Observations

I am writing these thoughts as we are taking off from St. Martin heading for Miami. The color of the water below is just spectacular. We recognize all the little coves. We sailed in this area 3 times.

This year we decided to go to Guadeloupe for our yearly sailing cruise. It is a much different cruising ground from the BVIs or St. Martin.

After the debriefing, I asked Pierre, the Belgian born owner of the charter company, about life in Guadeloupe. He complained that business was slow and Americans, once 50% of his business, decided to abandon the beautiful tropical island.

Pierre complained about major and widespread strikes. Gas stations were closed for several days. Finally, the authorities intervened opening a few of them. Queues and uneasiness were staggering.

Hotel personnel were also on strike without sparing five star hotels. Garbage was thrown on the entrance and engine oil was poured in the swimming pools.

The fuel dock we went to for re-fueling was closed. The person in charge was out for his two-hour lunch. No one was there to help us dock, in spite of substantial unemployment. The unions are very protective of those who work and do not allow temporary workers.

Besides, employment regulations are so complex that business is reluctant to add permanent employees.

Lastly, Pierre is going out of business because of higher taxes legislated in France (Guadeloupe is a French overseas department).

The European concept of work ethics was transplanted here in this tropical paradise in all its nuances.

There is no doubt in my mind that what makes the English speaking people the dominant geopolitical force is their exquisite work ethic, their sense of fair play, and the wonderful habit of smiling even when they do not feel like it. It becomes obvious when you travel overseas.

(This Observations appeared in the 5/12/2003 issue of The Peter Dag Portfolio).