Putting thousands of Barbadians out of work will not solve the island’s long-term economic problems, but such advice indicates someone who is out of touch with the everyday reality of the people.
Leader of the Citizens Action Partnership, Wendell Callender, said the suggestion by former Governor of the Central Bank Dr DeLisle Worrell to cut 4 500 public sector jobs over the next three years did not take into consideration the social fallout.
“It is quite easy to arrive at this kind of recommendation if one is not in touch with the daily realities of our citizens, who have contributed to the development of this country,” Callender said in a statement.
“Citizens Action Partnership recognises that there is a need for sacrifices to be made in some areas of the economy and society. It is, however, necessary to look at areas which will not significantly impact on the well- being of any one group of people.”
He called for dialogue and collaboration with the social agencies and trade unions on economic reform. Wastage of time and materials should be eliminated, turnaround times need to be reduced, some programmes fast-tracked and rules which “impede progress” had to be changed, he said.
“A massive drive to generate employment through providing greater assistance to home-grown companies which have the potential to generate employment and earn foreign exchange should be pursued. The soul of this country should not be sold just for a temporary fix. Our most creative minds and persons known for capacity to get things done speedily and efficiently must be put to work,” said Callender.
Meanwhile, the Barbados Labour Party’s spokesman on economic affairs, Dr Clyde Mascoll, said Worrell’s publication was both “damning and concerning” as the Freundel Stuart administration had failed to implements its own strategy, leading to further economic decline.
“The analysis clearly shows that in the years just prior to 2008, there was quality economic growth, foreign reserves way above the international benchmark, fiscal policy that was characterised by “admirable prudence” and Government realising savings on its current account. The most damning thing post-2008 was the loss of confidence in the Government’s ability to handle the management of the economy,” Mascoll said in a statement.
The economist said increased spending prior to the 2013 general election worsened the situation, leading to a fiscal deficit equating to 11 per cent of gross domestic product.
Mascoll feared a similar situation would occur with general elections constitutionally due in 2018.
He added there was no improvement after last May’s Budget which was “contributing to a continuation of the printing of money, falling foreign reserves, increasing debt levels, no long-term improvement in the fiscal deficit and the high likelihood that the economy will slip into recession”. (PR/SAT)