The Minister of Finance has announced that Budget Day in Barbados will be on the 16 August 2016. It is evident to sensible observers that Minister Chris Sinckler’s policies have failed Barbados as we observe the country’s infrastructure crumble and the confidence of a proud Bajan dissipate. His PR effort this week on the talk show is duly noted.
The following Facebook entry by Senator John Watson caught the attention of BU for many reasons. At the top of our concerns is the challenge Barbados faces to generate forex to pay for imports. It is no secret Barbadians have developed an unhealthy consumption appetite post Independence and we will live or die based on our (in)ability to generate foreign exchange.
The concern raised by Senator Watson strikes at the core of what is wrong with Barbados today. Despite a huge investment in educating our people we have been unable to fan the entrepreneurial flame. There is no Pride and Industry to float the boat of national productivity, to purchase local. Our policymakers have gambled and placed all the chips on the tourism sector.
Senator Watson makes the strong point that if items are being manufactured in Barbados, Abed a leading retailer and president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce, should purchase local. It is what a good corporate citizen AND Barbadians should do. The additional concern the BU household has is a retailer (Eddy Abed) heading the Barbados Chamber of Commerce at a time the priority need of the country is to generate foreign exchange. Does this make sense? We should not blame Abed because he was elected by the members. It is an indictment on all the members of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce. In fact we go further and suggest it is an indictment on all Barbadians.
Middlecalss and not so middleclass Barbadians are travelling to Miami or buying online anyway so who cares.
It is Budget Day next week Tuesday and the feeling with many is – so what.
The Trade Association leaders need to set higher standards . Mr. Abed, President of the Chamber of Commerce, has chosen to import large quantities of school accessories, Bands and epaulets, which can be made locally. In fact, he may have used to the local products from which to give his Far East Supplier samples to copy.
I have to conclude that there is no regard for the welfare of Barbadian workers nor for preservation of foreign exchange. He has chosen to support the very poorly paid workers of the Far East over Bajans.
I hope that Barbadians understand that they should not buy these products because they are taking away Barbadian JOBS. Unfortunately, Barbados Industries Ltd (Uniform Factory Outlet UFO) at Wildey, and Hooper Garments at Pelican , both MANUFACTURERS, are selling those products as well.
The locally made products are being sold at Cave Shepherd, Woolworth Marmax and Wally’s. BUY FROM THESE.
Read the comments posted to Senator John Watson’s Facebook timeline HERE.
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