THOUGH AT ODDS on most issues – especially the economy – both Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and Opposition leader Owen Arthur have warned Barbadians, in Independence Day Messages, to be careful and responsible.
“Place emphasis for yourselves and your children on what you need. Put on hold, unless you can afford them without inconvenience, the things you just want but can do without,” the Prime Minister advised.
“I call on members of the public to exercise a little more restraint than has, up to now, been evident during this economic downturn. You have wants and you have needs. We can do without our wants; we should not be expected to do without our needs.”
Stating that it cannot be business as usual Stuart also said that he would cut ministerial and public travel unless it was linked to the “achievement of our national goals”.
Arthur acknowledged that Barbados is being impacted by worldwide negative economic developments. But the situation should challenge Barbados “to take responsibility for our destiny, no matter how trying may be the circumstances in which that destiny is being moulded.”
Arthur said: “Our economy has lurched dangerously on the brink of disaster.
“No clear nor discernible path to growth, stability and sustainable development has been revealed by those responsible for governing our affairs.
“Public institutions whose functioning is vital to the preservation of stability are now being made to assume roles which will not best serve our national interests.
“The debt and fiscal problems with which the country is now confronted go beyond anything that Barbados has had to contend with in living memory. Tinkering will not get the job done.”
Arthur said “resolution will require sacrifice from all of us, and the bringing to bear of a strong spirit of innovation in the discharge of our public affairs”.
He said Barbados was in danger “of falling behind and being left behind. But we should not despair.”
“Barbados will prevail,” he said, adding, “there is no doubt that once they are presented with the image of a path forward in a credible and forthright manner, Barbadians will respond positively and constructively to any challenge that stands in the way of our nation’s progress.”
