Thumbs up for PM’s plan

Government’s plan to transform the Barbados economy over the next seven years has been welcomed by Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) Edward Clarke, who also wants to see more job opportunities being created for the youth.

In light of Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s revelation of her vision to address a range of social and economic concerns over the next seven years, Clarke said he was confident it could be achieved.

He told Barbados TODAY that while there was not a lot of details on some areas of the plan just yet, “generally speaking, we know the direction that the Prime Minister wants to take us”.

“I think it is important that what is being done is really future development and growth for Barbados and the people of Barbados. So anything to drive growth will be good for Barbados at this time, once it is involving the wider population, which I think is the intention of the Government from what we are hearing. I look forward to the new projects that are coming on stream,” he said.

Mottley also promised to continue to address issues relating to solid waste, public transportation, sick building syndrome, and water and energy concerns.

Clarke acknowledged that it would take some time for substantial transformation to take place in several areas, pointing out that a lot has already been done to stabilize the economy.

“Now we need to work together as a people to continue to push Barbados forward and to grow Barbados into the country we really want it to be,” he said.

In relation to two of the most troublesome issues concerning the business community – crime and solid waste management – Clarke told Barbados TODAY he was satisfied measures were being put in place as evident by the arrival of new garbage trucks and government’s programmes for the youth.

“The issue around garbage, I think the Prime Minister and the Government seem to be addressing it now by buying more garbage trucks and so on. We need to still deal with the issue of garbage management – how we manage our garbage, dispose of our garbage and treat the environment.

“So I hope in the future we will hear more about recyclables and better management of those things and how we dispose of our own garbage. It is incumbent on Barbadians to keep their place tidy too and help manage the environment,” said Clarke.

He noted that crime is at a stage in Barbados where it really has to be addressed, insisting that one method was to get young people more involved by providing job opportunities and support for their goals.

However, like Mottley, Clarke said in addition to what the state was doing the process required a more active role from families and all residents and civil society organisations.

“The wider society has to contribute, whether it is the private sector, public sector or the non-governmental organisations and churches. Everybody has to contribute to it. But it must start from home. The environment at home must be stable,” he said.

The businessman said he hoped pending construction projects in the tourism sector would provide necessary opportunities.

“People in general want to do well and I think employment opportunities will help in that regard. So we are hopeful the number of projects coming on stream will do that. Certainly there will be a lot of construction type projects in the immediate future, but the provision of long-term opportunities for employment and business opportunities for young people who want to do things on their own has to also take place.

“We have to give people opportunities to have a goal, a future and a vision of where they want to be as a people. That is important for any country. And I am hopeful that the vision we are hearing from the Prime Minister and her team will be realized. There is a lot of work that we have to do and put our heads together as a country and do what needs to be done to bring Barbados into a new phase, a really transformed society,” said Clarke.
marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb