Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has thanked the Government of Canada for its assistance during Barbados’ difficult economic journey over the past year.
Ms. Mottley expressed appreciation on Monday night, during the Canada Day Celebrations at the Official Residence of the Canadian High Commissioner. Those present included Governor-General Dame Sandra Mason, Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson and government ministers.
The Prime Minister said the past year had been one of the most difficult ones the country had to navigate since Independence.
She stated: “the record must show that the Government and people of Canada have been at our side, whether in the negotiations of the IMF programme, such that we were able to conclude it within three months and to have an agreement by the first of October last year.”
She continued: “Whether in the negotiation of technical assistance with the World Bank for which your reps are our representatives in the bank, whether in your continued commitment to other regional institutions, whether in your provision of the long-term technical assistance for the Barbados Revenue Authority and Customs that we are now about to benefit from, we have not taken these things lightly.”
Acknowledging that both countries did not necessarily agree on everything, Ms. Mottley said: “Even though we may disagree as to the road, at least our commitment to peaceful solutions, whether through LIMA or non-LIMA procedures, will allow us to have the same objective. But almost on everything else, our values and principles have coincided.”
High Commissioner Marie Legault congratulated the Prime Minister and her administration for the courageous step taken over the last year to redress the country’s economy.
“It has not been easy; it has required a lot of work, determination and focus…. It has been very impressive what has been achieved by Barbados, so congratulations,” Ms. Legault told the Prime Minister.
She stressed that Canada had been a supporter and partner of Barbados in achieving these goals.
She noted, for example, that Canada had given the country long-term technical assistance by providing $1.5 million for the Barbados Revenue Authority and Customs.