Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Davidson Ishmael. (FP)

The manufacturing sector propped up the local economy when Barbados’ main revenue earner, tourism, was reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is according to Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Davidson Ishmael, who said the economy grew by four per cent in 2022.

Mr. Ishmael was addressing the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association’s (BMA) awards dinner last night at the Sandals Resort, which marked the beginning of the BMA’s Trade and Innovation Summit 2022.  Various manufacturers and stakeholders were awarded during the ceremony.

The Minister lauded the Association for regulating the sector through outreach, sensitisation programmes, lobbying, and advocacy for over 50 years.

“The importance of local manufacturing must be underscored. Without being arrogant but indeed with tenacity, the sector has held its own, as in some cases, local manufacturers quickly transitioned from just making food products to the provision of essential goods. Efforts like this actually propped up our economy when the main revenue earner – tourism – was down.

“What is particularly fulfilling is the emergence of young entrepreneurs, who by leaps and bounds are breathing new life into the sector. By the same token, mature manufacturers continue to establish best practices and continue to build a strong and sturdy platform from which the youth can launch. Colleagues, at one of our most challenging junctures in our nation’s journey, manufacturers gave us their best and they ably supported us through – for that we are eternally grateful,” he said.

Mr. Ishmael added that through the Barbados Investment & Development Corporation (BIDC)/Export Barbados, manufacturers and producers have been receiving assistance in labelling and packaging, export readiness, and improving the quality and profile of their products.  

He pointed out that this alliance between BIDC/Export Barbados and the manufacturing sector has been instrumental in assisting several manufacturers with transforming the look and feel of their products.

Additionally, the Industry Minister shared that the BMA had developed a Ration Pack initiative to ensure the local sector remained functional and well positioned to respond to the needs of Barbados, even in the face of a disaster.

He explained that ration packs are pre-packaged foods used in emergencies, including natural disasters, which will be made available to the public and to military and emergency personnel.

“The option of accessing ration packs to satisfy nutritional requirements is also available.  Let me assure you that it is the intention to ensure that these packs also capture Caribbean flavours that are not traditionally available in ration packs, even as we utilise Caribbean fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, and local seasonings,” he outlined.

The key objectives, Minister Ishmael said, are sustainable manufacturing, food security, and viable opportunities for entrepreneurship.  He added that MIST would continue to work with the BMA to roll out this and “other innovative solutions capable of moving manufacturing forward”.

melissa.rollock@barbados.gov.bb

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