the years the festival has

Jounen Kweyol continues to grow as the event seeks to keep the traditions of the forefathers alive, carrying the essence of culture from generation to generation. ¤

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Sep/Oct

If You Host It, They Will Come!

If You Host It, They Will Come! By Stan Bishop

The Island’s Capacity to Host Regional Events Grows

hether it’s for business or pleasure, Saint Lucia hosts many regional events and conferences, conventions and summits are as easily accommodated for as major sporting events and entertainment shows. Apparently, the island’s perfect location and warm and friendly hospitality are Saint Lucia’s aces in the hole for that market. Many of the island’s leading hotels have the logistical capacity to host major business events organized by regional groupings -- such as OECS and CARICOM meetings -- as well as non-governmental and international agencies. In June, Saint Lucia hosted the 65th Meeting of the OECS Authority, the highest decision-making body of the sub-region, which comprises the Heads of Government whose decisions direct the work of the OECS. That two-day meeting was held at Harbour Club, in Rodney Bay, which opened in March this year, and has already joined Sandals Resorts, Bay Gardens Resorts and Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa as prime locations for such functions. In the sphere of sports, the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground is the epicentre for regional cricket tournaments, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and International T20, One-Day and Test matches. Even the long-running Blackheart Football Tournament and the still-growing Saint Lucia Premier League T20 Cricket Tournament (SPL T20) have been hosted at the famous venue, as well as music shows. The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and World ARC, too, are popular events with hundreds of yachties who descend on IGY Rodney Bay each year to down their sails for a bit to soak up some sunshine and get their feet dry. The economic impact of these two events is estimated to be in the millions as many yachties drop their anchors here for months before sailing back home. While Saint Lucia has for many years been touted as an entertainment destination, there has been a marked increase in

interest from regional and international promoters of late. It is a niche market that has been blossoming especially as the island continues to aggressively market its exquisite attributes in an unceasingly competitive market space. For instance, Mercury Beach, an event held annually in Martinique, was hosted in Saint Lucia in 2014 for the first time after French authorities had some misgivings about the event being held there. The event, which was held at Pigeon Island Beach, was an instant hit from the get-go, and went on to attract 7,000 visitors and 6,000 vessels in 2016 with a direct economic impact of $12.1 million, according to maritime consultant and former local partner for Mercury Beach, Cuthbert Didier. So successful was Mercury Beach that the entry fee went from EC$100 in 2014 to EC$200 the following year and EC$260 in 2016 and 2017! Since then, the French authorities, probably realizing they had let a good thing slip through their fingers, appealed to the promoters to have the event return to Martinique. This year, however, through some deal-making brokered by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), a spin-off event, Mercury Fest, was held in Saint Lucia from August 10 to 11. The new event featured headliners Jamaican dancehall star, Popcaan, and Martiniquan rapper, Kalash. All of these activities undoubtedly redound to the island attracting much-needed foreign exchange as well as foreign interest. Things are expected to only get better, according to Minister for Tourism, Dominic Fedee, who says that a major project aimed at restructuring the events component of the tourism industry is being undertaken. Fedee said that while the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival had to be curtailed to reduce costs, other events are poised to fill that gap. He cited Saint Lucia Carnival which, he says, had a bumper season this year, and pledged government’s commitment to investing more in that initiative to make it the island’s best festival. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

The Function of Solid Waste Management

The Function of Solid Waste Management By Justin Roosevelt Sealy

Interview with Justin Roosevelt Sealy, General Manager of Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority BF: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the primary role of the Authority? JRS: The primary function of the Solid Waste Management Authority is to maintain an inventory of waste streams generated on the island and where possible cause a reduction of these waste streams thereby reducing the amount of waste requiring final disposal. While collection of solid waste and biomedical waste is the biggest cost to the Authority, this is merely a small part of the role of the Authority. The Authority also operates two (2) landfills; the Deglos Sanitary Landfill which serves the more urbanized areas in the north of the island and the Vieux Fort Solid Waste Management Facility which serves the more rural areas in the south of the island. BF: What type of waste saw an increase over the years? JRS: Plastics had increased by 9% over the period 2002 to 2008; the proportion of plastics in 2008 was 22% of the waste stream. However, organics formed the biggest proportion of the waste stream, at 45%; it is worth noting the organics decomposing in the absence of oxygen produces methane which is a contributor to greenhouse gases and climate change. There is need for an updated waste characterisation study. This new study the Authority is looking to undertake will provide information on the waste streams and will include moisture content and calorific factor thereby also providing information for alternative forms of waste disposal, for example incineration.

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Sep/Oct

BF: What do you think is a good move to help alleviate the strain at the landfills and in the environment? JRS: There is a need to divert as much waste as possible from final disposal. This would manifest in the form of formalizing a sector; which is known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;informal sectorâ&#x20AC;?. It should be noted that there is no recycling on island. A few persons engage in collection and processing which includes bailing of plastics, decommissioning of eWaste and lead acid batteries for

shipping to recycling facilities around the world. A small quantity of reuse and repurposing happens on the island. There is need for this Sector to boost its efforts in a sustainable manner and expand to deal with metals from derelict vehicles, tires and organics. When this happens, a great proportion of waste will be diverted from the landfill and other technologies could be introduced for final disposal of waste. In order to help preserve the efforts of this sector and the importance of its efforts, legislation, policies and regulations will be required in order to ensure that waste diverted from the landfill does not become a nuisance or danger in another area. BF: What other solutions do you think can assist the problem? JRS: A sustainable education programme is key to whatever is required. Once people are educated about efforts, one gets buy-in, efforts become more efficient and more value for money is realized. Due to the fact there are several different publics, education campaigns are required in different forms and for extended periods if the flaws of previous efforts are to be corrected. For example, from our assessment, it is realized that we get good penetration into kindergarten and primary schools, however, we seem to lose kids in secondary schools as well as some adults. Therefore, education campaigns have to be revved up in order to capture and retain the attention and the required action of the various publics. The Authority is in the process of developing a marketing strategy along with a dedicated budget for this activity. Efforts will also be boosted to attract private sector in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility by partnering with the Authority in addressing solid waste management issues, which are a concern for everyone on the island. BF: How else would you fix the issue? JRS: There is need to encourage/persuade residents to do the right thing by boosting enforcement. The Authority is aggressively looking to strengthen ties with law enforcement entities, like the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the City Police of the Castries Constituency Council. The Authority has also invested in technology to assist in tracking complaints and to facilitate easy reports via WhatsApp; the number is (758) 724-5544. Reports can be very efficient, all that is required is a picture or a video, taken with the location tracker on, and forwarded to the number provided. The Authority has an application which will indicate the exact location of the report. Please note all reports are confidential. In a short term measure, to deal with the most noticeable waste stream, plastics, the Authority is working with the French Embassy to initiate actions aimed at collecting plastic bottles on island to channel to SIDREP, owners of a private facility in Martinique which has the capacity to convert plastic bottles into pellets. The company is offering this service free but would require Saint Lucia to establish and sustain a collection system. The Authority is using this activity as a catalyst to establish the informal sector earlier mentioned. The idea is that in the immediate, plastic will be sent to Martinique for recycling, but the grand plan includes a collection system for collection of organics for composting or generation of biogas; collection of tires for fuel in one form or another; plastics for recycling or creation of composite materials;

ewaste for de-compositioning and shipping to large ewaste recycling plants; etc.. BF: What’s next for the Authority? JRS: The Authority is trying to influence the revamping of the World Bank (WB)/Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) funded project through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) which brought about the creation of the Authority, the development of the two (2) landfills on the island with legislation in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent etc. The said project was implemented about twenty (20) years ago and now that all the landfills are probably nearing capacity it is an opportune time to review the project deliverables and assess the success or failure of the project. At the time, landfills were considered the best technology for small island developing states (SIDS) like ours. However, landfills are not the most desirous due to the large footprint on relatively flat land which is prime land in the small island context; ideal location being away from both fresh water and marine water bodies; and landfills are never wanted near human settlements hence the phrase “not in my backyard”! There has been much rhetoric about waste to energy, which is incineration with the aim of generating energy. It should be noted that these systems are highly inefficient and need to be placed in a well-developed system where only waste requiring final disposal is sent to an incinerator; as much waste as possible should be diverted especially organics. ¤

Justin Roosevelt Sealy is the former Strategic Planning Manager attached to the Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) Inc and currently functions as the General Manager of the St. Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority. Mr. Sealy brings both management and technical experience from his former employment where he served as Water and Wastewater Engineer, Technical Coordinator with the Planning, Design and Construction Department and Strategic Planning Manager over a period of fourteen (14) years. He also represented the Association of Professional Engineers on the Board of Directors of the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority from 2011 until November, 2016 where he gained 4-5 years of experience in the governance of the Authority now entrusted to him. In his capacity as Director he also served as Chairperson of the Technical Committee. Mr. Sealy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Dalhousie University in Canada, and an MBA with Distinction in Engineering Management from Coventry University in the United Kingdom. He is also a registered professional engineer and the immediate past President of the Association of Professional Engineers of Saint Lucia.

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Raising More Than Just Funds Raising More Than Just Funds

By Stan Bishop

How Fundraisers Are Shaping Society

undraisers form a big part of Saint Lucia’s events and entertainment calendar. With many worthy causes to cater for, organizations continuously depend on fundraisers to raise monies and awareness for beneficiaries. And fundraising is big business, too. Popular fundraisers include fun walks, fun runs, and telethons. But fun walks are by far the most popular, as thousands of participants enjoy the thrill of getting more benefit than one: being part of something that not only offers a fun and recreational aspect but also changes people’s lives for the better. Among the biggest fun walks in Saint Lucia are the Pinehill Fun Walk, Yoplait Walk for Cancer, Walk 4 A Cause and CIBC FirstCaribbean International Walk For The Cure. Through these four major fun walks, hundreds of thousands of dollars are raised annually to support various organizations that work towards raising awareness, fighting diseases and helping the needy. For instance, Peter & Company Distribution, organizers of the annual Pinehill Fun Walk, now in its nineteenth year, will be donating all proceeds from its August 12 event to two charities this year: The Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association and the World Pediatric Project. According to PCD’s Krystal Francois, the Pinehill Fun Walk is the biggest participatory sporting event in Saint Lucia, attracting over 5,000 people of all ages each year. Held under the theme, “Let Us Create Healthy Habits”, this year’s event continues to prove that not only can fun be healthy but that the collective support of all can better the lives of all.

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

The Yoplait Walk for Cancer, too, plays an integral role in the fight against cancer. Since 2008, Massy Stores (trading under the name Consolidated Foods Limited) has invested a great deal of resources into the annual walk, with nearly an accumulated half a million dollars of proceeds being donated to organizations that raise awareness of and fight cancer. In recent years, The Wave radio station has teamed up with Massy Stores and other sponsors to host another spectacular event at Pigeon Island following the conclusion of the Yoplait Walk for Cancer. The event, dubbed “Men in Heels”, is basically a knockout competition featuring an obstacle course that includes tyre dragging, wheelbarrow pushing, drilling screws into wood and climbing scaffolding – all leading up to the finish line. The race is run over a 25-metre stretch by men wearing women’s high heels! As exciting as it sounds, the best part of the event are the men who proudly proclaim their support for those battling the disease often family members and friends. The Walk 4 A Cause fun walk, organized by shooting range Club Gar, raises funds for different causes each year. Beneficiaries from the walk, now in its fifth year, include the World Pediatric Project, Saint Lucia Cadet Corps, St. Lucia Crisis Centre and St. Lucia Diabetic and Hypertension Association. The Blind Welfare Association, which has been experiencing financial difficulties for years now, received $93,300 raised from this year’s walk. (Club Gar had hoped to raise at least $40,000). The CIBC FirstCaribbean International Walk For The Cure is held annually in the seventeen territories where the bank operates

and is one of the Caribbean’s largest cancer fund-raising and educational initiatives, raising over US$1.5 million over the last five years. To illustrate the walk’s growth, here are some astounding numbers: proceeds from the initial walk in 2013 rose from US$30,000 five years ago to a staggering US$450,000 raised in 2017! These proceeds are used primarily to purchase and maintain equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The funds are also used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness and stress the importance of early detection through education campaigns across the region. The NCF Telethon is the major flagship fundraiser for the National Community Foundation (NCF). Held annually, it raises funding for beneficiaries in seven keys groups: at-risk youth, older persons, scholarship programme, health-care, homeless, people with disabilities, and the chess in schools programme. Since 2003, the telethon has been used to seek financial and other forms of support from the corporate sector and Saint Lucians generally in providing services to those who need it most but can least afford. These are just some of the most popular fundraisers that have become annual features in Saint Lucia. However, there are scores of other fundraisers -- either at the office, school or

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community level -- which all contribute to the island’s events and entertainment industry. Be sure to be part of at least one of them. ¤

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BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Sporting Events

Sporting Events By Stan Bishop

Playing The Field, Pulling In the Crowds

porting activities form a big part of the events calendar in Saint Lucia and, at any given time, at least one major sporting activity is held in some part of the country. Whether the sport is cricket, football, basketball, netball, volleyball, athletics or swimming, there seems to be enough interest to keep people attracted to the games.

Sporting events are also platforms on which communities get to display their wealth of talents. Many aspiring athletes use these events as stepping stones to showcase their skills, often getting scouted for better playing opportunities elsewhere. As such, development of such skills is often the overarching factor for hosting these events.

For both participants and spectators, sports can be inspiring, entertaining and engaging. People support their favourite teams and everyone wants to win, which feeds into the competitive spirit. Despite volatile incidents flaring up at times, sports also helps build camaraderie among even the fiercest rivals.

For instance, the Blackheart Knockout Football Tournament is credited for making inroads in the development of football in Saint Lucia. The annual tournament, which enters its sixteenth edition this year, sees as many as sixteen teams from across the island competing for soccer supremacy and a $30,000 prize. For many, the tournament is Saint Lucia’s equivalent of the FIFA World Cup and bragging rights often trump the trophy and prize money – even in the case of the eventual winner!

At the school level, there are the inter-district school meets which lead into the national schools’ sports championships. These events feature some of the best prospects for the future of sports. For instance, world-renowned high jumper Levern Spencer and international cricketer Daren Sammy are products of such grassroots programmes. They didn’t become successful overnight; it took a great deal of effort on their coaches’ and teammates’ part to assist them in that development. There are also many sports clubs across the island that run various programmes for athletes, many of whom represent Saint Lucia at national, regional and international meets. In swimming and rugby, for example, Saint Lucia has been faring well recently, picking up top medals at major regional meets. Among the most popular sporting events in Saint Lucia are the Inter-Secondary Schools Track and Field Championship, Blackheart Knockout Football Tournament, Saint Lucia Premier League T20 Tournament (SPL T20) and Caribbean Premier League T20 Cricket Tournament (CPL T20). These annual events attract hundreds of athletes and thousands of spectators to venues across the island. Putting together these events are no easy undertaking as sponsors are needed to finance the massive logistical operations that come with hosting such events. Finding the right teams of people to help execute even the best-laid plans is also imperative. Careful planning is key as these events are usually mass crowd events.

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Another example is the SPL T20 which, despite entering its second season this year, continues to raise the bar for local cricket. Fashioned in many ways after the CPL T20 cricket tournament, the SPL T20 seeks to inspire local cricketers to see the tournament as a gateway to greatness. With marquee players joining some of the teams, the future of cricket can only get brighter for local cricket. Now in its sixth season, the CPL T20 is probably the region’s most exciting and attractive cricket tournament today. It’s actually billed as “the biggest party in sports”. The tournament features six teams: Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Stars and Trinbago Knight Riders. The teams are a potpourri of seasoned and novice players from various geographical backgrounds, and the tournament is divided into a group stage and a knockout stage and played at venues across the Caribbean and in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the group stage, the teams each play ten matches overall, three of which are at home. The winners receive between US$500,000 and US$600,000. Clearly, sporting events translate to great opportunities and big money. Factoring in all the transportation and accommodation, sponsorship, advertising and marketing, catering and other costs associated with hosting these events, it is not surprising why the business of sports continues to be a major market for event planners. ¤

Planning Fun Events For Children

Planning Fun Events For Children By Stan Bishop

If Done Well, The Sweet Memories Last Forever

lanning events for children is a very delicate undertaking as the youngsters expect a great deal of fun and excitement. Whether it’s a First Communion, birthday party, graduation or fun day activity at school, children will be children and – since they are prone to become bored very easily -- you need to grab their attention from beginning to end. In Saint Lucia, among the popular activities at children’s entertainment events are bouncy castles, board games, musical chairs, karaoke, piñatas, face painting, and music and dancing. Most, if not all, of these activities are often provided by service providers who specialize in one area or another. In some cases, entrepreneurs are offering a full package. Businesswoman Beverly Ann Thomas began offering face painting, musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, balloon popping and other fun activities as a package for children a few years ago after realizing that attractions at children’s events were limited. Thomas believes that children’s safety must be number one priority when hosting such activities, especially since children are usually very active and adventurous. Other important factors that must be considered when planning events for children, she says, include creating the right theme, choosing an appropriate location, and determining the budget and number of children to cater for. Insofar as choosing an ideal location, there are many options to choose from. An indoor setting can be used: classroom, home, rented hall, church, or hotel. Or outdoor: playground, beach, arcade. Even the cinema caters for birthday parties. The options are endless, so play around with a few ideas and determine what works best. You also need to play appropriate music for children’s parties. If you’re hiring a DJ, make sure that you give him/her guidelines that songs with suggestive content are not played -- period! You certainly don’t want to expose children to songs with indecent

language. Even worse, parents whose children were invited to the party will be understandably upset if any slip-ups by the DJ occur. Catering to children’s events is big business and many people are cashing in on the opportunities. There are presently companies specializing in renting services such as bouncy castles, karaoke machines, face painting, and so on. Even clothing and grooming has attracted many service providers to specialize in the market segment. Some children find it cool to show up at events dressed as Dora the Explorer or Spiderman. It might cost parents a few dollars to hook this up, but it’s worth it. Food caterers, too, are tapping into the children’s events market with many of them offering custom-made treats such as fruit pops, character cakes and delicious gift packs for the young partygoers. About two years ago, a local company began offering train rides within the city. Despite running on rubber wheels, the nearly50-seat locomotive has been tooting its way through Castries on scheduled runs. While it gets much of its business from tourists, the train service is a major attraction for children celebrating birthday parties or who are part of a school group activity. The tour also comes with very interesting background information on the city. Aside from entertainment, sports is another area where children find fun things to do. In many communities, sports camps are held regularly to keep children active and occupied. Karate, cricket, football, netball, basketball, track and field and swimming are just some of the activities for which parents fork over hundreds of dollars to help their children learn a sport either after school or during the weekends or vacation periods. The main objective of planning events for children is to make it memorable for them. Quite often, these childhood memories stay with them for life. If planned and executed properly, such events can not only build lasting friendships between the children themselves, but also with you. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Niche Markets - How They Factor Into Your Event By Stan Bishop

NicheMarkets Markets--How HowThey TheyFactor FactorInto IntoYour YourEvent Event Niche

ike many things in life, events come and go. However, they do provide the opportunity for networking and partnerships that go well beyond them. As an event planner, you might not have all the know-how and time to provide all the goods and services needed for an event. That is where niche markets come into play. By definition, a niche is the subset of the market on which a specific product is focused. The market niche defines the product features aimed at satisfying specific market needs, as well as the price range, production quality and the demographics that it is intended to target. It is also a small market segment. For instance, if you’re planning to host a graduation ceremony at the local town hall, you would most likely have to rely upon the services of various key players who are experts in their respective fields. Unless, of course, you plan on playing the role of a jack-ofall-trades in order to save a few dollars. But why risk the latter approach when your goal is to have a successful event without being flustered from being involved in all the time-consuming aspects of the event? For starters, you’ll need to rent the venue, which may or may not come ready-made with all the accoutrements you need for the event. In many instances, the most you’re provided with by the venue owner are venue space, access to restrooms, lighting and air-conditioning. You will most likely be tasked with sourcing people who can provide seating, create an impressive and appealing decor, cater food and drinks, own and operate a sound system, photograph and/or film the event and provide security.

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

All these service providers are crucial players in the supply chain that forms niche markets which contribute to the net result. Each comes with specific skills set that converge to make it all happen. You will be billed depending on their scale of experience, quantity and quality of work to be done, and duration of the event. Quite often, though, some level of give and take takes place. For instance, an event planner might get discounted rates if service providers are given the assurance that they would get regular gigs. Consequently, service providers also get the opportunity to market and advertise their businesses to large audiences. These kinds of arrangements are so commonplace that even large companies use them regularly. If you think these relationships are superficial, consider the person or company who must cater food and drinks for an event being attended by 100 people. Items would most likely be purchased from the supermarket or food market, thereby stirring up economic activity from which people get paid and suppliers are called on to replenish stocks. While such an ecosystem is often overlooked, it is the proverbial wheel that keeps the economy rolling forward. With a growing demand for specific services, many start-up businesses are concentrating their efforts on providing a singular service in which they have a comparative advantage until they can afford to offer a suite of services. Nevertheless, despite the size of any company -- or event -- there is some level of niche opportunities that exist. ¤

We Make You Look Good

The Business of Health & Beauty

very event has multifaceted aspects which when completed, enhance the entire engagement. Talent shows, festivals, concerts and even runway exposes have one very important thing in common, ‘talent’ who need supporting services from hair and make-up to full body grooming services which add to the spectacle of the performance. As the market evolves owing to the worldly appeal of patrons, so to has the quality of events. Let’s face it, expectations are high and patrons have a choice. This change in the attitudes and appetite of the event-goers coupled with the influx of entrepreneurs in the industry, have motivated this change. Additionally, the vast increase in the number of events which fill the yearly event calendar, has also encouraged the growth of the beauty industry to match the growing demand for such services. Ultimately, the need for qualified personnel to provide a stellar service has been met through the development of the Hair, Beauty and Spa Professionals of St. Lucia, a non-profit organization, which has at its core a mission to focus on Professional Development and Building Capacity in all sectors of the Beauty and Wellness Industry which includes; Hair and Barber Salons, Beauty, Nails, Tattoo and Spa Sectors. The organization’s goal is to ensure that the industry is equipped with certified and qualified professionals in all sectors of the industry who are able to provide services at international standards. Membership is categorized into 3 tiers; Apprentice, Individual and Corporate, which ensures all parties are covered. The organization works through a code of ethics which covers all services rendered including events where many practitioners have a leading role especially in artiste preparation. This all-

encompassing code showcases the development of the industry as a viable player in providing world class services to individuals in need of such, where in the past, most regional and international performers for example, would travel with their hair and makeup teams. Fast-forward to recent times, make-up artistes are now able to provide multiple services including eye lash extensions, the Hollywood airbrush make-over and even laser treatments for immediate results. Other services which were not common include male hair coverage, eye brow tattooing and micro needling which all have become second nature in most salons on island. This evolution of the industry is necessary to ensure the local market can manage the demand and work to international standards, while ensuring the healthy growth of the industry. The Association’s role is to ensure the services provided are inkeeping with industry and international standards, and infractions are dealt with accordingly. Service providers often partner to provide the necessary event-related services or are under contract for all events based on the client or type of event. With mass crowd events where numerous performers are needed, a collaborative effort is required for services from full body spray painting, airbrushing, hair extensions and a variety of other body enhancement and modification services which were not previously offered locally. It is indeed in the best interest of the service provider to ensure he or she adheres to the standards as a member to continue to benefit from the membership, and continue to fervently work to enhance the services provided as competition in this small industry continues to grow. For nonmembers, the rules of service still apply as in a technological era, poor service is usually publicized and can cripple the business of any provider. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Media Coverage is Key!

Media Coverage is Key! By Kezia Preville

he same is true for new companies or well-established ones, when hosting an event, media coverage is the key to ensuring that you reach the masses. Getting publicity is integral to the process and guarantees your event is well attended. Need more reasons? Get the media coverage to grab attention and: 1. Extend the life of your promotion - long after the promotion ends, keep your brand top of mind through media engagements. 2. Reach a wider audience - having a variety of media sources can significantly expand your market reach beyond the consumers who are already connected to your company. 3. Get sponsors to notice you - sponsors will value your brand more if you keep popping up constantly, while associating your brand with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current due to the increased visibility. 4. Reach a new market - tapping into a totally new market can become a lot easier through media coverage. Test the market through targeted ads while monitoring the feedback. 5. Sensationalize the event - media hype will keep your company top of mind and create a buzz which will intrigue potential customers. 6. Exposure to new opportunities - connect with potential partners through media engagements. 7. Enhanced engagement - present your brand with a personalised touch depending on the media source. 8. Unbiased review - give customers a piece of mind with an independent review of your product and or service. 9. Establish a relationship - having good media partners will ensure your events maintain full coverage always. 10. Get help with targeting - see what works and what doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work when using various media outlets. 11. Gain free publicity - good media coverage will carry your story across the different segments for maximum coverage. 12. Market yourself - give yourself the edge and be known in BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

your industry through calculated media engagements. 13. Make new business contacts - get new sales leads and business partners to find you easier. 14. Further legitimize the event - give your event a big boost with broad media coverage. 15. Change public opinions or perception - portray yourself in a positive way and have the opportunity to set the record straight. Always Send a Media Invitation Sending out a media invitation is a balancing act. Some require a formal invitation with a press kit attached while others may simply require an email with brief details. Most often than not, if a press release is sent and the media house is on multiple assignments, the media house may not attend your briefing but still air the story. In this instance, providing a photo and or voice clip can help develop the story. Media attention is always useful for fundraisers, product launches or even at specific conferences or expos where keynote speakers may be present. Adding an industry expert or having someone who can speak confidently to the event is important for newsworthy features. Have a Media Relations Officer In event management, having a dedicated person on your team to handle media relations is significant. Interacting with the media can be a full-time job if the event has a large scope. This person must be apt in liaising with the various media personnel and having a good relation with key houses to ensure all mediums are covered; television, radio and print media for maximum coverage as it relates to traditional forms of advertising and promotion. The Media Relations individual ought to arrange interviews, update the media on any necessary changes in a timely manner, provide press releases and any stories plus direct the team while on the ground. The more personable and informed the individual, the better the coverage which can be achieved.

Benefits of Sponsoring an Event

orporate Social Responsibility - Depending on your company’s vision and mission, and the persons who are currently employed there, there are causes which would resonate. It is always a good practice to know what your company stands for in order to choose a related cause or causes. Sports development, health (from diabetes to cancer), poverty reduction, youth development and environmental matters are the more known causes. CSR sponsorship may not generate immediate sales but lets your customer know what you are willing to support to enhance the community and nation by extension. It will generate brand awareness and align the brand with other like-minded companies. Brand Awareness - Sponsors receive advertising and marketing benefits which improve brand awareness. High visibility on various mediums from radio and television to billboards, are all great gains. Pre- and post-event branding are important, as well as maintaining a strong presence during the actual event. Attendees are able to interact with your sales and marketing team, and if permitted, receive product samples, and learn more with the team. Reposition the Brand - Changing the perception of the company in the public’s eye is a great use of sponsorship opportunities. Before agreeing to sponsor an event, it is important to know the goals which need to be achieved and how the company would ideally like to be perceived. Unfortunately, some brands only align themselves with opportunities to be seen and make sales,

foregoing opportunities for being socially responsible which can affect their bottom line in the short to long term. Brand Alignment - Sponsoring an event with is aligned with your brand can easily bring industry-specific consumers directly to you. Not only would you benefit from the great public relations, but your brand would relish from the mileage such an alignment would offer. Generate Great Leads - Key contacts can be made and if done correctly, these leads can be converted into sales. In the spirit of networking, the on-site team would be well positioned to promote the company’s offerings and collect relevant contacts in a systematic manner. Out-do the Competition - Sponsoring an event which adds value and edges out the competition can give your brand an advantage and a foot in the door especially if your competition usually supports the event or a similar event. It can also get brand recognition in unknown or untapped markets. Inexpensive Way to Market - Depending on the opportunity, making an investment through sponsorship can have a huge return as access would be given to the potential market, visibility through marketing and advertising initiatives even for nonattendees, and direct contact. Strategically sponsoring events can enhance the company’s reach. ¤

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

MUST READS Volume 27

On Principles On Principles

By Lyndell Halliday BSc., MBA, CPA,CMA

“We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.” - former US President, Jimmy Carter

Ray Dalio - a billionaire hedge fund investor and one of the 100 wealthiest persons in the world - is perhaps most famous for being one of the few experts who predicted the 2008 world financial crisis. Dalio who started investing at the age of 10, holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School and is the founder and former CEO of Bridgewater Associates, the largest investment management firm in the world. In 2011, Dario self-published a 106 page manifesto in which he outlined the core principles that he attributed to his phenomenal success in life and business. He later decided to expand this manifesto to a full-length book which was published by Simon & Schuster in 2017 as Principles: Life and Work.

This resulting 592 page tome is essentially three books in one. The first part is a short autobiography. Here, Dalio espouses the importance of having clearly defined and written principles or values and shows how his life’s experiences helped him to develop and cement a set of core principles. Part 2 focuses on life principles and Part 3 is on work principles. The three parts are intertwined to some extent but any of the parts can be read as a standalone if you so desire. For example, if you are only interested in his management principles, you may opt to read Part 3 alone. Ray Dalio is a captivating story teller. He is reflective and shows refreshing candor when recounting his life story. His early success resulted in over confidence and this hubris led to him losing everything when he was in his 30’s. Dalio embraced this early failure and relates that mistakes have been an essential part of his life’s success. He tells how he learnt from these missteps and how this process helped him to develop and refine the core principles that propelled him to success later in life. BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

In Part 2, Dalio outlines five life principles: 1. Embrace Reality, 2. Use a five-step goal process, 3. Be radically open-minded, 4. Understand that people are wired differently, 5. Effective decisionmaking. The writer further breaks down each of these principles into detailed sub-principles and expounds and expands on each sub principle. In discussing reality, Dalio repeatedly stresses the role of evolution as part of the natural order of things and the importance of pain as a tool for reflection and learning. Having laid the foundation in the first two sections, in Part 3, Dalio moves on to discuss his 13 work principles. He considers these to be fundamentally an application of his life principles to an environment of working with others. Part 3 is the most detailed and powerful section of the book. Dalio utilizes the metaphor of a machine to describe how an organization functions. A machine must be maintained and must evolve in order to continue to thrive. The two principal parts of the machine are people and culture. If either one of these are weak, the machine will malfunction and eventually break down. Good people must have both strong character and capabilities. A healthy organizational culture embraces transparency, openness and collaborative problem solving. A good culture should lead to an organizational ideocracy where the best ideas triumph over position and personality. Dalio outlines 13 principles to keep the machine functioning. Some of the key principles include: trust in radical truth and radical transparency, create a culture in which is it okay to make mistakes. Weigh your decision making according to believability, constantly, train, test and evaluate people, perceive and don’t tolerate problems, do root cause diagnosis of problems and don’t overlook governance. As in the section on life principles, each work principle is further elucidated into sub-principles and illustrated with relevant and engaging examples. According to Ray Dalio, “to be principled means to consistently operate with principles that can be clearly explained”. Undoubtedly the author intends for us to learn from his principles, but his central tenet is that two persons will not necessarily have the same values. It is thus imperative that each individual develop and write down their own set of principles. This book is intended to serve as a guide for this process. Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio is a rare gem. This is an extraordinary book and a compelling read that would be valuable to just about anyone at any stage in life. If you have access to a time machine, you may want to gift it to your 18-year-old younger self. Failing that possibility, go online and order a copy and start reading today. ¤ Lyndell Halliday is an avid reader, lifelong learner and Must Read business award-winning executive who has served in a The Power of Candour 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.

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Sep/Oct

TOURISM FOCUS

Saint Lucian Culinary Team Fares Well at ‘Taste of the Caribbean’

Saint Lucian Culinary Team Fares Well at ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ The Saint Lucia National Culinary Team fared pretty well in this year’s Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean competition held at the Hyatt Regency Miami from June 22-26. During the competition, Saint Lucia picked up the gold for Best Vodka Cocktail. The team was also awarded second place for Culinary Team of the Year, Best Pastry Chef, Junior Chef of the Year and Bartender of the Year. Additionally, the team picked up third place honours for Chef of the Year, Individual Seafood, Individual Beef and Individual Chocolate. Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s premier culinary competition, food and beverage educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase. Since 1993, the Caribbean’s best chefs and culinary teams have participated in the competition, demonstrating their skills learning from each other and offering the public a scintillating exhibition of the most delectable culinary treats from the islands. The annual competition also provides the platform for food and beverage professionals to gather practical information, develop skills, sample and purchase, strengthen and establish supplier relationships and meet new vendors. Over the years, Saint Lucia has fielded a national culinary team to compete at Taste of the Caribbean, pulling some of the best talent in the food and beverage industry together who work together for weeks leading up to the competition. This year’s team was as follows: • Germain Sydney - Bartender - The Body Holiday • Niguel Gerald - Chef of the Year - Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort • Kisha Prosper - Chocolate Competition - Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort • Klent Abel - Seafood Competition - Marigot Bay Resort & Marina by Capella • Nissa Paul - Beef Competition - Windjammer Landing Villa BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

• • •

Beach Resort & Spa Billy Mauricette - Junior Chef Competition - Cap Maison Robert McDonald - Pastry Competition - Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort Richard Skinner -Team Manager - Coco Resorts

2018 Taste of the Caribbean Competition Results CARIBBEAN NATIONAL TEAM: WINNER: Trinidad & Tobago • GOLD: Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos • SILVER: Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Curacao, Jamaica, Saint Lucia • BRONZE: Suriname CARIBBEAN CHEF COMPETITION: WINNER: Bahamas- Jamall Small • GOLD: Bahamas- Jamall Small • SILVER: Barbados – Derio Boyce; Cayman Islands - Joshua Saldanha; Turks & Caicos -- Charles Joseph • BRONZE: Belize – Eva Longsworth; Curacao - Jereld Balentien; Jamaica - Michael Barnett; Saint Lucia - Niguel Gerald; Suriname - Yamuro Zuiverloon; Trinidad & Tobago – Rondell Thompson • HONORARY MENTION: Bonaire – Miguel Saragoza CARIBBEAN BARTENDER COMPETITION: WINNER: Trinidad & Tobago – Shana Rajahram • GOLD: Curacao - Jurnick Merced; Trinidad & Tobago – Shana Rajahram; Turks & Caicos– Aristotle Florida • SILVER: Anguilla – Jamal Hodge; Barbados – Alex Chandler; Bonaire – Kelvin Ventura; Cayman Islands – Cornell Scruggs; Jamaica -- Kemp Beckford; Saint Lucia – Germain Sydney • BRONZE: Bahamas – Derrick Blackmon; Belize – Mark Jacobs; BVI – Everson Rawlins; Suriname –Stefano Feliksdal

CARIBBEAN JUNIOR CHEF COMPETITION: WINNER: Bahamas – Hazen Rolle • GOLD: Bahamas – Hazen Rolle • SILVER: Barbados – Kiara Riley; BVI – Ariq Flax-Clarke; Cayman Islands – Brittney Bodden; Curacao -- Brayan Arroyo; Jamaica – Stephaun Farquharson; Saint Lucia – Billy Mauricette; Turks & Caicos – Christin Greene • BRONZE: Bonaire – Josue Chalabi; Suriname – Shannon van Ommeren; Trinidad & Tobago – Zaria Sealey • HONORARY MENTION: Belize – Einar Marin CARIBBEAN PASTRY CHEF COMPETITION: WINNER: Turks & Caicos – Vadivel Raju • GOLD: Cayman Islands – Thomas Zimmerman; Turks & Caicos – Vadivel Raju • SILVER: Bahamas – Celeste Smith; Bonaire – Maria Mastrangelo; Saint Lucia – Robert McDonald • BRONZE: Barbados – Javon Cummins; Belize – Maria Urbina; Curacao – Sjagnon Winklaar; Jamaica -- Oneil Anglin; Suriname – Mitchel Klaiber; Trinidad & Tobago – Anton-Lee James BEEF COMPETITION: WINNER: Trinidad & Tobago – Tricia Gregoire • SILVER: Bahamas – Owen Bain; Barbados – Nicolas Ifill; Cayman Islands – Joshua Saldanha; Trinidad & Tobago – Tricia Gregoire; Turks & Caicos – Derrick Carter • BRONZE: Anguilla – Lester Gumbs; Bonaire – Dustin Libier; Curacao – Jevgeny Hasselmeijer; Saint Lucia – Nissa Paul; Suriname – Gredchan Rabidin • HONORARY MENTION: BVI – Ariq Flax-Clarke; Jamaica – Shanika Clarke SEAFOOD COMPETITION: WINNER: BVI – Radiance Modeste • SILVER: Bonaire – Sherundly Bernabela; BVI – Radiance Modeste; Cayman Islands – Nicolas Sanchez; USVI -- Ralph Motta • BRONZE: Anguilla – Leontes Richardson; Bahamas – Kevyn Pratt; Barbados – Willis Griffith; Curacao – Jereld Balentien; Jamaica – Nickal Stennett; Saint Lucia – Klent Abel; Suriname – Peggy Merkus; Trinidad & Tobago – Rondell Thompson • HONORARY MENTION: Turks & Caicos – Martin Wilkiens CHOCOLATE COMPETITION: WINNER: Barbados – Rodney Corbin • SILVER: Barbados – Rodney Corbin; Cayman Islands – Prabhakaran Mathiyalagan; Curacao – Dane Ribeiro • BRONZE: Bonaire – Sherundly Bernabela; Turks & Caicos – Vadivel Raju • HONORARY MENTION: BVI – Lakesha Barry; Jamaica – Monecia Lawrence; Saint Lucia– Kisha Prosper

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BARTENDER SPECIAL AWARDS: • Best Non-Alcoholic Drink: Trinidad & Tobago • Best Rum Drink: Bonaire • Best Vodka Drink: St. Lucia • Best Mystery Bar Drink: Curacao SPECIAL AWARDS: • Hans Schenk Commemorative Award for the Most Innovative Dish Utilizing Indigenous Ingredients -Bahamas, Hazen Rolle • Tony Mack Spirit of the Competition Caribbean Strong Team -- (Anguilla, BVI, Puerto Rico, USVI), Bonaire ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

TOURISM FOCUS

“Capitalize on Linkages In Tourism”, Jamaican Tourism Minister Says By Stan Bishop Jamaica’s Minister for Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, says the the region is between 40-41%, with some countries having a Caribbean needs to take advantage of the linkages that exist tourism dependence of up to 79%. in the tourism sector. “Capitalize on Linkages In Tourism”,“OfJamaican Tourism Minister Says the 28 countries that form the Caribbean Tourism Bartlett said linkages exist in such sectors as food and Organization (CTO) network, 16 have a tourism dependence beverage, shopping, health and wellness, nutroceuticals, of 30% or more,” Bartlett said. “That makes the Caribbean venues for conventions and other events, among others. the most tourism-dependent region on Earth. But a better piece of statistics is that of the 13 top countries of the world Bartlett said that while some aspects of the industry are of high tourism dependency, the Caribbean has 11, including open to foreign control, such as marketing and investment, Saint Lucia, Barbados, The Bahamas and Jamaica. “the things that the visitor eats, the things that the visitor wears, the things that the visitor drinks, the experience that Bartlett added that even though the region is 8.4% of direct the visitor consumes in our destinations must be owned by GDP, “in real terms we are closer to 30% of GDP because of us and that way the money stays with us”. the linkages and what we call the moving parts that must converge seamlessly to provide a product or an experience “Linkages is enabling the supply side to be managed, that people pay for.” controlled and directed by the people of the recipient community,” Bartlett said. “The tourism industry has a major impact on the economies of 79 countries of the world,” he said. “Tourism has now Bartlett’s call came as he delivered the feature address at become a hugely competitive global activity and that the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association’s (SLHTA) 54th competitiveness has caused a new approach to how business annual general meeting held at Harbor Club, in Rodney Bay, is conducted. Technologies and innovation have caused a Saint Lucia, on July 20. new phenomenon we call ‘disruptions’. Bartlett said that last year, tourism -- the world’s fastestgrowing and arguably largest industry – saw 1.3 billion people traveling across borders for touristic reasons, spending US$1.3 trillion directly. However, he said the value of tourism expenditure across the world last year was US$7.6 trillion, representing 10% of global gross domestic product (GDP). “Thirty percent of trade in services is generated by tourism and the 10% in GDP ranks only second to finances, which is 19% of global GDP,” Bartlett told the open session of the SLHTA’s AGM. “Last year, 400 million people were employed in tourism – that’s 1 in 11 of all the workers of the world are involved in tourism. US$888 billion of foreign direct investment (FDI) was generated by tourism last year.” Projections for 2030 indicate that two billion people will move across borders and generate close to US$2 trillion directly and over US$8 billion indirectly. In 2010, 940 million people traveled across the world and in a matter of 7 years, it went to 1.2 billion, indicating that nearly 50 million people incrementally have traveled across the world for touristic purposes. Bartlett said about 53 million visitors overall traveled through the Caribbean last year accounting for about US$31 billion in earnings. He said that the GDP contribution of tourism to

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He added: “So there are now disruptive technologies that are redefining the way that experiences are created, managed and handled. Disruptive innovations in business models that are redefining how businesses are conducted in the industry.” Bartlett cited the accommodation sector which, due to millennials and their disruptive innovation, has caused a new definition of accommodation to emerge in tourism. While it has been traditionally the norm to accept that accommodation meant big hotels and nice rooms, accommodation now means anywhere one sleeps. “Airbnb shows you that it can be anywhere. In fact, last year, 55,000 people slept in beds in Trenchtown and Tivoli Gardens,” Bartlett said. The second disruptiveness that has emerged with the business models, he said, is the capital market and how funding is now realized. The traditional tourism ownership structure, which has been based essentially on families, has now been faced with another competitor. “Something new has happened because with tourism becoming this mega-industry impacting the world’s economy in the way that it has, new players are emerging – faceless and nameless,” Bartlett explained. ¤

Tourism Cares Deploy Hurricane Recovery Resources to Spur Caribbean Tourism

Tourism Cares Deploys Hurricane Recovery Resources to Spur Caribbean Tourism Frank Comito - CHTA President The Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund, established by the nonprofit organization, Tourism Cares, and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), has collected more than US$275,000 in charitable donations to build long-term recovery and enhance the ability of hurricane-impacted destinations to rebound as quickly as possible. In a joint statement on August 3, CHTA President Frank Comito, and Paula Vlamings, CEO of Tourism Cares, outlined the success of the collaborative fund-raising venture and reported that assistance has gone to Caribbean nations and territories for training and education, restoring destination capacity, the physical restoration of tourism-related infrastructure, social enterprise development, job creation, hotel training, voluntourism, marketing and public relations support, and the environment. “With another hurricane season in full swing, we are so grateful for the way all sectors of the travel industry came together to invest in the vulnerable people and places we depend on,” the statement reads. Both organizations thanked the many donors for their support during last year’s unprecedented hurricane season. “Because of the generosity of our donors, tourism infrastructure is being repaired, the workforce will receive new training and opportunities, and more communities will benefit from tourism dollars. Together, we’re empowering destinations to build resilience,” the statement says. It continues: “As an industry, we have the powerful opportunity to use our business to benefit the local communities and fragile ecosystems that are the pillars of our businesses.” Highlighting CHTA’s Immediate Past President Karolin Troubetzkoy’s role in the launch of the “One Caribbean Family” initiative, a special marketing programme which spurred CHTA member support for the Recovery Fund, the tourism leaders thanked the St. Lucian hotelier for her leadership.

Inspired by Troubetzkoy, CHTA challenged its members to participate in the “One Caribbean Family” marketing campaign, and dozens of hotel and travel companies doing business in areas of the Caribbean not directly impacted by the hurricanes contributed a portion of booking revenue to the fund. Companies and individuals in airlines, destinations, meetings/ academia, media/PR, travel industry associations, financial/ professional services, travel agencies, online travel agencies, lodging, hospitality, cruise, and attractions were fired up by the power of giving and, through their donations, are helping to accelerate recovery and bring stability to the affected areas. After the relief agencies met immediate needs and moved on, the recovery phase began. This process is typically long, difficult and underfunded. Through Tourism Cares and CHTA, the industry has united to help destinations “build back better” by investing in recovery. Some 15 grants have been approved and more than half of the total funds raised have been passed on. “As we continue to assess the needs of the people and the industry, the remainder will be allocated in the final phase of distribution this summer,” Comito and Vlamings reported. This first phase has funded the strengthening of local hotel and tourism associations in Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It also helped participants attend 2018 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, allowing them to meet with travel partners and the travel trade media to brief them on recovery efforts and generate business in the aftermath of the hurricanes. The fund also provided several affected destinations in the region with training on how to establish an effective voluntourism program, bringing visitors back to assist with recovery initiatives while spending much-needed cash locally. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

ECONOMY & TRADE

New CDB Report: Intra-Regional Travel Declines

New CDB Report: Intra-Regional Travel Declines Air transport plays a crucial role in connecting the Caribbean with the rest of the world and remains an essential factor realizing overall sustainable economic and development goals. This is especially the case for small islands where it is unfeasible to introduce and maintain individual carriers. The region’s trade and tourism sectors cannot do without it air transport. In fact, travel and tourism was estimated to account for 15.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 4.3% of jobs last year. Increasing competitiveness, productivity, trade and foreign direct investments (FDI) depend heavily on a seamless access to both regional and international markets. That’s where an efficient air transport system comes in. However, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. William Warren Smith, admits that the regional airline sector has come under intense scrutiny due to contrasting performances between countries and categories of trips. “While overall air traffic rose between 2007 and 2017, nine of the Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) experienced declines in passenger numbers,” Dr. Smith said. “Other countries in the region saw traffic increase over the same period. In addition, air traffic to and from the region was higher, with few exceptions; but intraregional traffic fell.”

• • •

decade; Small markets and short sector lengths create a natural hurdle to intra-regional traffic growth; High operating costs for intra-regional travel are exacerbated by regulatory impediments, taxes, and charges; and that There are policy remedies available to enhance air services

Estimates from the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) (2018) show that the total contribution of travel and tourism to Caribbean GDP (including wider effects from investment, the supply chain and induced income impacts) was US$57.1 billion in 2017 (15.2% of GDP) and is expected to grow by 3.3% to US$59 billion (15.4% of GDP) in 2018. It is forecast to rise by 3.6% annually to US$84 billion by 2028 (17.8% of GDP). WTTC estimates that travel and tourism directly generated 758,000 jobs in 2017 (4.3% of total employment) and this is forecast to grow by 2.8% in 2018 to 779,000 (4.4% of total employment). The estimates take into consideration employment across the broad spectrum of the travel and tourism industry, including people employed by hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services (excluding commuter services). It also includes, for example, restaurant and leisure industries directly supported by tourists.

Three years ago, a report entitled “Making Air Transport Work Better for the Caribbean”, commissioned by the CDB, highlighted some of the challenges faced by the regional air transport sector. Among them were poor management and incentives; outside interference; lack of scope for economies of scale; lack of cooperation (between airlines and between airports and airlines); regulatory issues; and policy issues, such as taxation.

The Report adds that the growing contribution of travel and tourism to GDP is consistent with increasing international arrivals into the Caribbean from outside. However, there is evidence that tourism within the region has fallen. For example, between 2005 and 2015 there was an overall increase of 2% in stay-over visitors by air to the countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

A new report, released this year, entitled “Air Transport Competitiveness and Connectivity”, proposed realistic and practical policy actions to overcome the barriers to intra-regional air traffic and create conditions that will lead to better service and, therefore, enhanced economic activity and job creation. The new report made the following observations: • Air traffic in the Caribbean grew, despite varied performances per country; • Intra-regional air connectivity declined over the past

But in the same time period, the corresponding number of visitors from within the Caribbean fell by 30%. For Barbados, the equivalent numbers were 8% and -23%.

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Sep/Oct

The Report also found that overall air traffic in the Caribbean grew by 4.9% annually between 2007 and 2017. This was lower than global growth (5.4% annually), as well as growth in South America (6.2%) and Asia (8.8%). However, the Caribbean outpaced North America (2.0%) and Europe (4.4%). ¤

Caribbean Must Reduce Its Multi-Million-Dollar Food Import Bill – Says OECS Director General

Dr. Didicus Jules Director General of the OECS The Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr. Didacus Jules, has signed an agreement with IICA to boost food production and safety in the countries of the region. Increasing food production in the Caribbean in order to reduce the region’s multi-million-dollar import bill, as well as decreasing poverty and improving nutrition for the local population, are some of the goals established by Dr. Didacus Jules as Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The head of the Caribbean regional integration mechanism identified the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) as a strategic partner that can assist in achieving these objectives. Dr. Jules participated in the Thirty-eighth Regular Meeting of the Executive Committee of IICA, an organization that promotes rural development in the Americas. During the meeting, which was held in Costa Rica, he and Manuel Otero, Director General of the Institute, signed a technical cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening value chains and agricultural health and food safety systems, as well as fostering the use of biotechnology in the Caribbean, among other critical issues for the agriculture sector. “As small states, we tend to be at a disadvantage in multilateral agreements, but we have been organizing ourselves in order to prepare an action plan for agriculture in the region. Our food import bill has reached almost one billion dollars, and we must lower this cost,” stated Dr. Jules. The OECS is an inter-governmental organization dedicated to economic harmonization and integration, protection of human and legal rights, and the encouragement of good governance among its ten member countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Martinique. The head of the OECS, who holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Wisconsin and is a well-known advocate for the Caribbean’s creative and intellectual potential, emphasized the fact that the objective to reduce the annual food import bill of

approximately one billion dollars extends beyond an economic scope. “This is not merely a matter of paying less, because we know that food security plays a very important role in combating poverty,” stated Dr. Jules, who indicated that agriculture could become a valuable source of jobs and prosperity. The officer added that agricultural development in the Caribbean would also have a very positive impact on public health, given the fact that much of the food that is imported is directly related to certain chronic illnesses. “In fact, we have one of the highest rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, which points directly to our eating habits,” he explained. Toward a more resilient agriculture Dr. Jules mentioned that agricultural activity in the Caribbean, one of the regions of the world that is most vulnerable to hurricanes and other extreme climatic events, generates difficulties and challenges for the countries. As the region with the highest rate of natural disasters in the world, the Caribbean must be on the frontline of the battle against climate change and efforts to mitigate its effects. “There is a great deal of work to be done with respect to the development of more resilient production methods as well as the introduction of new technologies and crop varieties that are better able to withstand the effects of climate change,” stated the Director General of the OECS, when discussing one of the issues addressed by the agreement signed with IICA, which seeks to increase resilience in the face of climate change. “We do not live in a bubble,” stated Dr. Jules in response to skepticism about the Caribbean’s capacity to produce its own food. “We acknowledge the fact that there is a great deal of interdependence in the world, so we are not claiming that we will no longer import food. What we are saying is that every society must carry out its duty with respect to food security, and that means not relying entirely on external sources. This also involves optimizing what nature has given us.” ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

IN THE KNOW

Managing Organizational Change for Project Success

By Deborah Hackshaw

Think about the projects that your organisation has implemented over the years. How many of them were successful? How many failed? I am sure that, in many cases, the reasons have nothing to do with technology, systems or processes but concerned people. As organisations strive towards sustainability, they will seek to find new ways to improve their operational efficiency and service delivery. This often requires multi-faceted organizational and individual change. The introduction of any new system or process will affect the organisation, staff, interaction with other existing processes, technology and knowledge management. Based on my experience and observations, I am of the view that organizational change management is a critical building block around which any project should be formed. For example, an IT project which is primarily focused on changes to technology will typically incorporate changes to people, processes, tools and the organizational structure. However, it is typical for the project team to focus on the functionality of the system rather than the organisation that will use the functionality, that is, on the technical rather than the organizational aspects of the change. Consequently, a project with tools and datasets that are configured almost perfectly to meet the client’s needs is likely to fail because the organisation is unable to cope with the change that the new tools introduce. This results in end-users or staff quickly losing faith in the new system and developing workaround solutions. No matter how great your new technology is, it is useless if people do not use it efficiently. It is essential that you consider the impact of your project on your people. Your organization’s change readiness serves as an indication for the likelihood of the success of a project in the long run. People may resist change for one or more reasons which include a lack of understanding of the project and fear of the unknown or fear of failure. Sometimes people do not see the reason for the change, do not know what they are doing, wonder what will happen to them with the new changes and of course, there is the ‘What Is In It For Me’ (WIIFM) syndrome. This often stems from lack of proper communication. It is important that your organisation has the right conditions and resources in place to support the change process. A clear vision and objectives for change must be effectively communicated with BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

adequate sponsorship and proper stakeholder management and training of staff to keep them motivated to make the change work in the long run. This requires an effective change management strategy to prepare staff for the change, manage the change and to reinforce the change to ensure its sustainability and success. Change management must be looked at and scheduled like any other project. A structured change management approach and a practical change management plan will build your organizational capacity to implement any change project and reduce resistance of staff and other stakeholders to the change. It prepares you to manage the change in your organisation and help your staff successfully adopt the change you are implementing is critical. This change management plan will cover communications, stakeholders/sponsors, training and coaching and a plan for managing resistance to the change among others. Unless change-management action is taken to ensure the project is a success, the overall project may be deemed a failure even if it is successfully implemented technically. It is important that, by the time your new technology is ready, your people will be ready too. Buy-in and commitment at all levels is critical to long-term success. ¤ Deborah Hackshaw has been working as an International Development Consultant providing management and technical services to clients for over two decades. As a consultant, she has worked with several public, private and civil society organisations to develop and execute successful change and capacity building projects in the Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Central America. She has completed numerous consulting assignments funded by the Organisation of American States (OAS), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank/International Finance Corporation to design and implement change for economic development. Ms. Hackshaw holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Brunel University, Master’s (MA) in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance and a Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) in Law and Economics from the Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. She can be contacted at dahackshaw@yahoo.co.uk

it had a dual capacity as a training/ educational provider and that as a facilitator of entrepreneurial endeavours through its start-up loan offerings and guidance to small business persons. It aligned with his personal interest in people development and training goals. Mr. Ottley has been an educator and HR training professional for more than 25 years, working in a wide range of cross-disciplinary areas including Human Relations, Social Science, HRM/HRD, Psychology and Management Studies. His work also includes the conduct of seminars and workshops for public and private organizations in the areas of Leadership, Change Management and interpersonal/soft skill development. He has been on the Training and Marketing committee at NRDF for approximately seven years. During this time, he has engaged with other members who all seem to have a deep passion for capacity building, organizational growth and the empowerment of St. Lucians through the thoughtful, strategic provision of relevant learning and training opportunities.

Meet NRDF team member, Ernest Ottley

Meet NRDF Team Member, Mr. Ernest Ottley

The most challenging part of being on the committee at NRDF for Mr. Ottley has been “meeting the needs of the clients with cost effective, developmentally-relevant learning opportunities and balancing this with prevailing economic vicissitudes.” NRDF continues to make available distinctive high quality offerings such as the Association of Business Executives (ABE) qualifications, Bachelor’s and Masters degrees from reputable universities, UWI endorsed certificate programmes as well as a wide range of NRDF courses. According to Mr. Ottley, “The challenge is always to remain, current while filling the gaps that exist, maintain high standards and being relevant while ensuring its own sustainability and affordability for its clients.” Serving on the Training and Marketing Committee, Mr. Ottley has a deeper appreciation for the need to put the client first. “Good service to the client redounds to organizational success. Also, that through the successes of our clients both locally and internationally great things can come through small organizations who determine to make sincere, meaningful contributions to the country.”

Mr. Ernest Ottley has been working with National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF) for over ten years. A diligent, dedicated individual, his students credit him for being innovative in his teaching style, thorough in his research and fair in his grading of papers. His classes are informative, engaging and never boring. He is a very busy gentleman. Between his teaching responsibilities, educational pursuits, his passion for cycling and family life, it is a wonder that he gets any sleep at all. Mr. Ottley explained that his motivation to join the team at NRDF was based on what he knew initially about the organization; that

His experience with the team, he indicated, has been one of shared passion and a professionalism that allows for focus on the benefit or best outcome from the client and the organization, even when our ideas don’t all follow the same path. Mr. Ottley has also served as Head of Academics and facilitates a range of courses along the lines of HR, Supervision and Management. He provides training services on behalf of the NRDF. He would like to see within the next five to ten years that NRDF becomes more prominent as a provider of distinctive training and learning opportunities for its clients that fit the changing needs and trend demands of St. Lucia and the region. Additionally, he envisages that the ‘research’ element of the NRDF title become more than merely nomenclature and that the organization becomes more actively involved in business research and supporting research initiatives that contribute to the enhancement of St. Lucia’s business environment and the performance of its people in the Labour market. ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

IN THE KNOW

Consulting Inc a business development company, took place on Saturday August 4th 2018 at the Financial Administrative Centre, with the overarching function of providing free services which included CV reviews, interviews, counselling, jobs or internships and opportunities for networking. The event was open to everyone, with a focus on youth development and entrepreneurship. Sponsors of the event included repeaters like Mediazone, Massy Stores and Northwest Ltd, with new additions this year including 1st National Bank St. Lucia Ltd., Courts St. Lucia, Skin Envy, Time

Highlights of the 2nd Edition of the Job Fair Expo

The Job Fair Expo is now in its second year, and was held under the theme, “Get Involved”, with companies and non-profit organizations sensitizing attendees to on-the-job requirements, providing other soft skill support as well as mini seminar sessions so attendees could speak with industry experts directly. Education being integral to employment, the event hosted by AdVizze

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Out Entertainment, Genro Media and Harry Edwards Jewelers. Other companies who exhibited included Ahava Day Spa, Axcel Finance, Caribbean Grains, EcoCaribe, Guardsman, HR Wise, incognito Consulting, Mampa Recruitment Agency, Planet Stiletto Beauty and Shoe Rehab. The Job Fair Expo hopes to continue to provide support to school leavers and young adults. ¤

If there are several pages presented to participants at the meeting, they will not be able to easily follow and the meeting will drag on as they try to grasp what is happening. Avoid this by emailing or posting documents before the meeting so they have the opportunity to prepare for the meeting.

How to Have a More Productive Meeting

How to have a more productive meeting By: Trudy O. Glasgow B.A (History), LL.B (Hons.), B.V.C, LL.M, P.C.H.E

All meetings are not created equal. Some meetings are run efficiently and produce results; others are talking shops for inflated egos to complain. An effective meeting is result-oriented and goal driven. Here are some tips to ensure that the next meeting you attend is more productive. 1. Send a reminder before the meeting: Delegate to either the secretary or another responsible person to check that there will be a quorum for the meeting. There is nothing worse than arriving for a meeting and waiting indefinitely, hoping that enough people will turn up. Contact persons who have been invited to the meeting to confirm their attendance. If you get more apologies than confirmations, postpone or cancel the meeting. 2. Start the meeting on time: Make the start time of the meeting memorable. It is better to start meetings punctually. It is too traditional to start at 5pm or 5.30pm, so 5.15pm is certainly more memorable time. 3. Duration of the meetings: Meetings should not span several hours. Those attending the meeting will slowly lose interest and stop coming altogether. Aim to have your meetings last no more than an hour and a half to two hours long. Once a meeting is longer than that, individuals' attention will wane. 4. Keep on track: The agenda for the meeting would have been sent to participants prior to the meeting. Any other business is usually attached at the end. If the meeting has lasted a long time, table additional items for a subsequent meeting. The Chairperson should also direct the flow of the meeting and ensure one person does not dominate the floor unless he or she has something relevant to say. 5. Documents to be produced beforehand to ensure everyone present knows what the subject of the meeting is about:

6. Use email or social media instead: You do not always have to have a meeting for every matter for consideration. Decisions can be made in between meetings via email or whatsapp groups and the like. This will limit the amount of material that has to be covered in a meeting and make the meeting shorter. 7. Schedule meetings in advance: The more notice you give persons of upcoming meetings, the better. If you schedule a meeting with a week or less notice, you are unlikely to get a full complement of participants attending your meeting. It is best to give at least two weeks notice or better yet, at the end of your meeting, discuss on the spot when the next meeting will be. 8. Serve food and drinks: If you are having meetings after hours, individuals are thinking of getting home to dinner after a long day of work. Serving refreshments will ease their impending hunger and they are more likely to pay attention. 9. Ban the use of mobile phones during meetings: If anyone receives a call, they should be required to exit the meeting. Taking calls during meetings is disruptive and disrespectful of the other participants who are trying to have a fruitful meeting. 10. When and where you schedule meetings is also very important: Meetings should be held at a convenient location to most participants on a day and time is that suitable. After hours is preferred by most business executives and it does not diminish their billable hours. It may be cutting into their family time, but it is a sacrifice that most are willing to make occasionally for short and productive meetings. Â¤ Ms. Trudy O. Glasgow, B.A. (History), LL.B (Hons.), B.V.C, LL.M. P.C.H.E, is a practising attorney at the law firm of Trudy O. Glasgow & Associates; Court-Appointed Mediator and author, Simply law, in Saint Lucia ( and has taught at University level in the UK.) Ms. Glasgow is the Vice President of the Bar Association of Saint Lucia, Chairperson of its Publications committee, Editor of THE BRIEF; CoChair of 100 women who care, St. Lucia chapter; Chairperson of National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF); Secretary of the Rotary Club of Gros Islet. She has been writing a weekly legal column, 'Simply law' since 2007, first in THE VOICE and now in THE MIRROR newspaper. This column is for general use only, for advice specifically about your case, please see your lawyer. Share your thoughts and comments; you are invited to email me at trudyoglasgow@lawyer.com BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

YOUTH IN FOCUS

The Caribbean Millenials Podcast

The Caribbean Millennials Podcast You can’t scroll through a popular online website without seeing some catchy titled article about Millennials. Why is that? The fact of the matter is that the behavior of millennials, the challenges and trends affecting the generation, and what the future holds for the youth will determine what the future of the Caribbean is going to look like. If businesses want to adapt and prepare for the future, they need to be monitoring the behavior of Millennials. The problem is the story of Millennials isn’t being told by the right people or in the right way. Too many times the stereotypes of Millennials cloud the conversation, or older people speak on behalf of this generation. This project was started to engage and connect Caribbean Millennials across the globe to own the conversation versus being the topic of conversation. In this weekly podcast, hosts Anushka Polius, Vernon Polius and Adane Edmund, address topics relevant to Caribbean Millennials both in the Caribbean and abroad. Topics that have been covered include, Culture and Identity, Travel, Student Loans, Cannabis and Citizenship by Investment. Podcast host Anushka Polius says, “When creating this podcast we felt that it would be filling a void in the media as there wasn’t much relating to the everyday life of millennials – from the perspective of millennials.” How the Project is Being Received Since launching in June to a growing podcast audience, the project has been extremely well-received. Caribbean Millennials has started including guest speakers in episodes to provide expert opinions. Listeners are also requesting that they be provided with more content such as live video and want more opportunities to interact with the podcast in a real time format. The Intended Direction of the Podcast Going Forward The hope for the podcast specifically is to grow the audience and begin monetizing through merchandise, advertising options and sponsorship. For the brand as a whole, the hosts hope to expand into a platform for anything relating to Caribbean Millennials. They aspire for the podcast to be a resource for Caribbean Millennials but also for businesses wishing to tap into this key audience.

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Sep/Oct

Where to Find The Caribbean Millennials Podcast The podcast is available to listeners on Apple Music, Google Play, Stitcher and other podcast networks. It can also be directly accessed from the website www.caribbeanmillennials.com Fans of the podcast can contact the hosts via email at info@ caribbeanmillennials.com or social media to provide feedback and ideas for the podcast. ¤ Meet Your Podcast Hosts! Adane Edmund Adane Edmund is an IT professional with a Masters in Cyber Intelligence. He currently serves as the VP of IT for a startup based in Portland, Oregon. He also owns a photography business called Bald Guy Visuals.

Vernon Polius Vernon is an IT professional with a background in Networking and Web Development. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Cybersecurity.

Anushka Singh-Polius Anushka is a Digital Marketing Strategist with 8 years of experience in Digital Marketing Management and Consulting. She has her Masters in Business Analytics.

South Castries Lions Win Second SPLT20 Organizer Says Tournament Was An Overall Success By Stan Bishop Euristee, who played Under-15 cricket but stopped playing during the Under-19 phase to attend college, started the tournament last year, having been involved in organizing tournaments since primary school.

South Castries Lions Win Second SPLT20

While on the Under-15 cricket squad, he played alongside with former West Indies captain, Daren Sammy. Euristee later coached the game at Entrepot Secondary School from 2008 to 2014, working with students from Form One to Form Five. About five years ago, he spoke with Sammy and Sammy’s former coach, Brian Calixte, about the prospects of creating a cricket tournament to boost local interest in the sport. The first edition of SPLT20 was hosted last year. The tournament is made up of eight teams: South Castries Lions, Mabouya Valley Renegades, Choiseul Craftmasters, Avatar City Blasters, Vieux Fort North Raiders, Gros Islet Knights, Soufriere Stumpers, and Mon Repos Pioneers. Avatar City Blasters won last year’s tournament, with Choiseul Craftmasters placing second. Last year’s tournament saw sixteen exhilarating games played across ten days at two venues. This year, mid-week games were played at Mabouya Valley while weekends games were played in Soufriere.

South Castries Lions are the new champions of the Saint Lucia Premier League T20 Cricket Tournament. They beat last year’s winners, Avatar City Blasters, who made 100 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs in the finals held at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Sunday, July 22. Lions sealed the victory by scoring 101 runs in 11.2 overs. Captained by West Indies opener, Johnson Charles, who made a duck, the Lions were nevertheless able to clinch victory, due in part to captain Andre Fletcher’s brilliant knock of 79 runs off 45 balls. Fletcher’s big total included 9 fours and three sixes. Choiseul Craftmasters placed third while Mabouya Valley Renegades placed fourth. Hassan Euristee, CEO of Premier Sports Inc., organizers of SPLT20, says crowd support was encouraging, especially for the earlier games played at the Soufriere Mini Stadium. This year’s performance from the players, he noted improved. “The level of cricket went up when compared to last year,” Euristee said. “We had many half centuries and Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles picked up some awards.”

The SPLT20 is approved by the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Euristee is proud how the tournament has blossomed into something young cricketers can look forward to each year, “On the whole, SPLT20 has helped cricket in Saint Lucia and I’m happy that it has done so,” he said. “The feeling that the players get when they step onto the field and having the fans there is not something many of them are used to.” The SPLT20 is a semi-professional league and the players get paid. Even those who don’t play get a salary. The winning team gets a trophy and $20,000; second-placed team $10,000; third placers $6,000; and fourth place team $3,000. However, the players get a minimum of 40% of the purse while the owners get 60%. Euristee was especially thankful that marquee players such as Daren Sammy, Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles are part of the league. The intention, he said, is to attract more regional -- as well as international players -- to the league. “It’s good to see the international players giving the local players some incentives and encouragement in meeting the standards of the tournament,” he said. “It surely might not have been a good financial decision in the short-term but it adds high value to the vision of the league. Of course, the players will benefit a lot from it.” ¤ BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

Bill Clinton: St Lucia Can Lead the Way to the Future

Bill Clinton: St Lucia Can Lead the Way to the Future Former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, has described Saint Lucia as a “clean energy leader in the region”. Clinton was the special guest at the official opening of St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited’s (LUCELEC) 3 megawatt (MW) solar farm in La Tourney, Vieux Fort, on August 9. He said the project “should be seen as the beginning of a comprehensive, determined, unrelenting effort to make Saint Lucia and all the island nations of the Caribbean stronger, safer and more sustainable”. “The Caribbean can lead the world in building an inclusive 21st century prosperity. This region could be completely carbon-free. You still need utilities (but) what you’ve got to figure out is how to get off the fuel that’s killing and bankrupting you and using what’s generated by wind, sun, geothermal, biomass and, where possible, hydro,” Clinton said. Nearly 15,000 solar panels comprising the island’s first utilityscale solar farm began feeding the island’s electricity grid on April 9 and the entire 3 MW went online on April 11. Construction of the $20 million project funded, owned and operated by LUCELEC began last November. The panels are spread across three sites over 15 acres of land north of Hewanorra International Airport. The project’s main contractor was GRUPOTEC, an international firm with extensive experience in developing solar plants worldwide. In the project design and contract, LUCELEC ensured there were provisions for local labour, resulting in three sets of local contractors and nearly 50 people hired for transfer of knowledge and technology. The solar farm will generate 7 million kilowatt-hours (or units) of electricity annually -- roughly 1.3% of the electricity generated from LUCELEC’s diesel-based Cul De Sac power plant -- reducing the annual volume of fuel LUCELEC purchases by about 300,000 gallons. LUCELEC uses 19 million gallons of fuel annually. In 2016, LUCELEC and government jointly developed the National Energy Transition Strategy (NETS), a 20-year energy road map paving the road for a sustainable, reliable, cost-effective and equitable electricity sector. BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said the project “is a major step in the right direction of our country”, noting that building capacity in renewable energy and adapting to climate change are among government’s priorities. “About 60% of our foreign exchange goes towards purchasing petroleum products…With renewable energy, we don’t have to concern ourselves anymore about what the price of oil is,” Chastanet said. LUCELEC’s Managing Director, Trevor Louisy, said the process started in 2009 with a pilot project to integrate rooftop photovoltaic systems into the grid. He said LUCELEC anticipates making further contributions to renewable energy development locally, adding that the company is working on a study to determine the optimum location for interconnecting a large storage battery to the grid. Developing a wind farm, he said, remains a priority. Former Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony, said the solar farm is an important milestone in the development of the island’s energy sector, saying “we are reducing our dependency on fossil fuel by 5%.” He said that when his administration assumed office in 2011, it pledged to increase the penetration of renewable energy into the national grid by 20% by 2020. He said government understood it was going into new territory and needed to build a coalition of development partners. Former Minister for Sustainable Development and Energy, Dr. James Fletcher, enlisted the support of the Clinton Climate Initiative and other agencies such as the Clinton Climate Initiative, Carbon War Room and Rocky Mountain Institute also joined the fray. Energy Minister, Stephenson King, said that as Saint Lucia continues to implement the NETS and increase renewable energy penetration within the energy mix, greater energy security at an affordable price will result. “This is critical to ensuring that economic and social gains are sustained and not easily eroded by oil price volatility on the global market,” King explained. ¤

WLBL Reintroduces Glass Bottles for Coca-Cola, Sprite

WLBL Reintroduces Glass Bottles for Coca-Cola, Sprite Company Aims To Reduce Use of Plastic Bottles By Stan Bishop

Since 1915, the Coca-Cola glass bottle has become an iconic symbol across the globe. Despite changing shapes along the way, there still is that distinctive look of the bottle that sets the real thing apart from the competition. In Saint Lucia, returnable glass bottles were a common phenomenon back in the day. However, it soon become obvious that using PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles was more economical. The local bottling company, Du Boulay’s Bottling Company Ltd. (DBC), soon discontinued the use of returnable glass bottles over a decade ago in favour of plastic bottles. But, with mounting debate regarding widespread use of single-use plastic bottles -- and plastics in general creating a major environmental problem -something had to be done. And so, Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited (WLBL), which in 2016 merged with DBC, reintroduced the returnable glass bottles in June this year. “We’re a global company and one of our priorities is growing a better world,” WLBL’s Managing Director, Oscar Garcia, told Business Focus Magazine. “We feel very responsible because we’re one of the largest producers of PET. That’s why we recently launched the Coca-Cola returnable glass bottles in an effort to become greener.” For now, WLBL has rolled out 200 ml returnable glass bottles for Coca-Cola and Sprite. However, Coca-Cola and Sprite are still available in PET bottles in the following sizes: 355 ml, 500 ml, 1.25 litres, and 2 litres. As a socially-responsible company, Garcia said WLBL is taking action to transition from PET bottles to glass bottles. Garcia said the ideal thing would be to switch completely to glass bottles. However, market demand, as well as the practicality of such a change, would influence such a bold move. Even moving to 355 ml or 500 ml glass bottles for Coca-Cola and Sprite might be in the cards, he said, but it’s too early to tell. “It’s a big investment in the production line and the bottles themselves,” Garcia explained. “But I think it’s one step in the

right direction. It would make a great difference if consumers really embrace it and start switching from PET to glass. Then we can start producing more glass bottles to satisfy the demand. But right now, the consumers are the ones dictating what we need to produce.” Since plastic bottles can take at least 450 years to completely biodegrade in landfills, recycling is seen as a surefire way of reducing its global carbon footprint. Today, plastics are wreaking havoc on many ecosystems, especially marine life, where fish unwittingly ingest them as food. Since the plastic does not melt, it blocks the fish’s intestinal tract, preventing the fish from consuming food and eventually starving to death. Bottle caps are small enough to pose such threats to small fish and plastic bottles to large fish. Recognizing that the company needs to play its role in reducing such risks, WLBL in late June spearheaded a clean-up exercise at Choc along the Allen Bousquet Highway, a busy thoroughfare where litter is usually disposed of indiscriminately. Even worse, the nearby river leads directly to Choc beach, where huge amounts of debris deposit after a heavy downpour. The WLBL leadership teamed up with the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA), Department of Fisheries, Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the exercise which yielded several large garbage bags of litter, many of which were plastics. “We care about the environment in the countries where we operate,” Garcia said. “This is for the future of our families, so we’re showing them that we care enough to provide them with a clean environment. We’re hoping to create that awareness and consciousness about the importance of creating a clean environment.” ¤ Photo: Officials from various organizations team up for the clean-up exercise at Choc in June BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

BUSINESS FOCUSFOCUS ENVIRONMENTAL

LUCELEC Welcomes Stakeholder Interest in Renewable Energy

LUCELEC Welcomes Stakeholder Interest in Renewable Energy St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) has welcomed the interest of the St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association (SLHTA) in seeking to have hotels generate up to 20% of their electricity needs from their own renewable energy (RE) systems. So says LUCELEC Managing Director, Trevor Louisy, in response to a press release issued by the SLHTA in recent weeks. LUCELEC is currently facilitating the inter-connection of 5% of the energy demand from renewable energy sources, made up of the 3 megawatt (MW) solar farm at La Tourney in Vieux Fort and 87 customer grid-tied solar PV systems across the island. “Admittedly, some of our other renewable energy projects such as the 12 MW wind farm have not taken off as we anticipated, not for lack of effort on our part,” said Louisy. “And, as far as possible, we have supported the efforts of the Government to explore and develop the geothermal energy resource as this can be a significant game changer. If St. Lucia is going to meet the renewable energy targets the Government has set, it will certainly require the collaboration of all stakeholders that translates into swift action.” The SLHTA has expressed a desire to see the 25kW cap on renewable energy systems for commercial entities lifted. Louisy says that cap was arrived at through an extensive study by independent consultants working with the Government and LUCELEC, taking into consideration the capacity of the grid and need to ensure the stability of the entire electricity system. LUCELEC has been making significant investments in getting the grid to a place where it can support the Government’s renewable energy commitment of generating 35% of the country’s energy from renewables by 2020. However, there must be some certainty and predictability with the process, the Managing Director says. BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

The company is currently working on adding energy storage facilities to the grid so that as more solar or wind-powered renewable energy is added, there will be no deterioration of the reliable service customers currently receive from LUCELEC. Some of these investments have been phased over time so as not to adversely impact what customers pay. Louisy adds that while LUCELEC has been making the infrastructural improvements, the regulatory framework has not kept pace although it is catching up. The National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) is in place but the remaining supporting legislation and regulations have not been completed. The licensing of renewable energy systems and the eventual limits on the size of these systems reside with the NURC, not LUCELEC. Similarly, the development of the tariff regime, what customers pay for electricity or how the charges for renewable energy systems will work, are also matters for the NURC and the eventual legislative and regulatory framework that will be developed. Louisy also reiterated the company’s commitment to renewable energy. “We would be happy to buy all the renewable energy that is available to add to the mix of electricity that we sell to our customers. Barbados has a working model of that sort of arrangement which may also work well in our context,” he says. LUCELEC is a member of the SLHTA and expects to engage the Board and Members on this issue. The company expects the SLHTA’s input, along with other stakeholders, will be necessary in the discussions with the regulatory authorities on not just how Saint Lucia can achieve its renewable energy targets, but also on an appropriate tariff mechanism that ensures customers who do not own renewable energy systems are not subsidizing customers who have these systems. ¤

Caribbean Aims to Become World’s First-Class Climate-Smart Zone

Caribbean Aims to Become World’s First-Class Climate-Smart Zone A ground-breaking partnership to support the Caribbean’s ambition to become the world’s first ‘Climate-Smart Zone’ was launched in Kingston, Jamaica on Thursday. The Accelerator has created an unprecedented coalition including 26 countries and over 40 private and public sector partners which will implement climate solutions for resilience, renewable energy, development of sustainable cities, oceans and transportation.

to work closely with the people of the region to design their Caribbean of the future, today.” Caribbean institutions and agencies – including governments, CARICOM and the OECS – have already started to use the Accelerator’s unique platform of public and private stakeholders to make a difference. ¤

This Climate-Smart Zone will not only protect the region but create jobs and a new economy in climate-smart infrastructure. Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness said: “Being climate-smart means putting the people of the Caribbean at the centre of all we do – to protect them from the challenges of climate change. The Caribbean Accelerator will also encourage job creation, social inclusion and economic growth. These benefits will only come when Governments, the international community and the private sector work together to overcome barriers and generate the investment that will benefit us all. That is why I am excited by the potential of the Accelerator to join the Caribbean with global partners who share our vision to see investment grow in the years ahead.” Sir Richard Branson said: “Our goal is ambitious and bold: we are creating the world’s first climate-smart zone. We have a vision of a Caribbean which is greener, stronger and more resilient than ever before – built on innovation, powered by clean, sustainable energy and accelerated by public and private investment.”

We Specialize in Wholesale and Retail Of: Medical Supplies Home Care Supplies Dental Supplies Mobility Aids Athletic Support Special Orders

MedCare

Luis Alberton Moreno, President of the Inter-American Development Bank has played a key role in bringing together a multinational coalition of public and private partners to fast track public and private investments over the next five years. Luis Alberto Moreno the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, stated: “The IDB Group reaffirms its continued and historical commitment to the Caribbean and will work with leaders of the region to improve lives by creating climate-smart and vibrant economies, where people are safe, productive, and happy. We hope that through this Climate Smart Coalition, in addition to offering new affordable financing, we will use the IDB’s extensive regional experience and presence on the ground

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Sep/Oct

HEALTH & WELLNESS

KNOW YOUR BODY

Type of Discharge

By Dr. Celia McConnell

Our topic in this issue may not be the sexiest, but nonetheless, an important and healthy one: vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a topic that many women are curious about and want to discuss, but feel nervous or weird bringing it up even with their doctor. What you should know is vaginal discharge is normal and every female has it. It isn’t gross neither is it something to be ashamed of. It’s part of the female body and serves an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system. What is vaginal discharge? It is a mix of cervical mucus and vaginal secretions that carries away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection. A “normal” discharge looks and feels different for many women. Most times, you have nothing to worry about, because your vaginal discharge is normal. Sometimes the discharge can have certain colors, odors, or textures that can be a sign of either physiologic changes or an infection. Normal, or “physiologic” discharge is healthy and something that you would expect to have every day. You’ll typically notice a clear or whitish discharge without any foul odor. The texture may vary and be thin, watery, or stringy, and this can depend on the time of the month. The volume might change as well -- you may have a little bit every day, or nothing on some days and a lot on other days. So there is a wide range of what is normal but it is important to know what is normal for your body. There are a few things that doctors assess to understand whether your discharge is normal or abnormal. Certain factors, such as color, can be very important. Some other factors include: • • • • • • • • • • •

Is the patient premenopausal or postmenopausal? Is she pregnant? Does she have any other complaints such as fever or abdominal pain? Is there itching? Any foul or fishy odor? Is there a bump or a rash? Is it only occurring during intercourse? Has she had any unprotected sex or any new sexual partners? Does she have multiple partners Does she douche? When did the discharge start?

The doctor may take a sample of the discharge or do a Pap test to collect cells from your cervix for further examination. Dr. Celia McConnell is a General Practitioner of sixteen years. She graduated from the University of Guyana in 2001 with her MBBS and in 2013 she earned her Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes (Distinction) from the Cardiff University. Dr. McConnell has spent over a decade working in the emergency rooms at Victoria and Tapion Hospitals and is BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

Bloody or brown

What it Might Mean

Other Symptoms

Irregular menstrual Abnormal vaginal cycles, or less bleeding, pelvic often, cervical or pain endometrial cancer

Know Your Body Cloudy or yellow

Gonorrhea

Bleeding between periods, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain

Frothy, yellow or greenish with a bad smell

Trichomoniasis

Pain and itching while urinating

Pink

Shedding of the uterine lining after childbirth (lochia)

Thick, white, cheesy White, gray, or yellow with fishy odor

Yeast infection

Swelling and pain around the vulva, itching, painful sexual intercourse

Bacterial vaginosis

Itching or burning, redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva

How is abnormal discharge treated? Treatment is based on cause. For example, yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications inserted into the vagina in cream or gel form or orally with tablets. Bacterial vaginosis, Trichomoniasis and gonorrhea are treated with antibiotics. Here are some tips for preventing vaginal infections that can lead to abnormal discharge: • • • • • •

Keep the vagina clean by washing regularly with a gentle, mild soap and warm water. Try to avoid scented soaps and feminine products or douche. Also avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths. Always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection. Wear 100% cotton underwear, and avoid overly tight clothing. Be monogamous Sex toys should be kept clean and avoid sharing.

If you have an abnormal discharge do not hesitate to seek professional help as some conditions can lead to complications such as infertility and pelvic abscesses. ¤

a certified American Heart Association instructor in Advanced Cariac Life Support. Dr. McConnell currently operates her GP practice in the Fitz St. Rose Medical Centre on Micoud St, Castries where she sees patients of all ages and gender. She has a keen interest in diabetic patients as they are so vulnerable to developing many complications. She’s a member of the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association, Secretary of the Saint Lucia Heart, Lung and Blood Foundation and Vice President of the Saint Lucia Arthritis and Lupus Association.

Survey Highlights Persistent Discrimination Against People Living With HIV

Survey Highlights Persistent Discrimination Against People Living With HIV Many people living with HIV lose their jobs or cannot find one because of their HIV status, says study.

doing too little work. Then he asked me to submit my resignation, without any serious explanation – as if I were resigning voluntarily.”

Despite progress being made in treatment that enables people living with HIV to work, they continue to face discrimination when seeking employment and as they try to keep their jobs and progress in their careers, says a new study launched by the ILO and the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+).

Hiding their HIV status As a result, the report says, many people are hesitant to disclose their HIV status to employers or even co-workers. Another anonymous testimony from Cameroon shows the extent of the problem of accessing employment:

The report, HIV Stigma and Discrimination in the World of Work: Findings from the People Living with HIV Stigma Index, is based on surveys carried out by 13 country teams throughout the world. Interviews were carried out with more than 100,000 people living with HIV.

“I went to pick up my appointment letter only to be told that I had to undergo a medical examination. I already knew my sero-status, which I told the human resource officer about. She said I had to do the examination which confirmed my HIV-positive status. That marked the end of getting the job as they could not recruit me even though I had passed the interview.”

It was presented during the biennial International AIDS Conference “AIDS 2018”, the largest conference on any global health or development issue in a the world, taking place in Amsterdam from 23-27 July. The brief provides the latest data on HIV and workplace discrimination and shows that: A large proportion of people living with HIV are unemployed, ranging from 7 per cent of those surveyed in Uganda to 61 per cent in Honduras. Ten out of 13 countries recorded unemployment rates among respondents at 30 per cent or higher. Young people living with HIV had a much higher unemployment rate, ranging from 11 per cent in South Korea to 61 per cent in Greece, with some countries recording over 50 per cent unemployment for young persons: Timor-Leste (50 per cent), Fiji (56 per cent), Greece (61 per cent), and Honduras (60 per cent). Women living with HIV are less likely to be employed than men living with HIV because of unpaid care responsibilities. In all countries, unemployment amongst transgender people living with HIV remained high. The lack of an independent income among women is also high, meaning that women living with HIV do not enjoy economic autonomy to the same extent as their male counterparts. Another key finding is that many people continue to lose their jobs in part or fully as a result of their HIV status. The proportion of people who had been working but had lost a job or sources of income as a result of discrimination by employers or co-workers ranged from 13 per cent in Fiji to 100 per cent of those surveyed in Timor-Leste. It was also high in Belize (86 per cent), Nicaragua (67 per cent), Greece (80 per cent) and Costa Rica (53 per cent). The study also includes anonymous testimonies from people living with HIV who faced discrimination, such as this person from Ukraine: “When information about my status reached my manager, he called me to his office. First he told me I was working badly –

Similarly, HIV-related discrimination remains a major cause for not receiving job promotions. “What this report shows is that we still have a long way to go in our efforts to combat workplace related stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. Access to healthcare and access to employment are inextricably linked and as such a meaningful commitment towards stemming the epidemic and securing the wellbeing of all people living with HIV cannot be met without prioritizing ending HIV stigma in the workplace,” said Sasha Volgina, GNP+ Programme Manager. The brief includes several recommendations, including a call to governments and international agencies to increase efforts to adhere to ILO Recommendation and the World of Work, 2010 (No.200), relating to access to full and productive employment and decent work for people living with HIV. “It is sad to see that despite years of work, stigma and discrimination still persist. The latest ILO report – Impact of HIV and AIDS on the World of Work: Global Estimates – showed that AIDS treatment is keeping workers healthy and productive. But treatment alone is not sufficient. We must work harder to reduce stigma and discrimination for people living with HIV at workplaces. They have a right to work and no one should deny them that,” said Shauna Olney, Chief of the ILO’s Gender, Equality and Diversity and ILOAIDS Branch, who spoke at the launch of the study in Amsterdam. Olney thanked the GNP+ for producing the study, saying that “this would help expedite the move towards achieving the goal of zero discrimination.” “ILO Recommendation No. 200 offers useful guidance to all stakeholders on protecting human rights at work and puts in place the necessary measures to eliminate stigma and discrimination at workplaces,” she concluded. ¤

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

BUSINESS FOCUS

EVENTS 2018 LOCAL AND regional entertainment, trade shows and conferences

SLBS Basic Training in Food Safety september 26, 2018 – castries, St. Lucia This one-day training session will provide participants with the knowledge of the basic principles for the production of safe food in an effort to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. For more information, visit: www.slbs.org.lc

St. Lucia Billfish Tournament Oct 16-20th, 2018 – rodney bay marina, st lucia The St. Lucia Game Fishing Association (SLGFA) hosts the island’s twenty-seventh annual International Billfish Tournament. For more information, contact: slgfa758@gmail.com

Everything Vincy Expo 2018 october 23-28, 2018 – The Geest Terminal, Kingstown, St. Vincent The second annual expo was designed to increase the visibility of local businesses as well as being a call-to-action for Vincentian innovators. For more information, contact: everythingvincy@investsvg.com

10th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum november 7-9, 2018 – miami florida The discussion around resiliency isn’t a trend; it’s real and it’s not going away. This year’s CREF will be sharply focused on what resiliency in the energy sector looks like – and who’s going to fund it. For more information, visit: http://newenergyevents.com/cref/

World Travel Market (WTM) 2018 November 7 - 10, 2018 – Coco palm resort, st. lucia The Conference, organized by the Caribbean Dermatology Association, will take place from 7th will cover areas like Dermatology and Biology. For more information visit: https://10times.com/cdc-w

10th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum November 7 - 9, 2018 – Miami FL Startup Huddle St. Lucia is a free, monthly programme designed to educate, engage and connect entrepreneurs. Every month, entrepreneurs come together to pitch their startup, reveal challenges and crowd-source solutions. From local founders, innovators, educators, and investors, to a global network of entrepreneurial leaders, Startup Huddle St. Lucia provides a unique platform to strengthen the startup community. For more information visit: http://newenergyevents.com/cref/

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

100

MAJOR MOVES of Education and Director of Training in the Ministry of the Public Service for a combined 10 years before moving to senior management.

Wilfred Pierre has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Castries Constituency Council (CCC). Pierre, who holds an MBA, MSc in Management, and a BSc in Economics, joins the organization with a wealth of experience, coming from the public service where he once served as Director of Special Initiatives and National Authorizing Officer within the Office of the Prime Minister. He also served as Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Agriculture and General Secretary of the Civil Service Association (CSA). The new CEO will assist with the general administration of the CCC under the direction of Mayor Peterson Francis. Among his responsibilities are enhancing and delivering the Council’s strategic plans. Pierre will also build on the existing institutional framework and complement the management of the organization, conceptualize new profitable opportunities, assist in driving revenue, along with an intensified focus on improving the productivity of the Council.

Elizabeth Bailey has been appointed Permanent Secretary in the Department of Home Affairs and National Security. Elizabeth Bailey is a civil servant with over 25 years of public service experience having entered the service in September 1990 as an Executive Cadet. She worked in several government ministries serving as Director, Human Resource Development in the Ministry

Bailey has been part of the senior management team for the past 9 years, during which time she provided oversight for human resource management, financial management and operations management. Prior to moving to the Department of Home Affairs and National Security as Permanent Secretary in mid-2018, she served as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation; Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development and Labour; Ministry of External Affairs and International Trade; Office of the Prime Minister; Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security; and Department of External Affairs.

Board. In December 2002, the SLHTA awarded her the coveted Crystal Award for services to the hotel industry. From March 2010 to January 2016, Troubetzkoy was President of the SLHTA and personally oversaw the development of a broad social media platform for the SLHTA, including profiles on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as well as the launch of a variety of websites for SLHTA. She was 1st Vice-President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) from 2014-2016 and was CHTA President from January 2016 to June 2018.

She completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados and a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management in London. She conducted research on human resource development in the teaching service and developed a National Human Resource Development Plan for Saint Lucia.

In July 2018, Karolin Troubetzkoy was elected once again as President of the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association (SLHTA). Troubetzkoy, who is the Executive Director, Marketing and Operations of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts in Soufriere, Saint Lucia, has been spearheading the marketing and day-today operations of these awardwinning resorts since 1984, with Jade Mountain Resort opened in 2006. From 1983 to 1984, Troubetzkoy was a consultant for the Organization of American States and, in that capacity, produced tourism feasibility studies for the tourism marketing of Pigeon Island, the Maria Islands, Sulphur Springs and also a marketing brief for the St. Lucia Tourist

Experienced Caribbean hotelier, Daryl Aaron, has been appointed General Manager of the newly-opened Bay Gardens Marina Haven hotel in St. Lucia. Aaron, who has worked across the Caribbean in a variety of hospitality management positions, joins the leadership team of Bay Gardens Resorts, which expanded its portfolio to four hotels with the acquisition of the property, located within close proximity to Rodney Bay Marina. Bay Gardens Marina Haven opened in mid-July following a soft renovation and staff training to align service delivery at the property with Bay Gardens’ awardwinning standards. Aaron, who was educated and trained in London, Trinidad, St. Lucia and her native Dominica, holds two decades of hospitality experience, is a former executive member of the Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association. She has worked at Chaguaramas Hotel & Convention Centre, and Paria Suites & Conference Center in Trinidad; as well as Castaways Beach Hotel, Rosalie Bay Resort, and Anchorage Hotel, Whale Watch & Dive Centre in Dominica. BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

101

BUSINESS FOCUS

Contact:

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY

NATURE OF BUSINESS

DIRECTORS

4Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vacation Apartments Inc

Short Term Vacation Apartment

Joanna Epiphane- St. Hill Junius St. Hill

B&V Plumbing Solutions Limited

Plumbing , Construction & Transportation

Daniel Moncherry / Junior Remy

Blue Reefs Rentals Limited

To carry on the business of property rentals

Maria Buchner / Donnelly John

C&M Touring Services Inc.

Touring Services

Patrick Michaud

Caribbean Dream Vacation Property Ltd

Vacation Property Rentals

Hannah Debra Mc Donald

Caribbean Island Limes Limited

Entertainment

Marva Paul

Cockpit VIP Lounge Inc.

Event and Entertainment Provision, management & related services

Bryan Joseph / Pierre Daher

Cost Cutters Inc.

Online Retail Store

Barrington Dolcie

Danyliw & Mann (SL) Ltd.

Property Holding

Kenna-Lyn Danyliw David Geoffrey Mann

Elle Media Ltd.

Marketing

Duane Jean Baptiste

H & A Tours

Tours, Transfers, Accommodation, Car Rental, Events

Alleyn Ross

High Rise Empire Corporation

Property Holding Company

Andie Wilkie

Island Aero Ltd

Aircraft Maintenance Services

Charles Pinnock

Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Electrons & Construction Services Ltd.

General contracting domestic commercial & industrial installations & maintenance, Generators, network cabling, and armored cable distribution.

John St. Rose

Japan Auto Connection Limited

Automobile Imports, Used Automobile Sales

Seyed A. Muhajireen Mohamed M.Sulaiman

Kairos Group Inc.

Car rental services

Maundy Lewis

KCCardioMed Inc.

Medical private practice- Internal medicine and Cardiology

Kurlene O.D. Cenac

KJ Property Management Inc.

Property development and Construction.

Karen Peter

Limers Gear Limited

Manufacturing

Marva Paul

LUX Inc.

Car Rental Retail of Auto Parts, Event Management, Richard Johnson | Hans Clarke Property Management.

Mc Mathius Ltd

Financial Consulting

Michael C. Mathius

Newtech Construction Inc.

Construction

Henderson Leo / Brenda Leo

Planet Number 9 Limited

Technology and Agricultural contracting procurement.

Craig Ferdinand Sarianna Mosodeen

RDR Limited

Property Holding Company

Dominic George Martin Hadeed Ryan Geoffery Devaux Ramon Esper George

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

102

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY

NATURE OF BUSINESS

DIRECTORS

Ridge Fire Protection WI Inc.

Fire Protection System Designs and Professional Engineering Services

Antonius Clarke / Aroi Inc. Ridge Fire Protection Inc

Sa Terre Inc.

Real Estate Holding Company

Geraldine Johnny / Ramon Rueda

TDM Sales Inc.

Import Export

Travis Ernest

Telecarib Labs

Entrepreneur Capacity Building

Christian Wayne

Tenacia Caraibe Ltd.

Health Technology Products and Services

Stephen King / Martin Didier Eugene George / Kevin Hanville

The Human Development Network Ltd.

Human Resources Development and Project Management Services

Noorani Azeez / Lindell St. Aimee

The Jus’Sail Foundation

To train kids/interested persons in water related activates.

James Crockett / Matthew Render Helen Demacque-Crockett

Tiny Sun

Property Holding

Hartington Road Ltd

Taxi Service

Werner Serge Houson Ambrode Adolph Hamish Mc-Allister Edwards

Triple Focus Inc

Restaurant and Bar

Triumph Capital Partners Ltd.

Capital and Funding Projects

Collins Sean Anthony Randolph Shaun Alcindor

United Investment Inc.

Real Estate

Francis Pierre / Linus Demar

Villa Sea Breeze Ltd.

Property holdings

Duane Jean Baptiste

WAT Holdings Ltd.

Property Holdings

Adrian Allan Theobalds

WEMEDIA GROUP INCORPORATED

Retail of Digital Technology and Equipment. Digital Advertising and Marketing Services. Social media Communication.

Pablo Marie- Joseph Rosine

West Surge Holdings

Service Station, convenient store

Andrew Jaganath / Maria Jaganath Anna Jaganath

White Nights Club Inc.

Events planning

Chantal Norville / Nerdin St. Rose Tracey Warner Arnold

Wicari Global Distribution Inc

Wholesale and retailing of clothing and souvenirs…

Antonius Clarke

Wilcom Limited

Construction & Consultancy Services

Gildnad Wilson / Damian Wilson

Wildlife Trading Company St. Lucia Limited

Gift Shop

James Ward / Linda Trudel Rhory McNamara

Yihai Commercial Company Ltd.

To operate as a casino and provide other related services.

You And US HOMES LIMITED

Construction and Development

Jueheng Su / Weihui Zhu Craig Winter / Faisal Albishir Ibrahim A. Alkhadi

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

103

BUSINESS FOCUS ADVERTISER'S INDEX

COMPANY

Advertisers Index

Page

Admac

Advertising & Marketing Services

Artisal Pastry & Catering Services

Bank of Saint Lucia

Bel Jou Hotel

Best Rates 24 Hours Car Rental

Bethels Blessing Events & Conference Centre

Billy's Cleaning Services & Supplies Ltd.

Bonne Baguette Bakery Ltd.

Box Wraps & Flowers

Budget Rent-A-Car

Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA)

Commercial Supplies Inc

Cool Breeze Car/Jeep Rentals

Dr Ramos's Medical Centre

Ernst & Young

102

FLOW

1&2

Goddard Catering Group

Grant Thornton

Hylyne Poultry Farm Ltd.

Invest Saint Lucia

Jardin des Fleurs

KP Marine St. Lucia Ltd

Ladera Resort

Lazarus Funeral Home Ltd.

MedCare

Options Inc

Peter & Company Distribution (PCD)

Photography Train

Scotiabank

SMJ Beverages

Sofia Cake Decor

Southern Sales

Trans Caribbean 2000

COVERS Automotive Art

IBC

FLOW

IFC

Harris Paints

OBC

BusinessFocus

Sep/Oct

104