The Problem of Caribbean Time

[CoolBee]

Great article by Francis Wade on The Problem of Caribbean Time.

We have many similar issues here in Egypt and I know it's a matter of concern to international companies working here. (I was priviledged to attend the Young Arab Leaders conference here in Cairo back in July).

I am very interested to see Francis' suggestion to reframe "time management" as "personal habit management" and wondering how that might work!

I'd be interested to here people's views especially those of you from non-US/UK/European/Australian backgrounds.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by CoolBee

Great article by Francis Wade on The Problem of Caribbean Time.

We have many similar issues here in Egypt and I know it's a matter of concern to international companies working here. (I was priviledged to attend the Young Arab Leaders conference here in Cairo back in July).

I am very interested to see Francis' suggestion to reframe "time management" as "personal habit management" and wondering how that might work!

I'd be interested to here people's views especially those of you from non-US/UK/European/Australian backgrounds.

When I was living in Asia, specifically in the Philippines it was called Philippine Time. Even the locals would joke about the practice of showing up late for appointments or not at all.

[Thomas H]

Originally Posted by Gene

When I was living in Asia, specifically in the Philippines it was called Philippine Time. Even the locals would joke about the practice of showing up late for appointments or not at all.

I can relate to this. The Philipino league at the University I went to hosted a dance competition that was scheduled to start at 6:30p. I got there at like 6:15p to get a seat and the event got underway about 7:55p. The event host came on stage and joked about Philipino time, which I had never heard of until then.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Thomas H

I can relate to this. The Philipino league at the University I went to hosted a dance competition that was scheduled to start at 6:30p. I got there at like 6:15p to get a seat and the event got underway about 7:55p. The event host came on stage and joked about Philipino time, which I had never heard of until then.

New comers to the Philippines seem to really go ballistic about the casual regard for keeping appointments and being on time. I always said if you want your life like it was at home go back to where ever you came from and enjoy life. I personally chose to accept that this was a local custom and be happy where I was in the moment.

[Thomas H]

That's probably a good way to look at it. I'd like to visit there sometime so it's nice to be aware of those things in advance.

[rosalyvera]

thanks for sharing.