image International Business Minister Donville Innis told reporters that the sector last year brought in an estimated BDS$161 million (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) a figure he said that was more than BDS$161 million the previous year. Photo: Caribbean360

Innis, who spoke to reporters after addressing a meeting of ministries responsible for international business and financial services in the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM), said he intends to meet with Opposition Leader Mia Mottley and a delegation from the main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to discuss the matter.

Innis told reporters that the sector last year brought in an estimated BDS$161 million (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) a figure he said that was more than BDS$161 million the previous year.

But he expressed concern that the sector was being neglected and suggested that it be given much attention as the tourism sector, which has been among the mainstay of the Barbados economy for several years.

He said the planned meeting with the BLP should not be regarded as a “BLP-DLP (Democratic Labour Party) matter, adding “these are not issues that we have to play DLP and BLP politics with. There must be a level of maturity that will have to govern this sector going forward”.

Innis said that the meeting would most probably take place next week.

“As far as I’m concerned there are no secrets. There’s no harm in engaging the Opposition,” Inniss said, adding that he wanted a “national approach” on the matter.