Manufacturing driving resilience and innovation, says BMA president

Barbadian manufacturing is actively powering economic resilience, innovation and diversification despite global pressures, Barbados Manufacturers Association (BMA) president Rakesh Bernard said on Monday, as he used the opening of Manufacturers’ Week to position industry as central to the island’s future and to launch a major international trade initiative for 2027.

Addressing an audience that included Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Jonathan Reid, and Export Barbados CEO Mark Hill, Bernard emphasised that domestic production carries immense national value.

“Today is not simply another event on the calendar,” Bernard said. “It is a celebration of industry that remains central to Barbados’ resilience, innovation, and economic growth. Manufacturing matters because every locally produced product reflects Barbadian ingenuity, creates jobs, develops skills, attracts investment, and strengthens our ability to compete globally.”

The BMA president acknowledged the severe headwinds facing businesses globally, noting that local operators have shown remarkable fortitude.

“Despite global uncertainty, rising costs, and supply chain disruptions, manufacturers in Barbados have continued to innovate, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said, describing the week-long event as both a celebration and a firm declaration that the nation is serious about expanding its productive capacity.

A central theme of the address was the critical importance of public-private alignment. Bernard noted that the modernisation of manufacturing — spanning digitisation, food security, renewable energy, and sustainability — directly mirrors the government’s broader economic objectives.

“National transformation requires policy and production, investment and innovation, government and industry all moving together,” Bernard said. “The work taking place across manufacturing today aligns directly with the vision of Mission Barbados, building a smarter, greener, more resilient and inclusive economy.”

“Manufacturers are central to that mission because we can create solutions, transform ideas into products, and generate economic opportunity.”

Roberts Manufacturing display among the exhibits at the BMA State of the Industry Conference.

Bernard used the platform to officially launch the journey towards the Trade and Innovation Expo 2027 (TI 2027). Recognising the diplomatic corps in attendance, he framed the upcoming expo as a major step forward for regional and international business collaboration.

“TI 2027 will be more than an exhibition,” Bernard said. “It will be a platform for trade, investment, technology partnerships and regional and international business collaboration.” He extended an open invitation to international partners to build stronger ties in entrepreneurship and technology ahead of the 2027 showcase.

The BMA president issued a rallying call for the economic diversification of Barbados, urging stakeholders to look beyond traditional economic pillars and strongly support national enterprise.

“The future of Barbados cannot depend on one industry alone,” Bernard declared. “It must be built through diversification, innovation, production, and strategic global engagement. Manufacturing has a critical role in that future. And now it is time to invest boldly in local industry, local talent, and local innovation.” 

(RR)