BMA Hoping For Fire Free Year
Executive Director of the Barbados Manufacturers' Association (BMA), Bobbi McKay, hopes that the manufacturing sector is spared from the firebug this year.
In a recent interview with the Barbados Advocate, she noted that while the current recession and efforts at recovery have been putting somewhat of a strain on the manufacturing sector – as has been the case with other sectors – they have been surviving. But, she said, one of the biggest problems that has been facing manufacturers in recent years has been fires and she is hopeful that they do not see it reach the extent to which it has on previous occasions.
McKay explained that the sector has been experiencing on average about five fires a year, which, she suggested, have been putting a serious dent in the sector’s ability to contribute at its full potential to the overall economy. She pointed out that the firebug is an issue that the manufacturing companies have been faced with time after time and if it persists, the sector could be facing even greater losses, especially given the ongoing economic crisis. The executive director stated that depending on the extent of the damage caused by a fire, a company that has been affected could be forced to close its doors, putting many persons on the breadline.
Making reference to some of the more damaging fires that affected manufacturers in the last few years, she maintained that every effort needed to be made to ensure that the incidence of these fires is drastically reduced. However, she maintained that it would require the buy-in of all stakeholders if they are to be successful. McKay added that companies needed to really embrace disaster preparedness, identifying any weaknesses that exist and also ensuring that their staff members are well trained. (JRT)
Source: www.barbadosadvocate.com
In a recent interview with the Barbados Advocate, she noted that while the current recession and efforts at recovery have been putting somewhat of a strain on the manufacturing sector – as has been the case with other sectors – they have been surviving. But, she said, one of the biggest problems that has been facing manufacturers in recent years has been fires and she is hopeful that they do not see it reach the extent to which it has on previous occasions.
McKay explained that the sector has been experiencing on average about five fires a year, which, she suggested, have been putting a serious dent in the sector’s ability to contribute at its full potential to the overall economy. She pointed out that the firebug is an issue that the manufacturing companies have been faced with time after time and if it persists, the sector could be facing even greater losses, especially given the ongoing economic crisis. The executive director stated that depending on the extent of the damage caused by a fire, a company that has been affected could be forced to close its doors, putting many persons on the breadline.
Making reference to some of the more damaging fires that affected manufacturers in the last few years, she maintained that every effort needed to be made to ensure that the incidence of these fires is drastically reduced. However, she maintained that it would require the buy-in of all stakeholders if they are to be successful. McKay added that companies needed to really embrace disaster preparedness, identifying any weaknesses that exist and also ensuring that their staff members are well trained. (JRT)
Source: www.barbadosadvocate.com
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