#BTColumn – Explore possibilities of aloe vera to the fullest

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

by Michael Ray

Recently I read that Export Barbados is attempting to increase from 20 to 200, the number of products currently being exported.

It was interesting to note that beauty products with the ingredient aloe vera are included in the list of export items.

Are we importing aloe vera for the manufacturing of these products or are we utilizing the well-know local non-poisonous variety Aloe Barbadensis?

If we are to maximise the potential that lies in the exportation of aloe vera based products, then we should  be seeing the proliferation of aloe vera farms, large and small,  across the length and breadth of Barbados .

Information dated approximately five years ago – of which this letter-writer previously wrote – told a story of the worldwide increase in sales of products containing aloe vera, with European countries the chief expanding markets.

Not only is there expansive growth of aloe vera usage in the beauty industry but also in food, health and nutrition businesses.

With the good use of our overseas missions across the European Union and our Minister of International Trade, Barbados is well-placed and exposed to trading opportunities not only in manufactured products but also the bulk exportation of aloe vera barbadensis

In a water-scarce country that is increasingly affected by climate change, there is very  good reason why agricultural authorities  should have a master-plan  and a policy on the cultivation of aloe vera barbadensis that can add a wheel of diversity to our economic wagon.

In these most difficult economic times, we cannot allow opportunities to pass us by.

The popularity, the safety and the health nutrients contained in the beneficially medicinal Aloe Vera Barbadensis are known worldwide

There are pertinent solutions to our challenging economic circumstances.

Sadly, within the corridors of policy and decision making there seems to be an epidemic of implementation deficit syndrome that carries no symptoms of hoarseness or laryngitis .

If country Barbados is to be extricated from its economic handcuffs and shackles, then there must be less talk and more action.

If one never stops procrastinating, one never completes the project.