Government will be providing more assistance for Barbados’ smallest businesses next financial year after a period of struggle for them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Kerrie Symmonds outlined the plan as the Estimates Debate began with his portfolio in focus this morning.
Symmonds, the representative for St James Central, gave an opening statement in which he voiced concern about the plight of micro, small and medium enterprises over the pandemic period.
He said additional policies were coming to assist these entities, including in vending and energy, as well as ensuring companies were able to export their products and services.
Symmonds was accompanied by permanent secretaries and senior technocrats from his ministry in the Committee Room of Parliament from where he fielded questions from members of parliament at The Worthing Corporate Centre in Christ Church.
This morning’s sitting had a delayed start after Leader of the Opposition Bishop Joseph Atherley voiced concern that he had limited information on the how the debate would proceed. This included the duration of each day’s session and how long the entire Estimate Debate would last.
The matter was resolved after explanations from acting Leader of the House Dale Marshall, Speaker Arthur Holder and Chairman of Committees Dr Sonia Browne. (SC)
