On our 47th anniversary of independence, the messages from both our Prime Minister and Opposition Leader centred on the need to work together to face and overcome Barbados’ present challenges. But doesn’t “working together” mean communicating truthfully and openly with each other, and listening to and evaluating advice from all levels in the community?
Pearls of wisdom can come from the youngest to the oldest, the richest to the poorest, the artisan to the academic. Everyone, if allowed, can contribute. Instead we see a “like it or lump it” attitude, similar to that of 1991, displayed by those in authority. The leaders’ messages, while very inspiring, aren’t being translated into action in our daily lives.
If I’m not mistaken, the Opposition offered, on many occasions, to sit with Government and discuss our problems, with a view to jointly coming up with the best possible solutions, but this hasn’t happened. It seems that party continues to be put before country and there’s this feeling by the ruling party that to meet with the opposition would imply a weakness on their part. Our industry leaders and economists have also made valiant efforts at giving advice, but as far as I’m aware, they haven’t been heeded either.
Solve problems
As they say “a prophet is not without honour, save in his own country”. It’s ironic that some time ago a group of Barbadians was asked by Grenada’s government to help them solve their problems.
Meanwhile, Minister Sinckler forges ahead “like a bull in a china shop”, chopping and changing strategies, leaving tax measures up in the air and open to interpretation, and leaving us all in a state of confusion. This doesn’t engender confidence in those who are supposed to be governing us.
The president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry has suggested that the high level of uncertainty in the Barbados economy has resulted in very little investor confidence and that unless Government moves with some urgency in clarifying a number of tax-related issues, there will not be any improvement.
He also noted that the private sector was “surprised by the lack of timely clarifications” to several policy changes announced in the August 13 Financial Statement And Budgetary Proposals. I know that over the years measures mentioned in Budget speeches haven’t always come to pass, but never before have I seen the level of errors and the vague and seemingly unimplementable measures as in this year’s Budget.
It’s obvious that in order to get out of the hole we’re in, we all have to make sacrifices, so I was surprised to see BWA staff protesting about not receiving increments when most people are glad to be employed. But then again, if our leaders want cooperation in tackling the deficit, they have to lead by example. In spite of Sinckler’s attempts to convince us that Government is making savings in most of its ministries, the wastage is still obvious. We would need an independent audit, with details published, if he’s to convince us.
By the way, I was wondering what happened to the furniture the Land Tax staff were using at their Fairchild Street offices. We’re told that they can’t move to the new offices until furniture is ordered and arrives in the island. So much, too, for Minister Inniss’ call to support local.
• Dr Frances Chandler is a former Independent senator. Email fchandler@caribsurf.com.
