by Primus Hutchinson
August 1, 1997 -
For the many who turned out at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the CARIBEES hotel on
Wednesday this week, would perhaps agree that it was the largest gathering of private
sector personnel at any event in the past few years.
They were all there anxiously awaiting the Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Hon. Dr. Kenny
Anthony, to deliver his very first address to members of the Chamber, since assuming
office two months ago.
Dr. Anthony in his usual erudite and eloquent delivery, touched on a number of issues
relating to the economy. However, he also cautioned a section of the sector who wishes to
restrict economic activity to only ST. LUCIANS.
The Prime Minister says "There is a feeling that ST. LUCIANS are afraid of
competition in any area of economic or social activity and that they would wish economic
activity in St. Lucia be restricted to St. LUCIANS only. We do not believe that this is so
and they who think this way and adopt policies and practices that restrict our development
to narrow and restricted goods and services markets, are in fact doing us a disservice and
are impeding our development. The fact that we have produced two Nobel laureates and have
many of our sons and daughters distinguishing themselves in foreign lands should be
sufficient testimony to the fact that if we can compete and succeed abroad. If that is the
case, then, surely, we should be able to compete and succeed at home where we already have
an advantage."
The Prime Minister emphasized that competition is welcome and also all investors who
intend to be good corporate citizens, respecting our laws and culture, and who can
contribute capital, skills, market access and or technology to help the country develop to
its full potential.
In revisiting government's policy on tourism, the prime minister had a clear-cut approach
on the issue of all-inclusive hotels.
The Prime Minister also invited the chamber to assist government in the preparation of a
national development plan for St. Lucia.
The Prime Minister appealed to the Chamber to consider the plight of the country at this
time and to cooperate with the government
in urgently addressing the high level unemployment here.
The prime minister says, he is looking forward to a chamber that is fully supportive of
non-economic, national and community endeavors which hopefully create a society of well
rounded, community minded and law-abiding citizens.
