Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has appealed for the continued support of the business community in her bid to pull Barbados back from the precipice of economic disaster.
In a comprehensive address to the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) this afternoon, the Prime Minister said her Barbados Labour Party administration had inherited a Government that was “effectively in the Intensive care Unit” with regard to its perilous economic position, but she disclosed that urgent measures taken to date had so far managed to stem the “bleeding”.
Mottley said her Government had moved to take control of the debt situation and a perilous foreign exchange position after reserves had declined to a dangerously low level. She added that while Barbadians feared involvement with the International Monetary Fund, action had to be taken to request balance of payment support from that body.
She thanked the Social Partnership for rallying with her to come up with solutions to the many problems, while disclosing that the grouping which includes Government, the trade unions and the private sector, was still actively engaged in the process.
Barbados Light and Power Co. Ltd, Roger Blackman (foreground), among those listening attentively to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
The Prime Minister urged the business people to exploit new opportunities in the region, beyond the traditional countries. She said plans were in train for investment in “massive training” for young Barbadians in a “national first job initiative.”
“I am asking you in the private sector to work with us to create those opportunities for apprenticeships for first job initiative…” Mottley said.
President Edward Clarke said this was the largest attendance ever at a BCCI meeting and pledged the organisation’s support and commitment to work with Government on issues affecting the business community. He highlighted taxation, integrity legislation, infrastructural development and Customs and trade facilitation among the issues the BCCI wanted Government to address in the interest of commerce. (GC)
