Stuart emphasises value of excellence

A high level of engagement, constructive relationships and mutual respect are all necessary to achieve excellence at work.

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart reminded those gathered at the Grande Salle of the Central Bank yesterday that excellence must be celebrated not only for a week, but that for Barbados, the pursuit of excellence year round “is an escapable imperative of living in an increasingly globalised world, in which there is no room for mediocrity.”

“I also reminded that the race upon which we are embarked is for a place at the top and not a place at the bottom, and that an indispensable prerequisite of where we sit is to be the attainment of excellence at all times in everything we do, and everything we produce – whether goods or services,” he stressed.

The Prime Minister insisted that productivity must not only apply to workers, but also to those individuals at management level.

Stuart also took the opportunity to reiterate, that Barbados’ success depends on its ability to produce and to export at internationally competitive prices; that if growth is to be increased, to be sustained and to remain sustainable, it will have to be private-sector led, and its major focus will have to be on investment and exports.

“Further, issues of productivity, employment generation, social balance and support to green, and environmentally sustainable initiatives must be in the framework for that growth,” he continued.

His remarks, along with those from the leaders of the private sector and labour movement, heralded the beginning of the Week of Excellence, which began on Sunday with a church service and continues today with a conference at the Barbados Workers’ Union’s Solidarity House. (JMB)