Let us have a look at the 10-point plan which the Minister of Tourism introduced to Barbadians in July 2013. BU invite feedback on those items which have been implemented as at 02 October 2013. We have been told that if government is to manage its programs to achieve a 400 million dollar reduction in the deficit, it must manage implementation of projects and enact necessary legislation with precision. Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart pushed his hand up to assure Barbadians that he will ensure timelines are met. Frankly, if two out of the 10-point Plan have been implemented we will be surprised.

We cannot continue to breed a culture where implementation deficit is a norm in Barbados. Of concern is that this culture has taken deep root at the ministry of tourism, our number one sector. BU will not bother to embarrass Minister Richard Sealy and his team by listing the many promises which he has reneged. Does anyone recall the Governor of the Central Bank suggesting that the final quarter of 2012 was make or break for Barbados if tourist receipts continue to decline?  We know how that story has ended. We have had 12 consecutive months of decline in tourist arrival,  it makes it a slam dunk for BU to ask for the resignation of Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy. However the overpowering reason why he must resign is that his ministry cannot implement.

Tourism And Hospitality Sector Ten Point Plan

1. Provide a Bds 10.0 million window for the retrofitting of air conditioning and lighting systems in the Tourism and Hospitality sector.This will be the first phase of the 150.0 million Energy Efficiency and Hotel refurbishment Fund. Further aspects of the fund will be rolled out over the coming months.
2. The existing 50 per cent land tax rebate for investment in Renewable Energy will be extended to Tourism and Hospitality entities that implement credible energy efficiency programs. These programmes will be assessed by the Division of Energy. This rebate will be provided under the renewable Energy Bill which will soon be laid in the House of  Assembly.
3. For the next twelve (12) months Tourism and hospitality-related entities will be entitled to an electricity rebate of 5 5 of their electricity costs. Entities that implement a credible energy efficiency plan and/or investment in energy from renewable sources will enjoy the rebate on an on-going basis, while the rebate will end  after twelve months for entities that do not make such investments.
4. For the next 12 months Tourism and Hospitality-related entities will be entitled to a rebate of 5 % of their water bills. Entities that have undertaken a credible water management programme will enjoy the rebate on an on-going basis, while the rebate will end after twelve months for those entities that do not make such investments.
5. The Ministry of Tourism will launch a programme to increase the number of Green Globe Certified Hotels and implement an international marketing strategy promoting Barbados as a “Sustainable Green” and “Clean Energy” destination.
6. Resources will be provided for the strengthening of “Events-based Tourism”
7. The Ministry of Tourism will partner with the Tourism and Hospitality-related entities to grant a credit voucher up to a specified amount in Barbados equivalent to the APD paid by British tourists who book for at least two (2) weeks with participating hotels. Further details on this initiative will be released shortly.
8. The Ministry of Tourism will partner with a number of private operators and launch a programme where villa type accommodation will be available for marketing as part of the room stock available in Barbados.
9. The Ministry of Tourism will partner with the Ministry of Culture community groups. Tourism and Hospitality related entities and other cultural practitioners to rebrand the Hastings to St Lawrence Gap Strip as a weekend 24 hour indigenous arts and craft and cultural performers market.
10. The Government of Barbados is engaging a variety of multilateral and private partners for the construction of a new hotel plant in Barbados and the re-building and re-opening of a number of derelict properties.