SPEECH MADE AT WOMAN 87

Saturday, 16th May, 1987

Bahamas Princess Country Club Hotel

By Joanna A. Russell-Newton

Then a ploughman said, speak to us of work. And he answers, saying:

You work that you may keep pace with the earth and the soul of the earth. Forto be idle is to become a stranger unto the seasons, and to step out of life’s procession, that marches in majesty and proud submission towards the infinite.

When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hour turns to music. Which of you would be a reed, and silent, when all else sings together in unison?

Madam session chairman, fellow speakers, ladies, gentlemen, my sisters and brothers, good morning.

When I was approached to speak and share my thoughts on Women In Enterprise, instinctively I accepted but after a while a feeling of doubt surfaced. I wondered why! Certainly not from fear or intimidation, but as time passed I recognized what created the doubt. It was sheer laziness. As I began the journey, jotting down my thoughts, I became excited.This morning I am completely exhilarated and sincerely hope that at the end of this presentation, I would have imparted, at least, a glimpse of Women In Enterprise.

Women In Enterprise are women in power. But you doubters may ask who’s got the power. My reply is that power is all around us, its often sought after and used by man, individuals and organizations. Yet it remains a mysterious phenomenon.

Power is the ability to get things done and part of its mystique is that a great deal of this ability depends purely on personal perception. As a very close associate uptly phrased it the other day, “If you think you have power, you do, and if you don’t think you have power, you don’t.” Included in this power is the importance of self-image. The image of power must be projected before it can be discerned by others.

You see, power is infinite, partly because of its relationship to perception. It is fallacious to believe there is only so much power available. Whether it be in business or in one’s personal world, it does not follow that others must have less power if one amasses more. Nor should it prevent others from continuing their own quest for more. Power comes from many sources, in many forms, and the wise person builds as large a stockpile as possible. The key to a successful use of power is understanding its limits in a given situation, combined with a willingness to take calculated risks.

Having examined power, lets focus on the word Enterprise. Enterprise, according to Funk and Wagnalls Standard Dictionary, is any project task or work, an understanding, boldness, energy, an invention in practical affairs. Don’t you see that definition in practice all around us. WOmen are energy, women are bold, women are inventors. Just look at women in the domestic, corporate, entrepreneurial and the political arena. Isn’t it mind boggling.

Our women in Enterprise are highly visible. But even though we are visible we cannot become complacent. There are still too many other trails we must blaze. It is often said that women constitute fifty-one percent (51%) of our population. Imagine the magnitude of that power. All we have to do now is demonstrate and use that power.

Isn’t it true that we are where we are today because of the legacy left us by our mothers? Then isn’t it necessary that we direct our daughters in that same direction leaving them a priceless legacy?

It is now time for us to examine the development logistics of Enterprise. Firstly, in developing the successful enterprise, one must start with the most basic item, an idea. An idea that is suitable to the environment in which you live. Think through the possibilities of being successful with your idea. Ask yourself questions. Does your idea conform to the environment? Is it too far-fetched, or common, or is it just right? Develop the idea, see if it is worth developing, be creative and different. Do not expose yourself to the extent that your idea cannot be successfully accomplished.

Secondly, complete a survey to ascertain the best location. Will the business be the only one of its kind, if not, how many other competitors are there? How best can you promote your business? What different services can you offer to attract more customers? Is the shop space adequate?

Thirdly, you must plan your financial move. You need an accountant who could effectively transpose your ideas into dollars and cents. Not only do you get a proposal but make sure that you get a three year projection. A business takes three (3) years to determine if it will survive and five (5) years before you know if it will thrive. Do you have the adequate funds or do you need financing? Provide yourself with the answers to these questions and take bold steps into the world of Enterprise.

During the preparation of the business venture of your undertaking, the image you project is very imperative. You must project an assertiveness that shows your capabilities, also that you mean to conquer what you set out to accomplish. Your will to remain with your project will certainly do better with a positive mind.

Another quality the woman needs in enterprise is to be humble. Be open with themselves and with business associates. This will innovate constructive criticism.

Determination is needed throughout your venture. You need to be determined to start your business, get through the obstacles and cultivate patience.

So you see, the path to a successful Enterprise is strewn with obstacles. But because of our stick-to-itiveness we overcome, as evidenced in the strides that have brought us to our present achievements. That is simply putting expertise to work and accomplishing the hard and difficult task of surviving in the business world. Though there are many more hindrances to overcome, the strength of the woman will hold steadfast and trudge forth to overcome those obstacles.

The Bahamian woman has oftentimes carried the weight of the community on her shoulders. The rearing of children and housekeeping added to employment and social engagements, all contribute to the tasks women are faced (with). These coupled with the prejudices against women can cause frustration to anyone striving to become active in the business world.

Yet, women of today, that is Women In Enterprise, have shown initiative with stamina, determination and vision. A major drawback to the female entrepreneur is her non acceptance by the business community. WOmen receive unfair treatment from associates. The need for male references for a married woman to make her character credible is most annoying and unacceptable. The banks and financial establishments often request the husband to vouch for the financial security of the woman, planting the feeling of inferiority. To those who do not give into inferiority feelings and press onward (towards) their goal still find that they are not respected until they are well known in the business world.

However, not all of the difficulties encountered are limited to associates in the business community. Many faults arrive from the innerselves of the woman. Lack of confidence is the strongest adversary. The lack of confidence can produce a downfall of self worth and determination and as a result make inferiority complexes more prominent. We sometimes need to be socially accepted among our peers and have their encouragement before we take our undertakings into hand. This emotional crutch hampers the injury more than heal them. That is if we do not take the initiative and do something on our own, we will always depend on friends to encourage and support us. I am not advocating that encouragement and support are wrong or unneeded, but we cannot base our growth on what our friends and peers feel are best. We must take self action and follow through.

So far we have discussed problems facing Women In Enterprise and how we may get started in Enterprise. Now I would like to leave you with a few tips on how to do well in business.

Firstly, plain old-fashioned honesty is the key to business survival. I believe you have to be very ethical. If you give people the entire picture they always almost return and do business with you despite your price factor.

Secondly, learn your customer’s needs. Talk with them or have them complete questionnaires to get to know what they want and need.

Thirdly, do something nice for them. A special welcome, a special on a purchase, discounts, or sharing in a special event.

Fourthly, control your growth. Concentrate your energy in profitable areas only.

Fifthly, control your inventory. Empty shelves kill sales. Inventory that is not turning over phase them out. Nonmoving stock is low return.

Sixthly, keep a keen eye on accounts receivable. If you are receiving payments slowly this could result in a cash crunch for you.

Seventhly, reduce your working capital (overhead).

Eighthly, watch your banker. At the sight of your banker’s hesitancy in allowing you the overdraft, you are headed on the downward path.

(In closing), futuristically I see us networking, combining our experiences and knowledge to form business giants. I see us banding together politically and offering candidates. The decade of the ninety’s could perhaps bring us a female Prime Minister?

I would like to say thank you to the organizers of Woman 87, thank you Jean for your kind invitation. Thank you for the privilege of sharing this occasion with you and may God richly bless you.

What mother’s fortitude taught us: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)

“The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.” (2 Timothy 4:22)

Our life should be such; that peace and grace should be our hope amidst any adversity.

Joanna Agatha Russell-Newton received the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) from Her Majesty the Queen in the birthday honors of 2008 and bestowed a Meritorious Council Member by The Free National Movement in 2022.

The Journey Comes Full Circle

Retired May 2017 from Prestige Perfumes (The Perfume Bar) as Manager, Joanna Agatha and her sister Cynthia spent long hours throughout the day together at Cynthia’s home.

Life was splendid and delightful.

As the months progressed, Joanna’s short term memory began to wane.

In the fall season of 2018, Joanna was diagnosed with dementia; yet Joanna’s characteristic smile and vibrant wittiness remained constant.

Life at home was also radiantly peaceful as Joanna’s daughter Caline became her primary caregiver. Joanna spent days with her sister and Caline would pick her up after work to be at home at night.

Throughout 2018 and 2019, Joanna’s faith stood firm. Her nephew Ricardo Russell would pick her up every Saturday to attend mass at Mary Star of the Sea. She looked forward to weekly mass with expectancy and joy.

Joanna started sharing her days with a weekly care companion in the morning’s from January 2019 until August 2019; and with her sister Cynthia which continued until March 2020 when The Bahamas experienced lockdowns due to the pandemic.

Over the years of retirement, it was a pleasure for Cleon and Caline to be there for whatever their mother required and desired. Joanna enjoyed their monthly outings for Sunday dinner or Saturday drives for conch salad.

THE JOURNEY SHIFTS.

On January 13th, 2022, Caline called the ambulance as it was suspected that Joanna had slipped into a comma. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance and it was confirmed that Joanna unfortunately caught COVID Pneumonia unintentionally from her current caregiver.

Life shifted forever as Joanna lost mobility and became completely bedridden. For 4 weeks, Caline and her dear friend Karen Ann Marshall nursed her daily.

Never once complaining, Joanna was grateful for her baby Caline and her dear friend Karen who took delight in serving and caring for her unendlessly. Throughout the months of 2022, Joanna personified a peace that surpassed all understanding.

Every Saturday, Ricardo would bring communion for Joanna and Caline and every Sunday, Stephana would bring Aunt Cynthia to visit. Marian and Sandra would also join in on Sundays. It was always the most enjoyable and an entertaining time.

In July 2022, Joanna looked death in the eyes as she was hospitalized non-continuously for 22 days, yet she continued to fight and displayed a faith, fearlessness and fortitude that was undeniably. Upon returning home, Joanna needed immediate nursing care. Her nursing and personal care team led by Hazel Rigby and Desiree Pinder (August 2022 - March 2023) was impeccable; enabling her to persevere through the inevitable.