WATER IS LIFE CONSERVE IT

WATER IS LIFE, CONSERVE IT

Note: This article was written in February, 2010 and is worth re-posting.  It is quite timely as we have recently  received information from WASCO and the Met Services regarding the impending water shortage as a result of draught conditions currently being experienced in Saint Lucia.

Over the past two week we have all had a lesson in what it means to conserve water. A popular topic of conversation is how to have a shower with a bucket of water. Those of us who have discovered that tanks we thought were filled are infarct dried have had a rude awakening. To top this off even if you were able to place an order for a 3,000 gallon delivery that too was not available following the shut down by WASCO.

  The other interesting observation is, if you had the opportunity to follow one of these water trucks up North you would be amazed to see how much of the 3,000 gallons actually gets to the intended destination, as the water is spilled all along the way. Can something be done to prevent this? I would hope so, obviously the driver is not aware of how much water is being lost and wasted along the route. And the person who has paid for the water has no way of knowing that they have not received the number of gallons they have paid for.

Well for my part I want to share some simple but effective water conservation tips with you.
Please ensure that there is a container near the sink where you can keep water to wash your face and brush your teeth. Having the tap run whilst you are undertaking either of these activities can amount to a massive waste of a priceless commodity which is in short supply.

Another area is, when testing for hot water we allow the tap to run until the water gets to the right temperature; please get a bucket or bath tub to collect that water. That contain can also be kept in the shower or tub to collect the excess water that falls from the tap whilst we are having a shower. This water can be recycled and used to flush the toilet, water plants or mop the floor.

Do not use the dish washer. Washing dishes with a blocked sink is a sure way of conservation. We may even have to consider not using the washing machines for some time and reverting to hand washing of cloths. This experience is one that may well be preparing us for a situation that can worsen, let us not take things for granted and play our part in conserving this precious commodity. It is better that we take these conservation measures now and have water left in our tanks if things return to normal rather that have to suffer further hardship.

If this situation continues it can have far reaching implications for the production and cost of food. When food production is affected it has an impact of the cost of food. ( I recall after hurricane Allen having to pay $10.00 for a hand of green bananas I am not talking about a bunch and that was a long time ago). The well being of animals out in the fields, the health and well being of the nation.

Those of us who want to continue to water our plants should do so from recycled water or collect water from rivers and streams to do so. River water could also be used for washing vehicles, this has been a long standing practice at a number of popular rivers around the country. We cannot afford to use our limited supply for activities such as these. The statement,  "WATER IS LIFE CONSERVE IT", has taken on new meaning. Let us be sensitive to our current situation, blaming WASCO is not the answer we must all play our part or be prepared to suffer the consequences. Let us be our brothers’ keeper, share ideas and ensure that our households practice the water conservation tips that are being disseminated over the media. Let us be part of the solution, if not we are part of the problem. It calls for a total rethink of how we use water, lead by example and teach our children.

A stitch in time saves nine.

Original: February 15, 2010
Posted: April 2020.

THE SMALL BUSINESS AND THE COVID-19 VIRUS

THE SMALL BUSINESS AND THE COVID-19 VIRUS

Small businesses, which require a multiplicity of skills to operate, will be hard hit in this COVID-19 environment.  Most small businesses have limited financial and human resources.  Not all skills necessary for the effective and efficient running of a small business are necessarily available in-house, as some of these requirements may be beyond the capacity of the small business owner.

In this environment one of the skill sets that is likely to provide a small business with a competitive advantage is Information Technology (“IT”).  Where these skills are not available in-house, which is the reality facing most small businesses that are in the mode of ‘earn and spend’, with no room to accumulate a surplus, the business will certainly find itself in dire straits.   Even the option of commercial lending may not be open to them due to their cash flow situation.  Such businesses may not be in a position to afford the external IT support that is required  for continuity or to move from one business model to another, which is a key consideration for any business at this time. Most of our small businesses on island cannot afford two weeks of no capacity to earn far less one month.

This COVID-19 environment points clearly to key lessons to be learnt. To my mind, the main requirement is adaptability in our mode of operation and our ability to utilise the necessary technology, critical in this time of physical distancing.  Yes, we may all have our business continuity plans but since what we are, facing currently has been unfathomable and has no precedent, how many businesses can claim to be in a position to implement their continuity plan as is?  The numbers are likely to be rather few.  

This is clearly a time where it is not only survival of the fittest but survival of those who can be agile, creative and innovative in the shortest possible time.   Again, our ability to adapt and do so in a timely manner is critical.  It is now the time where it cannot be the same old, same old but the time that calls for boldness, thinking outside of the box and pushing that envelope. Our ability to analyse the situation and respond speedily to the needs of our customer base is a requirement.  It may also call for offering services different to what we have been accustomed to doing in the past.  

The question is how many of us have the ability, capacity, knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit and skill sets to do what it takes to have our businesses survive.  (An opportunity for guidance and support from our Business Membership Organisations (BMO’s).   Whilst we are in quarantine in this uncertain time, let us utilise the opportunity to make use of all the material that is available via the internet to enhance our skills and to acquire the tools that will help propel us to the next level.  Let us be strategic in our planning and be totally committed to executing on our plans.   A plan not executed is a dream.  Execution is key. This time,  we were caught flat-footed, it does not have to be the same next time around.  Let us be prepared or face the consequences. Note to self.

Thecla C. Deterville

Celestial Self Development Centre

Franchise Holder:

FranklinCovey East Caribbean