by PHILLIPPE AIMEY

BARBADOS' IMPORTATION OF LABOUR,
especially artisans, is a direct result
of the island's education system.

The charge has been made by Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce George Hutson.

"Right now we are importing artisans from other countries to do what Barbadians should be able to do," the minister observed.

"We should not have this shortage of artisans; but if the education system is still creating a psyche that is pushing people away from the arts and agriculture, it will happen," Hutson said.

"There are numerous opportunities in these industires and it is where the money is being made around the world. So our education system needs to catch up," he added.

Hutson made the comments to the
DAILY NATION after viewing exhibits at the 15th Caribbean Gift And Craft Exhibition
at Sherbourne Conference Centre
that ended yesterday.

Hutson said he was impressed with the quality of the exhibits but admitted that much more had to be done to enhance the craft industry.

"We need to look at our education system and see where the focus is. We cannot produce just academics, we need to encourage our young people to tap into their creativity and use their hands. This is the only way that we'll see
an emergence of businessmen and businesswomen," he added.

Hutson also said parents continued to push their children toward what they considered
to be high-profile jobs and as a result, Barbados had very few quality artisans.

A complete change of outlook had to be started "from within the family where parents appreciate whatever talent their child has and encourage it", Hutson said.