Dislocation of public workers would be a tough blow  

MEMBER of Parliament for St. James South Donville Inniss has reiterated that those who advocate cutting the wages bill by sending home public servants are not taking into account the long-term impact that action would have on the economy.

Speaking last weekend at a St. Michael East branch meeting, Inniss told the party faithful in attendance, “For those who say cut the size of the public sector, and send home a further 7 000 individuals, we must all be mindful that those 7 000 individuals represents sometimes more than one member of households in this country.

“It means their ability to pay their mortgages, to pay their loans, to help out their children through school becomes a very challenged situation. It means that families become even more dysfunctional,” he said.

The outspoken parliamentary representative added, “We have accepted that a large scale dislocation of public officers while it would result almost immediately with a reduction in the wages bill of the State, it is perhaps going to result in some societal issues that would cost us more down the line, particularly when you realise that there is no one there to pick up that shortfall.”

Inniss stated that persons must not too quick to compare Barbados with other territories. “There are those who come into our midst with principles and policies that work well in other domiciles and jurisdictions, that don’t necessarily work in small open economies like Barbados. So you can’t come in here as an American, or Canadian or European ... and believe that carte blanche that the policy prescription that works in developed states would necessarily work in small economies here.”

Touching on the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma on several sister territories, Inniss said Barbadians must be very grateful. “We cannot and must not be complacent. Let me make it abundantly clear. Do not rejoice, do not celebrate, do not be complacent, because we have been spared this time around; it does not mean it will be spared again.

“We have to be very vigilant and proactive. But we must also empathise with our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean who have been affected by Hurricane Irma. The photos that I have seen are very heart wrenching.

Inniss commended the swift action taken by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart for his leadership role in authorising the Regional Security System to assist those in need.

“I am seeing Barbadians saying things here are so bad how can we find resources to go and help. I say those are ungrateful Barbadians and very uncaring Barbadians. Because whatever little we have, we must be prepared to share. Because there are those who will have less than us and should the shoe be on the other foot they would share with us. So I commend the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Security for his leadership in this matter,” he said. (JH)