Economist challenges new DLP leadership

Barbados-born economist Carlos Forte has challenged the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and its new leadership to focus on unifying its rank and file and become a credible alternative for Barbadians.

Further Forte – who was addressing the DLP’s extraordinary conference on Sunday where university lecturer Dr Ronnie Yearwood defeated veteran politician Dr David Estwick by 68 votes for the party’s presidency – is of the view that the party ought to share with Barbadians a bold, realistic, hopeful and inspiring vision of the future.

Speaking via video stream he suggested that the new president must lead the party’s internal renewal, established a small shadow cabinet, continue its work in all 30 constituencies, and immediately engage the Government and public on the creation of a new republic constitution as well as confront the Mia Mottley Government on its handling of the country’s affairs.

“The DLP, should rise to the challenge of charting a development agenda and a national strategic development plan, if the present Government does not. These are some of the challenges that should arrest the attention of the DLP and its leadership.

“The DLP must introspect and demonstrate to the public of Barbados that it is capable of transforming itself into a 21st [century] organisation that can effectively champion the causes of the people, and deliver for them when given the opportunity to serve. It must first look within.

“You have been given a prime opportunity to recondition your party machinery. Put oil in your lamps, reinvigorate your internal structures and refresh your brand as you prepare to rev your engines for the political battles ahead. You will need to mould your talent, recruit fresh blood and transform your own internal structures and governance systems. The new leadership of the DLP will have to rise to the challenge of making the DLP the governing party of choice again,” Forte stated.

He also contended that as a small island developing state, with a small open economy that lacks diversification,2 and technological innovation, some of Barbados’ most intractable challenges are a high cost of living, a high cost of doing business, a lack of economic enfranchisement or economic democracy and poverty.

The island’s inability, he believes, to earn enough foreign exchange, limit outflows of corporate surpluses, and its inability to attract sufficient foreign direct investment, have from time-to-time spawned balance of payments problems, depleted foreign reserves, and since 2008 spawned an unprecedented post-independence period of under-development.

However, the Canadian-based consultant suggested that in order to overcome these weaknesses, Barbados needs a strong, resilient and diversified economy.

“Inclusive growth must not just be a mantra, it must be the cornerstone of our nation’s development and the advancement of our people. The fruits of commercial success, economic expansion, government procurement and consultancies must not be reaped by the moneyed class and politically connected alone. Barbados must be for all Barbadians! Not just the ‘too few’ as former Minister Kellman called them,” Forte said. (KC)