Stuart examines the Barbados economy

by Marlon Madden

Barbadian economist Kemar Stuart has published his first book. The 219-page paperback publication titled Alternate Views: Barbados’ Economic Road to Republic, provides an analysis on a range of economic matters between 2016 and November 2021 when the island transitioned to a republican state.

It delves into a range of economic policy prescriptions and economic developments relating to the country’s debt to GDP ratio, transfers to state-owned entities, the foreign reserves, the controversial debt restructuring of 2018, the Barbados Optional Savings Scheme (BOSS), the Barbados Employment and Sustainable Transformation (BEST) programme and the highly revered Barbados Welcome Stamp initiative.

“The book provides a heavy analysis of the legislative changes that occurred during the period of 2018 to 2021,” added Stuart. In explaining the impact of certain decisions on the island’s economic landscape, the publication also takes a look at the impact from the trade union movement and some policymakers and special economic advisors during the specified period, as well as offers some recommendations on the way forward.

Stuart opted not to say what exactly led to him publishing the educational material at this time. However, the 27-year-old politician told Today’s BUSINESS he was upbeat about the achievement, which he said was dedicated to University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Board of Undergraduate Studies Professor Justin Robinson and Professor Cynthia Barrow Giles.

He said they have been very instrumental in his economic and political development over the years.
Stuart, who contested the January 19, 2022 general election, said he started the book in April 2021 and completed it by December, but publication had been delayed due to the recent general election. The educational publication is expected to be officially launched sometime in March and will become available in bookstores then.

Stuart, Director of Business Development Finance and Investment at Stuart & Perkins Caribbean, said while his publication mainly targeted academics, politicians, researchers, institutions, budding economists and public servants, it was also written with “the average layman” in mind.

marlonmadden@barbadostoday