We must protect our legacy

INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGES 2022

Trisha Tannis

Chairman, Barbados Private Sector Association

 

The Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) is pleased to bring greetings to the people of Barbados on the occasion of its 56th Independence Day celebrations and the first anniversary of becoming a republic.

As an independent nation, Barbados has been consistent in the fight to preserve the seeds our brave forefathers sowed to establish a country with high standards of governance, prudent management, and respect for law and order. However, reflecting on our current reality, particularly the escalating gun violence in recent months, a call to action must be made for all of Barbados to become, or continue to be, engaged in the struggle to tackle the real and potential negative threat to this legacy.

The Barbados Private Sector Association, having co-chaired the monitoring committee for the first Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation plan, acknowledges the inherent challenges attendant to the management of our economy. As we continue to compete, trade and operate in an environment characterised by geo-political conflicts, global climate shocks, supply chain disruptions and rising global inflation, our hope is that as a nation, we will rally together in a genuine spirit of collaboration, in order to build the resilience necessary to survive, whether in times of plenty or in times of need.

We also recognise the critical role that the private sector has played in the development of our independent nation and we will not retreat nor refrain from contributing to its social and economic progress, alongside our social partners and all of Barbados. It is, however, time to also reflect on our levels of productivity and efficiency and to question whether the modalities that have served us over the past 56 years remain wholly relevant to our future economic and social success.

As a people, we can look back with pride on our industry and know that the principles of hard work, dedication and commitment served us well in the past and be assured that these same qualities will allow us to be true craftsmen of our fate. Let us, therefore, not forsake them.

It is with a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude that the contribution made by each one to our nation’s development is acknowledged. Our national anthem gives credit to the Lord as our guide in the past and so He will be in the present and in times to come. Let us continue to keep Him on our side.

As upward and onward we go into another year of independence, we do so without doubt and without fear. We need to re-establish an atmosphere of confidence in our sustainable economic viability if we are to expand local investment. To do so we must all collectively signal that we are willing to make the tough decisions and reforms necessary to effect meaningful change in our business facilitation and social constructs, even as the private sector seeks to maintain a collaborative framework conducive to the positive advancement of the social and economic fabric of Barbados. 

We will continue our lobbying and advocacy work within the Social Partnership and with all stakeholders who, being inspired, exulting and free, desire to see our nation grow in strength and unity.

Happy Independence Barbados!