Mark Time!

Mark time! For more than four years it seems as though this is the command that has guided the actions of government as we march while standing in place, going nowhere and having nothing to show for our efforts but a sadly diminished fatted calf. With 80% of the term of office gone, there is little to show for it except a huge fiscal deficit, a few highway round a bouts, and a bloated government structure hanging like a millstone around the necks of the taxpayers.

The drift that has become the most identifiable feature of this administration is now underscored by a series of studies to be launched at the 11^th hour and promises to enact legislation to address crop theft.

The most recent initiative is the establishment of an action team to focus on the economy, business and labour with 5 members each from government, business and the labour unions. Precisely what this team is supposed to achieve is not quite clear as they are tasked to address economic problems, business facilitation and the social safety net. Styled an action committee it is not clear what action they might take and the structural authority that the committee might have to take any action at all.

There is a deep suspicion that this exercise is more of a public relations effort aimed at quieting the growing disenchantment with rising prices, increased taxation and rising unemployment. Certainly there is nothing in the estimates that would indicate that the government has any intention of putting its fiscal house in order or stimulating the productive sectors of our economy.

The malaise affecting the telecommunications businesses and the slow deployment of broadband connectivity is a glaring example of the hiatus in policy initiatives for the past 4 years. Barbados was a leading destination in the Caribbean for robust broadband networks and an increasingly competitive communications environment. Local loop bundling and number portability were to be implemented. Nothing has happened.

Technology does not stand still and there is a increasing awareness that there is a growing need for wider bandwidth to attract the investment needed for the businesses of tomorrow. Barbados is eminently suited for the deployment of an ultra wide bandwidth network with fiber deployed to businesses and the home. It will take time to achieve this but if the goal is not stated we will never achieve it.

The benefits of such a network deployment are many. They range from more efficient business models that improve service and cut cost, to the delivery of learning programs that would enhance lifelong education and improve the quality and range of teaching tools.

 It would also open the world to employment opportunities for many Barbadians, and allow the best and the brightest of the Barbadian Diaspora to interact with their native land and contribute in a meaningful way to the economic and social development of Barbados.

Imagine the impact on our island if 20% of workers could work from home. Some jobs could be full time remote jobs while others may include a blend of in office and remote. But in total, consider a net 20% remote work on our fuel import bill from the reduction in transport, easing of congestion and an enhanced quality of life. The ability to work remotely will transform the nature of the labour pool. Barbadians will be able to access employment opportunities overseas and earn valuable foreign exchange.

The action committee should focus on the core national needs. World class communications is a critical foundation for our 21st century global economy. By setting clear targets for high speed network deployment and ensuring a fair competitive framework for investors we may once again lead in this field. In so doing, Barbadians will be positioned to accrue the benefits of a connected globe.

phillip.goddard@braggadax.com