Inniss calls for change in development designations

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Advocate - There is a belief that CARICOM’s designation of its Member States as Less Development Countries (LDCs) and More Developed Countries (MDCs) is now somewhat counterproductive and should be changed.

So says this country’s Minister of Industry, Commerce, International Business and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss. He made the point during an interview with the media yesterday as he reflected on a recent move by one CARICOM Member State, to institute a system where the rate of duty charged on products coming into that country from other Caribbean islands, particularly those that are classified as MDCs, could be as much as 70 percent.

“…We are no longer LDCs and MDCs. We are either to be considered LDCs, or all to be considered MDCs. And, rather than fight among ourselves in the region, we have to work a lot closer in the region, give mutual respect and support to one another and then realise that by uniting more and more in the region, we have a wonderful opportunity to combat those who come from outside of the region with their goods and services,” the Minister suggested.