Basil Springer Column

  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” – Philippians 4:13 While it is true that the majority of my writing over the past 31 plus years has been related to systems development, entrepreneurship, management consulting, the business of business, and occasionally, personal or family matters, the topic of West Indies cricket …

  “Provide for your family by using your God-given gifts.” – 1 Peter 4:10 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade invited me to attend a church service with the Diaspora at St. James Parish Church on Sunday, October 27. I was initially surprised at the invitation but later gleaned that it stemmed from …

  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” – Philippians 4:13 Continuing my reflections on cricket and its role in my life, I now turn to how my focus shifted from on-field exploits to my academic and professional pursuits as I entered the world of work. When I returned to the Caribbean …

  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13 In my last column, I shared how my love affair with cricket began in Barbados. That passion traveled with me when I won a scholarship in September 1960 to attend the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Jamaica. While my …

  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” – Philippians 4:13 Last week, I had the privilege of meeting for the final time as a Director of the Graham Gooding Trust Fund with fellow retirees and Directors Professor Sean Carrington of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus and …

  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16 In retirement, many seek to fill our days with meaning, purpose, and connections. Having led productive lives, we finally have the time to give back in new ways. This gift of time …

“Count your blessings; be better at counting your blessings than you are at numbering your complaints” – Psalm 66 Transitioning from a vibrant Trinidadian lifestyle to the more serene rhythms of living in Barbados has come with its share of contrasts. It’s been a journey marked by both ease and struggle, and though some days …

   “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18  Last week, I concluded, “Let us all recognize the Barbados Enterprise Ecosystem as a powerful option for …

  “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom, you made them all; the Earth is full of your creatures.” – Psalm 104:24 What a privilege it is to return to the rock, my beloved Barbados, and bask in the beauty surrounding me during this cherished phase of my life. After years of wandering the …

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13   In addition to the awe and wonder of human athletic performance at its peak that is displayed in sporting competitions, it’s also fascinating to witness the trajectory of dynamic niche games in the world’s sporting arena. Take road tennis, …

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5 Enterprise development holds the promise of propelling small island developing states (SIDS) to new economic heights. The Caribbean, in particular, stands poised to take full advantage of this opportunity by nurturing homegrown businesses and …

  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8 I remember when I was 18 years old, we were living in Trinidad at the …

“As you go, step by step, I will open up the way before you.” – Proverbs 4:12 More than two weeks have passed since we began transitioning from Trinidad to Barbados. As octogenarians, we have weathered many storms with resilience in mind, body and soul. We would be ungrateful if we said that the transition …

    “God has determined the periods and the boundaries of our dwelling places. Wherever you are in the moving process, let it be an opportunity to seek the Lord. Remember that he is actually not far from each one of us.” – Acts 17:26–27   During the past 11 years living in Trinidad, we …

  “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  I have experienced “Returning Home” twice in my life. I first left Barbados in 1960 at age 19 to pursue higher education …

  “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work, we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive. ” – Acts 20:35 My Rotary journey began in Barbados in September 1986, marking the start of a …

  “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” – Psalm 40:3 Sixteen years ago, as a pensioner, I was on a roll pursuing my passion for enterprise development in the small island states of …

  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink” – Matthew 6:25   Over the years, I have noticed a shift in my relationship with food. It has evolved from merely fueling my body for a busy workday to indulging in a sensory …

  “Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel.” – Proverbs 24:6 I have witnessed the ebb and flow of fortunes in various sectors, but nowhere is the contrast between past glory and present struggles starker than in West Indies cricket. The once-mighty giants, who ruled the …

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” – Romans 12:1-2 The one thing that is constant in life is change. I have witnessed firsthand the ebb and flow of fortunes in our region. From enterprise development to political parties, churches and faith-based institutions, West …

    “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6    The future of our country lies in the hands of the next generation. It is our duty to equip them with the tools they need to succeed. Quality …

  “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:1 As a teenager, I eagerly awaited the day I could take my driving test. The thrill of buying my first new car after securing my first job and loan is a cherished memory. However, despite the …

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23   I was fortunate to have many role models, not the least of whom were my parents, to guide and support …

  “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16 Over the years I have seen firsthand how the tides of change have impacted the sustainability and resilience of a business. Sustainable business development is a …

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28   I have often pondered over the untapped potential residing within our diaspora. The Caribbean diaspora, a vibrant community spread across the globe, harbors successful individuals and entities …

  “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” – 2 Corinthians 9:8 One significant milestone in the life of the late Guyanese diplomat Ambassador Miles Stoby was his pivotal role in championing the cause …

MOTIVATED STAKEHOLDERS CRITICAL FOR BUSINESS EFFICIENCY – BASIL SPRINGER COLUMN (MAY 12, 2024) “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   Having had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of motivated stakeholders …

“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” – Psalm 128:2   In the ever-evolving landscape of global and Caribbean business practices, the distinction between the private sector practices and operations of non-private enterprises, statutory corporations, trade unions, NGOs, churches, and the civil service is becoming increasingly blurred. This …

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:7 Resilience is a very fashionable term these days in any discussion on sustainability. It refers to an institution’s capacity …

  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7 I have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of hurricanes on our …

  “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17  In a thrilling twist of fate, the Afghanistan national cricket team made it to the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinals, while the more experienced West Indies team did not. Their extraordinary journey has captured the hearts of cricket fans worldwide. …

  “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:13  From the mid-late 1970s to the early 1990s, the West Indies team was the strongest team in the world in both red-ball and white-ball cricket. However, this dominance has not been sustained, and …

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” – Matthew 28:18  In 1976, I transitioned my career from UWI, St. Augustine, to establish a management consulting business in Barbados. Integral to my decision was to formally delve into management disciplines, including Marketing Management, offered at The Barbados Institute of Management and …

  “Two are better than one, because they have a good return on their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. The phrase “crabs in a barrel” alludes to a well-known syndrome that illustrates a troubling “pull down” mindset hindering collective progress where envy and competition …

  “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” – Hebrews 13:16 Throughout my personal and professional life, I have witnessed the profound impact of deeply rooted values of love, compassion and forgiveness. These values are not just abstract ideals but practical tools that …

  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16 Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs aim to give structure to a company’s efforts to give back to the community, participate in philanthropic causes, and provide positive social value. Businesses increasingly turn to …

“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 …