Indeed, the steady deterioration in Barbados’ export performance has its genesis in the provision of duty-free access for CARICOM goods from the early 1990s and the resulting increase in competition in the domestic market, which seemingly impaired local producers’ export capacity. Imports in particular from Trinidad have grown tremendously.
However, judging from the shopping of Barbadians in Trinidad, shoppers are buying, not only Trinidad-produced goods. If this is so, then we may have to ask ourselves why is it not possible to purchase these goods directly – is it sourcing? Surely we have a reputation for being a nation of traders!