WITH THE RIGHT enabling environment, Barbados would be well positioned to be the international business and financial services capital of the world.
International Business Minister Donville Inniss made this assertion on Monday night while delivering the feature address at the opening reception of International Business Week, at Sandy Lane Spa.
Before an audience that included dignitaries, Barbados International Business Association stakeholders and sponsors, the Minister stated that in order to achieve this objective “there were a few things that needed to be done”.
Stressing that we must first stop settling for mediocrity in all that we did as individuals and as a nation, Inniss pointed out that we must stop making excuses and start comparing ourselves with the best in the field.
He added that one of the ways this could be achieved is for Government to “not treat the private sector as the enemy but rather as a partner”. Conversely, the private sector should not treat Government as “a bunch of unenlightened political operatives”.
“We must clearly define the parts of the International Business sector for us and be the best at them all. There must consistently be clarity in our policies and those tasked with executing policies must do so at all times in a professional and unbiased manner,” he underscored.
The Minister further maintained that more must be invested in the sector, and that those employed in the sector must appreciate the differences between “service and servitude and the consequences”.
International Business Week is being celebrated from October 5 to 11 under the theme International Business Barbados…Embrace the Opportunities.
One of the focal points will be a Career Showcase for university graduates and other students eyeing a career in the international business sector.
It will take place today from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on the Guild Lawn, at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus. Interested persons will be exposed to expert guidance from international business representatives from the public and private sector. (BGIS)
