#BTSpeakingOut – The sale of Barbadian businesses

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by Michael Ray

Since the year of independence, there has been a steady and deliberate sale of Barbadian businesses. Among a lengthy list of names are the Barbados National Bank, The Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited, Stokes and Bynoe, McEnearney, Barbados Shipping and Trading, The Barbados Bottling Company Limited, The Pine Hill Dairy, The Arawak Cement Plant.

Just as there is “security” and “sovereignty” attached to Food and Energy, should Barbadian Assets and Resources be treated in a similar manner? Should there be a national debate on how the sale of locally-owned businesses affect the overall Barbadian economy?

We profusely debate low-hanging topics such as sports, religion, human rights, the rights of the child, gender issues and the lot.

There is enough room for a national conversation on how the sale of Barbadian businesses impacts on our economy.

The silence of our Economists, Bankers, Social Scientists and Business experts is deafening.