Discussions will look at enhancing global competitiveness

One of the important discussions that will take place at the Barbados Network Consultation (BNC) 2016 Fourth Diaspora Conference is how Barbadians – whether living at home, on other islands in the region or in metropolitan countries – can be global citizens by looking at those issues that are important to them as Barbadians, as well as how this nation can enhance its capacity to compete globally.

 

In an interview with the Barbados Advocate after a special service for the Barbadian Diaspora community held at The Cathedral Church of Saint Michael and All Angels yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean said that these discussions are especially important in light of the various events that are occurring all over the world.

 

“In the context of all that is happening worldwide and the need to be able to function as global citizens, we have to make sure that we address the kinds of things that are important to Barbadians being able to compete globally and we would hear about a lot of the very exciting things that Barbadians overseas are doing.”

 

Hence, the theme for this year’s conference, which is ‘One Nation, One Family – Celebrating 50 Years of Independence – Shaping Global Citizens,’ said the McClean, who also holds the post of Chair of the National Committee for the 50th Anniversary of Independence.

 

She also echoed the call made by the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations, that this is a period when all Barbadians must reflect on those things which have brought Barbados to this point, both the positive and the negative, as Barbadians collectively seek out ways in which they can build on the positives and get rid of the negatives as this island marches on to another 50 years.

 

“I really believe that the 50th anniversary – as the Prime Minister would have indicated in his message to Barbadians when he launched the year of celebrations – is a chance to do some reflection in terms of identifying those things that, as he said, we need to maintain and strengthen and, of course, identifying negatives that we need to discard and also, to identify opportunities on which we can build and strengthen this country and so I look forward to us committing to those things. We have talked about a pledge book and that is not intended just to document thoughts, but to get Barbadians to think about what they must do as we look to take this country forward for the next 50 years.”