Submitted by a BLP Supporter
First, the Minister was going after new markets, even before seeking to sure-up the ones Barbados had. Then there was a money-back-gimmick if the temperature dropped. A substantial amount was being deducted from every package booked. We then heard about ‘staycations’ and marketing Barbados’ tourism product on the blogs.
Prime Minister David Thompson too had a brilliant idea how to market Barbados’ tourism product. While the people of Checker Hall, St. Lucy and surrounding areas were complaining about dust, Mr. Thompson said that the Arawak Cement Plant should put a “welcome sign” on its roof.
Minister Sealy rejoiced when Jet Blue landed, with passengers who might have paid US$99 – hardly the crowd that would stay at the Hilton or at most west coast hotels.
Last week, the Central Bank Governor said that the Barbados economy may recover in 2010 but that any such recovery is dependent on the winter season, which is dependent on activity in our source markets. This is further uncertainty and more like the trademark DLP lucky-dip and governance by delay.
But, what about airlines and airlift? Airlines now have an advantage in the endless game of cat-and-mouse with travelers. Because of the recession, they have been grounding planes. Fewer seats for sale, is giving them more power to set prices and fees, especially since they are less desperate now to get even modest fares to help fill up planes. Oil prices are rising again.
Here is what else you need to know and what is likely to happen. It is likely that BMI from London will go and Lauda Air from Italy will go. Both of these could go by February of 2010. Air Canada from Montreal, Air Jamaica out of New York and the third daily Virgin Atlantic flight out of Manchester, England – could be gone by May 2010. The DLP just does not get it and are asleep at the wheel!
Like most other sectors, the tourism industry is in crisis, yet the Minister is worried about nothing – not even about his shadow. This is serious. He now tells Barbadians that, “We will not finish this year up, but I am anticipating that we will finish this year in the vicinity of 10 per cent down.” Yet, through the other corner of his mouth, Minister Sealy says that Barbados will experience a “Good” winter season. There seems to be as much confusion and uncertainty in tourism, as in health care, where the Cabinet is not sure whether it has decided to build a new hospital or refurbish the QEH.
Did the Central Bank Governor not say that recovery could come in 2010? Given the evidence before you, which 2010? Talk about gloom! Brace yourselves for even worst: three more years of unprecedented pain under DLP rule.
Prime Minister Thompson and the DLP are making it clear to Barbadians that the DLP, which they elected on January 15, 2008 – does not have any answers to the questions they are asking; neither can the DLP make things better for them. In fact, the DLP is saying that things may ONLY get better in this country – under DLP rule – if the leaders and Governments in countries around the world – manage their respective countries and economies well.
The reality is, apart from Britain, the world’s 20 leading economies and others – are already doing well. Not because of luck but as a result of the sound policies they implemented. My point is: ‘the DLP does not know what it is doing,’ or what to do. But, as bad as it is in Barbados and could get, there is hope.
Based on the new; fresh and progressive vision for Barbados, which she outlined last weekend – it is crystal clear that the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P., and “Team BLP” know what to do. I am confident that the BLP will do better!
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.