by reb3lwithacause
We grow up in a society where we’re taught to go to school, study hard, get good grades and find a good job. Nowhere in that equation it says to be your own boss; we are conditioned to be consumers instead of producers. We must remember that although education has a vital part to play, it’s only a fraction of the equation. The world isn’t what it was 25 years ago where there was less competition, the economy was booming and getting a foot in the door wasn’t as difficult as it is today.
It’s time we take a different approach and it starts with entrepreneurship. We need to look at the bigger picture and not take the easy path.There are so many young people who go off to study and never return because there’s nothing to return to. But we are the ones (Young Adults) who have to take on the task of developing our nation, ensuring sustainability for future generations. The focus shouldn’t just be about living in the ‘here and now’. Think beyond!
Times are getting more tough, cost of living continues to increase while wages remain stagnant. We need to invest in our natural resources and stop importing things that we can produce ourselves. Nutmeg and Cocoa grow with ease; rich soil facilitates their growth yet we do nothing to capitalise on it. (FYI We were once second to Indonesia in the export of nutmeg). Yes, agriculture is a sector plagued with huge loses however the rewards in the end will be great. Another viable investment is the renewable energy industry. Grenlec has made a huge step in that direction with their going green initiative and solar projects. Protecting our environment is a significant part of sustainability.
We simply cannot depend on tourism. We look at countries such as Jamaica that strive on tourism, however we are NOT a developed nation and so what works for them will not work for us. Also, they don’t just depend on tourism, but capitalise on natural resources (bauxite) and the manufacturing industry.
I recently started the process of starting a business. I’m still in the early stages; (combing through ideas to determine which one’s feasible) and I reached out to the Grenada Industrial Development Cooperation (GIDC) for assistance. I’m so thrilled to see that there’s a government institution dedicated to business development.
In order for our businesses to thrive the country needs to thrive. We have to work together for any substantial progress to be made.
