By David Hinkson
As Government rolls out the next phase of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme, one backbencher has advised the administration to take care of the unfinished business from the first phase and to cover all bases for the second phase.
Speaking during debate on the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation Programme, 2022-2027, Member of Parliament for St. George North, Toni Moore, said, “As we seek to implement BERT 2022, we cannot afford to hurry what was not done in the previous one and foist it on our workers. While we can blame COVID on why some aspects of the previous programme were not completed, it cannot take all the blame, because in all honesty, there were some conversations that we could have had during that time that would have ensured that we could make a seamless transition immediately after it blew over.”
Moore, the General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) added that, “I have examined the macroeconomic policies and the reform agenda we have to complete, and I want to challenge my colleagues to take their time and have the relevant discussions associated with them rather than trying to rush them through.”
She suggested that any criticism of Government’s policies should not be seen as offensive, but considered a reflection of the challenges that the society as a whole may be facing. If these issues are taken into consideration, she added, there may influence better decision-making.
“Working together does not mean not to criticise. Constructive criticism is important and we do not want ‘yes’ people around us, or to give people the impression that they have to agree with everything that we do. The best implementation comes when there are a lot of protests, such as demonstrations or strikes, because they serve to keep the leaders’ “feet to the fire” and ultimately ensure that their plans truly benefit the people they are meant to benefit.”
Meanwhile, MP for St. George South, Dwight Sutherland, said the new BERT plan has taken into consideration the latest global developments coming out of the COVID era including the Ukraine war, rising inflation and interest rates, high oil prices and shipping costs and scarce supplies for Third World countries.”
Sutherland suggested some of the successes under the initial programme, such as the launch of the Trust Loans Fund, and the public and private sector partnerships will play a significant role in building out Barbados’ economy.
Speaking to his ministerial portfolio of Housing and Lands, Sutherland pointed out: “We have had a joint venture in Chancery Lane in Christ Church, where we are building 300 houses. A private contractor dealt with the infrastructure such as the roads and utilities installation and constructed the homes, while the National Housing Corporation was responsible for the land. Later this week, Cabinet will be discussing the vesting of 40 acres of land at Lower Burney in St. Michael for housing purposes, where a private sector firm will be responsible for work on 20 acres of that land.” (DH)
