History
The founding members of the BEC were the Sugar Producers’ Federation, Shipping and Mercantile Association, Hotel and Catering Trade Employers Association, Provision Merchant Associates and Manufacturing and Allied Industries Employers’ Association. At the time (1956) those organizations were the major employers of individuals in Barbados. The first Director of the Confederation was Mr. Alexander Gunn, who left shortly after the official formation to assist Jamaica in forming a similar association. The organisation then flourished under the directorship of Mr. Robert Watson who took up the mantle of the organisation. 1960-61 were turbulent for the Confederation, however the BEC made some strategic decisions which aided in its improved and continued success. On August 23rd 1961 Barbados Employers’ Confederation was registered under Trade Union Act 1939 and then allied itself with the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation.
