CTUSAB: Push new sectors

SINCE MORE LAYOFFS are likely in 2012 as a result of the economic downturn and expected decline in tourism’s land and cruise sectors, the labour movement is urging Government and the private sector to work with it to stimulate new areas of activity.
Pointing specifically to the manufacturing, agriculture and renewable energy sectors, general secretary of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), Dennis DePeiza, called for the agro industries and manufacturing sector to be given greater impetus in 2012.
“We believe there are a number of new initiatives being birthed by entrepreneurs, and Government has to give a lot more impetus to that because, no matter how well intentioned we are in terms of entrepreneurship, if we do not facilitate the growth of it, the sectors [agriculture and manufacturing] simply won’t grow,” he told a Press conference at the Barbados Workers’ Union’s Solidarity House headquarters yesterday.
“We’ve also spoken to the question of renewable energy. There are young entrepreneurs who have come on board with alternative energy programmes [which] we have to support . . . because not only will they help to build our economy but the potential for exporting that product or service is there.” (RJ)
Read the full story in today’s SATURDAY SUN.