The family of the Small Business Association (SBA) and the wider small business sector in Barbados has lost a true champion in the person of Trevor ‘Job’ Clarke. Mr. Clarke was instrumental in the early stage of development of the SBA and has assisted through his advocacy efforts in the 1970s and ’80s in laying the foundation for improvements in the legislative and policy framework for small business development.

CEO of the SBA, Ms. Lynette Holder remarked, “Mr. Clarke was particularly known for his persistent lobby for small manufacturers and the need to have a level playing field to enable this sector to grow.” “There would never be a national forum which addressed small business issues in Barbados that Mr. Clarke was not present advocating that policymakers and financiers to do more to give small firms the resources needed to have a chance at success”, Holder added. From academia, to commercial banks, politicians and business support agencies, to every type of development organisation in between, were included in ‘Job’ Clarke’s representation on the behalf of small businesses. The sector has lost a true champion.”

The Small Business Association extends condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Clarke and prayers that his soul rests in peace.