No big deal, says private sector head

A brewing Court battle between the Opposition and Government over a clause in the latest COVID-19  Emergency Management Order has failed to gain support from the business community, that is most likely to be affected.

The section in question grants Government special power to requisition private land and buildings indefinitely if deemed necessary to tackle the pandemic.

Opposition leader Bishop Joseph Atherley recently described the measure as an overreach of power and a breach of the Constitution, adding that he had already enlisted the services of an attorney.

When asked to comment on the developments, President of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) Edward Clarke acknowledged that if triggered, the section would most likely affect players in the business community.

On the other hand, he argued that the measure is in no way unusual for orders of that nature.

“We have to understand that it is an emergency power, and emergency powers give governments some far-reaching powers of authority, so I think anybody that understands an emergency power order understands that,” Clarke told Barbados TODAY.

“Under any powers of emergency, the government can have control of most things… and if they think it is necessary for the procurement of a hospital, a warehouse or something like that, it gives government a lot of authority, whether it is after a hurricane, some other kind of threat, or something like this that is a global pandemic.

“We just need to understand what it is and make sure that we follow the rules and the laws because it is law… I am not sure what the big surprise is about and maybe people didn’t read the last one, but these are not abnormal rules in the powers of emergency,” the business leader added.

Clarke however noted that he hoped it would only be used in the most extreme circumstances and that cooperation between businesses and government would be maintained.

“This does not mean that you like it, because nobody likes to know that their property can be confiscated or borrowed without you saying yes, but that is what you operate under in a state of emergency.

“It is something I hope will never be used without the consent of the owners, but it is there and it gives the government the right to utilize that power,” the BPSA concluded. (kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb)