NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Productivity is often measured by how much work gets done, but, the Bahamas National Productivity Task Force says it goes much further than that.
After eight months of work, the task force has submitted its final report to government, laying the foundation for a permanent Productivity Innovation and Competitiveness Council.
Chairman Edison Sumner says improving productivity must also mean improving the quality of life for Bahamians, starting with better paying jobs.
Edison Sumner – Chairman, The Bahamas National Productivity Task Force
“Our citizens are still working at or right above minimum wage. It makes that even more expensive. So the idea of tying energy with productivity and labor productivity is to ensure that we can create better paying jobs, higher quality jobs that will allow citizens to be able to afford the higher level of living that we have in the country.”
The task force also identified access to credit, entrepreneurship funding, career advancement and affordable housing as major concerns were raised during its consultations.
However, their plan comes with some ambitious targets.
Over the next five years, the proposed council wants to help contribute an additional 2.5% annually to the country’s GDP to support the creation of approximately 10,000 new jobs, and increase digital literacy by 30% by 2028.
Sumner says one of the country’s biggest challenges is that there is no way to measure this productivity.
Edison Sumner – Chairman, The Bahamas National Productivity Task Force
“On the issue of labor productivity, we are well below international benchmarks because we don’t have a benchmark.”
The proposed council would monitor productivity across government and the private sector, while promoting better training and workforce development.
Meanwhile, when asked whether experienced workers, nearing retirement and holding onto positions could impact productivity while limiting opportunities for younger employees, Sumner says employers must take more responsibility.
Edison Sumner – Chairman, The Bahamas National Productivity Task Force
“Tell the companies who are bringing people back into the system, they are under indictment in my view because they didn’t take the time to train the people who are in the system.”
However, before any of these recommendations can be implemented, the proposed council needs government approval, legislation and funding.
Sumner says the task force has done its part, and the next move is now on the government.
Edison Sumner – Chairman, The Bahamas National Productivity Task Force
“That right now is entirely in the government’s hands. We presented the report to the relevant ministers in the government.”
