IN FOUR DAYS a new year will commence that most analysts unfortunately believe will be a tougher year than 2011.
They point to the ongoing global recession, the euro crisis, the high price of oil and commodities, political instability in the Middle East and other factors that suggest life will continue to worsen in the foreseeable future.
On our shores we have already been given some indication that 2012 will be tough. The private sector has already warned that businesses will be unable to maintain as many jobs as they did this year, as the economy continues to be sluggish.
Tourism, the primary engine that drives the Barbados economy, will face possibly its toughest year ever as fewer visitors arrive from our source markets or come in similar numbers but spend much less, as is happening. Much of this is due to increasing uncertainty and rising unemployment in those countries.
In the case of Britain – our number one destination – the British government has applied an unfair air passenger duty (APD) to Brits flying to this region. If ever there was a reason for Barbadians to show Britain our displeasure over their actions by boycotting their goods, it is now. We get no direct aid from Britain, so we have nothing to lose.
Having raped this region for more than 300 years to build their privileged society, the least Britain can do is to ease us now that we need it most.
Construction, a significant employer when it is booming, will also be negatively impacted by the price hike in cement from January 1. This will increase the cost of building, remodelling and renovating. This will also increase the cost of finishing the massive Four Seasons project by at least a few more hundred thousand dollars.
Another money spinner, our financial services sector, is already under threat from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) dictates and, unfortunately, seeming tardiness on the part of Government.
I could go on, but I need not – I’m sure you get the picture. And I’m sure that like me, you cannot recount a time when so much doom and gloom has been predicted.
Times like these need leaders who can inspire confidence. Their pronouncements should motivate men, women, boys and girls to do act for the common good.
It is my sincere hope that Prime Minister Freundel Stuart can rise to this level so that Barbadians can rest assured and convinced that Government’s actions are in the best interest of all of us on this tiny rock.
Stuart is probably best placed to do so, as he comes from a humble background where sacrifice, a focus on priorities, and commitment to high standards against tremendous odds were the order of the day. He fought and overcame many of these challenges. Also, Stuart has the social democratic moorings to understand why this society needs to continue providing some services in a manner that can effectively benefit all citizens.
My hope for 2012, therefore, is that the Prime Minister recognizes he needs to engage the populace more on the issues that matter most to them on a daily basis. He also needs to be seen as making decisions with greater dispatch.
My other wishes for 2012, not in any particular order of preference, are that:
• Al Barrack gets his money. The court has spoken and Government must honour the ruling against them. This is not a political issue but one rooted in the rule of law with implications for every citizen and potential investor – if Government can continue to ignore paying Barack his millions, they can dismiss paying the average person a small sum.
• The hierarchy of the Royal Barbados Police Force recognize that most Barbadians have confidence in them and would give them greater support if there was greater transparency when accusations of brutality and misconduct occur. In other words, justice must always be seen to be done.
• The CLICO issue is resolved and Government not spend a cent in the process. Also a public enquiry into the operations of the insurance giant here, particularly highlighting if better could have been done to minimize the fallout that ensued.
• The Central Bank of Barbados return to its preeminence as the institution Barbadians can look to for an independent analysis of our economy, and statistics arrived at with tried and true methods.
• Barbadians recognize we can overcome most challenges if we are positive and honest in our thoughts, work conscientiously and help those around us who really can’t do better.
A healthy 2012 to all!
