Amid the nods of approval to the left and rumblings of discontent and criticism on the right, regardless of where one sits on the Budget street debate, no one can deny that with the many challenges facing this nation, tough decisions will have to be made to complete the mission transformation set out by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mia Mottley on Tuesday.A major talking point that has emerged is the future of the country’s 58 state-owned enterprises.From the outset of the near four-hour package, the Prime Minister waded into the matter as she diffused speculation of widespread job cuts.She made clear there is no massive set of layoffs coming in the public service but she also warned of adjustments ahead among commercial SOEs. This drew immediate attention but in the end the details were scarce.This business of the reform of SOEs is a live issue that has bedevilled governments from time immemorial. No one can doubt that SOEs including the Barbados Water Authority, the Transport Board, the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, the Barbados Agricultural Management Company, the National Petroleum Corporation have made and continue to make critical contributions to our society and national well-being.
