Dr Brathwaite: Surrender is not an option

by Marlon Madden

Declaring that now is not the time to surrender or draw back from taking decisive action, political consultant Dr George Brathwaite is urging Caribbean leaders to take urgent action in order to achieve economic and political development. Pointing to the impact of the pandemic on the economies of Barbados and other regional states, he said it has also tested governance.

“I want to emphasise the whole notion of political will and political leadership because political will means that you are looking for the opportunities and you are not just going by what sounds popular but what is prudent in terms of bringing on your people and looking to communities and citizenry to do the things that will bring the positive development outcomes,” said Brathwaite.

“Too often we see in the Caribbean that if it doesn’t equate in some sense to positive voting at the polls, political leaders tend to back off. This is not the time for backing off either from the virus itself in our fight, nor is it the time our leaders should be retreating or surrendering,” he warned. Brathwaite made the comments on day one of the 22nd annual conference of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Science and Economic Study (SALISES).

He was speaking on the topic Impact of COVID-19 on Barbados and Small Island Developing States: Re-Shaping Strategic Development Beyond Platitudes and Inequalities. He said that in order to realise true economic and social development in Barbados and other regional states consideration must be given to tackling several critical issues including that of climate change, food security and high unemployment.

“If we are able to do something in terms of providing nutritious food we will be able to at least reduce our import bills, which are way too high,” said Brathwaite.

“Different thinking and new approaches that promote growth and resilience need to be considered, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines . . .

“We have to push greater research, innovation and creativity in our policymaking. Employment creation and reduction of inequalities have to be priority number one of Barbados, all Caribbean governments and all small island developing states. There have to be youth driven policies because the youth are the future,” he added.

Declaring that none of his action plans were unique and that they have been articulated by various economies and academics over the years, he suggested that a critical element that was missing among Caribbean leaders was political will.

“We need to take decisive actions and have effective government and there must be the processes to manage so that we can be nimble enough to go towards what is working,” he said. “All this has to be buttressed by political will and political leadership.

There must be domestic responses that are backed by international solidarity and finances. It cannot be the other way around where we are getting the international assistance but they are controlling our policy thresholds,” he said.

He also called for an improved enabling environment with “ample fiscal space”. “Ample fiscal space means some discipline from governments. While you are providing for the most affected persons you are cutting back in areas of spendthrift,” he said.

marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb