However, the manufacturing sector cannot effectively rise to the new challenges if the sector is fragmented, and is unable to create a working relationship with the government. Calderon says that the formation of the Association is part of the response to the challenges. A mechanism is being put in place to recognise good quality performance, similar to the Ste Lici Par Excellence Awards of the tourism industry. That committee is chaired by Dennis Mangal. In recognition of the partnership Pierre says the government intends to use incentives creatively and formulate an enabling environment that would ensure that the manufacturing sector in St Lucia survives .
Government seeks to work with everyone.
Our job is to create the environment under which businesses will survive and will operate. We are confident that there is a future for manufacturing in St Lucia and this new body will help in this regard. Arguing that the government has a duty to support local manufacturers, Calderon wants the decision-makers to be mindful that it is local entrepreneurs who are committing their savings and their investment to their country. Essentially, he says, the makeup of the membership of the SMA is St Lucian. That's very important to understand because we are not going anywhere.