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2012 SWSML Argues for the Creation of More Government Jobs
A leading professor of Economics is suggesting that government should provide work for the unemployed in these difficult times.
Dr. William A. Darity, Professor of African and African American Studies and Economics at Duke University in New York, argues that a government assured employment programme is the correct policy response to rising unemployment.
The 2012 Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecturer posits that funds used on welfare and other entitlement programmes should be redirected to more productive use, namely the creation of jobs.
According to him, these government jobs could be created in the area of child care, infrastructural development and the creative arts industry.
Professor Andrew Downes, Pro- Vice Chancellor of Planning and Development, endorses Dr. Darity's idea, explaining that there is precedent for a job assurance programme in Barbados. Professor Downes reminded that during the economic crisis in the 90s, the Government implemented a programme that assured at least one member in every household a job.
Dr. Darity and Professor Downes expressed their views in the recording of a discussion forum to be aired on CBC TV 8 on Sunday, December 9 and Wednesday, December 12, 2012.
The Bank is the sponsor of the discussion forum, which features a panel of local journalists as well.
Tune in!
December 3, 2012
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