Basil Springer Column

“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, …

“Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead, I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face” – 2 John 12 I recently had the privilege of attending the 41st Caribbean Hotel and Tourism (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace, held in my native …

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 Last week I wrote about poor restaurant customer service and received several responses in support of my theme. (1) Excellent, fully relevant article – The range of service …

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.” – Luke 12:35 While in Barbados over Easter I had a disappointing restaurant experience, where I was left wondering whether enough attention had been paid to exposing the supervisory and customer service representatives to the basic tenet of good customer service. A week before the event, …

“Moreover, Abraham became the father of generations who live by faith, those who hope against the odds.” – Romans 4:19 I reported in this column on January 16, 2023, that my morning “winter” walk buddies around the Club Rockley are primarily Bowen Wells, a former British MP and a former consultant to the Commonwealth Development …

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5-6 “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the …

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 Throughout my professional life in an attempt at problem solving, I have seen firsthand the …

“And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.” – Nehemiah 2:18 The Caribbean region is a land of abundant culture, history, talent, and natural resources, but it has struggled with economic development. To promote economic growth, the governments of the Caribbean need to place greater …

“If you give some of your own food to those who are hungry and to satisfy those who are humble, then your light will rise in the dark, and your darkness will become as bright as the noonday sun.” – Isaiah 58:10 As a Caribbean business columnist, I cannot stress enough the importance of food …

“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:2 Although we go through life not knowing exactly how long we shall live, I think that it is safe to say that, given my age, I am probably well into the final quarter of my life and am planning as such. …

“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 Crime and other antisocial behaviors are destroying lives and the quality of life of residents in the Caribbean. If left unchecked this could negatively impact our bread-and-butter tourism industry. …

“Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.” – Proverbs 3:23 The economies of the Caribbean are heavily dependent on tourism. Trinidad and Tobago’s (T&T) economy, unlike that of most of the English-speaking Caribbean countries, has been led by growth in the petroleum and petrochemical industries. The major …

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1 One role of a central bank is to be innovative in stimulating the growth of the economy. What if a central bank can initiate and nurture a project which can significantly reduce a high five-year startup business failure rate and grow the economy? …

“If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest.” – Deuteronomy 23:19. The appalling global startup failure rate of 90 percent in the first five years of operation would suggest that they are weaknesses in the …

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”- 2 Corinthians 9:6 Caribbean tourism is a business where the value proposition clearly communicates the product and services our warm weather destinations can deliver to our “customers”. It has the potential to be exploited as an even stronger …

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”- Psalm 143:5 I am linked to the influence of Errol Barrow from my father’s and mother’s side of the family. My father was Charles Reginald Courtenay Springer (1914-1995). My father’s second brother, The Right …

“He restores my soul. He leads me on paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:3-4 Judy and I are privileged to have …

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12 Our vacation in Barbados has been a visit with a difference. First, we were motivated to spend a Bajan rather than a Trini Christmas this year when Rick Andrews, a …

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” – 3 John 2 When one conjures up a visit to Barbados, thoughts of an idyllic paradise spring to mind. Barbados, at Christmas or other times of the year, certainly delivers on that promise time and …

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:30-31 Whatever lens through which we view life whether …

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” – Proverbs 16:3 At this time of the year there is much reflection on annual performance, and introspection about plans for the new year, since the calendar year represents the financial year for many. Government’s financial year varies from country to country and …