The Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) on Monday called for more urgent policy measures to boost competitiveness after the recent departures of major industrial players, including the Arawak Cement Plant and Berger Paints, while insisting that domestic manufacturing remains resilient.
Executive director Shardae Boyce said that while the government laid a foundation in the 2025 budget to improve competitiveness, further policy-level measures must now follow.
“We are deeply appreciative of the Government of Barbados for its consistent engagement and support over the years, particularly the framework agreed in the 2025 Budget aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of our manufacturers,” she said in a statement.
“That framework signalled a clear commitment to local industry. However, while the foundation has been laid, more policy-level initiatives must be actioned with urgency to ensure our manufacturers can compete effectively in an increasingly dynamic global environment.”
Despite the factories’ closures, Boyce maintained that Barbadian industry remains strong.
“Our sector remains strong, even with the exit of major players such as the Arawak Cement Plant and more recently Berger Paints. Our internal statistics show that a single segment of our membership alone employs 2,927 persons directly, with many more engaged indirectly in providing essential services that keep our manufacturing plants operational.”
She noted that the figure represents just one segment of the association’s membership and does not capture the full scope of manufacturing’s economic contribution.
Manufacturing continues to contribute to foreign exchange earnings, job creation and value-added production that supports national development, the BMA said.
The closures will likely be raised during Manufacturers’ Week, from May 18–22, which will open with the association’s annual State of the Industry conference on May 18. The forum is expected to examine industry performance, regulatory barriers and legislative frameworks affecting domestic producers.
The conference will present data-driven analysis of manufacturing trends, identify policy and regulatory barriers hindering growth, strengthen partnerships between government, manufacturers and private sector stakeholders, and generate collaborative solutions and policy recommendations, the BMA said.
The BMA added: “As the representative body for manufacturers across Barbados for over 60 years, the BMA remains steadfast in its mandate to promote and encourage the development of a world-class manufacturing industry. Manufacturers’ Week 2026 will serve as a platform to spotlight the sector’s performance, address pressing challenges, and advance strategic collaboration to ensure sustainable growth.”
The association also acknowledged Berger Paints for its longstanding contribution to Barbados’ economy, including its participation in the “We Paintin” mural restoration initiative.
The post Manufacturers urge faster policy action as major factories exit appeared first on Barbados Today.
