Barbados & India Discuss Skills Shortage & Pharmaceuticals

Addressing the island’s skills shortage and building out Barbados’ pharmaceutical industry were high on the agenda during recent talks with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and India’s non-resident High Commissioner to Barbados, Shri Subhash Prasad Gupta.

During the meeting at Ilaro Court, the Prime Minister stated that Barbados had a pharmaceutical industry established on a limited scale since 1882 and was keen for Indian companies to establish operations here to manufacture precision biologics to fight cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and vaccines.

Discussions also focused on airlift and the conclusion of a Double Taxation Agreement.  Ms. Mottley added that direct airlift to India would “open up more opportunities for scholarships and the opportunity for cooperation with cricket, which is huge”. 

“India and Barbados, in particular, share passions that a country this small can produce so many great cricketers over the decades, and a country, as large as yours, can continue to not only produce good cricketers but to sustain the expansion of the game creates a moral imperative for us to operate,” she stated.   

Agreeing, High Commissioner Gupta said: “Direct connectivity is very important, and the key to making substantial progress in the diplomatic relationship.”

The Prime Minister also floated the idea of having yoga teachers and fitness instructors in primary and schools to assist with tackling the high incidence of NCDs among the population and to cultivate good habits to guide citizens for life. On this point, the High Commissioner expressed a willingness to cooperate and requested a framework on the proposal.

In addition, Ms. Mottley informed Mr. Gupta about the country’s skills shortage and enlisted his help to recruit personnel to fill critical areas, such as engineering, agriculture research, statisticians, health care professionals, and IT professionals.

The two officials also discussed Barbados’ climate smart agriculture; an international solar alliance to guide the efficient use of solar panels; the establishment of an Indian Embassy in Barbados, among other areas of engagement. 

Barbados and India established diplomatic ties on November 30, 1966. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley in discussion with India’s non-resident High Commissioner to Barbados, Shri Subhash Prasad Gupta, during their recent meeting at Ilaro Court.