Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler last night cautioned that now was not the time for the Government to be looking to increase its $700 million wage bill.
Following meetings with officials of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) earlier this week, the minister insisted that the current focus was on bringing down the country’s fiscal deficit, which at last estimate was pegged at over $500 million for fiscal year 2010-2011.
He told the MIDWEEK NATION that while there were definite signs of recovery in the Barbados economy, “the persistent high deficit is still a major challenge for the country”.
“This is not just a Government problem; it is a national issue that has to be addressed by all the Social Partners, including the union,” Sinckler said. (MK/KJ)
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