Dominica News Online (DNO), is pleased to inform our readers that effective Monday 18th February, we will begin publishing a weekly business column produced by Dr. Valda Henry of VF Inc.
The feature will be called “Business and Life” Column.
According to Dr. Henry, “In this column we explore issues of business, the workplace and occasionally of life, for it is difficult to separate our different aspects of our life.”
She’s inviting you to write in with your questions and suggestions.
So, we hope you will all be reading our new VF Inc “Business Life” column on DNO beginning on Monday 18th February.
We, at DNO are excited about this collaboration with VF Inc’s Dr. Henry.
Great colaboration on D.N.O. and Dr Henry`s part, ready or not D.N.O. is already a force and a trend setter in diciminating information to all, I will always embrace D.N.O`s.efforts to inform the public. It would be nice if the DR adress and report on our service sector, and desensitize our people on how to deliver proper service to their client and customers alike, other area that has received just lip service and not enough enforcement,is the question of “PRICE Control” too many times we pay high prices for things that our shop owners take upon them selves to indiscriminately raise the price of Goods as they see it fit to miximize profit. Please educate us on the likely impact such behaviour have on the business and buying public. Thanks in advance and looking forward to reading and learning from this initiative.
This is another reason why those who visit send down barrels of items, even though the cost of transporting them could be exorbitant. Dominica loses in this case.
The price should be on the items or there should be a sign indicating the cost. If not, they could charge any amount. In addition, customers should be given a receipt.
On the other hand I do not think the price could be controlled. They purchase the items and must sell them for a profit. I doubt that the government could control this. Products are known to be costlier in the islands.
I noted the cost of a pizza and hamburger, etc. in DA. Goods are transported from overseas. There is a charge at the Customs. The goods must be transported to the owners. Then the merchants/restaurant owners must sell them at a certain price to make some sort of profit. It appears to be a no win situation.
She should take a crack at:”How to develop and sustain(including marketing) the business of small scale agro processing in Dominica”
Good initiative. I will surely follow up.
Dr. Henry, can you please write about the overall economic impact of having suitable air access in Dominica and what it would mean for our local economy.
I know your column will be a success.
The things in Da is that only some people that can get the loans to open a business.
Lets work on that
Nice idea self.
Positive woman
Good idea. Keep it up
Dr Henry says a lot. But I am not quite impressed.
Admin: Perhaps you should read some of her “Business Life” columns and then, give some feedback.
Can you please write about the effects of non-productive workers on businesses? This problem is prevalent at some government offices and statutory companies. I hope you can make the connection, where lack of productive workers affect companies viability, and workers job security. I really wish empirical data can be derived from an actual survey to show the extent of the monetary loss certain businesses incur as a result of non-productive workers. Please address this because it will help Dominica competitiveness in the increasing global market place, where protectionism is no longer an option. Thanks, and I look forward to seeing this get addressed.
Ask the Govt. expert, Mr. Parry Bellot. He has quoted figures, although he did not claim they were based on empirical evidence.
Great initiative DNO…is it open to others who may have an interest in contributing?
Admin: This suggestion will be discussed with Dr. Henry who, I’m sure already has that in mind.
It would be great if she could let us know how to truly move up the corporate ladder in a Dominican context. We’ve read about moving up the corporate ladder in an American or large continent context, but in my experience, the Dominican business world is much different. Educational qualifications may not matter as much as who one knows, what one wears and who one is associated with (which is different from who one knows).
How can we contact Ms. Henry to send our questions directly?
Admin: The contact information will be provided in the first article which will be published on Monday Feb 18 and every other Monday thereafter.
The work place is not such a fair one. This pertains to those who are in charge. Everyone is not so fortunate to move up the corporate ladder even though they are highly educated, experienced or not. This pertains to people of every country as it occurs everywhere. Some employees may have to kiss under the feet of their superiors, spy and snitch on their co-workers and have affairs employees/bosses) in order to climb up the corporate ladder.
Another one, “It could be lonely at the top.” Good luck in your undertakings.
There are times some who do not deserve to be promoted are the ones who obtain it. It is also not those who work the hardest, the most conscientious ones who are promoted with sufficient salary increase. You may have heard of employee frustration and dissatisfaction in this case.
The work force consists of preferential treatment and unfairness of every sort. Ever heard of luck and chance? In many instances this is the case.
I have an advice, study as diligently as you possibly could and earn that degree or diploma. Once you obtain employment, put your mind on your work and keep it there. Work hard, give your all. Do not overdo it. Simply be yourself. Be congenial, respect the boss and co-workers, be enthusiastic about your assigned duties, perform your work efficiently, excel in whatever you do, be careful of whom you befriend. The work force consists of some traitors. Then, just hope for the best and that promotion.
You may have to socialize with your co-workers as well when the opportunity presents itself. If not, you will be called anti-social and be considered as one who does not mix. This may hamper your climbing up the corporate ladder.
In the end, just do your best and everything will fit in just right. Keep in mind, always with the help of God.
I like to repeat what I read which is in one of my books, Confucius say, “Man who climb up the corporate ladder, soon fall down.” Good for a laugh.
*****EXCELLENT*****
That is really good news. I’ve been wondering why there was NO real news on business in DA.
Hello Dr.Henry,
It would be nice to have company profiles such as;
*BELLO
*EH.CHARLES
*OD.BRISBANE
*FORT YOUNG HOTEL
*ANCHORAGE HOTEL
*ASTAPHAN
*ACME GARAGE
*VALLEY ENGINEERING
*WHITCHURCH
*GARRAWAY HOTEL
[Just to name a few]
Most of these companies have been there since the birth of our nation. Yet we really don’t know much about how they were started. We don’t know if they are jointly owned or are some of these companies own by just one person. It would really be nice to know who is really behind these comapanies. We know some of the owners of these companies but not all. Knowing something more about these companies & their leaders can maybe bring some inspiration to us younger entrpreneurs.
-Thanks
Is this really necessary? How old are you? Have you been residing in Roseau or not? Actually, common sense will tell us that they were started with practically nothing, very little money. Those who migrated to Dominica went from door to door selling their goods. They were hard working, ambitious people who later opened their own business and became successful.
Waddy Astaphan’s father was one of them. So is Bello and so on… The younger ones inherited their parents business and in partnership with other members of their family.
In this computer age, Google it and you may find the answers. Better yet, contact those who are in charge of those businesses.
****YES IT IS NECESSARY****
ATTN: “Justice and Truth”
Yes, common sense already told me that it was hard work and dedication that made them successful. But not everyone knows about the details of these businesses like you do. That’s the main reason it would be nice to have their stories profiled.
Is it too much to ask to give them a little public recognition?
-Thanks
You make a very valid point Trueman. Unfortunately the law does not require a locally registered company to disclose ownership or berneficiaries. It is sufficient to list directors only.
Great idea! Business history would be a welcome contribution. Also, lack of succession planning and business failure, in the context of owner-managed enterprises, should explored as well.
That sounds great! What business does she own? Sounds like a solid addition to the DNO line-up.
Admin: Dr. Henry owns VF Inc, which, among other things, provides business management and human resource development training.