We need discussions

TODAY, I return to another serious subject and the need which calls for a discussion of the challenges which impact this country from a foreign relations standpoint.

For instance, global foreign relations have continued to develop at a interesting pace over the last few decades and it is critical that we understand our place in the world. The rationale behind how we arrive at decisions in relation to key global issues could be more easily explained and understood if we understand our official position based on established relationships.

We often hear that we have signed on to Conventions, whether at the United Nations level or other groupings such as the Commonwealth or relationships with groups such as the World Bank (WB) on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Our multi-lateral or multi-institutional relationships have long confused some of our citizens and our leaders need to explain just how we operate in the global space.

I have always had an interest in global affairs and how we in this country navigate global trends. In the last few months, we have heard many making often outrageous comments related to the need for this country to approach the IMF for a programme to deal with our fiscal deficit, without offering the full information regarding just what this would entail.

In fact, I found it stunning that those who blasted the Government for the implementation of the 19-month Stabilisation Programme, now seem so eager to suggest that we should approach an institution for a programme. I assume that they know what the terms of the said IMF Programme could be, especially for the most vulnerable in this society. The fiscal position which we face in this country is tied to the love of Barbadians to spend more than we earn. We have a public service which is too large for our size as a country.

In fact, some of these people are against the full implementation of the Barbados Revenue Authority (B.R.A.), or tightening the tax code loopholes to ensure that the tax base is broader. We constantly hear about bad choices and tough choices, but what we lack from the critics of the current Administration is the truth on why we have reached this stage in our development. Playing political 'salsa' with the actual current state of affairs may get you headlines, but it only lasts for a time.

Back to our foreign affairs, I have long called for a time in the House of Assembly, where the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Revenue Head to be placed up for actual debate. Our External Trade positions should be up for review especially direct agreements that we are a party to. We also need to look at our position as part of external CARICOM agreements and get an update on what returns we are receiving from these relationships. These are critical discussions which the public should be involved in.

For instance, with much fanfare, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was signed, but what is the progress with local businesses being able to access the benefits of the agreement? What is last real update, that we have had on the matter? Too often, we focus on the macro-economic issues, but other issues have important impacts on this country.

'Brexit' was a major shock to the world and with Article 50 to be triggered today, the reality is that the global trading arrangements could be changed as Britain exits the European Union trading block. Britain is a major market, and our ability to access that market through the EPA has changed, what assurances have we received? The initial focus was on the tourism impact on this country, but the discussion needs to be widened to include all impacts.

China is another major topic. Recently, I had to opportunity to visit the Embassy here and was impressed not only with the work which is being done here on this island by the Chinese, but the value which is placed on the formal relationship between Barbados and the Peoples' Republic of China. With the recent signing of the Visa Waiver between the two countries, China is even closer than ever. Furthermore, with the opportunity to learn Chinese, this relationship is deepening and we must be informed of the developments.

Uncertainty in the EU will continue to surface and could impact us. Elections set for France and Germany – two of the largest nations could impact trade deals, with economic nationalism pushing and challenging conventional norms.

The rise of a new President in the United States – Donald Trump has issues for this country. 'America First', has been followed by a Budget blueprint which calls for significant cuts in the State Department, which controls USAID and assistance to developing regions could be impacted in this most significant re-alignment of American priorities in the world.

With an unstable Middle East still, North Korea acting up, it represents a need – now more than ever, for a discussion with the people, on what we face. Seems a good time for that discussion.