Barbados Manufacturers Association Executive Calls for Closer Government Relations to Drive Industry Growth and Sustainability

The top executive of the body representing Barbadian manufacturers wants a closer working relationship with the government in order to drive the industry’s growth and sustainability.

Shardae Boyce, the executive director of the Barbados Manufacturers Association (BMA), has highlighted the association’s ongoing efforts to innovate and support local entrepreneurs, underscoring the critical role that collaboration plays in achieving these goals.

Among the initiatives undertaken, the Boyce pointed to the successful completion of the BMA’s organic manufacturing feed project, which was carried out in partnership with the University of the West Indies.

“We have successfully concluded our organic manufacturing feed project proof of concept and continue to work with the University of the West Indies to complete locally manufactured ready-to-eat meals,” she announced at a reception marking the BMA’s 60th anniversary, signalling the BMA’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of local manufacturing.

As the BMA celebrates its past and present achievements, Boyce stressed the need to look to the future, as she set the stage for the introduction of a new programme aimed at ensuring the future of Barbados’ manufacturing sector.

The initiative, the “Adopt a Manufacturer’s Programme,” which had its ‘soft launch’ last year, is designed to foster mentorship and collaboration within the industry by encouraging larger manufacturers to support emerging members.

“We are very proud of this programme. It will ensure the continuity of the manufacturing sector,” the executive director said. “What is unique about the programme is that it allows adopting companies to support manufacturers that align with their mandate. And we are very pleased about that.”