7 Reasons Working at Silicon Paradise Beats Working at Silicon Valley
May 16, 2016
Can the Caribbean become the new “Silicon Beach” or “Silicon Paradise”? Conditions appear favorable for the Caribbean to become the next great tech hub. And while exceptional tax incentives that would attract international corporations have always been the favored strategy, many Caribbean islands want to encourage the creation of local ventures.
Jamaica”s government has created a new “Technology Innovation Fund” to support local startups and pitches that may potentially usher in a new tech boom on the island and the entire Caribbean region. Countries like Belize, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Aruba have been taking steps to improve bandwidth, strengthen telecommunications infrastructure and foster events to lure the tech community with their tropical charms. Here are seven reasons working in the Caribbean is better than working in Silicon Valley:
1. Your cubicle. Even Google”s creative offices don”t hold a candle to working from a beautiful Caribbean beach or a colorful and historic city, no matter how many foosball tables you can find in the break room. “Open work spaces” take on a whole new meaning in the Caribbean, and with year-round temperatures in the balmy 80″s, a stream of steady island breezes and zero chance of miserable snow days, workers will beg to come into to “the office”.
2. The downtime. Some of the most brilliant ideas come to us when we are engaged in a leisurely activity or taking part in a group game. But why settle for synthetic indoor putting greens when your championship golf courses come with stunning ocean views?
3. Team-building is everywhere. Whether it”s snorkeling, kayaking or interacting with the local wildlife, you won”t even mind that there is no “i” in “Team”.
4. The commute. Sure, self-driving cars and complimentary shuttles are a nice perk, but they can”t beat a walk on white sand, or a quick sail over a turquoise-and-teal ocean. No need to ask Waze for a detour. Windsurfers don”t bother too much with rush hour.
5. The water cooler. Sorry, but pricey designer coconut water from a refrigerator doesn”t compare to the natural and unadulterated goodness that comes directly from the source. The packaging is also 100% biodegradable.
6. The caffeine. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. That is all.
7. The vibe. Some tech companies meticulously design work policies and environments to boost productivity, creativity and innovation. But when it comes to great vibes and putting a smile on your face, our islands have the music, the spirit and the attitude. Here, that good Caribbean vibe will have tech geniuses developing the next game-changing algorithm…while feeling perfectly irie.
Desirée Blanco
Editorial Director
HCP/Aboard Publishing
Photo courtesy of Jim Gates/Bluedot Studios
