It seems a philosophical difference has emerged between the two major political parties in Barbados. The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) is pushing the need to privatize and divest certain state agencies. Key BLP spokesmen have suggested we need to examine the ownership structure at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), The Port Authority, Transport Board and a few others. The BLP also proposes that the state owned agency Barbados National Oil Company (BNOC) should never be allowed to accumulate profits with the result being higher energy cost passed through to Barbadians at this time.
On the weekend Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart in a quick reaction to the privatization debate has emphatically stated the DLP’s position. Education, health and other key sectors will not be privatized under a DLP government. The DLP’s energy policy to transition to alternate energy runs counter to the BLP’s policy of subsidizing energy . BNOC became technically insolvent under the last administration and it appears the current management policy has reversed the loss making trend. Is it that current profits of BNOC are being used to liquidate losses of prior years and at what social cost?
The next general election will be very soon – the Prime Minister despite his cat and mouse approach cannot avoid ringing the bell much longer – now is a good time for both political parties to ignite the debate about privatization of government assets. BU believes selling state assets must be more than making money. As a country and a people, how do we define national development? How is the character of Barbados and Bajans defined by the struggle to accumulate state assets which support and reflect who we are and want to be defined? BU continues to follow the debate with keen interest for several reasons.
It is disappointing that here is another issue destined to become embroiled in politics. The dismissive manner Prime Minister Stuart responded to the issue is unacceptable. The BLP seems to be suggesting that the urgency to privatize and divest is driven mainly by economic considerations. We all accept that we need to produce more. We need to become more efficient. However we also recognize that government has a major role to play in building out a quality society. The debate about government versus private ownership should be influenced by a philosophy. Philosophy in its most simple definition is a system of values by which one lives. This is where we must start the debate.
For many years Barbados despite its size has been held in high regard by countries blessed with greater resources. Why after pumping billions into educating our people we have to slavishly follow economic and social models designed by others to fit homegrown philosophies? It challenges the fact that we are critical thinkers. Why is it our educated class cannot design performance and communication systems which lead to increased productivity and efficiency in Barbados?
We all need to take a deep breath and understand the unprecedented challenge which Barbados faces, it calls for a new way of thinking.
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