obtain goods and services at the best prices for their consumers. in this global mix, ibfcs like barbados continue to play a vital role, for companies whose requirements match their skill sets and other sources of comparative advantage. however, the rapid change of tastes and technology does create challenges, dislocations and some losses. these must be taken care of, and the burdens of transition eased for persons affected. if not well managed, the disaffected may impede the progress of the international community. major international dislocations like the great recession of 2008, and its lingering effects, fuel opposition to the globalisation of commerce. many international commentators see the backlash against outsourcing, the growth of anti - immigration sentiment in many countries, burdensome rules and prescriptions on international commerce and finance, and the growing competition among countries for a share of tax on the profits of international companies – as unfortunate setbacks to efficient global markets, and a loss to everyone, including the protagonists of the protectionist policies. we must not be naive. the globalisation process must be managed so that potential losers are compensated or helped to make a transition ; the pace of change must be modulated so bis central bankers ’ speeches that local cultures and traditions are respected and can evolve, and people must not feel overwhelmed. fairness and justice must prevail, and outrageous extremes of wealth and poverty must be addressed. these initiatives must be restored to the global agenda, if we are to turn back the anti - globalisation forces. it ’ s important to us, because ibfcs are suffering from that backlash. but we know that the forces of nationalism and autarchy cannot prevail. technology is against them and economics is against them. globalisation is unstoppable, and in the global economy barbados and other ibfcs are carving out our special niches. we have suffered our setbacks, but we are undeterred, because we are part of the future of the global economy, an economy where borders diminish in importance with every day that passes. bis central bankers ’ speeches

position therefore will be driven not only by price considerations but also by the quality of service that we provide. this is why i think your theme of this week – civility, creativity and performance : building and sustaining smart partnerships for improved productivity – is so apt for the circumstances. those of my generation and before may well recall the age - old bajan parental reminder “ mind your manners! ”. this memory evokes the word civility. one may be forgiven for at first thinking that this word seems out of place in a discourse on productivity. however, when one stops to consider the concept of smart partnerships, based as i understand it on the universal values of trust, respect, understanding, good faith and fair play, it becomes abundantly clear that civility is indeed the most appropriate word within this context. in fact, it may be argued that to remove it would be to unravel the fabric that binds the relationships that govern the smart partnerships. if i may be permitted to build on that platform, the guiding principles of smart partnership recognize that often the interests of the partners differ and sometimes they even collide. at these times, civility becomes paramount as we seek to resolve our differences through dialogue and peaceful negotiations rather than through the use of power or the exertion of force and coercion. civility is therefore the currency we must use in a partnership that brings together government and business and labour in a single forum towards solutions in the national interests. the theme for this week of excellence suggests that the ultimate goal for establishing and maintaining smart partnership is to improve productivity. we therefore need to consider the environment in which productivity occurs – the workplace. is there a place for civility in the workplace? and, can its practice or lack thereof promote or hinder productivity? i answer a resounding “ yes ”! in the workplace, it is not usually the technical competence that provides the greatest challenge or consumes most of our creative energy ; rather, it is often fractured relationships, hurt emotions and dishonouring behaviours that stifle creativity and strong performance. these impact negatively on productivity, and are all examples of lack of civility. judy clements training & development programme, civility in the workplace, contends that, “ employees working side by side need to learn how to respect each other so that they can work as a team. unreturned email, unfulfilled promises, late arrivals at meetings, distracted listening all hurt workplace productivity and make work