THE Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture is urging government to include the Chamber in its discussions.
President of the Chamber, Ross Gardner, at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, told attendees that all substantive discussion regarding the Labour Minimum Wage took place post facto.
In effect, the private sector was only informed of the details of this major policy instrument after it had been announced publicly.
“At that point, there was very little scope for… meaningful discussion. As such, any substantive improvement regarding structure, implementation, or administration was already precluded,” he said.
While members readily embrace the need for a minimum wage, Gardner pointed out that the lack of opportunity for constructive input during the formative stages of this order “has led to unforeseen impacts that could have been easily anticipated, addressed, and mitigated in the best interest of all.”
Gardner said the Chamber has consistently sought and welcomed deep and meaningful dialogue with government and its agencies.
“Here, I’m not speaking in a perfunctory, tick the box engagement. Nor do I mean superficial consultation to satisfy public relations, optics or donor conditionality. I am talking about partnership, I am talking about mutual respect… inclusion with time to discuss, understand, research, verify and comment objectively on any new policy, tax or legislation likely to affect our businesses and ultimately the wider society of which we are vital a part,” he stated.
The President noted that the Chamber has a treasury of enlightened and experienced members.
“We have human and physical capital at stake, we bring diversity to the discussion table; we offer alternative perspectives. Put plainly, we complete the economic picture in ways which government acting alone cannot conceivably know or predict,” he stated.
“All too often the business community is a scapegoat for higher prices, revenue shortfalls, low wages (and) poor service without any reference to the crippling environment within which we are expected to operate. Be assured that your Chamber remains steadfast in its pursuit of the greater good for as many as possible,” Gardner told Chamber members at the AGM.
This year the meeting was held under the theme ‘Building Resilience and Shared Prosperity in Uncertain Times’.
“This theme is reflective of our clearly defined mission to foster sustainable business growth and development of our members through strong leadership, strategic advocacy and innovative services, while enabling them to positively impact their communities,” he said.