Manager of Radioshack, David Holder, left, showing Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, one of the pianos available in the store, while Steve Alleyne, Director of Sales and Trisha Tannis, Managing Director look on.
Unicomer shows faith
Donville Inniss, Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development is pleased with the continued investment that Unicomer Limited makes in Barbados’ economy.
Inniss’ remarks came during the formal opening launch of Radioshack at Sheraton Mall recently. Radioshack is just one of the other brands that Unicomer has chosen to bring to Barbados and Inniss believes that their investment is a reflection of the continued faith the company has in Barbados.
“It is significant that at a time when many of the conversations is about the fiscal challenges and the state of the economy and the doom and gloom, that we still have those who quietly and steadfastly maintain that faith in Barbados as an economy and as a society,” he said.
Furthermore, he viewed Unicomer as an example of what many in the private sector ought to be doing in terms of uncovering their own space as well as finding and creating opportunities. He noted that having the fusion of the two brands, Unicomer Ltd and Radioshack, an international brand, meant that “this little island Barbados” is still able to attract the very best international brands.
Inniss revealed that in 2014, they spent $264 million importing electronic goods into the island but in 2016, this dropped to $223 million. He explained that due to this significant drop it was indeed their task to continue to find ways in which they can continue to earn the foreign exchange that the island needs.
Government is indeed committed to ensuring that Barbadians continue to have options or places to shop and buy goods. He wanted persons to recognise that there is a need to work harder to ensure that we are able to earn our own way in life and be able to exercise the options that Radioshack and Unicomer are bringing to Barbados.
Acknowledging that some persons were asking why bring a company into Barbados that will use foreign exchange, Inniss explained that this was an opportunity to provide options to visitors and Barbadians alike as they know and trust the brand so well. Additionally, Inniss noted that when visitors came to the island and realise that Barbados is a part of the international brand they will continue to visit and help generate that needed foreign exchange.