Today is Budget Day in Barbados and all eyes, well most at least, will be on the new Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler.
Many will be judging his performance as it will be his first time presenting a Budget to the country. While many will be waiting to see what goodies will be in the Budget basket, they will also be looking to see how Sinckler steps up to the plate and handles this heavy task that will rest on his shoulders.
When the Nation published online last Tuesday night and in last Wednesday’s newspaper that Budget Day would be today, our online pundits were out of the blocks giving their views. Many gave the young minister words of encouragement, while others said they would be watching to grade him on performance. Others cautioned the minister to avoid bringing more taxes and economic pain and hardship to the people of this country.
One person wrote: “This had better be a good one. Don’t hurt those of us who keep this country going.” Another wrote: “Come Chris, do me proud.” One reader even posted this: “I know that after the Budget from Sinckler, we will be singing like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. This will be a Christmas to remember.”
Some readers even cautioned others to remember that harsh economic times are being experienced all over the world and not be overly harsh on the Government.“I wish some of you will give the Government a break in these hard economic times. You think any other Caribbean country seeing better roses. Thank God and stop complaining or go and live overseas and see if it is any better” wrote one reader.
On the other side of the political fence, many shared their views on the comment made by returned Opposition leader Owen Arthur that the Barbados Labour Party needs Mia Mottley who was ousted as the woman in charge.
The headline last Monday, the day after the party’s conference was We Need You, Mia which struck a chord for many of our online readers who had varying views on the issue.For example, one reader said she didn’t believe the BLP needed “a united force” to go into an elections. Another cautioned that Barbadians should try to stop mixing emotions and morals in politics.
One reader even said that instead of looking back at all that had taken place, Barbadians needed to be looking forward. “Should we be looking back? Or should we be looking ahead at new things and people to make our country a better place for our children and their children.”
With Independence in the air, Barbados is still in celebration mode. On Saturday night when the Spirit Of The Nation show was held at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Debra Lee Grant and Ricardo Marshall, representing the parish of St Peter, walked away with the Ambassadors Of The Year Awards. This is the second consecutive year that parish has won and today we want to congratulate the winners and the residents of St Peter who must feel proud of their parish.