Vol. 05 Issue. 4 November, 2016 Edition
Small Business ASSOCIATION
Building Networks; Creating Wealth 50 Years of Independence – Cause for Celebration or Pause for Evaluation? As the nation of Barbados attained the commendable achievement of 50 years as a sovereign state, the time is ripe for a discussion on the future development of our economy and society, to ensure we can position our nation to continue as a truly independent country. This has become imperative in light of the decline in key matrices that are used to measure a country’s development. These include the Human Development Index, the Global Competitiveness Report, Ease of Doing Business Report, to name a few, all of which show that Barbados has been in decline in recent years. This is further compounded by deterioration in social factors such as the growing number of persons living below the poverty line, an obvious increase in gun-related crime and the drug trade, and a growing sense of hopelessness among the citizenry, particularly the youth. A country once celebrated as “punching above its weight” and the envy of the Caribbean seemed to be in a race by itself, to the bottom of the development ladder, as regional economies are rebounding following the global crisis of 2008. There is need therefore to have an urgent discussion on these issues. Yet our civil society practitioners, business leaders, academia and particularly the
legislators seem reluctant to have this dialogue. It is because we have become so polarised that any critique of national development issues is often painted with the proverbial political brush? Unfortunately we do not have the luxury of pride, since this country we all love and which has been good to us, is facing the most severe development challenge in its five decades of sovereignty. The pervasive sense of fear hovering over our nation must be disbanded if we are to move forward as a people. While we celebrate our Independence, let us also evaluate. The vision of being “friends of all and satellites of none” coupled with our commitment to social democracy and creativity demands a rethink of our governance model. Economic prosperity through a diversification of the economy and the enfranchisement of the masses should be a revisited model for the future. Governance by the people, for the people, ought to be considered as we adopt an approach of empowering the citizens to participate fully in their country’s development. After all, those in power are hardly ever the only innovators that provide structural change or lasting solutions for sustained development. Our evaluation requires that the voice of citizens, civil
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society, academia and business be heard and to be embraced as a source of critical and innovative thinking. Engaging the masses and allowing them to freely contribute must be an integral part of the next dispensation of development, since breaking away from our mother country some 50 years ago should have transformed us to be free. We cannot educate our people and not expect them to have a contribution to make to our development. Impeding freedom of critical thought, of innovation, of dialogue and becoming self-centred and introverted as a small dependant nation, is tantamount to regression and worse, instability. Politicians or political parties that sit on the levers of power for extended periods of time often become complacent, losing their ability for flexible and innovative strategic thinking. These key players must be change agents in this vision for a better Barbados, and must be infused with fresh blood and strategic planners. The Holy Scriptures requires that “he who has ears to hear let him hear”. In being loyal sons and daughters all we must of necessity get up and change our course. Let us encourage celebration of our Independence, but more so let us pause to evaluate where we are and where we need to be. There is hope on the road ahead.
Small Business Association of Barbados Suite 101 Building 4 Harbour Industrial Estate Bridgetown, Barbados
Phone: 1(246) 228-0162 Fax: (246) 228-0613 Email: theoffice@sba.bb Website: www.sba.bb
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Vol. 05 Issue. 4 November, 2016 Edition
Celebrating our Small Business Stalwarts development. These nation builders understood the need for enabling legislation, accessible financing, and appropriate technical support to facilitate MSMEs’ role in the national development process.
Recipients of Special Independence Awards conferred upon outstanding Small Business Association members.
A key component of the SBA’s 23rd Annual General Meeting was the celebration of several stalwarts through the presentation of a number of Independence Awards. The recognition of key contributors to the SBA’s development in particular and the small business sector in general, formed part of the Association’s commemoration of Barbados’ 50th year of Independence. The men and women who received the Independence accolades have all worked tirelessly and fearlessly during the past five decades to position the small business sector as a significant contributor to economic and social
The special Independence Awards were conferred upon recipients as follows: Longstanding Members - Golden Sands Hotel, Exstrawdinary, The Travel House, Clemo Electrical Services and Southern Rentals. Leadership Awards were presented to Senator John Watson - Founding President, Wendell Clarke, Sandra Husbands and Wendell Kellman Outstanding Entrepreneur Mohammed Nassar, Rawle Brancker, Ram Mirchandani and James Husbands. Ministry Partnership Award was presented to the Ministry of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development.
The records reflect that on account of their contribution, the small business sector has seen the introduction of a Small Business Development Act, seed funding at concessionary rates, the introduction of venture capital, training in entrepreneurial development, guarantee schemes and an embracing attitude by policymakers, academics, the donor community and the general public to MSME develop. The small business ecosystem has been strengthened due in no small way to the foundational work of these stalwarts.
Meet our new President The Small Business Association has a new president. He is Mr Dean Straker, Managing Director of Barbados Industries Ltd. The Association welcomed the new leader at the recently concluded Annual General Meeting. In thanking the outgoing present, Dalton Medford, Mr Straker commended the work done by the previous leadership team and signalled his intension of building on the record of the past presidents and executive. Mr Straker underscored that the SBA had an enviable history and had made its mark on the small business landscape in bringing to the fore the valuable contribution made by MSMEs. A number of achievements have been realised in both policy and programming on account of effective lobbying
continue in this vein and to make the Association top-of-mind for the average citizen. He also agreed that funding remained an issue for the sector and signalled his commitment to work with the secretariat to put solutions in place to address this.
The new President of the Small Business Association 2016 - 2018, Mr Dean Straker, Managing Director of Barbados Industries Ltd.
throughout the years and the aggressive implementation of key projects. The new president highlighted his desire to
The full composition of the Board for 2016 – 2017 is as follows: President – Mr Dean Straker Vice President – Ms Gail HeadleyLowe Secretary – Mr Charles Carter Treasurer – Mr Adlai Stevenson Assistant Secretary/Treasurer – Mr Jefferson Kirton Directors – Ms Donna Hope, Ms Glendine Greaves
Members Grow with the SBA Fourteen firms recently joined the membership of the Small Business Association representing five (5) sectoral groups. The new members participated in an orientation session, intended to familiarise them with the association’s guiding principles, its vision and mission, product offerings and strategic plan for the ensuing period.
The SBA attributes the growth in new membership to the desire by start-us and existing firms to build partnerships and seek out economies of scale as the current business environment calls for innovative ways to do business. Businesses across most industries and sectors are seeking to identify ways to increase sales, to find niche areas, and improve competiveness.
Vol. 05 Issue. 4 November, 2016 Edition
With the vision of being the national organisation of choice for business and entrepreneurial development, the SBA has sought to offer relevant solutions to firms to strengthen their capacity, increase market share and maintain viability. The monthly additions to the membership-fold are testimony to the positive impact these strategies are
having in the marketplace. The joining members represent 132 employees or five persons per business, and can be found in manufacturing, professional services, general services, ICT, the creative industries and tourism-related services.
Portia Doyle of Spa Essentials receiving her Orientation portfolio from CEO, Ms Lynette Holder
Sites to Behold One of the activities organised by the Small Business Association to commemorate this year’s Independence was a scenic tour around the island on an old Rocklyn Bus.
The cave at Mile & A Quarter in St Peter, the secret worshipping ground of 17th Century Catholics in Barbados
Though the SBA has held several bus tours in the recent past, this year’s event was particularly significant as the itinerary included visits to a number of sites with historic importance, which have influenced the political, economic and social life of modern Barbados. The bus tour also held relevance to the
Association and its partners since this year of Independence represents an opportunity to put into perspective the level of advancement achieved by the country over the past 50 years. The old adage therefore becomes more relevant, ‘in order to determine one’s future, it is necessary to have an understanding of the past’. Places of historic significance visited included, the Cubana monument along the West Coast, the St. James Parish Church, Barbados’ second largest town Speightstown, the ‘cave’ at Mile and a Quarter, Cherry Tree Hill, Morgan Lewis Windmill, the old train tracks in Bathsheba which once connected Bridgetown to the East Cost, Martin’s Bay Tavern and the Gun-Hill Signal Station. Of particular significance to the team was a village in St Andrew approximately 850 ft. above sea level and home to one of the most picturesque views, often enjoyed by tourists and unknown to many residents.
Equally noteworthy was the Signal Station in St George, where the popular lion statue was located, referred to as the ‘Lion at Gun-Hill’, which was carved out of a single piece of rock in 1868 by an officer at the Station. These segments on the tour confirmed the need for more Barbadians to reflect on the great treasures bequeathed to the country and to do all required to maintain the ecological and natural traits of these fields and hills, which are our very own.
The Rocklyn Bus of yesteryear
Members’ Spotlight
In 1990, Clemco Electrical Services was formed, operating as a sole proprietorship, then later incorporated in 1992. But what’s in the name Clemco? As you may imagine, it is Clement and Company. The company started with one employee and the owner, Hayden Clement, and we are now very proud to have a compliment of twenty-five staff. Our core business is carrying out electrical installations on residential, commercial, and industrial enterprises. We have undertaken diverse
projects from the average house to the larger commercial installations, e.g. Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination at UWI Cavehill Campus, McEnearney Quality Inc in Wildey St. Michael and the Inter-American Development Bank Offices. Clemco Electrical Services can also boast of having a fully outfitted maintenance division, equipped with two service vehicles, with the capacity to service the needs of clients with very small maintenance requirements. We have also focused on internal and online training for our employees to
The Travel House Inc. commenced operations in 1984 and is rated among the leading travel agencies in Barbados. It has been the recipient of several Industry and Community Awards and continues to be the household name for escorted tours using all modes of travel.
remain firmly on the cutting edge of changes taking place in the industry. We also retail to the public through our other associated company Allphase Electrical Supplies Inc. Over the years Clemco Electrical Services Inc. has always remained true to our motto: “Always strive to give the very best and most reliable service on every occasion.” For more information, or to request a quote, we can be contacted at “Cedars” Fontabelle in St Michael, via email at clemco@caribsurf.com and via phone at 436-7344.
The early successes have continued to inspire our experienced and loyal staff. In addition, the enhancement of skills and knowledge of our personnel by on-going training and development has resulted in our company’s sustained growth in both the Corporate and Personal Sectors.
Vol. 05 Issue. 4 November, 2016 Edition
To further entrench ourselves in the regional market, we have embraced technology to satisfy the needs of regional and international entities headquartered here, without establishing a physical presence in each territory. A proud longstanding member of the Small Business Association, we at The Travel House continue to recognize the invaluable work of this beacon of a national institution. Among our wide range of travel and tour services are
Accommodation, Car Hire and Ground Transfers; Individual Cruises & Land Packages; Tours/Cruise specifically arranged for small groups and families, Travel Insurance and Emergency After Hours Service. To view our full array of services, visit our website at www.travelhouse-bgi.com or at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall in St. Michael. We can also be reached at 429-8850 or via email at info@travelhouse-bgi.com.
Located in Fairholme Gardens, Maxwell in Christ Church, Southern Rentals Ltd. offers a wide range of quality vehicles for hire to meet your every need and budget.
Looking to hire a vehicle for your convenience or for touring the island? Then making your reservation with us is the first step towards a wonderful experience. To quote one of our loyal customers, "the service is excellent, the staff are well trained and always eager to assist, they really put you in a holiday mood".
Available are automatic air-conditioned vehicles that range from small budget cars such as the Suzuki Swift that is compact yet ideal for a family of 4, to our fully loaded luxury SUVs, such as the Grand Vitara with the off road capabilities that are the perfect for exploring the island in comfort and style. Also offered are the mid-sized range of vehicles that include 2-door small soft-top and hard-top jeeps, equipped with off-road capabilities that can comfortably
seat a family of 4. Vans and Wagons are available for your family or group and can seat up to 7 or 8 persons in comfort. Free delivery and pick up is offered when requested and road maps are complimentary. Take advantage of our all-year special offer of a 10% discount on all internet bookings! Contact us at 428-7013, email us at reservations@southernrentalsbarbados.com,
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Shop & Save this
Yuletide Season! Present your SMART Card to participating businesses at every purchase to receive discounts and special offers.
25% discount year round-offer Golden Sands Hotel, Maxwell Main Road, Ch. Ch. Tel: 428-8051 Email: vacations@goldensandshotel.com Website: www.goldensandshotel.com
E M S Be
T R A SM
The Be SME SMART campaign features a Discount Programme which includes a SMART Card designed to benefit you and participating businesses alike.
DISCOUNT PROGRAMME
Businesses are encouraged to sign up to be a part of the Be SME SMART Discount Programme to encourage consumers to patronise their business.
For more details and to sign up for your card today visit: www.sba.bb/marketplace
5% discount on hair services Top Floor, Lanterns Mall, Christ Church Tel: 622-1674/ 622-1675 Email: scarlettbycarloslincoln@gmail.com
10% Discount on the retail price of windows, doors and fencing #1 St Lucy Industrial Estate Nesfield, St Lucy Tel: 439-7727 or 439-8283 Email: sales@meridiancaribbean.com Website: www.meridiancaribbean.com