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ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY NIALA RAMKALLAWAN

With the exponential spread of the COVID-19 Virus globally, our Twin Island Republic continues to engage in preventative action and exercise much vigilance. For the entire Caribbean Region, this health situation is undeniably very serious and must be treated with extreme care, if we are to survive this devastating ordeal.

Details: Written by Niala Ramkallawan; Published: 06 April 2020; Hits: 991

ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY NIALA RAMKALLAWAN

Predictions from various astrologers, psychics and authors have foretold of the great spread of a virus affecting mankind for years prior to its arrival in the 21^st Century. Appearing in late 2019 and progressing into 2020, several authorities and agencies have engaged in talks and meetings spanning continents in preparation for the epidemic.

With the escalating spread of the virus, the COVID-19 outbreak has now evolved into a pandemic as declared by the World Health Organisation (2020). This virus has become an unconventional health scare, accelerating into a global crisis affecting travel, trade, wealth, and the structure of entire economies. Worldwide public panic has created alarming behavior among citizens with an increased product demand, panic buying, quantity restrictions on purchases, price gouging and hoarding are the reality that set in.

As a result, it has become essential for Entrepreneurs in Small and Medium Enterprises to undergo Emergency and Crisis Management. Perhaps, you’re wondering: What should I brace for in the upcoming months?

Economic impacts:
- Wealth - Fluctuations within Markets and Stock Exchange; Imposed limits on Foreign Exchange; Extensions on credit facilities
- Trade - A slowdown in imports and exports; Government’s decision to prioritise items on the Purchase List (Imports); Longer periods to clear shipments
- Diversion of monetary allocations to Sectors deemed as priority by the Governing Body
- The possibility of a recession exists if stringent measures are not in place
Social impacts:
- Health care - Precedence given for medicines, equipment, proper facilities and safety measures
- Education - Suspended classroom learning at all levels; Encouraged online learning or home schooling; Cancellations or deferrals of exams
- Employment - Threat of job loss; Introduction to new types of leave; Change in operating hours; Flexibility to work remotely or from home office
- Life - No congregating; Practice of social distancing; Personal responsibility and use of good sense
Political & Legal impacts:
- Government heads working together, as well as, interference and discord from opposing parties
- Drafting of new policies and legislation
- Firm and compulsory decisions regarding public safety
ICT impacts:
- Lots and lots of information online and in the media (local, regional and international)
- Technology - To communicate warnings and precautions to the general public to take proactive measures
Security & Safety impacts:
- Strict and limited travel restrictions via air and sea for the next 6 months
- Enforcement of sanitation and hygiene at business places, state agencies and public facilities
- Call the advertised HOTLINE if symptoms are exhibited; Self-Quarantine; The responsibility to seek immediate medical attention
- Restrictions and bans in place for public gathering

It is no surprise that things will be impacted on a macro-economic level, but we also need to focus on a micro-economic one as well. This outbreak has caused public panic, infections and deaths triggering the need for quick action, and the practice of personal hygiene and sanitation thoroughly and more frequently. As entrepreneurs, we have a multi-faceted role to play as many people will depend on us.

Important Tips to survive this global outbreak:

Keep abreast of changes:

- Listen to news updates and breaking news from trustworthy information carriers. I urge you to please exercise great caution with regards to social media, namely Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp during this crisis, and on your own volition engage in factual research.

Have Contingency plans in place

- Try your best to plan for 6 months ahead

- Examine your current financial standing and situation, looking closely at your finances inclusive of Expenditures, Cash Flow, Investments, Savings, Loans and Personal Spending.

- Revisit all your financial commitments, and find ways to reduce and cut excessive spending. Also, look into any type of discounts, credit facilities or reduced borrowing and interest rates.

- Figure out if you can be financially responsible for all your employees or you should consider options such as reducing operating hours, increasing flexibility, offering avenues to work from home or letting staff go. These are the toughest decisions Entrepreneurs face as Employees are a part of the Team and Family, but a downturn on a global scale can have a rippling effect, before it bounces back.

Safeguard your:

- Family

Be vigilant regarding precautionary hygiene measures.

Eat nutritional meals with portions of vegetables and fruits; take the necessary vitamin supplements daily and keep hydrated.

Ensure you have at least a 3-month medical supply in your home, and groceries for at least 1-month into the foreseeable future.

Sanitize and disinfect high traffic areas, rooms for family gatherings and objects frequently in use such as door knobs, phones and such inside your home.

Maintain your vehicle in a similar manner, with regards to upholstery, air vets, door handles, etc.

- Business

Reduce face-to-face interactions by conducting training and meetings online. There’s the option of chats, calls and video conferencing via WhatsApp, Skype and Zoom, to name a few.

Sign up for online banking to monitor transactions instead of receiving physical statements via the postal mail. You can also do online transfers, pay suppliers and e-payments for utilities.

Encourage advertisements, marketing and sales via online and digital platforms.

- Yourself

If you exhibit flu-like symptoms that worsen or persists longer than 5 days, get up and go seek professional attention

Ensure information is from a credible source. Limit the use of social media that subconsciously contribute to anxiety, panic attacks or nervous breakdowns, as your mental health is of paramount importance.

COVID-19 can be contained if we all actively play our part. Our role as Entrepreneurs may be demanding, but we still need to be alert and attentive to those around us, the present situation and circumstances we face.

We may seem average, but our ROLE as a Parent, Child, Role Model, Mentor, Neighbour and several others is crucial at this time. Let’s not disappoint all those who secretly hold us in high regard and look up to us. Let’s all be informed, responsible, set an example and also lead by it.

I request that special acknowledgment and a moment of prayer be given to all our healthcare providers, along with safety and security personnel diligently working to mitigate the spread of this virus, and also our Governing Body with regards to decision making and the required prompt response during this pandemic.

To all my readers, please be safe during this time and engage in proper sanitation and personal hygiene, especially when no one’s looking.

Sources:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/difference-between-epidemic-and-pandemic-2615168

https://www.victorvilleca.gov/services/emergency-services/covid-19

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/409475791115994396/

About Niala

I am a Freelance MSE & Social Media Advisor, the Owner/Founder of Gia’s Creative Studio and YBTT Mentor/Advisor providing ‘Insights from a Creative Entrepreneur’ on transformational leadership, strategy, forging a legacy, motivation and success.
Niala Ramkallawan, MBA, BSc.

You can find me on:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/niala-r-71b12742/
YBTT - https://ybcaribbean.skysthelimit.org/volunteer-profile/15317
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/giascreativestudio/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giascreativestudio.868/

Details: Written by Niala Ramkallawan; Published: 25 March 2020; Hits: 1199

ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY NIALA RAMKALLAWAN

Life in the Caribbean offers great scope for business in any sector and industry. Though ‘island life’ is associated with the perception of being laid back and easy going, in reality, Entrepreneurs are faced with many hardships, struggles, sacrifices, stress, demands, numerous choices and countless changes to undergo for survival.

Constantly bombarded by decision making, acknowledging pessimistic comments, and enduring internal conflict together with personal challenges, Entrepreneurs need to think rationally and remain level-headed to treat every single person with whom we interact as HUMAN BEINGS. Yes, some persons may be in higher positions, have more power and authority, status, wealth, contacts, personality or attitude than us, still that doesn’t give us any excuse to be unprofessional, defensive or stoop to their level.

Each individual we cross paths with has a distinct purpose in our lives and will shape our personal story or entrepreneurial journey in one way or the other. They come for a season or a reason, to contribute positively or negatively, as a blessing or to teach us a lesson.

Details: Written by Niala Ramkallawan; Published: 18 March 2020; Hits: 1996

ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY NIALA RAMKALLAWAN

From time to time as entrepreneurs, we worry and stress about a project or task not starting, experiencing delays, not going as planned, not progressing or getting beyond our control. We’re so busy planning and executing, we forget the importance of monitoring, evaluation and reflection.

But as Entrepreneurs, our power and ability are innate, it lies within us and we are the drivers in our entrepreneurial journey. As an Entrepreneur, YOU are your own personal brand and driving force. With my love for acronyms, “ME” in the title of this post refers to what I call a “Moving Entrepreneur (M.E.)”. Some of you may challenge my choice of adjective and say, ‘Is that the best she could come up with?’ when there are so many other options, such as motivated, magnetic, masterful, methodological, mindful, meticulous, modern and the list goes on.

Details: Written by Niala Ramkallawan; Published: 12 March 2020; Hits: 2159

ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY CRYSTAL FOYLE

"Whenever you see a successful person, you only see the public glories, never the private sacrifices to reach them." (Vaibhav Shah)

One of the main reasons for depression in entrepreneurs and businesspersons today is the lack of support from family and friends when starting or running a business.