LSL World Initiative (LSLWI) aims to provide solutions to support governments in implementing their own funding mechanisms to achieve economic self-sufficiency and spur sustainable development programs in line with their needs and priorities.
Innovative Financing represents a range of non-traditional mechanisms used to raise additional funds for development through “innovative” projects such as:
Micro-contributions
Taxes
Public-private partnerships
LSL World Initiative has developed an Innovative Financing Model that increases government revenue streams through mechanisms that unlock the value of Diaspora flows.
Revenue generated through these Innovative Financing for Development strategies can be used to achieve sustainable development, overcome debt or fund vital health and education programs.
“The European Union should levy a tax on financial transactions to fund a “Marshall Plan” to deal with the continent’s worse refugee crisis since World War II. The bloc could raise $66 billion a year with a 0.1% tax on trades of stocks and bonds and 0.01% tax on trades of derivative contracts” - Douste-Blazy (NU Under-Secretary-General)
WHAT WE DO
LSLWI helps governments implement new funding mechanisms for socio-economic development. We help them identify new revenue sources and we provide assistance to manage, leverage and protect these new revenues, through a multi-partnership approach. In addition, we assist governments in launching, sustaining or expanding programs in line with their socio-economic development priorities.
We do so by providing governments with the necessary consultancy services to enable them to set up and operate an Innovative Development Financing Program (IDFP) adapted to the local context and in line with national priorities. The program operates with revenues generated by the comprehensive collection of taxes, levies or micro-surcharges in sectors offering the best opportunities in terms of volumes and growth potential, such as mobile telecommunications services and money transfers.
LSLWI advocates the use of technology and micro surcharges with minimal impact on population to finance large development projects.
MR LAURENT LAMOTHE, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF LSLWI
During his tenure as Prime Minister of Haiti (2012-2014), Mr. Laurent Lamothe fought to improve the living conditions of the poorest in Haiti. He implemented social programs that benefited the most vulnerable, spearheaded the free education program and promoted good governance by tackling corruption. In November 2014, The Latin Trade Group named Mr. Lamothe the most Innovative Leader of 2014 for his efforts in combatting poverty and providing economic development in Haiti.
The Education sector, among others, greatly benefited from Mr. Lamothe’s dedication. Indeed, Through the GOH’s free education program, elementary school attendance rate rose from 55 to 90%. Close to 1.4 million children between the ages of 6 and 12 now attend school at no charge (Source: UNICEF).
Mr. Lamothe also put programs in place to fight extreme poverty, improve Haiti’s governance and turn the country into a popular touristic destination.
EMPLOYEE PROFILE
Full name: François Guillaume
A summary of what you do:
As Vice-President of Program Management, my role at LSLWI is to oversee overall strategic and operational activities, along with creating collaborative links with other organizations – our slogan of being genuine partners in development is my compass.
Tell us a little bit more about yourself:
As an economist, my decade-long experience in senior finance and accounting positions has led me to open, in 2006, my own consulting firm, GuiLac. Specializing in business/economic development and financial consulting services, my firm has managed, and provided consultancy services to, multi-million dollar organizations in various areas.
Besides my entrepreneurial initiatives, I have always wanted to put myself at the service of my community and country, which prompted me to serve my South Florida community as the Executive Director of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce for 5 years. But my ultimate service experience was when I had the privilege of serving my country as Consul General of Haiti in Miami and Minister of Haitians Living Abroad for three years, under the auspices of President Martelly and Prime Minister Lamothe.
Best part of your day:
The best part of my day at LSLWI is the interaction I have with like-minded people, with the goal of bringing transformative change to the developing world.
