#BTColumn – Making a difference

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by Dennis De Peiza

At a time when the world is basically in economic and social turmoil, those who are fortunate to be employed can accept the fact that they hold an advantage over the thousands or even millions in their geographical location, who are either employed or underemployed.

Most employees now face the challenge of not having security of tenure in their current employment. Looking at what is happening on the ground, there is a steady stream of business enterprises that are either downsizing their operations or resorting to closure.

There is a growing practice where employers, including governments, are not filling vacant positions in the organizations when they arise.

The cold fact is that there is a diminishing level of employment which is being experienced. Notwithstanding this, the populace is asked to believe that the unemployment numbers are low.

Understandably, it is expected that statistics would paint a picture that brings comfort to the minds of members of the public. Unfortunately, when actuality kicks in, the story appears to be far different from that which is conveyed.

In the context of the English-speaking Caribbean, governments have been eternally promising the start of new capital work projects in an effort to ease the unemployment problem.

The rising tide of criminal activities and anti-social behaviours are linked to the high unemployment trend. Against this backdrop, it is amazing that the impression is still that the unemployment problem is on the decline.

Governments all across the world seem to be struggling to find solutions to arrest the unemployment problem. It would appear that there is the general thinking that job opportunities abound where concentration is placed on capital works projects, construction, digitalisation and renewable energy projects.

It is expected that an uptake of these will contribute to a turnaround that can lend to sustainable development, economic growth, and stability. For this to occur, there is a need to carefully plan strategies that are aimed at growing the economic sectors.

For countries that are not self-sufficient in food production and depend heavily on food importation,
foreign goods and services, it is about time that concentration is centered on developing the agriculture and agro-industries sector.

Development in these two areas can bring on stream thousands of jobs which would utilise non-skilled, skilled and technical workers and administrative and management personnel.

It is to be expected that direct and indirect jobs will be created by industry partners, as linkages are created throughout the various employment sectors.

In the past, Caribbean countries have placed emphasis on the tourism industry as the major economic revenue source.

The region has long outlived its marketing thrust, which was driven by promoting the enjoyment of sand, sea and sun. Tourism is about the level of spend and unless this happens, the growth of the sector can be retarded.

The coming on stream of new tourism destinations that offer new attractions means that there is rising global competition.

It is recommended that serious thought be given to taking the current investment within the tourism industry beyond the mere construction of new hotel properties. Improving the quality of service is a must.

Like all businessmen, those who invest in the tourism sector hope to maximise their returns. As a high-priced destination, countries like Barbados have every reason to understand and appreciate that with the offerings made by low-priced tourism destinations, clients now have options. High accommodation rates, taxi fares, food prices and poor quality service delivery are unlikely to attract long-stay visitors.

It is evident that solutions to the unemployment problem go beyond macroeconomic thinking, but extend to strategic economic planning.

It is worth the while for the authorities to study what changes are desired and need to be made to the various economic sectors. They are also urged to address the seasonal employment now offered in some employment sectors and to empower and provide meaningful assistance that is aimed at driving entrepreneurship and self-employment.   

Dennis De Peiza is a Labour & Employee Relations Consultant at Regional Management Services Inc.www.regionalmanagementservices.com