A REPORT THAT former Prime Minister Owen Arthur may lead Government’s Council of Economic Advisors is sure to have raised eyebrows. After all, during his tenure as leader of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), Arthur neither shared nor showed any love for his main rival, the Democratic Labour Party, and it was the same in return. But Arthur, though in the evening of his active political days, still has a contribution to make to the nation.
His legacy is the management of the economy while he held office. So while he is criticised for not undertaking major structural reforms during his 14 years as minister of finance, the economy recorded growth and provided jobs. He is held in high regard for this achievement.
This respect goes beyond these shores as Arthur’s economic expertise has been sought by some Caribbean governments. He has written and presented occasional papers on economic matters and has made some thought-provoking interventions in the House of Assembly where he sits as an Independent.
Unlike developed countries where former presidents and prime ministers can demit office and go into the private sector or simply work the speaking circuit, we have not developed that culture of respect when dealing with former leaders. We need only look at the frustration which attended Errol Barrow after his defeat in 1976; Sir Harold St John, who was consumed by his law practice after 1986, and the way we ignored Sir Lloyd Sandiford after 1994. Owen Arthur would be treated no differently at the end of the life of the current Parliament. He will easily be made to feel unwanted.
Unfortunately, the partisan political divide in Barbados is so deep-rooted that many who praised Arthur when he was a member of the BLP, will now wash their hands of him and call for his head. There are those in the Dems who after treating him with derision in the past, will now welcome him.
Arthur is an economist with a lucid mind, who understands the workings of Government, knows the issues and from his comments, seems interested in doing more than just criticising. If he is willing to give of his time and knowledge to help with the economic challenges facing this country, we should not be shy to utilise his skills.
Arthur would indeed be a good choice to chair the council giving counsel on matters ranging from macro-economic issues to improving the ways this country can make it easier and faster to do business. The former prime minister has the opportunity to chart a new path in local politics, while helping to address fundamental economic issues.
This is not just an issue of finding something to maintain his spirits. Rather, it is about taking a decision in the best interests of the Barbadian public. It is about public service to his beloved Barbados.