est. 2007

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Cost of Living Alert: BL&P to Submit Application for Rate Increase

bl&p
Source: Fair Trading Commission (FTC)

Amid the din of post-Christmas activity the FTC posted a notice requesting technical assistance to support a rate review in the second quarter 2019. A worst case scenario for Barbadian consumers to consider is that the BL&P will be granted the increase.

One does not require deep dive analysis to gauge the state of mind of Barbadian consumers, we are a citizenry suffering from economic fatigue.  The blogmaster is of the view the fatigue state of mind of the electorate largely resulted in the 30 zip defeat of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in the last general election.

Electricity is a significant input cost in the production process. To our credit we have been developing alternative energy sources, however, it is still at a nascent stage. An increase in electricity rates will have a significant impact on the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) cost to pump and distribute water. The upside is that it may speed up the implementation of alternative power sources by that utility company.

There can be no argument that an increase in the electricity rate will drive the cost of living upwards. The business sector continues to be affected by the removal of the road tax and imposition of the fuel tax.

It makes no sense for Barbados to be boasting about  generating energy from alternative sources and at the same time consumers are asked to suffer an increase in electricity rates.

 

 

 

67 responses to “Cost of Living Alert: BL&P to Submit Application for Rate Increase”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    Located at the bottom of all BU blogs are share buttons, help to share our message by clicking on the share button of choice.For example if you are on WhatsApp, click the button and share with contacts YOU select.

    bu-share

  2. sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore) Avatar
    sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore)

    Given the cost of living increase that usually comes with a price hike in electricity rates. The FTC will be under great pressure to grant the lone electricity utility an increase, but only if they can put forward the solid evidence for such.

    What we as end users must look out for is the possible change to how the measurement of energy is now proposed by the BL&P.

    In other jurisdictions the Time-of-Use(TOU) and Energy Demand methods have been introduced as a replacement to a flat rate or a tiered rate regime for residential customers. If BL&P recommends a change to TOU and/or a Energy Demand regime for domestic customer/users we can be assured that they have done their homework and sees how this will benefit them in doing so in the final analysis. Don’t be sucked in by the allure of some lower kwh rates that may be associated with their new proposals.

    On a different train of thought, the next big step on the renewable path is how do we implement household energy storage to go along with the solar or wind generation that should get cheaper as times goes along.

    Energy Storage is not something that electricity utilities always embrace at the household level. However, technology and economics are hard things to sweep under the carpet once the private sector sees the benefit of selling the solution or buying the solution.

    Anyway we shall wait and see what the proposal will be when presented in the second quarter.

    https://microgridknowledge.com/ca-utility-rate-schedules-storage/

    https://news.energysage.com/how-do-demand-charges-work/

  3. sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore) Avatar
    sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore)

    (quote)
    In the past few years, utilities across the country — from Indiana to Massachusetts to Arizona — proposed mandatory or voluntary demand charges for residential customers. With the right resources and knowledge, it is definitely possible to reduce your monthly bill on a demand charge rate. But in many situations, including often for people with solar on their roof, demand charges can lead to more expensive bills overall.
    (quote)

  4. Lawson Avatar
    Lawson

    Wait. Did they not just reduce the price of gas you didn’t think you were going to keep that reduction did ya? But it begs the question if your electricity is produced by fuel and fuel is cheaper why the need for increase

  5. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    http://www.emera.com/en/home/affiliates/caribbean.aspx

  6. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    It appears that in Barbados the costs of capital for expansion of utilities is paid for up front by the consumer. So buy a utility company and you are guaranteed your investment up front. But I may be wrong n’est pas?

  7. David Avatar
    David

    Fixing electricy rates is obviously highly technical, it is why we expect the FTC Commissioners with the weight of the law behind them to protect the interest of consumers. Has the time arrive for the FTC to remove the distinction given to intermittent energy when considering a rate application from BL&P?

  8. pieceuhderockyeahright Avatar
    pieceuhderockyeahright

    De ole man stands amazed that, ACROSS THE SUN BATHED SHORES OF THE CARIBBEAN, THST THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE EXAMPLE OF A GOVERNMENT NOR PRIVATE SECTOR COLLABORATION with a solar project for alternative energy

    Not one!!!

    I would have figured that with people like Dr. James Husbands or William Hinds (the protege of the UWI professor ?? I forgot his name even though I see his face ahhhh Dr Sam Headley) and with people like Mr. Kammie Holder, there might have been AT LEAST ONE NATIONAL AE PROJECT that would have displayed a renewable energy thrust.

    JUST ONE!

    Even if this or a previous government even had a LED LIGHT MANUFSCTURER or a solar panel producer or some sort of shy$e that would st least show “alternatives”

    You mean that, in an island with 280K bajans and 30 thousand Guyanese, that there is not one fellow who could have thought of an initiative to write invitations to every country in the world AND ASK MANUFACTURERSTTO SET UP 5 test stations on 11 homes to test the efficacy of their solution in effing Barbados?

    Is the letter so hard go type?

    “…Dear Company X,

    Our government is keen to convert all homes to AE powered homes as we commence a manufacturing AE plant.

    In an effort to evaluate AE technologies we are inviting candidates go set up 11 AE units across the island where we will evaluate the respective ability of solutions in conjunction with our (non existent) Ministry of Energy and the Green Economy

    The 3 projects that achieve the greatest output will be invited to submit a bid for a national solution to manufacture and supply 50,000 units in year one and x thousand units per annum until year 5.

    Funding for this idea has been secured from agency y…”

    But this would be “A Bridge Too Fvcking Far” so do ole man retracts this article by the Resident Shy$e Conspiracist

    ALL HAIL MUGABE!!!

  9. pieceuhderockyeahright Avatar
    pieceuhderockyeahright

    @ the Honourable Blogmaster your assistance please with an item here of little worth thank you

  10. lawson Avatar
    lawson

    fixing electricity rates, fixing horse races how apt

  11. 45govt Avatar
    45govt

    If you are worried about this, just wait until the renewable energy scammers get their feet under the table. The scandalous ripoffs now being endured by UK consumers while further enriching the already wealthy is beyond belief.
    Then there are the lawyers, who NEVER lose. In California the main power supplier PG&E is facing bankruptcy over the charge that one of its power lines started the catastrophic wildfires. Guess who will pay, and who will be ordering new super yachts.

  12. ks Avatar
    ks

    It is time our government allow the AE industry to flourish….. remove the various taxes and roadblocks that prevent the middle-class from putting solar panels on their homes…… let BL&P realise that, sooner or later, their monopoly will be eroded and they can’t keep expecting the taxpayers to fund their lifestyle.

  13. pieceuhderockyeahright Avatar
    pieceuhderockyeahright

    @ 45govt

    The “physicist” in me, a loose application of that noun seeks to bring most things tha an empirical base line.

    I KNOW THAT THEY ARE CAHILL TYPE SCAMMERS so I dont fool myself about these things.

    What I do do voraciously is read AND EFFECT INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OF INFORMATION SUPPLIED.

    Mugabe brought us White Hoax but unlike all the rest of the population and sheeple I do one thing only!

    I seek independent VERIFICATION of data.

    Let me give you an example of this practice at work.

    For any one to sell insurance in the USA you have to be registered and to sell securities you have to be registered with the NASD

    If you are selling me a bond, I will check with the NASD to confirm your license.

    So when scammers in Nigeria say there are jobs in Barbados The Inept Barbados Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have had a site where anybody worldwide can log to ef on and see If party x is accredited to offer these jobs

    What is my point as it relates to AE?

    No product with the impact or outlay on national resources should be allowed to be put up for sale in Barbados WITHOUT IT BEING ACCREDITED.

    And, depending on what it is, places like the waste foop Barbados National Standards Institute and others in the array of agencies created to employ the army of occupation, should have this function as part of their mandate.

    But here is the caveat, endorsement and accreditation by government should permit a consumer the ability go sue the government

    See where I am going with this?

    1.Entities wanting go trade must provide bonafides.

    2.National initiatives must undergo more stringent requirements which should include testbed data and live projects to permit evaluation

    Like Harris Paints reflective paints MUST BE ROAD TESTED BEFORE MTW PURCHASES THE SHY$E

    3.A more accountable matrix of products and services delivery MUST accompany this AE issue to aggressively address the needs of our citizens.

    4.EMERA and this light and power monopoly should never have been allowed to hold bajans to this ransom WITHOUT GOVERNMENTS PLANNING VIABLE, VERIFIED ALTERNATIVES.

    What if some national disaster disrupted the energy grid? what would happen then?

    I have to stop now cause I off topic…

  14. Bajan Yankee Avatar
    Bajan Yankee

    @Pieceuhderockyeahright, we will never get the best for Barbados until we have a FOIA. The problem with most countries are with the politicians who are mostly self serving and it’s worst when you have a small docile society like Barbados. Do you understand the motivations and how influence in bought through campaign finance?

  15. pieceuhderockyeahright Avatar
    pieceuhderockyeahright

    @ the Honourable Blogmaster your assistance please with an item here for 45govt

  16. sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore) Avatar
    sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore)

    Something that we as customers of these utilities must realise is that we either enhance the utility’s bottom line or increase ours. There is the real possibility for some BL&P users to go “off-grid” because of technology. So we have potentially have some muscle when it comes to the cost and the energy we purchase and where we acquire it.

    The bigger dog in the kennel is the BWA. I speak under correction but the BWA has not has an increase in water rates for over ten years. if the BL&P increase is granted i will expect a rate submission from BWA soon afterwards. Water is essential to living. electricity maybe the second most important in the modern Barbados.

    What as a nation or society are we doing to promote water efficiency and also as important rain water harvesting. As was seen in Puerto Rico after the hurricane; when the electricity supply goes soon thereafter goes the water supply. Last time i checked Barbados is not blessed with any major rivers where we could collect water in such a scenario.

    Water storage is very important but what about rain water harvest? Is there a reluctance because the latter means less money in BWA revenue streams. God wisely has blessed us with rainfall and sunshine. As we have an abundance of human resources we must also use to the maximum all the other renewable resources that are available to the nation.

    From the same roof that collects the sunshine for the solar electricity it can also collect the rainfall for uses like gardening; flushing toilets, and if necessary for drinking once the necessary treatments have been done. The solar electricity if sufficient can power the device that can produce the potable water as well. From the prices in have seen; rainwater harvest is less costly to implement than is installing a PV solar system.

    So what is really stopping us from getting into rain water harvesting? I don’t know but hope it doesn’t take a natural disaster to remind us that we missed the boat.

    Just saying or asking?

  17. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    How many golf courses are there in Barbados? Golf courses guzzle water, would it not be a good idea to ban or at the very least restrict the use of water by golf course owners?

  18. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    Sir Fuzzy at 8:46 AM

    God / nature has for millennia given Barbados an Island wide rain harvesting system and underground rivers with filtered water. We need to protect them. We also need to stop the leakage in the BWA underground pipe system.

    With all this building of concrete jungle and solar panels we might be imperiling them.

  19. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @ the Resident Shy$e Conspiracist formerly known as pieceuhderockyeahright, lol

    ” Warm and sunny! Barbados weather is generally warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 30°C / 86°F. In fact, Barbados has over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year! ”

    I could waste my time reminding Bajans about the Solar Ac at the Ministry of Agriculture building in Graeme Hall . Or the Solar water heaters all over the island.

    Simplistic logic dictates that there is no incentive for Emera to dramatically reduce the cost of electricity in Barbados.

    BL&P should be Barbados owned and operated.

    A massive expansion of Solar and wind energy production should be undertaken. We need a new solar dynamic.

    https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/03/21/net-zero-energy-homes-in-ontario-that-produce-as-much-power-as-they-consume_a_23393847/

  20. hants1 Avatar
    hants1

    @Vincent Codrington,

    We could harvest some of the rain that flows through the gullies into the sea.

  21. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    Sirfuzzy

    I concur with your idea of each house harvesting its own solar electricity. The costs are prohibitive and so is the disposal of dangerous waste. I think the concern relates to the risk to an uninterruptible supply of electricity to key strategic institutions. The bottom line is: Can we guarantee an uninterruptible supply of electricity with a distributive private system.

  22. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ Hants at 10 :20 AM

    You too greedy . With all the Sh%@&# that going on in this country, do you not think we need a natural method of flushing it out to sea. I think Donna’s BWA bill is already too high. She is not a philanthropist. LOL!!!

  23. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    What if ?
    https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/06/big-oil-sowing-the-seeds-for-crude-prices-above-150-bernstein-warns.html

  24. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    Seriously Hants ,the run offs will be reduced if the suck wells were cleaned periodically as they were maintained under the Plantocracy.

  25. sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore) Avatar
    sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore)

    @ Vincent Codrington January 15, 2019 10:22 AM

    The technology is already in place. Solar plus storage(SPS) will almost eliminate the concern that the BL&P may have. The SPS will also push emera(BL&P) into the territory that utilities wish not to traverse. If too many can economically justify their own SPS that will be a blow to the utilities revenue stream.

    One big concern that i have with the excellent under ground water system we have is the chemicals we have been using for decades on the surface. All these chemicals are or will be entering the under ground water systems that by in large are unmapped as there are sub-surface. We know where he water settles(in the aquifer) but where do the smaller sources of water come from and what pollutants are they bringing. I am sure the BWA is testing for them; but testing is after the fact. Prevention of the chemicals into the aquifer may be impossible.

    The advantage of individual water storage is that it is easily accessible. Where i live i have no idea what water source lie beneath my house and are they easily accessible in the moment of need whether in an emergency or otherwise. collecting the water off the roof gives me direct access and can ease the pressure on the BWA pipeline system until they get those underground ageing mains fixed or replaced.

    Just saying.

  26. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ Sir Fuzzy at 10 :22 AM

    The dangerous chemicals , like the guns are coming through the official ports of entry. It is easier and cheaper to stop both at point of entry.
    The public supply of water if properly managed is cheaper and safer. We do not trust you to provide potable water for your family.LOL!!!.The public cannot concede that to you.

  27. David Avatar
    David

    A drive along Lakes Folly shows a massive solar farm being built to support.

    We need to see a similar effort from the GAIA.

    DO WE SENSE THIS GOVERNMENT IS NOT AS AGGRESSIVE WITH RE?

    Interesting to not BREA is today critical of the approach to integrate EV buses in TB’s fleet.

  28. sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore) Avatar
    sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore)

    (quote) We do not trust you to provide potable water for your family.LOL!!!.The public cannot concede that to you.(quote)

    U are so right they don’t allow or may wont allow me to use to use the same technology on a smaller scale to supply the God given rainwater to my family. Its feely provided but some one must still pay a price.

    So where do we put the blame capiltialism or greed or monopoly or legislation? Answers are welcomed. lol

  29. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ Piece

    I warned you and David that wunnuh spinning top in mud. But go long Boazee. I only gine attempt to slow the flow of misinformation and illogic.

  30. sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore) Avatar
    sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore)

    @ David January 15, 2019 11:02 AM

    (quote) Interesting to not BREA is today critical of the approach to integrate EV buses in TB’s fleet. (quote)

    Where can i read the BREA comments? Please advise

  31. sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore) Avatar
    sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore)

    David January 15, 2019 11:02 AM

    A drive along Lakes Folly shows a massive solar farm being built to support.

    Those large ground mounted rack shoul dhae taken into consideragtion that any rainfall on the pannels can be caputeed and stored. The designers shoul dhave incorporated some rainfall harvesting into the project. The collected rainfall may then be used for the maintenance of the lawns or any greenery on the site. if the plan to allow any car washing there the car wshers could use the same water for that purpose.

    The pdf is proof that a solution is commercially available to allow for the collection/harvesting of rain water in carport scenario.

    https://sunmodo.com/wp-content/uploads/Solar-Panel-Seam-Gasket-Flier-D10104-V003.pdf

    Just saying.

  32. David Avatar
    David

    It was carried on 7:30 vob newscast this morning quoting Vice President of BREA Rogers.

  33. sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore) Avatar
    sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore)

    I wonder if the TB has any plans on investing in on-site PV generation for these new buses? There must be plenty of roof top space on those 3 terminals they occupy.

    However, I can see the BWA and the TB getting to together in the lower Bridgetown area, where he BWA soalr park can be used to topup/recharge the TB new electric buses, provided they is excess energy remaining after BWA operations are satisfied.

  34. David Avatar
    David

    @sirFuzzy

    Was that not a requirement listed in the tender document?

  35. FearPlay Avatar
    FearPlay

    You can be assured that Barbados will never enjoy cheap energy. The Chinese have been doing pioneering work in solar energy and solar panel development for years. Were government serious about encouraging adoption in this area, prohibitive duties would not exist and further, government support for experimentation and development in this area would be encouraged and supported.

    Instead, what we have is a “kill the goose for the golden egg” mentality where taxes are so prohibitive that only the wealthy can indulge. This is similar to boat ownership where on an island surrounded by a placid ocean, only the well off can afford to take to the seas for transportation and recreation as vessel ownership has been taxed beyond the financial ability of most of us.

    Every new tax imposed is like a hammer blow to the head of a nail, driving us further and further into despair and like the good Bajans that we are, we grumble but never protest or revolt and just pay up. Do you think what is happening in France as a result of increased taxes and fuel charges would ever happen here? Yet, we live in the false hope that things will get better one day coming soon.

    In a country where workers have not seen any meaningful salary increases in over ten years but tax increases in the tenfold, the mere thought of increasing electricity rates is obscene (along with increased water rates, fuel prices and bank charges).

  36. Dame Bajans Avatar
    Dame Bajans

    See what India has done.

    https://money.cnn.com/2016/03/14/technology/india-cochin-solar-powered-airport/index.html

  37. sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore) Avatar
    sirfuzzy (i was a sheep some years ago; not a sheep anymore)

            @ David January 15, 2019 12:35 PM

    Under the arrangement, the partner is expected to: –

    Provide between 120 to 180 electric buses within 12 to 18 months on the signing of the contract and solely on the basis of the requirements stated above and in conformity with the technical requirements as defined in the specification sheet.
    Conduct all necessary due diligence and negotiations with the Barbados Light and Power company with respect to the timeline, cost of charging stations and electricity rates.

    what is was asking was if the TB not the winner of the tender will be installing any PV system on the their buildings.

    From what i read they are expecting to supply the charging energy from the utility company.

  38. ks Avatar
    ks

    BL&P has been here for over 100 years….. simple question: Have they ever recorded a loss in profit in that time?? Would guess the answer is NO!!! Do you think they will now?? Lol…. standby for rate increase!!!

  39. David Avatar
    David

    The TB is dead broke. It would make sense that there is provision to provide the ancillary service.

  40. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ David January 16, 2019 3:56 AM
    “The TB is dead broke. It would make sense that there is provision to provide the ancillary service.”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Come on, BU Blogmaster!

    We hope you are not falling for that plate of propaganda bullshit of a PPP-type disposal of the Transport Board via a financing model of a vehicle called “Revenue-Sharing” arrangement to be generated by those spanking brand-new electric buses expected to cost over a million dollars each, whether denominated in US $ or the Bajan Mickey mouse like the Dodds prison.

    Where will the revenues come from to justify this large investment? From the same fixed pool of controlled bus fares already dominated and controlled by the ZR and minibus business owners?

    Electric buses (with their necessary daily scheduled recharging requirements) can be cost effective only if the existing short and profitable routes are taken away from the ZR and yellow minibus crew and given, primarily, to this new ‘entrepreneur’ in electric buses for public transportation.

    Who will want to send an electric bus to Chimborazo or Chalky Mount or Martins Bay while Bush Hall, Haynes Ville and Silver Sands are not there for the takings?

    Who will bell the cat while guarding the guards for those who operate those ZRs for those whose sole interest is to make a ‘fast’ buck for their family Mosque?

  41. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ Miller
    Good to see that there are still some intelligent people (who can THINK rationally) left….

    While the brass are fantasizing…. why don’t they go for the whole hog…?
    and…
    look for a partner for a new subway system…?
    …or better yet…
    look for buses powered by fission….

    Steupsss…
    If a JA cannot get a 1970 technology shiite bus to work..
    What are the chances of him running a 2025 electric model for more than six months…?

    Zero…!!!

    …Grass.

  42. David Avatar
    David

    @Bushie and Miller

    Can we assume you two will not be at Marriotts to learn the finer details about the proposal?

    #anotherhyatt?

  43. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Just discovered that an eddoes cost Bds$1.11 each at Morrison’s supermarkets in London. May I suggest we grow eddoes for export only?

  44. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ Hal

    The eddoe cost the same here in Barbados. No need to add transport cost to erode profits.

  45. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Vincent Codrington January 16, 2019 6:41 PM

    You are overlooking the forex earning component of the export potential of the lowly “eddoe”.

    There is also a massive market in the UK and wider Europe for other ground provisions like yams, sweet potatoes breadfruit and coconuts. Just check out the many food markets in those towns with relatively significant black ethnic populations and you would be surprised at the cost of tropical food items which are well sought after and fetching premium prices for the mainly East Indian controlled food stalls.

    Why is Barbados no longer exploiting these forex earning avenues?

    It’s time Bajans stop living off other people’s foreign money (foreign borrowings) and start earning an honest living in the world by selling what foreigners desire other than sea and sand now polluted by dumping their own shit in the sea.

  46. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Opportunity ?

    https://www.loblaws.ca/Food/Fruits-%26-Vegetables/Ethnic-Vegetables/plp/LSL001001008000?navid=ethnic-vegetables

  47. BajanFeeParty Avatar
    BajanFeeParty

    More PAIN to come , you all not listen so you all have to pay, the Crime Minister of Barbados Mia the crooking Family Motley,! Always remember the LAND FRAUD AND THE CHAIN REACTION ,

  48. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ Miller

    How does it make economic sense to export a crop to a place where the retail price is the same as the local retail price?
    Will you please get this fetish of earning foreign exchange out of your mind ? A country earns foreign exchange when it makes good business sense to do so.
    Eddoes and yams are retailed locally at $11.00 per kilogram .

  49. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ Vincent,
    Do we import eddoes from the other islands?

  50. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Vincent Codrington January 17, 2019 11:23 AM
    “How does it make economic sense to export a crop to a place where the retail price is the same as the local retail price?
    Will you please get this fetish of earning foreign exchange out of your mind ? A country earns foreign exchange when it makes good business sense to do so.
    Eddoes and yams are retailed locally at $11.00 per kilogram .”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=

    Before we go further into this matter it would be rather instructive if you should attend to Hal Austin’s query about importing eddoes (and yams) from other islands.

    In the kernel of your reply you might just find the answer you are looking for regarding forex.
    A dollar of forex saved might just be that US 50 cents required to pay for the goods made in China and “Dumped” in places like Barbados.

    Why did Barbados export sugar when the local cost of production was way above its overseas market value, if not for its forex earning capacity?

    If not eddoes and yams to plant for local consumption and for export to the UK and North America then what should be done with the “agricultural” lands (formerly in sugarcane) now growing only bush and rearing vermin? Plant concrete or grow marijuana?

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