DLP called on government to be transparent in fair sharing of contracts

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) of Barbados has once again calling on Government to be more evenhanded in its awarding of state contracts. The Party said the recent cries from the small artisans and contractors reaffirms its position that small businesses are continually being overlooked while the larger business people are receiving the majority of the work. “In a recent interview with the executive committee members of the Barbados Contractors & Artisans Cooperative Society by Brasstacks chairman David Ellis, there were calls from its leadership for more management contracts. This cry occurs at a time when the Government, on the other hand, has started on various home construction projects and major Government facility improvements with large builders,” declared DLP spokesperson Ryan Walters. The Cooperative of some 200 persons comprises a mix of contractors; associated construction professionals and artisans. Walters said added that “This past week the public witnessed a parliamentary spectacle of sorts as the former minister and the current Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship “battled” for the kudos of modernising a liquor license application/renewal. This “fight” for bragging rights comes after both ministers have neglected not only small shops and bars that sell liquor but all small business over the last 13-14 months. “

He said it took 11 months to offer assistance, “...with a package that showed pity rather than consideration of the business owners individual plights. “

“We are at all not upset with this position from the Government. After all, the recent budget cemented the position of this Government, that even in modern times, they are not willing to put their backing behind small businesses and contractors although this group constitutes over 90% of businesses in Barbados and over 60% of employment in the private sector,” he added. Walters explained that while the current and former Minister wrestle for bragging rights over basic modernisation initiatives, Governments around the globe have been putting small business and entrepreneurs on a pedestal, ensuring the economy is stimulated from the bottom up, people are employed and the social safety net of the people remains intact. “The DLP will continue to show our regret, on behalf of the sector, with the Government and the two Ministers for the handling of this key sector.”

Walters also reminded the Prime Minister of her own words: “What we cannot have is the choking off of opportunities in Barbados for ordinary people,” he quoted.

“We urge this administration to get serious about managing the affairs of the small business forms of this nation,” he concluded. Ryan Walters Spokesperson on Small Business and Entrepreneurship