Not so fast, Herbert
PROMINENT businesswoman Asha Mirchandani has expressed disappointment with suggestions from president of the Barbados Private Sector Association, Charles Herbert, that a new government is needed.
In fact, Mirchandani, a past present of the Barbados Manufacturer’s Association, says the headline found in another section of the media yesterday does not represent the view of all of the private sector in Barbados and was “very degrading for a president of any association”. She also believes that such a headline demoralises the country in the eyes of the world.
It is against this backdrop that Mirchandani called for answers on the BPSA: “Who forms the private sector, who elects the committee? Is it a membership or persons chosen? What is the Constitution?”
“The private sector is not a political body and as president he has no right to talk in this manner without the consent of membership. I would like to know who authorised this. I am not taking sides and honestly believe this was said in very bad taste and is an insult to the business community who has always been fair and has worked with the choice of the people in this land. Who made you special?
“I would like an unconditional apology and also ask that the president resign with immediate effect. Every government which was elected by the people of Barbados has the right to run the country as the term given.
“Government is elected by the people of Barbados and Barbadians are very intelligent people and love their country. Please do not underestimate them.”
She believes that it is about time the government now and future looks at the Association for being part of the economic advisory committee.
“When I was in the advisory committee under Honorable [Erskine] Sandiford and pay cuts were done to the civil servants, our of us, including Dr. Worrell and the [late Prime Minister] David Thompson advised the honorable Prime Minister to pledge to give back the cuts to the persons affected with interest.
“Sadly, it cost Honorable Sandiford the government … but I respected the gentleman then and respect him today for holding the devaluation for the betterment of the country and by losing the government. Great sacrifice.”
The business woman says Barbados is once again at a crossroads economically. “We are fighting it,” she said.
“I request the president publish all the points provided to the government as when we had general meeting of the private sector. It was stated that this was confidential – how something can be confidential when somebody is talking on behalf of the business sector and they don’t know?
“The Press can be debarred and requested not to publish anything. They are honorable persons, but discussions must take place before decisions are made. Persons whom were present at the meeting were shut off from speaking and asking questions. Sad, but true. When the second meeting was called, only few were invited. It is a closed club…,” she opined.
“I want Barbados to prosper…Let us take pride and put Barbados first,” she said. (JH)