TWENTY-SIXTEEN IS THE YEAR of our golden jubilee (50 years of Independence) and like every other major anniversary we tend to reflect on how far we’ve come, our accomplishments, our shortcomings and most important where we are headed. Undeniably, Barbados has seen major achievements since 1966 for which we must recognise the good work of both political parties, private and public sectors, labour movement and the Barbadian people.
However, with our success has come unattractive and undesirable social delinquencies. We have a generation expectant that the state must supply all social services on demand. Our productivity is now at an all-time low even with technological aids and 97 per cent literacy. Entrepreneurship is far too rare for a nation that wants to punch above its weight and most telling is that the state-provided services are being stretched with ever more demand yet less revenue.
Fifty years is indeed an opportune time to reflect with an eye not only to problem spot but a time for all citizens to advance ideas and actively work to problem solve. It is in this vein that we, as the oldest private sector organisation in Barbados, must plunge deep in our vast ocean of diversity, knowledge, wisdom and invested capital to steer our country. It is not sufficient to merely participate; we must lead. Should we not do so, this lost opportunity will almost certainly result in a country less desirable for both residents and visitors.
Tracy Shuffler, our immediate past president, must be commended for her fine and steadfast leadership over the last 18 months. Tracy has reinforced the Chamber’s relevance in Barbados as never before. Consequently we are intent to redouble our efforts within the following areas: business facilitation, improving productivity within both the private and public sectors, improving a national relationship with Government by advocating for greater transparency with the Social Partnership where critical information and decisions can be shared in a timely manner, and encouraging entrepreneurship in foreign exchange earning and saving areas.
The strength of our chamber lies within our membership. As such, I welcome feedback from all persons on any matters of concern. In fact, the secretariat will continue to canvass our membership regarding any areas (both obvious and obscure) we should pursue robustly. Currently, there is a belief within the boardrooms of Barbadian businesses, that we have seen the worst of this recession. Historically, once the economy picks up the immediate desire for change tends to wane. I sincerely hope we realise that growth, which has to be private sector led, can only flourish and be sustainable if a pro-business environment is in existence.
Furthermore, I asked every member to reflect on this conviction and ensure our business’ future is not left to the whims and fancies of those without any skin in the game. I implore every member to give of their time to serve on BCCI committees and sub-committees which best employ their areas of expertise and passion.
Eddie Abed is president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These views were captured from the latest issue of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry newsletter.
