The latest St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Business Performance Survey identifies the unavailability of adequate Human Resources as a major issue confronting the business community. Added to that finding is the companion revelation in that same survey, that Human Resource costs are a key factor driving increased costs facing business.
This dual challenge with human resources sends a clear message that there is need for deliberate and specific action at a number of points. Firstly, the need for Education Reform has long been sounded and it is clear that the effects are starting to come home to roost. Serious reform backed by investment from the state in curriculum and teaching aids must take place soon. When one takes into account the reported exodus of a number of trained technicians from St Lucia in recent times one should not be surprised and recognize that urgent action is not a choice but the only course of action.
The Chamber has received reports from Members that a number of the staff, originally from Guyana have been moving back home ever since the commencement of the latest "Guyana Explosion," driven by the oil boom in that South American Caribbean nation.
Added to the above element is the issue of increased migration of skilled St. Lucian workers to greener pastures in recent years. Firms have been "poaching staff" with improved packages to fill vacancies, left by their own departing staff. This has led to a cycle of firms having to increase salaries, to not only attract staff but to also retain staff and bring back staff.
It would appear that the price escalation of goods experienced in recent times has led to staff seeking higher wages to keep pace with inflation and maintain their living standards and is now being played out in the labour market.
There is clearly a need for a response from the Training Institutions and Government as well as from the business community who must now start examining their own training needs, practices and staff retention policies.
This may also be signaling that a salaries and wages survey is required and hopefully the Chamber's upcoming HR Connect conversation is well placed to facilitate this exercise!
As part of the Chamber Secretariat’s resolution to practice and promote healthier lifestyles, we extend a heartfelt invitation to our members, on behalf of the Saint Lucia Cancer Society, to support their inaugural Relay For Life, scheduled for February 4th, 2024, at the Vigie Playing Field from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Relay For Life is a powerful initiative aimed at raising funds for cancer research, providing support to patients, and increasing awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention.
Participation opportunities include forming a team of up to 15 persons to relay around the Vigie Playing Field, inviting survivors within your organisation to be part of the Opening Ceremony and the First Lap, and encouraging our general membership to participate or sponsor the event. By becoming a sponsor, your organisation will not only demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility but also align its brand with a cause that touches the lives of many. Various sponsorship tiers are available, each offering unique benefits and opportunities for brand exposure.
Relay For Life is a unique event that celebrates survivors, remembers loved ones lost, and fights back against cancer. This American Cancer Society signature event has been a beacon of hope since 1995, uniting communities, encouraging volunteerism, and raising funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families. The event promises to be a smoke-free, alcohol-in-moderation activity with a range of activities, entertainment, vendors, and food.
The Chamber Secretariat and the Saint Lucia Cancer Society invite you, the members of the St Lucia Chamber of Commerce, to join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of cancer patients and their families. For more information or to confirm your participation, please contact the Saint Lucia Cancer Society at stluciacancersociety@gmail.com or visit their website at www.stluciacancersociety.org.
Let us come together as a community to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer.