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Opposition Leader, Mia Mottley, during the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) monthly luncheon, the final for the year, at the Hilton Barbados Resort yesterday afternoon.

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Some of the business leaders in attendance at the luncheon.

TOUGH TASK

Ease of doing business can still be turned around

 

TOTALLY unacceptable.
 
That’s how Opposition Leader, Mia Mottley, describes Barbados’ ranking of 119th in the Ease of Doing Business Report, which she believes is linked to the loss of confidence in the country.
 
Her comments came during the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) monthly luncheon, the final for the year, at the Hilton Barbados Resort yesterday afternoon.
 
Addressing a meeting room packed with members of the local business community, on the topic “Rebuilding Investor Confidence in Brand Barbados”, the Opposition Leader offered several alternatives if the BLP is elected, saying that a bold new course must be charted in order to transform Barbados. Mottley further noted that this task will be difficult and will not happen overnight.
 
She said areas to be addressed include fiscal governance by “stemming its hemorrhaging”, stimulating and facilitating growth in the economy; rooting out corruption and strengthening key institutions; deepening involvement of persons in decision making; and making it easier for Barbadians to do business whether a citizen or businessman.
 
According to Mottley, “We were once motivated and determined to be among the best in the world. With a clear plan and decisive and focused leadership at all levels, we can be at the top of the region within five years and thereafter in the next five years, the top 20 countries, globally,” she assured.
 
The Opposition Leader told the audience that without the protection of preferences and the ability to provide incentives to attract Foreign Direct Investment, lifting the country’s performance to rank among the best in the world is the only way to secure and maintain the island’s competitive advantage.
 
Mottley added that a government must use technology to better enable its citizens to carry out their daily lives. She said it must enable those who wish to invest and grow their economy to do so without unnecessary delay, hindrances and uncertainties.
 
“Few of these things require new money. What they do require is a different approach, focus and sense of responsibility.”
 
She stressed that a part of a BLP-led government platform will be a willingness to be available to all interest groups including the BCCI. “We do not have a monopoly on ideas,” she said.
 
Mottley also lamented that the Barbados economy is smaller today than it was in 2007. “When we consider that Barbadians have been at the front-line of this Governments adjustment – bearing the heavy taxation, losing their jobs, enduring without salary increases and suffering reductions in their wealth – this is clear evidence that the sacrifice has largely been in vain,” she exhorted. 
(JH)

 

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