A Bold New Caribbean

A Tale as Old As Time Itself

Connect Meaningfullly

2023 2023

The conversation around regional investment is not new. If you visit any primary school in the Caribbean, you’ll find that many students can offer insights into ongoing projects in their communities. They hear about these discussions at home, on the radio, on social media, and from folks on the streets. It’s a tale as old as time - an investor is coming to town with money and jobs. It’sanopportunity.We shouldall beexcitedandthankful. Foreign direct investment’s pivotal role in the economic and social development of our communities cannot be overstated.Nevertheless,thereisabiggerquestionatplay. Is money enough to build the bold new Caribbean? In my opinion, it is undeniably useful and important. But on it’s own, it is not. Caribbean people will build the Caribbean. They will shoulder the responsibility of bringing the vision to life, safeguarding the invest- ments, and shaping the narrative regarding the value to their communities. They are the most valuable inves- tor we must court. Their buy in will make or break us. And yet, so many Governments and projects coming into the region, miss the mark. The success of regional development agendas hinges on our ability to prioritize managing the dialogue surrounding government initia- tives and investor-backed projects in the Caribbean. It all begins with the stories we choose to tell our peo- ple. The investors and government officials who faced the barrage of criticism during that public consultation learned valuable lessons – lessons we can all apply to enhance the success of our investment agendas. The investors and government officials who faced the barrage of criticism during that public consultation learned valuable lessons – lessons we can all apply to enhance the success of our investment agendas. Capturing the support of regional communities starts with storytelling that transcendsmeremonetaryfigures and data. We must connect with people on a human level. What will the project mean for the community? How will it affect their children, retirement, and quality of life?Wehave to tell stories about our projects inaway that resonates with the fundamental needs people are striving tomeet - things likebuildingabetter life for their families and earning the respect of their community. Make It Personal

A public consultation or official engagement should not be the community’s first interaction with your project or your team. Go out into the community, knock on doors, visit local media out- lets, and engage in meaningful conversations to understand their hopes, fears, and motivations. Develop a robust and visual storytelling strategy using relevant and relatable communication tools. Every Caribbean community has loud mouths and champions. In some cases they are one in the same. :) Find the champions who can positively amplify the story; integrate them into your local communications strategy. Champions wield in- fluence and have established platforms and net- works to generate more support for the project. I never heard much about that project after the public consultation. As it turned out, the consulta- tion was merely the prelude to a well-coordinated campaign aimed at halting the project in its tracks. Theirmessagewas simple.WeLoveour community, we love our people and you, with your money and research andpowerpoint presentation, you do not. It is impossible towin in an argument against LOVE. Connecting thework of Caribbean regional devel- opment to a deep love for Caribbean people is es- sential for success. Our investment initiatives must transcend facts and figures to touch the hearts and lives of the people they intend to impact. Ca- ribbean people will build the bold new Caribbean. It’s our duty to share this message with them. Find Champions Finally, Do It All With Love

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