MINISTER OF INDUSTRY Donville Inniss said Barbados was prepared to raise taxes on imported processed chicken with or without the approval of CARICOM.
Speaking after a tour of the Arawak Cement Plant in St Lucy yesterday the minister said, while Barbados had a record of honouring all its trade agreements, it was time to take the lead in a changing world dynamic.
“One thing I can say about Barbados is that we have always been very respectful of all of the trade agreements we have signed onto. Others may have taken a different approach but Barbados has always been there pulling our weight, paying our dues and contributing meaningfully to these trade agreements.
“But circumstances change and sometimes we have to ensure we lead the charge in terms of the need for the appropriate changes to be made to reflect what is happening in the dynamics around the region and the world,” he said.
The minister said a stand would have to be taken in regard to the poultry industry. He said the issue was discussed during the last Council of Trade and Economic Development meeting where it was initially agreed Article 83 of the Revised Treaty Of Chaguaramas would be amended to allow regional governments to adjust duties but he said only five of the 13 heads of Government had thus far signed off on it.
