Basil Springer Column

“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”- Hebrews 10:36 Mia Mottley, now in her second term as Prime Minister of Barbados, has overseen the nation’s economic recovery following a 10-year monotonic decline. This decline was furthered by …

A Column by Basil Springer (January 10, 2025) “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” – 2 Corinthians 8:21 Over the last two weeks, we have explored the global concept of Smart Partnerships and their potential to …

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 In my last column, I posed the question: “Will Smart Partnerships thrive in 2025?” I highlighted the Commonwealth Partnership for Technology Management (CPTM) and public-private alliances in Barbados as strong examples of successful collaborations. Just last week, a CPTM board member confidently assured me …

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 In personal as well as national growth and development, partnerships can play an important role in many ways, including improving quality of life, combining skills and resources, cultural interaction, human resource development, international travel, accessing new opportunities, driving innovation, sharing risk, increasing customer satisfaction, …

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23: 1-3 The United Nations (UN) Global Conference on the Sustainable Development …

“And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.’” – Mark 16:15 The upcoming ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled for June 1-29, 2024, transcends mere sporting competition. It stands as a pivotal global event fostering international dialogue, cultural exchanges, and broadening economic opportunities, including significant …

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 The unique variety of sea island cotton, known scientifically as Gossypium Barbadense, thrives in Barbados’ favorable climate and soil conditions. This cotton is …

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3 I have often found that health care provides rich metaphors and strategies for seeking solutions to business problems. The medical journey – from the initial doctor/patient consultations and tests to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery – parallels the steps we …

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5 As a director of a commercial bank and various organizations across the public and private sectors, I have navigated the complexities of financial statements, witnessing the highs and lows that shape our regional enterprises. The income statement …

“For with God nothing is impossible.” – Luke 1:37 Attorney Ralph Thorne, a Barbados Labour Party (BLP) member, became a member of parliament in the party’s sweeping victories in the 2018 and 2022 general elections under Mia Mottley’s leadership. These elections were historic as the BLP secured all 30 parliamentary seats, leaving the Democratic Labour …

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” – Romans 12:2 Caribbean tourism, with its potential to be a pervasive cornerstone for sustainable socioeconomic development, has undergone significant changes over the past six decades. Initially catering to leisure seekers …

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” – Psalm 19:7 In our businesses, we routinely engage accountants to compile financial statements, including balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements, for management accounting and revenue authority filing purposes. Now, let’s shift our …

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18 During the 1970s, a Barbadian friend, now a leading Caribbean hotel entrepreneur, stayed at our home in Trinidad and was impressed by our sweet, seedless local Valencia oranges. After purchasing a few dozen and obtaining the necessary phytosanitary certificates, he returned to Barbados. Soon …

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” – Proverbs 3:27 In my previous column on November 5, 2023, I shared how a wave of nostalgia swept over me, transporting me back to the inaugural event of the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) on Sustainable Tourism symposium …

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.” – John 15:12 In my column “Journey to wellness: balancing mind, body and relationships,” dated January 14, 2024, I underscored the importance of cherishing relationships. Soon after, however, I found myself grappling with a sense of loss over a relationship …

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5 As we journey through 2024, riding the waves toward spiritual and personal well-being, we must anchor our New Year’s resolutions in sound financial management. Before January ends, let’s commit to mastering the art of balancing our books …

“He gives me new strength. He leads me on paths that are right for the good of His name. Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because You are with me. Your rod and Your shepherd’s staff comfort me.” – Psalm 23:3-4 In last week’s column, I shared …

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8 As another year dawned in the Caribbean last week, I reflected on my New Year’s resolutions in my …

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 Shortly before I moved to Trinidad 10 years ago, I was invited by a colleague to attend a seminar coordinated by a Barbadian life coach who …

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to whom his favour rests.” – Luke 2:14 As I reflect on the Christmas season, I am drawn to the multifaceted beauty of this festive period, especially within the vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture. Celebrating Christmas begins with acknowledging its core – the birth …

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19 One of the inescapable features of the Information Age is the speed with which news travels the world. We no longer have to wait for that morse code message …

“All of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” – 1 Peter 3:8 I last wrote about teamwork in this column in July 2014 in “Camaraderie Fuels Teamwork” and in October 2019 in “Camaraderie Fuels Teamwork Revisited.” My reflection on those occasions revealed that teamwork …

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26 Here is a reflection of my last fortnight of experiences. Thanksgiving is a heartwarming affair. Family reunions are the cornerstone of …

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” – Deuteronomy 8:18 Last week we reflected on the HIGS workshop methodology for generating business ideas for marketing, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and MSMEs. …

“My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.” – Psalm 49:3 My last column concluded that the Caribbean could emerge as a global leader in sustainable tourism with appropriate training interventions. I am going to examine the action and impact of two training interventions in greater detail. …

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 Tourism is a business, and its success depends on the expert management of its business systems (ManOBiz), which encompass Ideation, Security, Marketing, Operations and Human Resource Development (HRD). Holistic formal and …

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” – Proverbs 29:18 This week a wave of nostalgia enveloped me, transporting me back to 2001 and the inaugural Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) on Sustainable Development symposium in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The genesis of this international event, to …

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” – Proverbs 10:4 In our last column, we envisioned that sustainable development, ensuring that we meet the needs of today without jeopardizing the prospects of future generations, is the beacon which leads the way and that enterprise development is the path we must tread towards …

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.” – 1 Timothy 6:17 As I pondered over this scripture in the Book of Timothy, it struck me how relevant …

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11 As I sit down to pen this column at the age of 82, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the journey that life has taken me on. It’s a journey marked by twists and …

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3 As I sit here, reflecting on my journey in the world of indigenous business consulting in the Caribbean, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. It’s been quite a ride, one that began way back in …

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12 The key to sustained economic progress in small states hinges on the dynamism and foresight of their corporate and public sectors. Two …

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14 In today’s world, a content creator is someone who creates relevant material to be distributed primarily through digital media …

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40 In the intricate world of business, the dynamics of economic growth is no longer a one-dimensional affair. Small states, in particular, face unique challenges and opportunities in fostering a harmonious partnership between the public and private sectors. The pivotal link …

“And the Lord answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will …

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” – Matthew 5:6 As the Caribbean charts its course through the choppy waters of economic development, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley has set a lofty goal: to achieve first world status for the nation by 2030. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable …

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 In the realm of crisis management, experience is often the most effective teacher, as I recently found myself entangled in a travel debacle that spanned from Trinidad to destination Dallas via Miami. I was reminded of the valuable lessons that …

“Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.” – Deuteronomy 4:9 I have recently been reflecting …

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 As the sun sets on the azure waters of the Caribbean, it casts a shadow of anticipation over the future of West Indies …

“However, ruined and devastated things may appear to be, God can rebuild, restore and renew.” – Isaiah 61:4 Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley recently inspired hope and excitement across the region for the revival of West Indies (WI) cricket during the 22nd Annual Frank Worrell Memorial Lecture. She challenged Cricket West Indies (CWI) to …

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37: 4 Walking around Nelson Mandela Park in Port of Spain, as is our wont in the early post-dawn morning hours, my partner Judy and I not only engage in important regular physical exercise and verbally ventilate issues …

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26 As I review my journey through life which began in 1941, I benefited from many blessings which laid the foundation and …

“It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” – Luke 13:19 Even though the business world is replete with successful business ventures, it is useful to remember that these businesses …

“The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind.” – Psalms 115:16 The third column in this three-part “Taxation and Caribbean Tourism” series concludes with a two-part proposal to (1) optimize our tourism taxation strategy to maximize total tourism spend and; (2) couple it with effective public relations tactics …

“The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind.” – Psalms 115:16 In my previous column, we delved into the detrimental impact of taxation on Caribbean tourism growth, examining two specific examples. We explored the tax on intra-Caribbean airline travel, which results in higher ticket prices that stifle demand …

The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind.” – Psalms 115:16 This week I pause to reflect on the 30-year uninterrupted history of this weekly column. I have been able to sustain this journey thanks to the positive engagement and feedback from global readers over the years and …

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” – Proverbs 16:3 The U.S. National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments, in its report on “Demand-driven Education: Merging Work and Learning to Develop the Human Skills that Matter”, …

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” – Psalm 18:28 In my column of April 6, 2015, entitled “Illuminate our minds”, I concluded “Let us encourage new ideas and may peace wash over us as our paths become clear. May we be guided by the light of God as …

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 As I go about my day-to-day activities, I am constantly reminded …

“A component of stewardship, and getting serious about finances, is managing money wisely so that we can invest in the future of our children. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” – Proverbs 13:22 Investing in our youth is an investment in the future of our nations, it is analogous to how …

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law”. – Galatians 5:22-23 As I get older, the frequency of deaths increases and regrettably the deceased are often younger than I am. I recall a year ago that the death of a friend …

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12. The family is widely recognized as the fundamental building block of society. As I contemplate my own family, considering our lineage, life experiences, and the legacy we leave behind, …