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CEO of Cave Shepherd, John Williams, delivering the feature address at CTUSAB’s 11th Biennial Delegates Conference opening ceremony.

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(From left) BUT Head Pedro Shepherd congratulates former President of the National Union of Public Workers, Walter Maloney.

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Head of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union, Mary-Anne Redman, smiles brightly upon receiving her certificate.

Provide resources based on needs, says Williams

 

THIS island’s limited resources must be delivered to those with a genuine need, insists Chief Executive Officer of Cave Shepherd, John Williams.
 
“I believe that when we are allocating resources, we must do so based on needs. We cannot provide houses to everyone, so let us make determinations on genuine needs rather than how long you’ve been on a list or how well you are connected. Let’s base our provision of public health care on ability to pay. As a Chief Executive Officer, why should I get the same prescription as someone receiving a basic pension?” he stressed.
 
Delivering the feature address at the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados’ 11th Biennial Delegates Conference opening ceremony at the Savannah Hotel on Thursday night, he further highlighted that more efficient and effective use of funds must come with the entitlement restrictions.
 
“Provision of public services must be benchmarked against best practices to ensure value-for-money in their delivery. Consumers and taxpayers work too hard for their money for it to be poorly or inefficiently spent,” he added.
 
Williams also turned the focus on standards and accountability, highlighting that high standards must be set and those in positions of responsibility should be held accountable for maintaining these.
 
“We must make sure that the support series that underpin access and opportunity are delivering what they are supposed to. So we can’t tolerate poor schools. Protecting an underperforming teacher at the expense of the futures of our children is no acceptable. Similarly, a lazy business cannot be protected from competition at the expense of the consumer. Nor can a poor Minister continue in their post where he or she cannot demonstrate effective leadership of their portfolio. 
 
“Where decisions, behaviours or actions are wrong we must say so,  not look for excuses for the individuals or entities involved. Not turn a blind eye. Speaking out is what accountability is about,” a frank Williams added. (JMB)

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