The Making of a Caribbeanpreneur featured in new edition of Carlong Publisher’s Principle of Business text book

BRADES, Montserrat – The Making of a Caribbeanpreneur by author and entrepreneur Nerissa Golden is featured in the new Carlong Principles of Business for CSEC With SBA, Study Guide & Exercises.

A synopsis of Golden’s second book can be found on page 33 of the 600-page text book targeted at secondary school students across the Caribbean.

“It is a tremendous honour to be featured in a book that is used to educate our children about business and the possibilities for entrepreneurship,” said the author. “The fact that they also mention the names of other entrepreneurs that I admire greatly for their creativity and ambition as part of the segment is also an added bonus.”

The Making of a Caribbeanpreneur: Strategies for Overcoming Fear and Building Wealth mentions among others, the work of techpreneur Gregory Richardson, Knitwear designer Kaishah Peters and dancer Susan Barnes, three of the entrepreneurs that also presented at Golden’s conference YES Caribbean on Montserrat earlier this year.

The book was published in 2009 and highlights how Caribbean people can use their passions to create rewarding business ventures. The book is divided into three sections: What Daddy Taught Me About Money, Fear Factors: Barriers to Financial Success and The Noah Principle: Strategies for Gaining and Maintaining Wealth.

“I’ve always wanted to write and it seemed right to start with what was happening in my life, which was trying and failing and then continuing to try and build various businesses. What was clearly missing was a book that looked at many of the internal issues that paralyse us from pursuing our dreams to own a business. These were problems I battled with and others have too, so the book looks at the three main areas that I believe are essential to building and sustaining a business,” explained Golden.

Golden is the founder of Victory Christian Academy on St. Maarten, an alternative learning school for students from kindergarten to high school. She presently runs goldenmedia Montserrat, a media relations firm which specializes in marketing, brand development and creating strategic partnerships for entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations throughout the Caribbean. She also authored Truly Caribbean Woman’s Guide to Good Love in 2009.

Purchase your copy on amazon.com or by visiting trulycaribbean.net.

Return to Love: 15 – 20

Sarah Ann Gomes was as short as Matt was tall. How she gave birth to a giant like that Lee would never understand. She was a petite woman with a bright smile that seemed to shine on anyone her eyes touched. Nandie, who was usually pretty picky about who she let hold her, was all over her and loving it. Lee was shaking her head at the uncharacteristic changes she was seeing in all of her kids. It was as if she was now seeing a new side of them come out in a land they’d never been to.

Renee had come inside after the swing rides and helped Jaden to get a snack and played with him until he fell asleep on the couch. She was now sitting talking with Sarah Ann while Lee was putting away the vegetables and other groceries that Sarah had brought over. How was she going to pay these two people back? Of course, they were both insisting she didn’t have to but good manners said she should.

Sarah Ann was generous with her advice as her food. Over dinner she told her the best places to buy vegetables and fruits, which butcher had the best deals on fresh meat and where to pick up all of those UK treats that were often hard to find. Somehow, the conversation lessened Lee’s anxieties about the transition and she began to feel as if it wasn’t impossible.

Matt’s mom had visited for a few hours before she stood to make her leave and Lee didn’t want her to go. She was enjoying her company and she had such great stories to tell about Miss Mary.

“I’ll drop by later in the week to check on you all,” she said as she got to the door. “You have my number so call if you need me.”

“I will,” Lee promised. She closed the door after Sarah Ann left and headed to her room. It had been her grandmothers and it was her favourite room in the house. The windows were large and had a spectacular view of Little Bay, with the rambling Centre Hills off to the left. She’d taken the books from the lawyer out and rested them on the side table. Lee wanted to go through each one and she would. Right now she was feeling drained although she didn’t think she’d accomplished much but a lot of new information had been thrown at her. She would just close her eyes and rest a moment.

…..

A moment turned into hours and when Lee awoke it was dark and the house was still. She scrambled out of the bed to check on the kids.

Nandie wasn’t in her crib and her heart rate increased until she found her curled up next to Renee. Both were wearing night clothes and snuggled under the covers. Lee straightened it and kissed their cheeks. Jaden was sprawled on his bed. That boy slept like he played, always in motion. She didn’t bother with the covers since it wasn’t cold but she took the time to straighten him on the bed and cuddled him for a moment before heading out of the room.

All the doors and windows were closed. In the kitchen, the dishes were washed and a note was on the counter.

“Mom, I fed Nandie and Jaden. You were very tired, so we didn’t want to wake you. We love you. I’m sorry for being so angry. I like Montserrat and I think we can be happy here. Love, Renee.”

Lee wiped back tears and could only say thank you. She folded the note and tucked it in her pocket. Her stomach growled and she went in search of some crackers that Sarah Ann brought earlier and some cheese. No wine, in the house or she would have been tempted to make a toast to a new life.

Hmmm…Was this really it? Should she start over here or make an attempt to go back to the UK, to the real world? Montserrat almost seemed like a little paradise that you escape to but eventually know you cannot live in. How long could she live in paradise before she hungered for the bright lights of London, weekends in New York and Paris?

Fantasy. It was all a fantasy and a life that wasn’t hers anymore and she knew it. She just didn’t want to let go of the idea that she would be stuck here. Maybe Renee had the better attitude right now, but she didn’t want to regret returning home.

The crackers were quickly gone and a cup of bush tea did the trick to fill the remaining spaces. She grabbed the book, which looked like a diary and snuggled up in a corner chair. Miss Mary had a strong and bold handwriting. She wrote carefully and clearly, as if she knew the words needed to remain long after she was gone.

“I’ve decided to keep a diary to remember this time. So many family members and friends have chosen to go to England but I will not leave. This is home for me. It would be a good time to go and be with my daughter and Lee but I can’t live in all of that cold. I don’t want to. I also have to write to vent. Everyone is looking to me for answers and solutions. I didn’t know this house could hold so many people and now every space is full. But I cannot turn away, people are suffering and the government is not working fast enough. God will make away and He will give me strength to handle whatever this volcano sends.”

Lee kept reading and marvelled at her grandmother’s strength. She spoke of the people that came through the house during the summer of 1997 on their way to the UK. Page after page she talked about the frequent eruptions and the evacuations, more friends leaving. She shared how she felt alone and was tempted to call Lee’s mother but something made her resist. Lee still hadn’t come across anything to explain why the two were not speaking. Whatever it was her grandmother was refusing to give in, waiting for her mother to make the move.

Lee went back to sleep wondering about it and hoping by morning she would have a clearer picture of what to do about the land and staying on Montserrat.

….

Day two on Montserrat started just like the first. Lee jumped up with the sunlight streaming in and walking into the hall to hear Jaden in the yard talking to a male voice. She didn’t think Matt would have time to come by before he left and went to the door and looked out. It wasn’t Matt and Jaden was on the top step looking like he was protecting his turf.

Lee yanked the door open and went up to Jaden.

“Good morning. Can I help you?” she said pulling Jaden closer.

“My apologies for coming by unannounced but I didn’t know how else to reach you Ms. Matthew,” the man answered. He looked in his early forties and spoke with a distinct American accent. California she thought.

“I’m sorry who are you and why are you looking for me?” she didn’t like his energy. It was putting her on edge.

“I’m with Crystal Holdings and we have been speaking with your lawyer about the Mirror Bay Development. By now you’ve heard about the offer we made and I’m hoping you and I can discuss this,” he looked pretty sure of himself.  His eyes roamed the property and then back to Lee, seeming to say that she should take the money and fix up this run down place.

“I haven’t made a decision yet but my lawyer will be in touch once I have,” she replied stiffly. She wanted him out of here. “Jaden, go on inside and wash up for brekky please.” Jaden didn’t seem to want to move but she turned him towards the door.

Once she heard it close, she turned back to her visitor, who still hadn’t given her his name.

“I still don’t know who you are but I probably don’t care to either. You are not welcome on my property and any further contact needs to happen through my lawyer and at his office. If you step foot back here I will call the police,” she stated, hands on hips and eyes piercing into his.

“Look, this isn’t necessary. My name is Anderson Rudolph and I work for the development company that is ready to build on your land. We’ve made a very generous offer, one I’ve been told is more than adequate for the work that we would still have to do to make that property run. But we are willing to do it,” he said almost apologetically.

“Like I said, you will hear from my lawyer Mr. Rudolph. Have a nice day,” she turned and didn’t wait to see if he was leaving. She wanted to be rid of him.

Return to Love 14

Matt wanted to reach out and hold her, touch her and tell her he would take care of whatever was bothering her, but he didn’t and besides, it wasn’t appropriate anyway. He kept the kids busy with their meals and answering all of their questions about Montserrat. Renee always seemed to go into a shell when her mother was around but now she was asking him direct questions about the beaches, schools and what kids her age did for fun. He didn’t think Lee heard a word they said or noticed her sullen child was now rambling like a talk show host. Lee was eating that fish as if her life depended on it and every now again looked over to check on Nandie, who had both hands in her meal. He whispered another silent praying asking for guidance and the ability to help this family anyway God would allow Him to.

After lunch, Matt kept his promise and took Lee to reconnect the phone service. She’d wished she could have afforded internet. That would have been an easy way to keep the kids distracted and connected to their friends in the UK but she didn’t have cash for extras right now. Hopefully that would change soon.

The kids scrambled out of the truck as soon as Matt pulled up the hand brake and would have made a b-line for the swing if Lee hadn’t ordered them to turn around and tell him thank you. Even Nandie wanted her turn on the swing and Renee sat her in her lap and they swung together. Lee smiled and felt a burden lift as she watched Renee smile. That was all she needed to make this day okay, was to see her eldest daughter smile.

“She’s going to be okay,” Matt assured her. “Renee is smart, a bit angry but she loves you and wants to be where you are. She senses you aren’t as confident as you usually are so that is making her uncomfortable. You settle that in your heart and she will settle down.”

“So you are a child psychologist too?” queried Lee.

Return to Love…Return to Me

This 30-Day Blogging Challenge has been just that, a challenge but its also been very good to me and for me.

I’d forgotten just how much I wanted to write creatively and its nice to see the story unfold as I don’t have all of the answers yet. Will Lee take the money and is there anything worth developing between her and Matt?

Its been about trusting what feels good to my spirit and my fingers. Not sure that my head has been doing much of the processing once my fingertips hit the laptop.

I didn’t do any writing this past week on the story but I did complete a short film script. A project I should have done over a year ago, suddenly came together in a few hour and I know its because I’ve started to write more often.

One lesson I’ve learned over the years is that writing also includes a lot of thinking time. So at the times when I am kicking myself about not writing enough, I also am aware that my spirit, my brain and my heart are processing what I want to say. I’ve learned to include all three in the journey because the words on the paper are a part of me and they help me to be who I am and becoming each day.

I didn’t realize how much I missed writing until I missed a few days of not blogging on time. Its becoming like fresh air and water, I need this to be me.

Happy blogging and reading.

Return to Love 8-13

Cheating a bit…but I can’t keep up with Theo Semper

 Chapter 2 continued.

“Rather than read all of the legalese I will cut to the chase Lee. The house you are presently in was left to you. It is free and clear and has no debts or attachments to it. Your grandmother has requested that it stay in the family and it cannot be sold under any circumstances.

The lawyer looked up at her over his glasses as if to gauge her response and then continued. “Unfortunately there isn’t much left in her bank accounts. The balance in her savings is five hundred and forty two dollars and sixteen cents. This is yours to spend as you wish. I can give you the papers to take to the bank so they can sign it over to you.”

Lee hoped she wasn’t showing her disappointment but she was hoping for a bit more than that to keep them going until she came up with a plan.

“There is no cash left because Miss Mary sunk all of her life savings and her investments into Mirror Bay.”

“Mirror Bay? What is that?” Lee looked up puzzled.

“It’s a new development on the Northern side of the island.”

“But over there is just bush and goats,” the frown she’d been trying to hide was now more pronounced.

“Well lots of people have been eyeing that area even before the volcanic crisis began but no one wanted to invest the time and money to go in and map it out,” the lawyer explained. “Your grandmother had no such inhibitions. She came to me with a plan to do the grunt work and when the time was right she was going to sell it.”

“What? Are you serious? Where did she get that kind of money?”

“Your grandmother was the smartest woman I know, which is why I never charged her,” he replied laughing. “She taught me everything I know about negotiating deals. I was only along to look official. She did all of the talking. Lee the truth is she got the land almost dirt cheap because at the time when she purchased it the owner was trying to leave the island. He’d already lost all of his real estate in the south and swore never to return to Montserrat. I believe he actually thought he was pulling one over on Miss Mary, when she agreed to buy it,” he explained.

Lee looked stunned. She had no clue about this women he called her grandmother. Her mother had barely mentioned her after the Christmas of 1992 when she’d come to Montserrat for a long overdue visit. She was hearing a different side of Miss Mary and she wanted to know more.

“So no development has gone on over there? Is it worth anything?”

“Well on the surface nothing has happened but we have two developers interested in putting down properties there; a boutique hotel with a marina and the other a gated-residential community. That is why I called you. As the sole remaining heir, you get to decide who gets the rights to develop the property or if you want to do it yourself.”

Mr. Albert put down the papers, which he hadn’t really needed since the meeting began, and looked straight at Lee.

“Lee your grandmother took every bit of her pension, life savings and other investments and bought that land. She does not want it sold but if that is what you want to do, the company who wants to put down the hotel has made a very generous offer for the entire property. If you want to just head back to your life in the UK you can consider it. However, let me tell you that I know your grandmother didn’t hide her desire that you would return and take over the development. Turn it into something special.”

“Property development is outside my skill or even interest Mr. Albert. I don’t know what to tell you,” Lee didn’t know what to feel anymore. “I will have to think about it and let you know.”

“Do that. Here is some information on the property and also the offers from the developers,” he said standing and approaching her with the papers. “Your grandmother was very proud of you. She followed every success and even those events that you considered failures. She would tell me, Al, this will make Lee stronger. She probably doesn’t feel that way now, but it will all work out for good.”

“I miss her,” Lee sobbed. “I’m so sorry I didn’t come before.”

“Don’t do that to yourself. Your grandmother is a prayer away and oh, I almost forgot,” the lawyer walked to a painting in the wall and moved it to uncover a safe. He quickly unlocked it and handed Lee five leather-bound books.

“These are yours. Miss Mary wanted you to have them,” he said.

Lee added the books and the paperwork to her bag and said a quick good bye to the lawyer. She needed to get some fresh air and absorb what had just happened.

Return to Love 7

The lawyers’ office was warm and welcoming. The secretary looked like she was about to deliver the baby she was carrying very low on her body. She showed her to a waiting chair and slowly eased herself back into hers.

Lee wanted to ask her if she needed a ride to the nearest hospital because she couldn’t see how this lady would make it much longer in such discomfort. It must be a boy she thought. Only boy babies made you look like that and despite her obvious back pains, she was radiant and her natural hair long and shiny. Boys didn’t steal their mother’s looks old people said.

Worrying about the secretary kept her mind busy and off of the upcoming meeting. Not long after, a door opened and an elderly gentleman escorted a very classy middle-aged lady out. She looked about fifty but could pass for forty with her belt pulled in tight and the four-inch heels she wore.

“Stephanie, see to it that Mrs. Pfennings’ papers have been received by the court. Louise, I will call you early next week and tell you what date we can see the judge,” the gentleman said, softly patting the woman on her hand.

Return to Love 6

Chapter 2

The morning sped by without incident. Lee checked out all of the rooms and noted the ones that would need more work if she was to make the house liveable for all of them. Renee was twelve and needed her own space. Nandie could share her room for a bit longer, which gave Jayden the last bedroom. She would worry about Nandie when she figured out if Montserrat was going to be permanent.

In the back of her head she still wanted to just tie up the loose ends and head back to the life she had in the UK. It wouldn’t be the same without her mother but at least it would be a familiar environment. Wishful thinking, she knew. What would she do for work? She’d been made persona non grata to the advertising agencies in London. No one wanted to touch the woman who sunk the career of one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. No one wanted to hear the truth either but she couldn’t change that now.

The sound of a vehicle driving into the yard pulled her out of her revere. Matt was here. Time to go and see the lawyer and find out what shape her grandmother had died in.

All of the children were outside by the time she collected her purse from the kitchen table. It was a nifty little tote that she’d made herself when she was pregnant with Nandie. It had spaces for nappies, bottles and change of clothes, with other spaces for her purse and other personal effects. Maybe with a bit of time on her hands she could make few more and maybe sell them. She shrugged off the idea as she always did.

“Wake up girl. Time to get a real job again,” she said to her reflection in the hall mirror. She checked her hair and outfit, hoping she didn’t look too much like a foreigner. Lee wasn’t up to answering a million questions about who she was and who she belonged to. The locals always wanted to know who you were for.

Return to Love 5

Lee was saved from responding by Jaden returning with his little sister in tow.

“Great Matt, you are still here. Meet my bestest sister Nandie…Say hello Nandie. Matt made us a swing,” he said pulling her towards Matt.

She looked past Matt to her mother and made a beeline for her arms.

“Morning precious,” Lee greeted pulling her close for a cuddle. Nandie stuck two of her fingers in her mouth and then stared back at Matt. “Sorry for her bad manners. She’s hungry and I should get started with our day.”

“Do you need to go to the lawyers today? I can come back and get you since you don’t have a ride yet,” offered Matt.

“I would appreciate that very much,” she replied appreciatively. “Around 11 would be good.”

“Alright, I will pick you up then. Mr. Albert’s office is in the new town centre, so you will get a chance to see what New Hope looks like.”

“I hope I’m not keeping you from anything,” Lee said apologetically.

“I took the day off so this is not a problem. You will need to get a mobile and have the house phone turned back on. It’s been off since Miss Mary passed. I can take you by there once you are through with the lawyers.”

“Matt, I can’t thank you enough. I will see you at 11 and please give your mother my sincerest appreciation.”

Jaden had been leaning on Matt as they conversed and took his hand to lead him to his truck, which was parked in the drive.

“Thank you for the swing Matt.”

Return to Love 4

“Hi there,” the voice startled her out of her musings. She’d somehow missed that Jaden had come to a stop and the man was now walking towards her with a smile.

“Uhh. Hi yourself,” she replied.

“I’m sorry if we woke you. Jaden got a bit excited there with the swing. By the way I’m Matt,” he said with his hand outstretched.

Lee stared at it and thought his hands were beautiful. Jesus, she was in serious trouble if she couldn’t keep her mind focused.

“I’m Lee. It’s ok. It was past time to get up anyway. I hate sleeping past the sunrise,” accepting his handshake.

“Morning Mum. Did you see our new swing? Matt and I built it. Do you want to try it?” Jaden bounded up the steps and leapt into her arms. At eight he’d already beaten cancer and had been in remission for two years. His weight hadn’t caught up with his height so she was still able to lift him without much effort.

“Not now, maybe I will give it a try later when the girls get up,” she answered putting him down. “How about you go and see if Nandie is awake yet. Don’t bother your big sister.”

“Matt don’t leave until I get back okay,” Jaden said heading into the house.

Return to Love 3

The sounds of hammering and the laughter of her son woke Lee from a restful sleep. She barely registered the sunlight pouring in through the floral curtains before she catapulted out of the bed at the sound of a male voice joining Jaden’s laughter. She didn’t bother to check if her short crop was standing on end as it had a tendency to do when it needed a perm and she was overdue for one.

Lee grabbed the door handle and then caught herself. What the heck was she about to do? Her son didn’t sound as if he were in danger. In fact, Jaden was chatting up a storm as he always did when he spoke to someone interesting. She couldn’t see him when she peeked through the curtain but if he was not in danger she could take two minutes and brush her teeth, straighten her hair and put on day clothes. She’d been fully covered to protect herself from any errant mosquitoes but still she wasn’t about to head outside in a shirt that said Do Me! The shirt and it’s even more risqué bottom had been an outrageous parting gift from her only friend. She would have to call Trina soon to let her know they arrived safe. No way could she tell her she went outside to greet a man in that shirt.

Lee checked herself in the mirror and pronounced that she was proper; the way her mom always did before she left the house. It didn’t matter that Lee was thirty-five with a top executive job, her mother always gave her outfit a once over. She missed her mother.