Above: Industry Minister Denis Kellman (Photo: BIGS/C.Pitt)

Barbados Industry Minister Denis Kellman has called for the establishment of a free zone and showroom for local products.

“It has been long overdue, and I can assure you that we in the Ministry are not just thinking about it, we are already working on it,” he said to the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation. “If we are to develop tourism the way we want it, if we are to develop all of our industries, it is very important for Barbados to have a free zone. You do not have a location like this and ignore having a free zone.”

Kellman was speaking at Pierce Furniture and Furnishings, Ltd in Spring Garden Estates — and used the factory as an example of what needs to be done by the BDIC.

“I do not believe that this furniture should be stuck in this storeroom,” he said. “It should be on display so that anyone could come in, view it and purchase it.”