#BTColumn – Much food for Barbadian thought

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.

by Dr Derek Alleyne

A recent posting across the social media provides the basis of a prescriptive formula for the way forward as Barbados rides out the COVID-19 pandemic.

The outline presents options that stretch across most of the productive sectors that invite deeper analysis and the development of specific programs and activities.

Dr. Don Marshall has, without prompting, provided Barbadians with his thoughts of what is possible as we set priorities to do with “restoring health and safeguarding the public health systems” as Barbados tackles the “socio-economic makeover of the country as a first step to diversify the economy”.

The Head of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES) suggests an action plan that focuses on the creation of an industrial policy that features “state, foreign and local investors. Entrepreneurs and design planners.

He wants efforts to build out airlift from Africa, Latin America and Asia, operation of regional ferries, engagement of Chinese State, “its state-owned enterprises and the Asian industrial and infrastructural banks to secure infrastructural deals”.

On the foreign exchange side, Dr. Marshall wants a reduction in the number of imported cars. On Labour’s adjustments, he wants the pay cycle to be extended and adjustments made to mortgage and rental regimes. Supporting these adjustments is a 12-month household mitigation scheme.

Dr. Marshall also recommends adjustments to the tax policy “an increase in corporate tax from 0 per cent to 5 per cent, 10 per cent and 15 per cent and he wants fresh negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Government has been talking a lot about cultural industries and it has relegated the Minister of Culture into the office of the Prime Minister.

Dr. Marshall wants action and wants the drive activated by “incentivizing film, theatre, craft, music, design, poetry, dance and literature.” He wants to make the Head of State patron of the Arts, restore Queen’s Park and convert Broad Street into a pedestrian hub.

There is much more in the package of suggestions but while the sceptics may question the plausibility of the “plan”, Marshall was careful to express a significant concern.

He posits “I do hope that many in the local private sector, elements within academia, the press and policy elites in Cabinet, the CDB and among the list of consultants, can get past the dogma that the private sector can be expected to lead the way at this juncture.”

This concern is with foundation and realistic for the private sector of Barbados has changed: in make-up, character, focus and interests. Dr. Marshall is wise not to expect leadership from that sector.

The challenge then is to place the responsibility on the state (including the public service) but with the current lack of faith in this sector and the Government’s dependency on “consultants” Barbados may be caught between two losing causes.

A friend has suggested that the Marshall plan provides good food for a new development order and it is difficult  to disagree. What his presentation has raised is the non-appearance of the reports from the Committees set up by the Prime Minister as far back as April 2020.

I may be considered as anti-government and a sceptic, but I am aware that no replacement has been publicly made for former Prime Minister Arthur who headed one of the prestigious committees, announced with anticipation and expected to report, ”soon”.

Dr. Marshall has put his head and hands to work and has provided the public with what the committees ought to have done.

It would be a positive move if some of the “thinkers” in Barbados bring critical analysis to his suggestions but I doubt that will happen because in the current environment too often the message is lost because of the messenger.

In the meantime, it is press conferences and press statements as Barbadians await the COVID-19 disappearance. Thanks must go to Dr. Marshall.

Dr Derek Alleyne is a trade unionist, social commentator and member of the Democratic Labour Party.