Elaine Grant Bryan
Contributor
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Stay on the road to recovery and use this period to invest in yourself and Jamaica. Actually, you will be able to assist our homeland best after you have become self-actualised. It may be a good idea to move through these stages in your 20s, 30s and 40s so that you are in a position to start assisting others as you approach the top stages of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Do not waste a good recession; this is a good time to meet with your banker or certified financial planner. According to Jason Dear, equity trading manager at First Global Financial Services (FGFS) Limited, “Look at stocks that have taken a beating in 2008 and are now trading at fair value.” In addition, take a look at companies that have a strong balance sheet, diversified income stream and good management. He also added that it is important to know who runs the company that you invest in, since the people factor is crucial.
Robert Drummond, president of FGFS: “We have consistently ensured that the Grace-Kennedy core values of honesty, integrity and trust are implemented each day in our internal and external business operations.” It seems as if building relationships with clients is one of First Global Bank’s main mission and beliefs.
Tips for Coping
1. Renegotiate your mortgage and credit card payments with your lender.
2. Invest in yourself and your country.
3. Love yourself so that you can love others.
Meaningful Collaboration
Jamaica has great potential to further develop and grow with the assistance of the millions of Jamaicans who reside abroad. If we could continue to harness the economic prowess and strength in these large numbers, our island will enjoy future prosperity for everyone. One organisation that is really making an impact with regards to meaningful collaboration is the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organisations (NAJASO). At their recent annual convention in Atlanta, His Excellency Anthony Johnson, Jamaica ambassador to the United States, praised the group for its efforts during his speech. “Jamaicans overseas should become importers, distributors and retailers of Jamaican products.” He added that one of our greatest assets is being fluent in English, which is an advantage over many other groups who engage in businesses with the United States.
Increase tourist dollars
His advice to the attentive audience was to establish more restaurants, tourist attractions and off-shore information technology centres in our homeland to increase tourist dollars. He added that it is of paramount importance for us to become investors in Jamaica. Friends of Jamaica may contact Jamaica Trade and Invest (formerly JAMPRO) to enquire about the current opportunities for investments.
The formula for success for our beautiful homeland is engaging all stakeholders in the country’s development. Remember the ‘what what what approach to success’ – what you do with what you have determines what you become.
Grant Bryan
Elaine Grant Bryan is an empowerment speaker; Georgia Leadership Sandy Springs graduate 2009, recipient of Mayor Shirley Franklin Phoenix and Judge Glenda Hatchett awards & real estate expert featured on HGTV and Fine Living channels. Send feedback/ questions to: [email protected]
