“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7 Many thanks to those readers who endorsed and augmented the content of recent columns in this series, out of which a comprehensive mix of concepts …
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1 The lyrics of the 2019 Trinidad & Tobago road march “Famalay”, though frenetic, harbour the message which we are sending today – ‘family’ unity is paramount to sustainable success. Successful growth and sustainability may be …
DISCIPLINE IS THE NEXUS BETWEEN TARGETS AND SUCCESS – BASIL SPRINGER COLUMN MONDAY ON APRIL 15, 2019
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” – Proverbs 29:17 Last week, the leader of a group asked each member to define the noun ‘discipline’ in the business context. My synthesis from the responses was that discipline is the nexus between setting targets …
“For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged.” – 1 Corinthians 14:31 Last week, a reader of this column commented as follows: “I am not sure that all stakeholders of CWI (Cricket West Indies) share the same vision and mission … there ARE MANY with …
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29 Just over a week ago, a democratic process was followed according to the constitution of Cricket West Indies …
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23: 1-3 The future of West Indies cricket is in the hands of the …
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 The human body has a structure (skeleton and muscles). It is protected externally (skin, nails and hair) and internally (immune system). Independent human …
“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 Any enthusiastic WINDIES supporter should read, absorb and save the ESPN Cricinfo report by Valkerie Baynes on the fifth ODI on Saturday March 2, 2019. …
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1 In the last Barbados general election on May 24, 2018, the voting public gave its government a comprehensive mandate to reverse the economic trend. Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, Governor General, in the throne speech …
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” – Proverbs 10:4 The passing of entrepreneur Sybil Carmen Joan Barrow on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at age 97, marks the end of an era of five Barrow/O’Neal siblings which leaves a rich legacy of examples in professionalism, statesmanship, politics, travel, …
“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5 In this column, in our quest to identify potential industries for growth in the Caribbean, we have embarked on a review of business opportunities, some of which have been exploited, others partially explored and yet others whose …
“The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.” – Proverbs 15:14 The Barbados Today editorial on February 4, 2019 was entitled “Wanted: A Marshall Plan for Barbados” in the context of growing the economy. The current Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation Programme (BERT) is built on the platform …
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8 In our quest to identify potential industries for growth in the Caribbean, we have embarked on …
“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.” – Proverbs 22:2 Two weeks ago, in this column entitled “Balance and synergy in economic growth sectors”, we gave some insight on the potential mix of business opportunities in the tourism, culture, energy, ICT and food sectors. In last week’s column entitled …
“When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” – Proverbs 29:18 When I returned to the Caribbean in 1968, I was thrust in the “deep end” with a mandate to develop a biometrics unit in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of the West …
“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 In the last two columns we have been on a new year roll about the importance of the concepts of balance and synergy. Firstly in the context of national sustainability …
“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 Last week, we deduced that, at the national level, as we make a valiant attempt to grow our economies in 2019, the concepts of balance and synergy are paramount. …
“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 Balance may be defined as a state of equilibrium in a partnership. If the wheels of business, economic growth and sustainability are to experience a smooth …
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” – Psalm 23: 6 In the last four columns we have given examples of how the innovative concept of the shepherding squad has been introduced, in turn, …
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” – Psalm 23: 5 We have recently shared some experiences on the effectiveness of a shepherding squad in addressing challenges in governance, investment finance and marketing. The role of …
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” – Psalm 23: 3 In the last two columns we shared some experiences on the effectiveness of a shepherding squad in addressing …
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew …
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6 This is the first column of my 26th consecutive year as a weekly columnist. The month of July also heralds the start of another year for Rotary International (RI), a service club with the motto …
“Do not have two differing weights in your bag – one heavy, one light. Do not have two differing measures in your house – one large, one small. You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” – Deuteronomy 25:13-15 …
“The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” – Psalm 24:1 In the quest towards national economic recovery and sustainable economic growth we have so far discussed smart solutions for (1) constitutional reform, (2) public-private partnerships, (3) the political process, (4) decentralized government, (5) …
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ” – Proverbs 22:6 In the quest towards national economic recovery and sustainable economic growth we have so far discussed smart solutions for (1) constitutional reform, (2) public-private partnerships, (3) the political process, …
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19 The Economist magazine stated last week “On May 24th the Barbados …
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5,6 Well the intelligence last week, just prior to the Barbados general election, that there was a mood in the air for political change, …
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17 In this series, we have so far suggested smart solutions for (1) constitutional reform, (2) public-private partnerships, (3) the political process and (4) decentralized government. Today we look at a sensible smart solution …
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ” – Romans 13:1 In this series, we have so far suggested smart solutions for (1) constitutional reform, (2) public-private partnerships and (3) the political process. Today, …
“And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” – Matthew 28:18 The Barbados parliament automatically dissolved as determined by the constitution on Monday, March 5 2018. The long awaited date for general elections is now Thursday, May 24 2018 when eligible persons will …
“Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people – The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” – Nehemiah 4:19-20. …
“For God makes all the decisions here. God is our king. God runs this place and he’ll keep us safe.” – Isaiah 33:22 If small states are to reverse their declining socio-economic fortunes and pursue a path leading to happiness for all, we must change. As the rich get richer, the poor must …
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3 Last week I was invited to be a guest lecturer to a cohort of 20 participants taking the postgraduate diploma in public sector management at the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business at the University …
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” – Proverbs 19:17 In many capitalist societies we observe that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer which defines the wealth divide. This ultimately results in unemployment, crime, economic decay and …
LESSONS FROM SINGAPORE – BASIL SPRINGER COLUMN APRIL 2, 2018 “So he Shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them with his skillful hands.” – Psalm 78:72 This is the second article of four in this mini-series on vision and leadership transformation. The mini-series has been inspired by John …
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 14-18 …
“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 is the will of God – the good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 In this weekly column, we have spent the first two …
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7 At the beginning of the year we identified eight challenges which, if smartly managed, could enhance the chances of holistic prosperity and happiness in 2018. As a reminder, the …
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13 Three weeks ago, in this column, we fleshed out “The From Cradle to Grave” solution to Challenge # 6 – Intellectual Stimulation, the sixth of eight challenges, as we commit to working smarter towards the benefits of holistic …
“For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” – Luke 12:23 Last Thursday, calypsonian Robert “De Mighty Trini” Elias was guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain. He was hailed, by at least one long standing member of our club as “the …
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8 This week, because of this year’s impact …
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2 Last week’s column fleshed out “The Power of Sharing” solution to Challenge # 5 – Financial Comfort, the fifth …
“The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” – Proverbs 11:25 Last week’s column fleshed out ” The Work Your ‘Land’ ” solution to Challenge # 4 – Earning Money, the fourth of eight challenges, as we commit to working smarter towards the benefits of holistic prosperity and …
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” – Proverbs 12:11 Last week’s column fleshed out “The Innovation Solutions” answer to the New Ideas challenge, the third of eight challenges, as we commit to working smarter towards the benefits of holistic prosperity and happiness in …
“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 Last week’s column fleshed out “The Power of Positive Thinking” solution to the …
“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 Last week’s column fleshed out the 5M SHEPHERDING MODEL solution to the “Business Success” challenge, the first of eight challenges, …
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…” – Romans 12:6 Thanks to all those readers who took the time to forward many gratifying, encouraging and inspiring comments on my last column entitled “New Year Benefits”. Eight challenges were presented and in the next several weeks, probably interspersed with …
“May he grant you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed”. – Psalm 20:4 The end of a year is timely to monitor the performance of our achievements of the year against our objectives. It is an opportune time to set realistic targets for the year ahead and an excellent …
INNOVATIVE WORKING CAPITAL FINANCING – BASIL SPRINGER COLUMN DECEMBER 25, 2017 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” – Luke 6:38 This week I would …
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” – Proverbs 29:18 Circa 1986, amidst much ridicule and resistance, Sir Courtney Blackman, the first Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados (1972-1987), implemented the vision of the Central Bank complex which now consists of the …
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. – Psalm 23:5,6. The inspiration for this week’s column …