Self-employed persons are critical to Barbados’ economic and national development and they must not be left without social security protection.
This was emphasised by Minister of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, Colin Jordan, as he addressed today’s launch of the Self-Employed and Secure stakeholder registration outreach programme and media campaign.
Mr. Jordan said the initiative was not simply a campaign, but a clear statement by Government that all working Barbadians, regardless of how they work, where they work, or for whom they work, should have access to the social security protection they deserve.
He noted that self-employed persons were not a small or peripheral group, but included taxi drivers, fisherfolk, vendors, tradespeople, masons, carpenters, mechanics, artisans, creative professionals, caterers and others who make an important contribution to communities and the wider economy.
“We are speaking about people who are critical to our economy; we are speaking about people who are critical to our development as a nation,” the Minister stated.
He said many self-employed persons get up every day and “bet on themselves”, following their dreams and turning their passion and ideas into a livelihood, not only for themselves, but also for those who depend on them.
Mr. Jordan also pointed to the importance of social security protection, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic and the passage of Hurricane Beryl had exposed the vulnerability of self-employed persons who were not adequately covered.
“Ad hoc emergency relief is not a social security system,” he stressed, adding that the National Insurance Scheme exists so that no Barbadian has to face a crisis without a firm foundation beneath them.
Minister Jordan said Government had taken steps to strengthen the system and make it more responsive to the realities of self-employed workers, including those whose income may be seasonal or variable.
He encouraged self-employed persons to register, participate and contribute, stressing that social security protection was essential to safeguarding their future and supporting them when they need it most.
