PM Mottley stresses need to be prepared for the future

RESILIENCE, passion, compassion, creativity and confidence.

These are some of the attributes which must be encouraged in the people of Barbados particularly the youth, if the country is to successfully navigate any challenges in the future and once again punch again above its weight.

This is the view of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley whose comments came during a lunchtime lecture series being hosted by the St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday. The topic was “Barbados Beyond 2019: Where does Independence Take Us?”

“The goals that we have set ourselves to be able to inspire others and to renew in them that sense of purpose and passion are perhaps the biggest contribution that we can make to nurture the next generation,” it was pointed out.

She stressed that while they cannot protect them from natural disasters, electricity blackouts or other types of misfortune, they must be prepared to be resilient in order to confront whatever challenge comes their way.

“We believe that we can build a better and stronger Barbados... Our duty, as the people of this country allow, at least over the course of the next decade is to lay a foundation that will secure the next 50 of our nation as an independent country.”

Prime Minister Mottley said her government has set out some very simple objectives, for the BLP’s period in Office, which are intended to unleash the purpose and passion in the people of Barbados.

She said this must come from the way education is handled in Barbados. “We have said by 2030 – every child must be able to be prepared for their lives that they can live in order to help unleash this country’s greatest potential.”

This she reminded the congregation, includes ensuring that persons are able to speak a second language in order to be global citizens.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister said citizens must know how to swim, learn a sport, be involved in the arts and not be afraid to become entrepreneurs and take risks.
Prime Minister Mottley cautioned that given the reality of climate crisis, water will become the “new oil”. “A litre of water is more expensive even as we speak than a litre of oil,” she mused.

Furthermore she highlighted the region’s vulnerabilities as it relates to food security. As a result she stressed the importance of creating partnerships with Suriname and Guyana which are located outside of the hurricane belt, that can help to anchor the region with some of its food requirements, cutting down on the US$5 billion bill annually. (JH)