‘Right strategy’

MINISTER of Housing, Denis Kellman believes the strategy which Government is undertaking with the development of projects makes sense for the country going forward.

 

Speaking to the Barbados Advocate, Kellman said that Government had a role to play in the economy and all that it is doing is taking the lead in creating projects so as to give some support to economic activity in Barbados. 

 

“As you would know, in times of risk it is the Government that has to take the risk since others are not and that is why I believe we need to go back to the old time economics or the older way of doing things,” he maintained. 

 

The Minister recalled that in previous years it was the approach by successive governments to take the lead in building out projects before offloading them to the private sector. “So as soon as they find a buyer for the project they sell it and then look around for another investment to go after,” the St. Lucy MP said.

 

“That is exactly why we are doing Sam Lords and all those projects because we understand that we have to create the opportunities and to take the lead,” he assured.

 

“So when I hear people talking and criticising the Government they don’t understand just what is taking place,” he noted.

 

Government has embarked on plans to redevelop the historic Sam Lords Castle with the assistance of financing by the Chinese Exim Bank. There are plans as well by private developers to build a new Hyatt Hotel in Bridgetown, which Kellman said he full supports. (JB)