$300 000 greener

Barbados’ effort to lead the Eastern Caribbean’s drive for a green economy just got a lot better, thanks to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The bank, through its Multilateral Investment Fund, yesterday presented US$150 000 (BDS$300 000) to the Future Centre Trust. The funds will be used to help push this island’s initiative for small and medium-sized businesses in establishing green business standards.
Yesterday’s agreement was signed by President of the IDB, Luis Alberto Moreno, and Vivian-Ann Gittens, chairman of the Future Centre Trust.
The money will go toward helping 20 small and medium enterprises to improve competitiveness and save operating costs by allowing them to reduce waste and make more efficient use of energy and water. It will also provide the companies with the opportunity to position and market themselves as “green” businesses, increasing their brand value. (BA)