It's a bitter sweet victory to feel like I'm within a hair's breath of achieving something I've been working towards for three decades: We're on the doorstep of reaching the critical mass necessary for a cathartic change in a society; and it's happening right here in Grenada, right now.
Sustainability may become our economic driver.
Leaders of Grenada's largest industry, the biggest economic contributors to the island are poised on the precipice of a decision about whether or not to embrace 'sustainability' as the cornerstone that defines who we are, what we offer to the world, and how we want to head into the future. Ironically, what Grenada decides to do at this change point in it's history could have a global impact - because what happens here can and does happen everywhere. The only real difference is that we're 100,000 people on a rock in the middle of nowhere so every little thing we do is visible and counts. And what sets us apart is that we've got the critical mass ready to embrace it.
Is a post-industrial sustainable society possible?
One thing I'm convinced of is that if it is, it's got to be led by the private sector. Without wanting to offend my public service colleagues around the world; the difference between the private sector and the public sector is an important once. The public sector tends to focus on process and the private sector tends to focus on results.
We need results and we need them fast.
Because we are small we can rise fast. But because we are small, we can fall fast too.
We're going to rise. And 20 years from now, we'll be the envy of the world over.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
The Fixer
After suffering a incredibly demanding production schedule while the crew of the hit TV series "Survivorman" were here; a beloved member of my family passed away. As a result, my blog slowed down and my work piled up!
Now that I am back in the saddle, I've got lots of positive things to talk about.
The production of 2 episodes of hit Discovery Channel series, "Survivorman" was very successful! One episode was filmed on an uninhabited island found off the south coast of Carriacou. Can't find it on a map? - don't be surprised - it's really in the middle of nowhere! The island, perched within the archipelago known as the 'Grenadines' is happily one of the few places left on earth that is still teeming with wildlife. There's an abundance of shore birds, turtles, fish and cactus there making the island an incredibly interesting place to visit. A Galapagos in the Caribbean! It's not easy to access however, with a rocky shoreline that prohibits access from most boast seaworthy enough to battle the big waves to get there. The second episode was filmed at the top of Mt. St. Catherine's and an old estate called Tufton Hall. The volcanic mountain may not have jaguars and other scary things on it, but that's part of what makes is so great - a rain forest accessible to those of us with the stamina to climb high heights without being afraid of what we'll encounter when we get there. Even though I was up at the Mt. Edgecombe Estate with the production crew; I don't know much about what's in the episodes the star, Les Stroud filmed - because unlike most reality TV shows - he actually does what he says he's doing. It's not staged - so the only people who know what's going to be in the show before it airs, are the people who edit the footage he took while he was alone in the wilderness. The crew I was with are there to get landscape shots that are edited into Les' footage. Apparently in show biz, it's called "B-Roll". :oP
Les Stroud, who is not just a survivalist and reality TV star - was captured by Grenada as he wrote the following words on his Facebook page:
Les Stroud: “Hey all – whew!!! What a whirlwind tour of Grenada! I am finally back home and getting only a quick rest before I head out to film more Survivorman. Up next?? – Survivorman and Son! ......I have to bring you on board with something: and that is that Grenada is a place you MUST visit. It is the Caribbean’s best kept secret. An unbelievably beautiful place with a lot to offer; world class diving with unique coral reef we had not seen anywhere else, world class sailing, and my favorite – an interior mountainous cloud forest that has breathtaking views of the dark green jungle. I spent my time surviving in an area called Tufton Hall – and it was outstanding. Grand Etang is not to be missed either. As well I survived on a private island off the coast a few hours – simply beautiful. My friends at the True Blue Bay Resort will set you up well for all your adventures and I sincerely hope to go back there with some down time to just enjoy what is now one of my most favorite tropical destinations. Make sure you eat at The Aquarium or Savvy’s while you are there! You guys know I would [not] steer you wrong and lead you somewhere that wasn't amazing – and Grenada – still struggling after Hurricane Ivan can use your visit to get it going again – the people are wonderful and the island is not to be missed. If I could I would get UNESCO to designate it a world heritage site tomorrow!! But for now – I just want to sit on my dock, crack open a Guinness and watch my Muskokan sunset while I think about what it is going to be like to have to survive with my son in two weeks……to be continued….L”
Now that's what I call a rave review!
....but my work here is not yet done. Not while our unemployment rate is over 30% poverty rate near 50% and our precious environment hanging the balance. My next project is to assist the Grenada Chocolate Factory. I've volunteered my time to help them develop a funding proposal that will facilitate "Change Management" (among other things) to ensure that this wonderful thing Mott Green created does not die with him. For more about Mott Green and the Grenada Chocolate Factory, see my posts for May and June 2013.
Now that I am back in the saddle, I've got lots of positive things to talk about.
The production of 2 episodes of hit Discovery Channel series, "Survivorman" was very successful! One episode was filmed on an uninhabited island found off the south coast of Carriacou. Can't find it on a map? - don't be surprised - it's really in the middle of nowhere! The island, perched within the archipelago known as the 'Grenadines' is happily one of the few places left on earth that is still teeming with wildlife. There's an abundance of shore birds, turtles, fish and cactus there making the island an incredibly interesting place to visit. A Galapagos in the Caribbean! It's not easy to access however, with a rocky shoreline that prohibits access from most boast seaworthy enough to battle the big waves to get there. The second episode was filmed at the top of Mt. St. Catherine's and an old estate called Tufton Hall. The volcanic mountain may not have jaguars and other scary things on it, but that's part of what makes is so great - a rain forest accessible to those of us with the stamina to climb high heights without being afraid of what we'll encounter when we get there. Even though I was up at the Mt. Edgecombe Estate with the production crew; I don't know much about what's in the episodes the star, Les Stroud filmed - because unlike most reality TV shows - he actually does what he says he's doing. It's not staged - so the only people who know what's going to be in the show before it airs, are the people who edit the footage he took while he was alone in the wilderness. The crew I was with are there to get landscape shots that are edited into Les' footage. Apparently in show biz, it's called "B-Roll". :oP
Les Stroud, who is not just a survivalist and reality TV star - was captured by Grenada as he wrote the following words on his Facebook page:
Les Stroud: “Hey all – whew!!! What a whirlwind tour of Grenada! I am finally back home and getting only a quick rest before I head out to film more Survivorman. Up next?? – Survivorman and Son! ......I have to bring you on board with something: and that is that Grenada is a place you MUST visit. It is the Caribbean’s best kept secret. An unbelievably beautiful place with a lot to offer; world class diving with unique coral reef we had not seen anywhere else, world class sailing, and my favorite – an interior mountainous cloud forest that has breathtaking views of the dark green jungle. I spent my time surviving in an area called Tufton Hall – and it was outstanding. Grand Etang is not to be missed either. As well I survived on a private island off the coast a few hours – simply beautiful. My friends at the True Blue Bay Resort will set you up well for all your adventures and I sincerely hope to go back there with some down time to just enjoy what is now one of my most favorite tropical destinations. Make sure you eat at The Aquarium or Savvy’s while you are there! You guys know I would [not] steer you wrong and lead you somewhere that wasn't amazing – and Grenada – still struggling after Hurricane Ivan can use your visit to get it going again – the people are wonderful and the island is not to be missed. If I could I would get UNESCO to designate it a world heritage site tomorrow!! But for now – I just want to sit on my dock, crack open a Guinness and watch my Muskokan sunset while I think about what it is going to be like to have to survive with my son in two weeks……to be continued….L”
Now that's what I call a rave review!
....but my work here is not yet done. Not while our unemployment rate is over 30% poverty rate near 50% and our precious environment hanging the balance. My next project is to assist the Grenada Chocolate Factory. I've volunteered my time to help them develop a funding proposal that will facilitate "Change Management" (among other things) to ensure that this wonderful thing Mott Green created does not die with him. For more about Mott Green and the Grenada Chocolate Factory, see my posts for May and June 2013.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Surviving "Survivorman" :o)
After publishing the Economic Recovery Plan for Grenada's Hotel Sector, I felt compelled to offer more than a paper with a to-do list for the sector's survival - so I sought to solve the one of three of the #1 problems identified in my report: Marketing.
Grenada's got a GREAT tourism product, but not enough resources to bring that product to 'market'. How many people know how special Grenada is? That our underwater park was listed as one of the wonders of the world, alongside Victoria Falls and so on? Or that National Geographic rated Grenada as one of the top ten places in the world to visit?
Answer: Not enough.
So.....making a long story short, with the blessings of Grenada's Tourism Minister, I approached the Survivorman production crew to come to Grenada....and now they're here! I'm working as a support for them for all the on-the-ground logistics which, I've discovered is what a "Fixer" does. Sweet! Fits me like an old shirt.
In the middle of it all right now - feels like full time madness right now - but of the greatest kind!
Why?
Because I firmly believe that the people who like Survivorman, are the kind of people who will appreciate the unspoiled characteristics Grenada has to offer. I also believe that profiling Grenada this way (rather than through traditional marketing) builds a stronger relationship with Grenada's potential market - the kind of relationship that will bring quality visitors to our shores, because we don't want to be a mass tourism destination.
Below is a video of how Les Stroud's adventure began just a couple of days ago. Naturally, his problems were over once he stepped his foot on Grenada's soil **wink**
Grenada's got a GREAT tourism product, but not enough resources to bring that product to 'market'. How many people know how special Grenada is? That our underwater park was listed as one of the wonders of the world, alongside Victoria Falls and so on? Or that National Geographic rated Grenada as one of the top ten places in the world to visit?
Answer: Not enough.
So.....making a long story short, with the blessings of Grenada's Tourism Minister, I approached the Survivorman production crew to come to Grenada....and now they're here! I'm working as a support for them for all the on-the-ground logistics which, I've discovered is what a "Fixer" does. Sweet! Fits me like an old shirt.
In the middle of it all right now - feels like full time madness right now - but of the greatest kind!
Why?
Because I firmly believe that the people who like Survivorman, are the kind of people who will appreciate the unspoiled characteristics Grenada has to offer. I also believe that profiling Grenada this way (rather than through traditional marketing) builds a stronger relationship with Grenada's potential market - the kind of relationship that will bring quality visitors to our shores, because we don't want to be a mass tourism destination.
Below is a video of how Les Stroud's adventure began just a couple of days ago. Naturally, his problems were over once he stepped his foot on Grenada's soil **wink**
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Grenada Mourns as Chocolate Factory Founder Dies
In a small island culture like Grenada, very few foreigners successfully integrate with the village tapestry and become an integral part of lives joined by centuries of family ties, village history, and stories shared from the cradle to the grave. But Mott did that and more. He became 'one of us'; he inspired us; and there could be no one more deserving of a state funeral than he. I hope he gets one. Though Mott would probably say that would not be something he'd want to partake in (dead or alive).
Mott built more than a chocolate factory. He built a movement that demonstrated that fair trade was more than a logo, that sustainability was more than marketing (solar powered production), and he even showed us all that carbon-free shipping (as was done in the days of yonder) is not only profitable, it's uber-cool.
The video below says it all, posted on Mott's blog this week.
Rest in Peace Mott - because you did it all right - your inspiration will live on!
Mott built more than a chocolate factory. He built a movement that demonstrated that fair trade was more than a logo, that sustainability was more than marketing (solar powered production), and he even showed us all that carbon-free shipping (as was done in the days of yonder) is not only profitable, it's uber-cool.
The video below says it all, posted on Mott's blog this week.
Rest in Peace Mott - because you did it all right - your inspiration will live on!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
True Blue Bay Resort Ranked #3 in Caribbean Best Small Hotels
Boutique hotels are all the craze now: A logical shift in a tourism market with increasingly 'experienced' travelers, confident enough to branch out from the all-inclusive holiday packages. As a result, boutique hotels are popping up everywhere, and the competition is fierce.
Grenadian hoteliers Russ and Magdalena Fielden are delighted to learn that their hotel was selected, and ranked #3 in the top ten Best Small Hotels of the Caribbean list published by Caribbean Journal. Added to their 2012 certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor, it shows they're on the right track. Following the publication of this accolade, the first thing the owners did was pass the compliment on to their employees, encouraging them to keep up the good work - which isn't a surprise since of the reasons the hotel was selected was, according to Caribbean Journal because, "The owners just know how to run a hotel - in the hands of others, it probably wouldn't be the same".
The article can be seen here:
http://www.caribjournal.com/2013/05/15/the-caribbeans-best-small-hotels-2013/3/
Grenadian hoteliers Russ and Magdalena Fielden are delighted to learn that their hotel was selected, and ranked #3 in the top ten Best Small Hotels of the Caribbean list published by Caribbean Journal. Added to their 2012 certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor, it shows they're on the right track. Following the publication of this accolade, the first thing the owners did was pass the compliment on to their employees, encouraging them to keep up the good work - which isn't a surprise since of the reasons the hotel was selected was, according to Caribbean Journal because, "The owners just know how to run a hotel - in the hands of others, it probably wouldn't be the same".
The article can be seen here:
http://www.caribjournal.com/2013/05/15/the-caribbeans-best-small-hotels-2013/3/
Friday, May 10, 2013
GHTA Hosts "Farm to Table" Cocktail Event at the Calabash Hotel
The Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association will be holding a social cocktail event at the Bash Bar by Mark B, Calabash Hotel 6 – 7.30 pm on Friday 10 May 2013. The theme of the event will be Farm-to-Table Tourism and is expected to show the linkage between Tourism and Agriculture.
The Prime Minister, Ministers of Government, farmers and persons in the fishing industry have been invited and have been asked to say a few words re the importance of the synergies between agriculture and tourism using statistics or ongoing success stories to highlight their points. They have also been invited to indicate any initiative or opportunities that will/could be undertaken to improve the linkages between agriculture and tourism, increase production of quality produce, or increase demand.
Executive Chef, Mark Banthorpe will speak on things unique about the fruits and vegetables, fish and meats produced in Grenada and the amount of local produce purchased directly from farmers and fishermen.
Tickets to the event are available for purchase by members at the GHTA office at a cost of EC $40. Please note that tickets must be paid for upon collection at the office and only persons with tickets will be allowed into the event.
The Prime Minister, Ministers of Government, farmers and persons in the fishing industry have been invited and have been asked to say a few words re the importance of the synergies between agriculture and tourism using statistics or ongoing success stories to highlight their points. They have also been invited to indicate any initiative or opportunities that will/could be undertaken to improve the linkages between agriculture and tourism, increase production of quality produce, or increase demand.
Executive Chef, Mark Banthorpe will speak on things unique about the fruits and vegetables, fish and meats produced in Grenada and the amount of local produce purchased directly from farmers and fishermen.
Tickets to the event are available for purchase by members at the GHTA office at a cost of EC $40. Please note that tickets must be paid for upon collection at the office and only persons with tickets will be allowed into the event.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association Thanks Ethical Ideas
GHTA Newsletter, May 2013 - "The Economic Recovery Plan, for which the GHTA received funding from the Government of Canada, was completed at the end of March. A copy was handed over to the Prime Minister at his first quarterly meeting with the Grenada Private Sector Organization in April. Copies have also been handed to the Minister of Tourism and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism. Electronic copies have been e-mailed to members and will be posted on the members section of the Association’s Corporate Website.
The GHTA is grateful to the Government of Canada who funding made this document possible and to consultant Jennifer Alexis of Ethical Ideas for the hard work she put into completing the document in a very limited time frame.
The document will be used as a core communications tool with Government, stakeholders, and agencies, which would harmonize the efforts of all stake holders approaches to economic recovery in Grenada, in an informed and focused way".
The GHTA is grateful to the Government of Canada who funding made this document possible and to consultant Jennifer Alexis of Ethical Ideas for the hard work she put into completing the document in a very limited time frame.
The document will be used as a core communications tool with Government, stakeholders, and agencies, which would harmonize the efforts of all stake holders approaches to economic recovery in Grenada, in an informed and focused way".
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