Economists describe inflation as the increase in prices, while stagflation is described as high inflation and high unemployment or, when the economy fails to grow but prices rise any-way. With the DLP ruling this country, it is not surprising that the outlook for Barbados next year will be higher inflation and high unemployment. But, job loss; high unemployment and jobless growth have long been characteristics of DLP rule.

Barbadians have long agreed that with the passing of the Rt. Excellent E.W Barrow, the DLP has never been the same, and that management of the economy [even though critical to Barbadians’ physical and financial security] is a weakness of which the DLP can boast. In short, since 1987, the DLP has favoured leaving the management of the Barbados economy to the IMF in Washington.

Today with just cause, there is a lack of confidence in the ability of Prime Minister Thompson to provide the economic leadership, which is required, both locally and within CARICOM. On the domestic front, this has created an environment where Barbadians are either afraid to spend or do not have money.

With prices and taxes high and the dollar buying less, Barbadians are unsure about what will happen next. The DLP does not know either. We are left to wonder if the $100 grant, which was previously paid to students who sat the Common Entrance Exam, forms part of the change this Government has in mind.

Barbadians, especially pensioners and those living on a fixed-income have seen a consistent decline in their purchasing power and consequently their standard of living. We feel strongly that with prices going up, wages should be rising as well.

Instead of easing the pressure on Barbadians, this DLP Government opted to listen to the IMF and is too busy with its mission impossible of “balancing the budget and getting a surplus at the same time.” The question should not be whether inflation is rising, but whether it is rising at a quicker pace than wages.

It is unfortunate that those who believe in propping up this Government at any cost - do not realize the predicament in which this Government has placed the working man and woman. The economic war, which has been declared on the middle class, is already creating hardship for persons who sell services to them, such as gardeners; hair dressers, home helpers and so on.

As a renewed; reenergized and trusted political institution, we take comfort in the fact that when we left office, the price of a barrel of oil on the world market was US$112 and inflation was some four per cent.

Today, with a barrel of oil at some US$90, the rate of inflation is some seven per cent and is projected to reach nine per cent by year end. Under our watch, despite high food prices and a barrel of oil on the world market being US$112, but through competent management of the economy, the unemployment rate was reduced to a record 6.1 per cent. The lowest ever in the history of Barbados!

A barrel of oil now costs a whopping US$22 less than when we left office. Yet, as a result of flawed economic policies; mismanagement and the exercise of poor judgment, close to 3 500 innocent Barbadians have already lost their jobs.

Forget the smoke-screen! Barbadians have not been forced on the bread-line because the private sector is employing non-nationals, but because of the flawed policies and poor judgment of the present Government. It does not stop there! Barbadians are forced to go to bed in fear, wondering if their name is on ‘the list of persons’ who have been identified by this arrogant DLP Government to be fired, as part of its fatted calf doctrine.

The number of persons who will loose their jobs will continue to increase as long as this DLP government [which does not know what it is doing] remains in office. Barbadians therefore have two options. Stay with the DLP, which does not know what it is doing and continue to suffer. Or, “break for yourself;” opt for “real change you can count on,” and put Barbados back on a winning path with a caring; competent – BLP.

This Barbados Labour Party rescued Barbados from a politically incompetent DLP Government under Sandiford and Thompson in 1994. Barbados is on the pathway to impoverishment; there is need for another urgent rescue mission.
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