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AGRICULTURE
AIRPORT
AMPHITHEATRES & MONUMENTS
ANTI-CORRUPTION
ASK DEALIA
AWARDS

AGRICULTURE

The BLP views the growth of the agricultural sector and food and nutritional security as important for national wellbeing, reducing import costs and building resilience.
  • Established the International Food Science Centre at Newton for Global Gap standards which will assist local food manufacturers to attain the highest export standards.
  • Established the Farmers Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive (FEED) Programme which empowered over 1400 farmers.
  • Established the FaPassed sanitary and phyto-sanitary legislation which allows Barbadian fish and poultry producers to have access to new global markets for the sale of their goods. Previously, Barbadian farmers could not export their products, they will be able to do so under this legislation once completed.rmers Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive (FEED) Programme which empowered over 1400 farmers.
  • Introduced Greenhouse farming in schools as part of Agricultural Education and partnered with several schools across Barbados to introduce gardening programmes into their curriculum. Students now learn about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food security, with support from Ministries and NGOs.
  • Provided portable restroom facilities for agricultural workers out in the field, to ensure that ladies in particular, are treated with dignity and respect.
  • Developed a National Food Security Agricultural Programme, inclusive of hi-tech vertical farms to train Barbadians in climate smart agriculture.
  • Established Project CARE (Community Agriculture Response For Empowerment) – a programme which empowers communities to develop home gardens, community gardens, backyard poultry rearing and aquaponics.
  • Implemented the Ministry of Agriculture’s Greenhouses at Schools Programme to train students and expose them to farming as a career option.
  • Constructed a new Tissue Culture Lab at Kirtons, in St Philip. This project is near completion and will provide high-quality, disease-free planting materials material to improve crop yields and resilience.
  • Conducted specialised training for local butchers in specialty cuts to serve the hospitality sector.
  • Introduced stiffer penalties for praedial larceny and introduced enhanced traceability systems to protect the farmers’ livestock and agricultural products from theft.
  • Introduced a national agriculture water rate of $1 per cubic metre – significantly reducing costs for farmers who previously paid at $2.66 per cubic metre.

AIRPORT

The BLP built the Grantley Adams Airport that we know today. It is an important regional hub and national facility.
  • Revitalised the Runway Lighting system with the installation of Runway Edge Lights (RELS) in 2024. The RELs are critical light systems for night-time and low visibility runway operations.
  • Repaved the runway at Grantley Adams International Airport.
  • Upgraded passenger screening equipment including fast 3D image evaluation. • Refurbished the Concorde Experience facility and increased seating capacity for an additional 600 passengers, upgrading the facility to be operated as a remote Terminal for Air-to-Sea passengers.
  • Refurbished the Concorde Experience facility and increased seating capacity for an additional 600 passengers, upgrading the facility to be operated as a remote Terminal for Air-to-Sea passengers.
  • Upgraded all air conditioning systems and rehabilitated existing internal ductworks, bringing to an end a persistent problem at the airport.
  • Expanded facilities to accommodate food and beverage concessionaires and small retail concessionaires.

AMPHITHEATRES & MONUMENTS

To recognise and enhance our cultural offerings and provide spaces for the performing arts, the BLP has developed monuments, amphitheatres and heritage facilities at:
  • Golden Square Freedom Park, Bridgetown.
  • Marcus Garvey Amphitheatres, Bridgetown.
  • Monument to the Family, Bridgetown.
  • Richard Stoute Amphitheatre, National Botanical Gardens.
  • Freedom Village, Rock Hall.

ANTI-CORRUPTION

Anti-corruption measures have been put in place by the BLP and will continue to be strengthened.

The BLP Government has introduced important legislation to address corruption:
  • Enacted procurement legislation to regulate and increase transparency with respect to government spending.
  • Digitised processes and systems in government such as licence applications to increase efficiency and transparency.
  • Anti-Corruption and Anti-Terrorism Agency Bill passed and became law to strengthen our national legislative regimes.
  • Prevention of Corruption Bill passed and became law.
  • Whistleblower Act passed and became law.
  • Witness anonymity legislation passed and became law.

ASK DEALIA

This new government-created App allows shoppers to track the prices of food and other items sold in supermarkets across the island. It helps consumers find the best prices and identify which supermarket would give the best price on their basket of goods. http://askdealia.gov.bb/

ASK DEALIA

Under the BLP, Barbados has received a numerous international awards including
  • The GAIA achieved new accreditation with Airports Council International (ACI) in the World's Airport Customer Experience program (Level 1).
  • The Barbados Port won the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) Ludlow Stewart Container Port of the Year Award (2023), beating out all other competing ports.
  • The Barbados Postal Service was awarded the Universal Postal Union's Rising Star Award 2024 for its outstanding progress in the Universal Postal Union's (UPU) Integrated Index for Postal Development, achieving the rank of 15th globally.
  • Barbados was named number 1 in multilateral cooperation by the United Nations in 2025.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPORT AND WELFARE
BEACONS OF RENEWAL OF BARBADOS
BLUE ECONOMY
NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
BRIDGETOWN INITIATIVE (BI)
BUSINESS BARBADOS

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPORT AND WELFARE

Expanded Back-to-school support through the Welfare Department to ensure children in need received at least three school uniforms. This protected dignity and removed barriers to participation.

BEACONS OF RENEWAL OF BARBADOS

Beacons lead people to safe harbour or keep them focused on what needs to be seen. Five Beacons of Renewal for Barbados were announced by the Prime Minister to play a guiding and anchoring role in relation to national values. They constitute the moral and civic compass for a modern Republic.
  • Voices of Accountability.
  • Guardians of Cleanliness.
  • Agents of Respect.
  • Creators of Solutions.
  • Global Citizenship.

BLUE ECONOMY

A dedicated Ministry for Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy was created by the BLP and delivered sound achievements.
  • Marine protected areas have been enhanced and expanded, supporting biodiversity and marine eco-tourism.
  • Training in boat building is now being offered through the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology.
  • The national Blue Economy Policy Framework and Strategic Action Plan Strategic Roadmap are being developed to guide policy and activity and support multiple uses by stakeholders in this new and growing area.
  • Repair of fishing markets at Pile Bay, Paynes Bay, Tent Bay, and Bridgetown was undertaken.
MARINE MANAGED AREAS (MMAS)
MMAs were introduced along with the establishment of a Marine Spatial Plan for the management of our marine spaces to conserve marine ecosystems, while still allowing livelihoods to be made. These instruments go hand in hand with the Updated Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Plan.

NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

The National Botanical Garden, an ecological sanctuary, is also a much used multi-purpose space for recreation, quiet time, entertainment, exercise, wellness, wholesome family fun, enjoying nature, and the home of a brand new Amphitheatre named after Richard Stoute, a respected entertainer who created a platform for emerging youth talent.

BRIDGETOWN INITIATIVE (BI)

Launched by Prime Minister Mottley, the Bridgetown Initiative is a set of novel measures to reform global development finance, and give cash strapped and indebted nations, fiscal space. The BI’s transformational recommendations have been embraced by numerous countries and global leaders. Elements of the BI have now found their way into multilateral agreements and are being adopted across the global financial architecture.

BUSINESS BARBADOS

Business Barbados is transforming the former Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office. Business Barbados is redefining how business is done in Barbados by streamlining processes and procedures for investors and Bajans seeking business opportunities. At Business Barbados, small businesses can now benefit from a dedicated customer service centre, and large global entities use an appointment system with dedicated Account Executives. The new business models and improved processes have created greater efficiencies and significantly reduced wait times.
CARICOM
CHILD PROTECTION & LEGISLATION
COMMUNITIES CARING
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT UNIT (CZMU)
COST OF LIVING
COVID-19 RELIEF
CULTURE & HERITAGE
COMMUNITY-BASED CARE VILLAGES FOR CHILDREN, OLDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
(ENDING) CRIME & VIOLENCE INTERVENTIONS/ENSURING LAW AND ORDER

CARICOM

CARICOM is family. We share both a common history and destiny. CARICOM offers Barbados greater presence, weight and leverage in the multilateral space. They are also the largest purchasers of Barbadian goods and services and the only region with which we enjoy a trade surplus. The BLP Government:
  • Pioneered and implemented CARICOM's Full Free Movement Regime -- along with Belize, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • Hosted the extremely successful CARIFESTA XV.
  • Advocated for and achieved important improvements to CARICOM's internal mechanisms such as the Protocols on Enhanced Cooperation, including investment, security, safety and social benefits.
  • Advocated for and strenuously defended the International Law-based doctrine of our Caribbean region being a Zone of Peace.

CHILD PROTECTION & LEGISLATION

The BLP is determined to protect our children and young people while investing in them as the future of our country. Powerful legislation has been passed to help achieve this goal.
CHILD JUSTICE ACT
The Child Justice Act transformed how children in conflict with the law are treated. The Act prioritises rehabilitation and reintegration while maintaining accountability. It reduces repeat offending, tries to stop stigmatisation and protects young people’s futures. This legislation also stopped young girls from being criminalised for the offence of wandering.
CHILD PROTECTION
The Child Protection Act implemented new protections for children and young people, and support for their parents. The legislation strengthened prevention, early intervention, and coordination across government agencies, bolstering systems and measures that protect minors. It has made children safer and assured better support to their parents and families.

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT UNIT (CZMU)

Barbados’ CZMU plays a critical role in coastal and marine protection. It was established under the Administration of Prime Minister Tom Adams and is the oldest, best qualified and most active such unit in the region. CZMU’s marine spatial plan maintains the sustainability of Barbados’ national fish stocks and is working to map Barbados’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The process is ongoing.

COMMUNITIES CARING

Communities are at the core of who we are, our culture, and how we live. They can and should be safe and nurturing spaces for everyone, from our youth to our seniors. The BLP is intent on fostering strong Bajan communities, by keeping communities together and engaging in wholesome activity including:

Community based arts programmes training in Airbrushing, Drawing and Illustration, Animation and Computer Graphics. The programme was expanded to introduce Caricature and Character Creation, Body Art, Automotive Art and Spray Painting, Costume Design and Wire Bending, Ceramics, Sign Painting, Screen Printing.

COMMUNITY-BASED CARE VILLAGES FOR CHILDREN, OLDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The BLP initiated a national shift in care delivery through the development of community-based care villages. This approach moves Barbados away from large, isolated institutions toward care that is rooted in community, familiarity, and human connection. The objective is not simply accommodation, but caring, wellbeing, independence, and belonging. Work has already begun at Sterling, with further villages planned for St George and St Thomas, followed by St Peter and St Andrew.

COST OF LIVING

The cost of living is rising worldwide. Many measures have been put in place to reduce and cushion Bajans from the cost of living. The BLP has:
  • Reduced VAT on household electricity bills to 10%.
  • Capped freight costs at 2019 levels for customs calculations to fight inflation.
  • Capped VAT on gasoline, diesel, and electricity to shield consumers from price spikes.
  • Removed VAT from a ‘basket’ of healthy foods and baby foods and expanded the list of no-VAT items in the basket to promote affordability and wellness.
  • Zero-rated sanitary towels and tampons.
  • Provided one-off solidarity allowance payments of $300 to all persons over 18 years old to assist with the cost of living.
  • Reduced inflation from a high of 4.7% in 2018 when we took office, to 0.7% today.
  • Entered a compact with the private sector to limit mark-ups in the retail sector to 10% instead of the previous 20-25%.
  • Implemented a Household Survival Programme managed by a Household Mitigation Unit that tracks and supports displaced workers, and expanded support and training opportunities for the self- employed and newly unemployed.

COVID-19 RELIEF

Barbados’ management of the COVID-19 pandemic was lauded all over the world. Government’s COVID Relief encompassed: Providing $300 survival grants and business support during the pandemic.
  • Unemployment Benefits to support displaced workers during the pandemic.
  • Providing over 60 000 Care Packages to Barbadians.
  • Constructing a dedicated and fully equipped facility at Harrison’s Point, St. Lucy as a specialised treatment centre for Covid patients. The Harrison Point Centre was widely recognised as a world class facility. (See also Disaster Preparedness)
  • Managed the pandemic with isolation facilities, vaccines, and "safe country" protocols.

(ENDING) CRIME & VIOLENCE INTERVENTIONS/ ENSURING LAW AND ORDER

Lawlessness, criminality and shocking acts of violence have become a major challenge in the Caribbean. To address the effects of this trend in Barbados, since coming to Government, the BLP has committed itself to modernising what was a 19th century Criminal Justice System to make it capable of dealing with the difficulties of today. Doing so has strengthened the country’s battle in containing the crime situation.
  • In 2018, Government discovered that the scanners at the Bridgetown Port were not functioning. This meant that searches for firearms had to be done manually, and therefore very few containers were actually searched. The BLP bought new scanners to replace those which were not functioning and to strengthen the capacity to stop guns entering the Bridgetown Port.
  • The scanners at the Grantley Adams International Airport were upgraded to full functionality.
  • Since 2018, the number of judges hearing criminal trials has been increased from 2 judges in the Criminal Division of the High Court to 8 judges to reduce the backlog of cases and ensure cases come before the Courts in a timely way.
  • Legislation has been enacted to provide for trials by a judge alone, to reduce the length of criminal trials and allow the criminal justice system to work more efficiently.
  • Since 2018, the number of attorneys in the office of the DPP has been increased from 8 prosecutors to 16 prosecutors, speeding up trials and the disposal of cases in the High Court.
  • Enacted legislation to provide stiff mandatory penalties of a minimum 10 years imprisonment for illegal use of a firearm as a first offence, and not less than 20 years imprisonment, for a second offence.
  • A new Bail Act has been passed to make it harder for persons charged with murder, serious firearm offences, or those who present a threat to public safety, to get bail. This was in response to the large number of persons who are charged with serious crimes being granted bail by the Courts and committing further crimes while on bail.
  • Plea Bargaining legislation was enacted to help to speed up the course of criminal trials. This allows a person to plead guilty without going to trial, or to otherwise assist in the investigation of serious offences, in return for which that person would receive a lesser sentence approved by the Court. This will cut down on the need to dedicate resources to criminal trials.
  • To ensure proper numbers in the BPS, 219 police constables were sworn in as senior constables.
  • The number of Special Constables and Police Officers being recruited has been increased and the Police Service is better equipped to do their jobs. Facilities at police stations have been upgraded and working conditions improved.
  • Interception of Communication legislation was put in place to allow the interception of communication among criminals.
  • Significant amendments were made to the Police Act.
  • A new Juries Act was enacted.
  • A broad-based Advisory Council on Citizen Security was established to advise on all matters pertaining to Criminal Justice and Crime Prevention.
  • A Criminal Justice Reform Committee, chaired by the Chief Justice, with representation by all stakeholders, was set up to advise on policies and reforms for the improvement of the criminal justice system.
  • Increased community policing to build relationships between police and citizens and to improve the levels and sources of intelligence available to fight crime, are part of the strategy and approach.
NATIONAL SOCIAL CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMME
The BLP developed and rolled out a national social crime prevention programme that goes beyond traditional enforcement approaches to address the root causes of violence and disengagement.

This initiative recognises that crime does not begin in courtrooms, but in neglected spaces where opportunity, guidance, and structured support have been absent.
  • The programme operates directly in communities, particularly targeting 30 high- risk and priority areas, focusing on early intervention and prevention.
  • Through mentorship, conflict resolution, and community-based outreach, the programme strengthens trust, restores state presence, and reduces the likelihood that social challenges escalate into criminal behaviour. (See also Police and Justice).

CULTURE & HERITAGE

The BLP is fully maximising cultural activities to reinforce national identity, build a greater sense of national pride and create revenue earning opportunities.

The BLP:
  • Bestowed Barbadian and international icon Rihanna with the honour of National Hero.
  • Developed Golden Square Freedom Park which has now become a focal point for cultural expression, public education, engagement and entertainment in the heart of our City
  • Developed the Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny Project (R.O.A.D.) which has digitised over 600 000 archival records. This is a comprehensive effort to reclaim and curate Barbados' historical contributions and experiences related to the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
  • Provided grants and support for visual artists, crafts persons, and performing artists.
  • Injected over 2 million to make entrepreneurs in the fashion sector export ready.
  • Upgraded Pelican Craft Village to include an expanded Restaurant and Entertainment Centre.
  • Constructed “CARIFESTA House” as a permanent Arts and Exhibition facility.
DEBT FOR NATURE/CLIMATE SWAPS
DEBT REDUCTION
DIGITAL & TECH TRANSFORMATION
DISABILITIES – PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PBWDs)
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
DRUG CONTROL & INTERVENTION

DEBT FOR NATURE/CLIMATE SWAPS

A debt-for-nature/climate swap is a financial deal between a government and a creditor where a developing country’s foreign debt is reduced by that creditor in return for the debtor nation committing to investing the saved money into national environmental and/or climate projects.

Barbados is a leader in innovative debt swaps, completing a US$150 million debt-for-nature swap in 2022 for marine conservation (aimed at protecting 30% of our waters.) We also completed the world’s first debt-for-climate resilience swap in 2024, which freed up some $140 million for water, sewage, and climate adaptation projects. Rather than carry these sums as debt we can now utilise these resources in resilience building and environmental protection.

These debt for nature swaps replace expensive debt with lower-cost financing, creating funds for environmental protection and climate resilience. The savings from the debt- for-climate swap will deliver a new water reclamation facility on the South Coast, sewerage system upgrades, reduction in marine pollution and increase reused water for agriculture and aquifer recharge.

DEBT REDUCTION

Debt sustainability is at the core of the BLP’s management of the economy and under this Administration debt has been significantly reduced. The BLP:
  • Reduced the country’s National Debt from 178.9 % of GDP in 2018 when we took office, to 99% of GDP by December 2025. When we came to Government, Bajans paid 68 cents in every dollar toward debt service. Bajans now pay 30 cents in every dollar. This frees government finances for health, education, housing and social services investment.
  • Developed Golden SEarned [11] upgrades of the country’s Credit Rating from the international rating agencies, after undergoing some 24 successive downgrades under the last government’s ‘lost decade.’ 2008 - 2018.quare Freedom Park which has now become a focal point for cultural expression, public education, engagement and entertainment in the heart of our City
  • Pulled the country from the brink of economic disaster, saved the dollar from the threat of devaluation and achieved eighteen (18) successive quarters of growth in the economy of Barbados.

DIGITAL & TECH TRANSFORMATION

Barbados’ CZMU plays a critical role in coastal and marine protection. It was established under the Administration of Prime Minister Tom Adams and is the oldest, best qualified and most active such unit in the region. CZMU’s marine spatial plan maintains the sustainability of Barbados’ national fish stocks and is working to map Barbados’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The process is ongoing.
RE-INDUSTRIALISATION AT HARBOUR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
Renovated 250,000 sq. ft of industrial space at the Harbour Industrial Estate, converting underutilised assets into productive infrastructure and creating new jobs in food science, video game design, research gamification , and applied R&D, expanding national output into digital export-capable sectors.

To effect digital transformation, the BLP:
  • Rolled out the Trident Digital ID card to modernise identity verification.
  • Digitised the application process for police certificates of character, and driver's license applications and fully implemented online tax filing and payments.
  • Rolled out Online Payments System (EZPay+) to facilitate online payments for a wide range of government services.
  • Improved immigration flows at the airport by introducing border control machines.
  • Started the implementation of an Electronic Health Records System at the QEH which greatly improves the records management system and will ultimately improve patient experience.
  • Started the process of digitising the Police Service operations to ensure less time is spent on administration and more time on policing.
  • Introduced cashless payment systems on Transport Board buses.
  • Established a Cyber Security Operations Centre and training programmes.
  • Partnered with the private sector to deploy 5G networks.
  • Implemented ASYCUDA World for digital customs processing to enhance the ease of doing business across borders.
  • Provided devices and internet access to students to bridge the digital divide. This support was especially critical for students during the COVID pandemic.
  • GOV.BB Portal: Introduced a centralised platform providing access to a wide range of government services and information which allows citizens to interact with various government departments 24/7, improving efficiency and accessibility.
  • Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) Services are Online including tax filing through TAMIS, land tax payments, vehicle registration, and digital vehicle registration cards.
  • National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Portal allows Bajans and Bajan companies to manage contributions, submit schedules, and make payments online.
  • Online Immigration and Customs Kiosks and electronic Portal enables travellers to complete immigration and customs forms online before arrival, improving the efficiency of immigration and border processing.
DIGITISATION OF EXPORT CERTIFICATION AND TRADE READINESS

Launched the Electronic Single Window which fully digitised export certification, reducing friction, increasing speed to market, improving compliance for hundreds of Barbadian companies.

  • Enacted the Disabilities Rights Act for the protection and advancement of Barbadians living with disabilities, formulated after extensive consultation with stakeholders. For the first time, the rights of persons living with disabilities are clearly defined and enforceable in law.
  • Increased job opportunities and improved programmes and facilities for PWDs including specially designated parking spots and stickers.
  • Disability grants were introduced for Barbadian adults and children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, autism and Down Syndrome.
  • National Disabilities Unit acquired new buses to transport persons with disabilities.
  • Special Needs Screening - increased diagnostic testing for learning disabilities in children.
  • Children with disabilities became eligible for structured financial support for the first time. This eased financial pressure on families and caregivers.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

The BLP Government’s management of crises, disaster preparedness, recovery efforts and citizens’ support have been critical to Barbados’ resilience.
ASH FALL
Remarkable management when the country faced unprecedented natural disasters. The ash fall from the 2021 eruption of the La Soufrière Volcano in St Vincent resulted in widespread disruption, including airport/port closures and business/school shut-downs. The management of the clean-ups together with recovery costs for impact on government property and services and support to the public amounted to $87 million. Barbados was able to reopen in less than a week!
COVID-19
Barbados is regarded as having one of the most effective and pro-active responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. It affected every sector of the economy and caused social disruptions. The standing up of high-quality health care facilities, support of hampers and families, financial support to small business such as taxi drivers, nail techs and barbers resulted in an expenditure of $4 billion. (See also COVID-19 Relief)
HURRICANE BERYL
Barbados was hit by hurricane Beryl when its centre passed approximately 150 kilometres south of Barbados. This powerful weather system brought serious storm surges with 30 foot waves.

It destroyed our fishing Harbour and decimated our fisheries sector. The Coast Guard Base and the Bridgetown Port also received damages. The West and South coasts were also badly damaged.

The BLP government spent $28.9 Million on marina and breakwater works and over $7.5 million on business interruption benefits and fishing boats repairs – allowing the fisher folk to return to livelihoods in dignity.
HURRICANE ELSA
Elsa was the first hurricane to hit Barbados in decades. It resulted in sector wide damage, affected families adversely. The BLP government spent $83.5 Million on rebuilding and repairing over 1100 houses for the most vulnerable.

DRUG CONTROL & INTERVENTION

Drug Control & Intervention are handled as a criminal matter, but early interventions and social protections are part of the Barbados approach led by the National Council on Substance Abuse. Of particular importance is the National Response to Synthetic/Emerging Drugs and Contributions to Regional Early Warning Systems. Barbados has led the region in demand reduction programmes in response to the rise of synthetic/emerging drugs.
ECONOMY
EDUCATION
ELECTRICITY GRID
EMPOWERING BAJANS
ENERGY & ENERGY SECURITY
ENVIRONMENT

ECONOMY

The Barbados Economy is strong and growing. Foreign exchange earnings are robust and economic sustainability and resilience are being built.
  • Implementation of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Plan. Launched in 2018, the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme was a comprehensive and successful initiative aimed at stabilising the nation's economy, preventing a devaluation of the Barbados dollar, reducing debt, and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. The BERT programme was implemented in phases:
  • BERT 1.0 (2018) - Focused on fiscal consolidation and rebuilding foreign reserves.
  • BERT 2.0 (2020) - Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising green transformation and private sector engagement.
  • Barbados underwent successful debt restructuring in 2018–2019, reducing interest payments and extending maturity dates. This was a key plank of the BERT (Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation) programme.
  • Saved the Barbados dollar by increasing the country’s Foreign Exchange Reserves from a mere 6 weeks of import coverage in 2018 to approximately 32 weeks coverage in 2025.
  • Repealed the National Social Responsibility Levy to reduce the cost of living.
  • Allowed Barbadians to hold foreign currency accounts and liberalised exchange controls.
  • Modernised public finance legislation (implied by fiscal reforms) with the introduction of a Public Financial Management Act.
  • Reduced corporate tax on small business from 25% to 5.5% - encouraging small business growth, helping entrepreneurs, supporting the small man and paving the way for lower prices.
  • Removed the fees for large deposits and ensured fee-free savings accounts for individuals.
  • Introduced a National Financial Literacy Programme with over 90 schools enrolled and engaging over 280 businesses and community groups to help citizens make better financial decisions and learn about investment.

EDUCATION

Quality and inclusive free education remains a major priority of the BLP government including free education from nursery to tertiary for all Bajans. There have been multiple new initiatives in Education.
  • Ensured Bajans continue to have free university education to ensure graduates have personal upward mobility, families are lifted out of poverty, and national development is boosted.
  • Embarked on a transformation of the educational system to modernise it, make it more inclusive, give every child opportunity to achieve personal fulfilment and be a productive, contributing member of Bajan society. The reformed system must help every child achieve within the range of his or her capabilities and aspirations.
  • Created the Master Teacher Designation post to reward excellence in teaching.
  • Created over 240 School Assistants to support classroom management enabling teachers to better focus on teaching and learning.
  • Deployed safety officers to schools and bus terminals.
  • Reintroduced Civics and Citizenship education in schools.
  • Enhanced the nutritional value of school meals adding healthier options and expanded access to them.
  • Expanded the scope of the Student Revolving Loan Fund to finance digital and non- traditional training.
  • Expanded technical and vocational training in secondary schools.
  • Introduced coding and robotics from nursery to tertiary schools.
  • Opened the Oceana Innovation Hub - the first of its kind in the region - in June 2025. Since its opening 1000s of young Barbadians have been exposed to cutting edge ocean and climate science through project based learning.
  • Re-opened the Alma Parris Academy in February 2025 which provides alternative education for students with learning deficits who require support.
  • Reintroduced and expanded the screening programme to identify students with hearing and sight challenges.
  • Established active student councils in every secondary school, and for the first time ever, started quarterly meetings with the Minister to discuss critical developments in education and schools, making teachers and other stakeholders active participants in the Education Transformational.
  • Improved the life chances of students with special needs through the creation of special education classes and units at schools including Bayley’s, St. Christopher, Milton Lynch, Eagle Hall Primary, Mount Tabor, St. Paul’s and St. Elizabeth Primary.
EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION AGENDA WHICH FACILITATED:
  • Training over 2000 educators in various professional development areas.
  • Providing advanced training for over 320 teachers and school leaders in teacher efficacy and through a strategic partnership with Columbia University.
  • Construction of the new Barbados Institute of Food and Agriculture, a 45-acre facility at Hope Plantation in St. Lucy which will expand agricultural training from 100 to 300 students per annum.

ELECTRICITY GRID

GRID MODERNIZATION & LICENSING WITH BARBADOS LIGHT AND POWER
Energy security was advanced by work to complete ground-breaking negotiations to licence Electric Generation, Battery Storage, and Transmission. This effectively lays the groundwork to break the “gridlock” that has prevented many residents from selling solar power back to the grid.

Launched a Unit Trust Renewable Energy model to ensure Barbadians have access to investments in the islands first utility scale wind farm.
  • Democratising Energy: We are moving from a single utility model to one where each household or business is the power plant. This literally puts power in their hands, allowing every homeowner to become an energy earner or energy investor.

EMPOWERING BAJANS

The BLP has sought to empower Bajans at every level, by many different means, opening for them new avenues of opportunity. Here are just a few:
  • Established the Trust Loan Fund, providing collateral-free loans disbursing some $25 Million in loans thus far, to small and micro businesses.
  • Passed the National Vending Act to protect vendors' rights and decriminalise their trade.
  • Expanded rent-to-own housing schemes for low-income earners.
  • Removed the first $350,000 in property value from land tax, as a result many Bajans now have lower bills or do not pay land tax at all.
  • Increased the minimum wage to $10.71 per hour to uplift the lowest earners.
  • Set up the shopping hub known as "Price Check" or "Ask Dealia" to help our people to find the best prices at supermarkets.
  • Allocated to the Rastafarian community 40 acres of arable land for farming in St. John.
  • Leased land to landless farmers through the Farmers Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive (FEED).
  • Established a Financial Literacy Bureau to educate citizens on money management.
  • Allowed Barbadians to hold foreign currency accounts and liberalised exchange controls.
  • Launched the Junior Stock Exchange to facilitate fair access to capital for small companies.
  • Passed the Fair Credit Reporting Act to help citizens build credit history in order to access capital
  • Created financial instruments for the public to invest in renewable energy projects.

ENERGY & ENERGY SECURITY

Energy is a major plank of the BLP’s efforts at national security, inflation control and economic growth.

Barbados’ transition from fossil fuel sources to renewables will create jobs, save foreign exchange, reposition the economy and give citizens an ease in pricing. Large strides have been made toward achieving the energy transition.

ENVIRONMENT

The environment underpins our quality of life, social and economic wellbeing. The BLP has been strong in its protection of the environment while sustainably exploiting resources for development.
  • The BLP has placed great emphasis on the
  • Blue Economy to harness the potential of Barbados' marine resources and implemented several initiatives to promote sustainable fishing, marine conservation, and ocean- based tourism.
  • Bridgetown Port Zone - Leveraging the port's strategic location, this zone is intended to enhance maritime trade and related services.
  • South Coast Sewerage crisis was fixed and permanent upgrades to the system were commenced.
  • Accelerated propagation and planting of fruit trees.
  • Launched campaigns on waste separation and recycling.
  • Published a comprehensive plan to fund resilience and rejuvenation.
  • Repurposed the Catastrophe Fund into a broader Resilience Fund.
  • Invested in drones, radars and 3D printing capacity to enable our Meteorological Services Department to be able to give Barbadians earlier and more accurate warnings of approaching dangerous weather systems.
CLEAN & GREEN
  • Created over 125 clean and green sites island wide, increasing safe green spaces for families, community groups and organisations for recreation, exercise and relaxation.
  • Installed Solar Lights and Cameras, bench- tables to facilitate persons with disabilities, standard benches, and play park equipment at various Clean & Green sites across Barbados.
  • Continued partnership initiatives with the National Sports Council, installing seating and play equipment around the island’s sporting facilities.
NATIONAL TREE PLANTING PROJECT
  • Continued working with both Primary and Secondary School via Adopt A Tree Programme.
  • Continued the Community Drive Through Programme for the distribution of trees throughout communities across Barbados.
  • Completed the Home Garden Beautification Competition & Tree Planting Competition, a Community Greening Project covering Beautification, Food Security, Carbon Sequestration (Climate Change) and the conservation of Biological Resources, resulting in the further planting of trees.
  • Under the “We Gatherin” theme approximately 27,425 trees were planted across Barbados in 2025, bringing the grand total to 629,600 trees planted under the National Tree Planting Project (NTPP), which was initiated in 2019.
FAITH
FAMILIES
FARMERS
FIRE SERVICE
FISHERIES DIVISION OF BARBADOS

FAITH

Barbados is a country with a deep faith background. The language of the national anthem embeds it the consciousness of Bajans. For the first time Spiritual advisors were appointed to give spiritual direction to the Cabinet. Funding was provided to churches carrying out faith-based and youth training programmes that kept young off the street and taught them skills.

The annual multi-faith Independence Service reflects the broad range of faith-based organisations to which Bajans belong.

The BLP also established a Committee of Leaders of Faith-based Organisations (FBOs) who we engage annually and who share their views with relevant Government Ministries. The FBOs were fully involved in creating protocols during the pandemic.

FAMILIES

Protecting the role and the place of the family as a key unit of social wellbeing and stability anchored the BLP’s approach to families.
ONE FAMILY PROGRAMME
The BLP established the revolutionary “One Family Programme” which is geared towards assisting and lifting 1,000 Barbadian families at a time, out of inter-generational poverty, reaching approximately 5,000 Barbadians.

Families received coordinated assistance for food security, education, skills training, employment pathways, and counselling. We have also partnered with the private sector to provide additional services to the families. This holistic approach addresses root causes rather than symptoms.
CHILD GRANT
The BLP converted the traditional Maternity Grant to a Child Grant for the primary caregiver, in order to help a wider range of people who actually care for minors, even if they are not mother.
FOSTER PARENTS
Doubled the amount of the stipend for foster parents to encourage more families to foster children.
PATERNITY LEAVE
Paternity Leave has been introduced so that fathers can play a greater role in the lives of their children and in family support.
PARENTAL AND LIFE COACHING PROGRAMME
The BLP has introduced the Parental and Life Coaching Programme to support families and young people at critical stages of life. Parents receive structured coaching focused on communication, emotional regulation, discipline, and building stable home environments.

This support strengthens family resilience and addresses family conflict and youth rebellion at an early stage. Young people in the programme benefit from mentorship and life coaching centred on identity, purpose, and decision- making. Delivered by trained community mentors. The programme gives guidance, builds confidence, opens opportunity and offers positive options and pathways.
SUPPORTING MOTHERS
The BLP is supporting mothers with increased maternity leave and additional time for multiple births.

FARMERS

The BLP has extended significant support to the farming community and the agricultural sector with a view to enhancing food security -PROMISES KEPT 4 and building a platform for an agro-processing industry.
  • Implemented the Farmers Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive (FEED).
  • Strengthened legislation and enforcement to protect farmers against praedial larceny.
  • Introduced drones for farm surveillance and management to help prevent praedial larceny.
  • Introduced containerised farming for youth in land-scarce areas at Graeme Hall and Carmeta’s Pack House in Groves, St. Philip.
  • Allocated land at Lears and other sites to encourage more involvement in small farming.
  • Restructured the Barbados Agricultural Management Company and reorganised the
  • Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation to better support farmers.
  • Greatly increased the use of local produce in the School Meals Service ensuring healthier diets for our children and an even greater market for small farmers.
  • Capitalised a fund for loans to small farmers.
  • Expanded the exportation of produce from small farmers especially sweet potatoes, peppers, and processed goods.
  • Constructed a modern Tissue Culture Lab to supply disease-free planting material.
  • Provided lease-to-own, climate-smart, vertical farming units at Graeme Hall and Carmeta’s Pack House in Groves, St Philip.
  • Increased livestock rebates for pasture land, animal housing, and for purchasing animals.
  • Significantly reduced water rates for registered farmers thereby reducing their costs.
  • Established Carmeta’s Packhouse and Retail Store for the enfranchisement of small farmers through contract buying and distribution of products

FIRE SERVICE

NEW FIRE STATION – The Cadogan Mayers Marshall Emergency Services Complex.

The BLP constructed the largest and most modern Fire Station in the Caribbean, which is now the headquarters of both the Barbados Fire Service and the Ambulance Service, located at Pine Plantation Road, St. Michael. This was combined with investing millions of dollars in upgrading the overall fire response capacity of the Barbados Fire Service.

The Barbados Fire Service has recorded significant progress in enhancing its operational capacity and readiness, including acquisition of equipment such as:
  • Three large water tenders which replaced part of the aging fleet of appliances and strengthened the ability to respond effectively to large-scale fires.
  • Two small, highly specialised appliances specifically designed to access the narrow roads and confined spaces in the City as well as urban and rural communities.
  • One new ambulance, to bolster the ability to provide high-quality pre-hospital emergency care and, when necessary, to augment the resources of the Emergency Ambulance Service.
  • A 45-metre aerial ladder truck, which replaces the decommissioned 32-metre unit retired for safety reasons. This new appliance will significantly improve our capacity to conduct high-rise rescues and fire fighting operations.
  • In support of aviation safety, two new airport crash tenders were bought, one scheduled for delivery later this year and the second early next year. These will ensure continued compliance with international safety standards and strengthen the response capabilities at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
  • Two small rescue tenders have been acquired, one designated for the northern division of the island and the other to be stationed at the Bridgetown Fire Station.
  • A new multimedia tender has also been added to the fleet to support operational communication, command, and documentation during major incidents.
  • Ensured that all new Fire Officers are fully trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to provide the best possible first response and emergency life-saving care.

FISHERIES DIVISION OF BARBADOS

Market upgrades, improvement of working conditions and meeting global health and quality standards have been a hallmark of the BLP’s approach to fisheries and fisherfolk. The BLP:
  • Passed legislation to enable ocean fish farming and the development of a mariculture industry
  • Upgraded fish landing facilities; completed the Slipway at Consett Bay, St. John.
  • Refurbished the Fitts Village Facility and completed the boundary wall works.
  • The initial work for the construction of the Community Centre at Consett Bay, St. John and the Boat Park at Consett Bay have started.
FISHERFOLK – HURRICANE BERYL BOAT REPAIR SUPPORT
The BLP extended significant support to fisherfolk and the sector after Hurricane Beryl.

The fishing vessel repair rebate for boats damage by Hurricane Beryl was launched on 30 August 2024. By December 2025, 124 of 165 applications had been processed with repair rebate funding reaching BBD $2,392,800.69.
FISHERFOLK – HURRICANE BERYL BUSINESS INTERRUPTION SUPPORT
  • Boat owners received $2000 a month for 3 or 6 months depending on eligibility.
  • Captains received $1500 a month for 3 or 6 months depending on eligibility.
  • Crew members received $1500 a month for 3 or 6 months depending on eligibility.
  • Those persons who received support for 6 months were from boats that took longer to complete repairs
  • Vendors received a one-off payment of $1,500.
FISHERMEN
To support our fishermen and improve their places of work, the BLP:
  • Renovated the jetties at the Bridgetown, Berinda Cox, Speightstown, Martins Bay, Tent Bay, Payne’s Bay and Pile Bay fish market.
  • The upgrades have also allowed these facilities to meet the sanitary international standards, thereby increasing the potential of fish sales to international markets.
  • Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) were installed around the island to attract fish and allow fishermen to find fish with less effort. This allows them to improve their catches and earnings.
GAS STATION ATTENDANTS
GOVERNMENT INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL
GOVERNANCE
GULLIES ARE LIFE (GAL) PROGRAMME
GRAEME HALL NATURE SANCTUARY (GHNS)

GAS STATION ATTENDANTS

The BLP is moving to help gas station workers who work outdoors with exposure to the elements and inhaling petroleum fumes. They will now be entitled to free medical tests annually and rain protection.

GOVERNMENT INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL

Under the BLP, the Government Industrial School has successfully been enhancing resident safety, improving care outcomes, strengthening staff capacity, and streamlining operational efficiency. Staff members have been trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to properly manage incidents of violence and protect youth in care at the school.

GOVERNANCE

Constant improvement of Barbados’ governance structures is the aim of the BLP.

Barbados officially became a Republic on November 30, 2021, removing the British monarch as Head of State, marking a significant step in the nation’s journey towards full sovereignty.

GOVERNANCE – REPORTS OF COMMISSIONS
A Constitutional Reform Commission and Parliamentary Reform Commission were established to develop new or reformed governance structures consistent with having become a Republic. The myriad in-person and “zoom hall” meetings hosted by the Commissions were well attended and oral and written presentations were received. The fact that approximately 50,000 people viewed the meetings online is an indication that there was high interest in the Commissions and their recommendations for national governance.

The voices and spaces by which citizens can influence government have been increased:
  • “People’s Assemblies” - town hall-style consultations became a central part of governance — used during COVID, constitutional and parliamentary reform discussions, and social policy decisions. .
  • Ideas Forum - Launched in 2024 and continuing into 2025, is a national initiative inviting Bajans to submit solutions to current challenges across all sectors. Held in all 11 parishes, submissions are logged, reviewed monthly, and filtered into relevant ministries or national strategies. The goal is to create a running inventory of home- grown Bajan ideas that shape Barbados' development and transformation.
  • Parish Speaks: A community-level intervention allowed residents to speak publicly about issues affecting their lives. These sessions included live responses from the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, and senior technocrats and facilitated follow-up actions. Recordings and summaries were published online for wider access.

GULLIES ARE LIFE (GAL) PROGRAMME

  • Gullies are important ecosystems in Barbados in the protection of our underground water reserves.
  • Solid waste and biodiversity assessments were conducted in over 15 gullies and over 40 tonnes of solid waste removed, improving the flow of water through our water courses.

GRAEME HALL NATURE SANCTUARY (GHNS)

A partnership between the Barbados Wetlands Trust and the BLP Government, in May 2025, resulted in the reopening of the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary after being closed for almost seventeen years. This partnership ensures guardianship of a precious ecosystem in Barbados and provides an attraction for local and international visitors.

HEALTH
HIV AND WELLBEING COMMISSION
HOMELESSNESS
HOME OWNERSHIP
HOUSING

HEALTH

No government has done more for health care than the BLP. Some of our initiatives include:
  • The Barbados School Nutrition Policy launched in February 2023, to all schools in a phased approach.
  • The Barbados Colorectal Cancer Screening project to detect and reduce the incidence of stomach cancer has been introduced into the polyclinics.
  • Purchased Barbados’ first ever Linear Accelerator; cancer patients no longer have to be sent overseas for expensive radiation treatment.
  • An Adult Eye Clinic pilot commenced at the Winston Scott Polyclinic to provide eye screening for diabetic patients and those on the waiting list of the QEH Lions Eye Care Centre Department.
  • The Winston Scott Polyclinic extended hours, providing 24-hour coverage on rotation with other polyclinics.
  • Established a Commission to overhaul Mental Health Services to meet the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges amongst the population, especially youth.
  • Upgraded the physical plants of multiple polyclinics to better provide medical services and working conditions for staff.
  • Psychological First Aid training, was conducted for 320 individuals. This initiative addressed the critical need for immediate psychological support in crises and included first responders, health care workers, key community groups, including faith based and non-governmental organisations.
  • The Ministry of Health and Wellness, launched Lifeline Barbados in April 2024. This hotline service has been established to provide around-the-clock emotional and crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and wider psychosocial issues. Its introduction reflects a national commitment to improving access to mental health services and creating safe spaces and timely intervention

HIV AND WELLBEING COMMISSION

The BLP has always ensured proper health care for those suffering with HIV and AIDS.

The Barbados Labour Party reformed the former HIV Commission into the HIV and Wellbeing Commission, broadening the national response beyond treatment alone.

This reform recognises that alongside their medical needs, people living with HIV face stigma, mental health challenges and social exclusion.

By integrating mental health and appropriate support services, the Commission seeks to improve the quality of life and long-term wellbeing for those who suffer from disease.

HOMELESSNESS

The BLP recognises that health, social and economic reasons can cause people’s homelessness. While carrying out its own programmes, the Government partners with and provides financial support to those working in this area, providing services that give the elderly options for shelter, care and safety. The Resilience and Reintegration Unit intervenes early to prevent homelessness.

HOME OWNERSHIP

“Owning a piece of the rock” is the dream of Bajans and therefore a priority for the BLP. The BLP’s housing policy and initiatives include:
HOME OWNERSHIP PROVIDING ENERGY (HOPE)
The HOPE Project has been established to provide a boon to the Barbados housing stock, while providing energy and savings for the project’s property owners.

HOPE DEVELOPMENTS
Vespera Gardens – St. James
During 2025, HOPE has successfully completed one hundred and forty – eight (148) houses at Vespera Gardens and all houses have been sold.
River Crescent
HOPE has completed the construction of twenty seven (27) Duravilla Houses at River Crescent, on behalf of NHC.
Concordia – St. Philip
Construction is underway on the Concordia development (opposite Dodds Prison – St. Philip), for completion of eighty–nine (89) house units from March 2026.

HOUSING

The BLP is working to meet national demand for housing and is using multiple measures to deliver to the public.
  • Repayment of over $8 Million to the Housing Credit Fund.
  • Implemented rent-to-own housing models for families who need affordable housing solutions.
INDUSTRY & MANUFACTURING
INTERNATIONAL FOOD SCIENCE CENTRE
INFRASTRUCTURE
INVESTMENT

INDUSTRY & MANUFACTURING

The BLP gave new impetus to a flagging industrial sector.
CREATION OF GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE BRANDS AND AWARD-WINNING EXPORTS
Supported the development of strong global brands across food and value-added manufacturing. Breadfruit-based products won global awards, opening new international markets and repositioning Barbados as an innovator in heritage-based, science-enabled food exports.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD SCIENCE CENTRE

Established the International Food Science Centre as a fully HACCP and GMP certified manufacturing facility, enabling over 70 small businesses to scale production for local retail and exports. .
PELICAN DESIGN DISTRICT AND CREATIVE–INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION
Converted the Pelican Craft Centre into a Caribbean Design District, integrating food design, fashion design, cultural manufacturing, five artists residences, a Caribbean Art Gallery exporting regional art internationally, included the Design Intelligence and Deep Tech Centre, and a Design Daycare developing design intelligence from early childhood. Increased foot traffic from 500 to 5,000 visitors per week, creating a high-throughput creative–industrial hub.
RE-INDUSTRIALIZATION IMPACT ON LOCAL OUTPUT AND IMPORT SUBSTITUTION
Achieved measurable gains in local industrial output, including full national self-sufficiency in pepper-mash production, regional exports of pepper-mash to Antigua, and strengthened agro- processing value chains supplying both domestic and regional markets.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Climate proof and resilient infrastructure is a BLP priority.
  • Completed flood mitigation and canal improvements, greening and beautification at the Constitution River as well as the Salt Pond in Speightstown.
  • Flood engineering designs completed for Trents, Dover, Goodlands Gardens, Wilcox, Ashdeane Village and Pillersdorf Development,
  • Completed a dedicated cargo terminal at Berth 6 in the Bridgetown Port to ensure continuous movement of cargo ships.
  • Expanded the Shallow Draught Marina to provide additional berthing facilities for pleasure and small crafts. This is particularly critical in provision of safe harbour for small boats in the event of a natural disaster.
  • Constructed seven (7) new reservoirs to improve water storage capacity and resilience.
  • Laid new mains from Vineyard to Mount Pleasant to move water to the North of the island mitigating some of the issues affecting residents there.
  • Retrofitted nearly 30,000 street lights island- wide with LED bulbs for energy efficiency.
  • Sourced and installed over 400 solar lights in cities and town centres.
  • Natural Gas Network - Upgraded gas mains to reduce leakage and improve safety.
  • Coastal Protection - Built boardwalks and coastal defences (e.g., Oistins, Speightstown, Holetown, and Hastings).

INVESTMENT

BLP leadership and stewardship has caused the return of investor confidence; as a result local and international investment in Barbados is booming.
  • Newton Industrial Estate: Focused on manufacturing and logistics, this zone aims to boost industrial activity and export potential.
JOBS HIGH, UNEMPLOYMENT LOW
JUDGES – LAW AND ORDER
JUSTICE SYSTEM

JOBS HIGH, UNEMPLOYMENT LOW

The BLP’s management and policies have driven unemployment down to a historical low of 6.1%.
  • National job creation is at an all-time high.
  • Reduction of Unemployment to an historic low of 6.1%.
  • Establishment of the "Barbados Construction of the "Barbados Constructionartisans and to upgrade the skills of existing construction workers.
  • Establishment of a similar "Fishing and Farming Gateway Training Initiative" that is similarly equipping Barbadians with Science-based skills in Fishing and Agriculture.
  • 15 small to medium size contractors, with over 150 workers, engaged under the Highway Beautification Programme to clean the drains and roadways
  • Created of a National Jobs Register to assist Barbadians with finding employment opportunities.
  • Ensured training of Bajans and upskilling them for jobs through the National Training Initiative (NTI).

JUDGES – LAW AND ORDER

Law and order are a national concern and one which the BLP Government is seriously addressing.

To help strengthen the justice system, the BLP:
  • Established a new process for the recruitment and selection of Judges of the High Court by creating the Judicial Selections Committee. This Committee follows a transparent process of selection of judges. The number of judges has been increased.
  • Renovated the old Supreme Court buildings on Coleridge Street to bring these historic buildings back into use for judicial purposes.

JUSTICE SYSTEM

The BLP has made many improvements to the justice system.
  • Criminal Justice and Expungement of Minor Records. Amended the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act in 2023, allowing expungement of certain minor offences, including those related to small-scale cannabis possession, as part of the move towards decriminalisation for minor offences and further reform of the justice system.
  • Created a dedicated Commercial Court to speed up the resolution of business disputes.

INVESTMENT

BLP leadership and stewardship has caused the return of investor confidence; as a result local and international investment in Barbados is booming.
  • Newton Industrial Estate: Focused on manufacturing and logistics, this zone aims to boost industrial activity and export potential.
THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

The world runs on a knowledge economy. People with training and skills can demand high pay. Bajans have the core educational training and skills to be part of this global growth engine, which can propel Barbados forward and provide Bajans with good earning potential.

The National Training Initiative (NTI), is a critical platform for empowering Barbadians through digital skills and personal development. NTI provides customised training in-person with The Art and Heart of Service, as well as its Government-funded partnership with the leading Global Online Learning platform Coursera.

This partnership with Coursera which has reached 180,000 enrolments represents an investment in the training, wellbeing and future of Bajans, their lives and families. NTI through Coursera offers to Bajans over 14,000 internationally accredited courses, free of cost.
  • Introduced educational programmes that deliver a Technical degree in Gaming Art and Animation at the Barbados Community College and the SJP Institute of Technology.
  • Introduced opto-electronics training at a newly established global electronic training centre where 50 young Barbadians are being trained.
LABOUR RELATIONS
LIQUOR LICENSING REFORM BILL

LABOUR RELATIONS

The BLP has sought to ensure strong labour relations for social stability and worker satisfaction. To this end the BLP has put a number of measures in place. (See also Social Partnership, Trade Unions, and Workers).
  • The national minimum wage of $8.50 was initially increased introduced on April 1, 2021, from $6.25 to $8.50 per hour, benefiting thousands of workers across various sectors.
  • Effective June 1, 2025, the general minimum wage increased to moved from $8.50 to $10.50 per hour, and the sectoral rate for security guards increased from $9.25 to $11.43 per hour. They now stand at $10.71 and $11.66 per hour respectively.
  • Labour Clauses legislation Act – new legislation was enacted to enforces labour standards and rates in public con-tracts and the tourist accommodation sector. This increases workers protections.

LIQUOR LICENSING REFORM BILL

  • The BLP moved liquor licensing out of the archaic Magistrates' Court system and into a modern, civil Department of Commerce framework for:
  • Ease of Doing Business - ending the "agony" of long, long frustrating court queues and time wasting. Liquor licence applications are now processed through a streamlined, digital-ready administrative body.
  • Boosting the ‘Orange Economy’ (cultural expression and industry) by introducing seasonal and event-specific licences, we have empowered event promoters and festival organizers to scale up their businesses without bureaucratic "red tape."
MEDICINAL MARIJUANA
METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

The BLP is ensuring that Barbados breaks into the medicinal marijuana industry both for patient care and for the economic potential of this fast-growing industry.

The BLP established the legislative framework and authority for medical marijuana. This puts Barbados as a recent entrant and aspiring player in a fast-growing global industry and opens the door to a new stream of foreign exchange earnings for the investors and the island.

The Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Industry demonstrates the resilience of the Barbadian spirit. Faced with prejudice and without access to the financial system, this industry has been helping Barbadian patients by providing locally grown, regulated and monitored medicinal cannabis from the two local farms and 2 medicinal dispensaries. Ownership structures are centred around Barbadians and employing majority Barbadians. Emphasis is placed on ensuring space in the market for small operators, Rastafari and small farmers.

This nascent industry can only grow from strength to strength.

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

The World Bank identifies the Caribbean as one of the globe’s most disaster-prone regions. Climate change exacerbates the threats that Barbados and the Caribbean face. The BLP therefore intends for Barbados’ meteorological services to be world class and contribute to national disaster preparedness.

Barbados meteorological services have been improved and positioned to ensure warning and protections against climate change events, boosting our national readiness and early warning systems. This includes technology and data tools for smart forecasting and decision-support systems and strengthened the operational capacity of the Barbados Meteorological Services.
NATIONHOOD
NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION
NATURAL DISASTER CLAUSES
NURSES

NATIONHOOD

The idea of a new nation that is inclusive, socially just, world class and happy, is one which the BLP holds dear. The BLP believes in Barbados and its traditional values.

Building on past successes, Barbados can be great. Bajans can be strong, if we are prepared to work together to achieve this, giving equal weight to attitudes and accountability, rights and responsibilities.
The fact that the Constitutional and Parliamentary Reform Commissions attracted over 50 000 views, enjoyed strong engagement with citizens who contributed to re-framing the Commissions’ recommendations, are all evidence that Barbadians are deeply invested in, love Barbados and want a peaceful, productive, caring and harmonious country that is the envy of the world.

NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION

The NHC is an important state-owned enterprise because house rentals, land and property ownership are at the core of our proud property owning democracy. The BLP understands that.
NHC SITES AND SERVICES DELIVERY
  • Concordia Gardens, St. Philip - Handed over 89 serviced lots to HOPE Inc. for continued Development.
  • River Crescent, St. Philip - Delivered 30 serviced lots to Hope Inc. for Duravilla Project.
  • Sargeants Village, Christ Church – Delivered a serviced development to the East-West project with 16 houses completed.
  • Bullens (Floralis Gardens), St. James - Delivered a serviced development to the East-West project with 36 houses completed.
  • Coconut Hall, St. Lucy- Delivered a serviced development to the East-West project.
  • Harmony Hall, Christ Church – Provided planning and designs serves to RUDC and Framecrete project.
NHC SALE OF TERRACE UNITS
When the BLP last formed the government, we stated the process of transferring ownership of the government rental units to qualified tenants, it now falls to the BLP to complete this process.

The NHC, as an undertaking under the Sale of Terrace Units Programme 2003 and the 20 Year Free Transfer Programme 2008, committed to upgrading the electricals of its units, in accordance with current G.E.E.D standards and the NEC code (single-phase three wire 230Volts). The transfer of the units to the tenants is ongoing.

Approximately two thousand, six hundred and eighty-seven (2,687) units required upgrades at a cost, of approximately $21,691,127.36 and was projected to be executed over a four- year period. To date, 2,349 (87.4%) units have been upgraded at a cost of approx. $19,906,359.92 (91.8%) and are in the process of being transitioned to the new system by the BLPC. Ano
NHC STAFF
The Human Resources Department of the NHC places emphasis on staff training and professional development. During 2025 alone, employees benefited from a range of training programmes offered through the Ministry of the Public Service, Learning and Development Directorate including Introduction to the Public Service, Messenger/Driver Training, and Introduction to Computers, Administrative Function, Commitment for Results (CFR), among others. Additionally, recognising the need for continuous professional development, three (3) members of the Human Resources team successfully completed a course in Employment Law through the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP).
NHC & TENANTRIES
The BLP’s Tenantry Freehold Purchase Act was a revolutionary piece of BLP legislation, which 40 years after it was conceived and enacted, is still delivering land to tenants at concessionary rates, prices that are unimaginable in any modern market.
  • Completed the surveying of seventy-seven (77) lots on behalf of the NHC at Six Men’s, St. Peter to facilitate sale to persons under the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act.
  • Completed the surveying of thirty-three (33) lots at Zoars, St. John (State owned) to facilitate sale to persons under the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act.
  • Completed the surveying of thirty-four (34) lots at Isolation Road, St. Andrew on behalf of BADMC to facilitate sale to qualified tenants under the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act.
  • Completed Verification of Form I Notices submitted by tenants to determine eligibility to purchase their rented lots under the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act in twenty- four (24) areas namely:
  • St. Christopher, Christ Church(1)
  • Bournes Land, Christ Church (1)
  • Briar Hall, Christ Church (13)
  • Sargeants Village, Christ Church (8)
  • Kings Court, Lodge Road, Christ Church (2)
  • Kendal Hill, Christ Church (2)
  • 1st Avenue, Jackson, St. Michael (7)
  • Bibby’s Lane, St. Michael (9)
  • College Land, St. John (11)
  • College Savannah, St. John (4)
  • Society, St. John (3)
  • Butlers Tenantry, Gall Hill, St. John (1)
  • The Glebe, St. George (3)
  • Bournes Village, St. George (6)
  • Padmore Village, St. Thomas (8)
  • Allen View, St. Thomas (16)
  • Brownes Gap, Arthur Seat, St. Thomas (1)
  • Fosters Land, Welchman Hall, St. Thomas (1)
  • Hillaby, St. Andrew (3)
  • Haggatts Plantation, St. Andrew (6)
  • Upper Mount Standfast, St. James (2)
  • Long Bay, St. Philip (7)
  • Mellowes Hill, St. Joseph (1)
  • Burma Road, St. Peter (26)

NATURAL DISASTER CLAUSES

Barbados has pioneered the use and implementation of Natural Disaster Clauses (NDCs) including Pandemic clauses in our sovereign debt. This allows us to temporarily pause debt payments for up to two-years after a severe natural disaster or a pandemic, freeing up funds for national disaster relief, economic recovery and support of Bajans.
This innovation in Barbados’ debt management framework allows the government to focus on people-centred recovery efforts in the wake of disasters. Using these measures, Barbados is able to redirect fiscal resources to fast-track recovery efforts whilst given lenders certainty that their payments will resume after the grace period.

NURSES

The BLP values nursing professionals. Hundreds of nurses and specialists were given permanent appointments.
  • Nurses were given a uniform and other allowances.
  • 93 nurses were recruited from Ghana providing critical reinforcement for our Bajan nurses across hospitals, polyclinics, and community health services.
(See also the Queen Elizabeth Hospital)
OCEANS
OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION OFFSHORE: A NEW FRONTIER

OCEANS

  • Carlisle Bay Marine Park renowned for its shipwrecks and diverse marine life, is being enhanced, further making it a popular site for diving and snorkelling.
  • Barbados Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) was launched to guide sustainable use of marine resources for all sectors.

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION OFFSHORE: A NEW FRONTIER

Exploration of oil and gas in the offshore to determine possible resources started under a previous BLP government. We intend to ensure that any discoveries of this source of energy are used for the benefit of all Bajans.

We launched 3D offshore seismic studies covering thousands of square kilometres and opened a competitive bidding round for 22 offshore blocks, with major partners like Woodside Energy (following their merger with BHP).

Benefits are likely to be the creation of:
  • Intergenerational Wealth: We are responsibly exploring our natural gas potential. If successful, this will fund a National Sovereign Wealth Fund to pay for healthcare and education for your children and grandchildren.
  • Strategic Independence: While we transition to 100% renewables, this exploration ensures Barbados has a strategic "bridge" of resources.
  • Energy Security – ensuring we are never held hostage by global powers or circumstances.
POLICE
POSTAL SERVICE
PRISON
PUBLIC SECTOR

POLICE

A key strategy for fighting crime and violence is the proper equipping of the police force and improving the terms and conditions of the dedicated members of the Barbados Police Service for whose dedication the BLP is grateful.

Renamed the “Barbados Police Service,” the Service is being modernised with improved rules and structures, new equipment, and vehicles and improved terms and conditions. The Police Service will also benefit from the Public Service regrading exercise.
  • Increased the budget allocation for the Police Service to approximately 170 million dollars. The largest ever in its history.
  • Increased the number of posts of special constables by a further 60, moving from 46 to 106 special constable posts.
  • Completed the roll out of the Senior Constable rank and 218 Constables were sworn into that new rank on September 3rd, 2025.
  • Completed the process to include the ranks of Station Sergeant and Sergeant in the Barbados Police Service on the Schedule of the Public Officers Loan and Travelling Allowance.
  • Started construction of two new dormitories at the Regional Police Training Centre to accommodate 60 additional students which will be completed early in 2026. This will allow for the training of larger numbers of recruits and trained police.
  • Commenced the provision of a new home for the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), by purchasing the old Geddes Grant building. The refurbishment work on that building has started.

POSTAL SERVICE

The Barbados Postal Service was awarded the Universal Postal Union’s Rising Star Award 2024 for its outstanding progress in the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) Integrated Index for Postal Development. Barbados achieved the rank of 15th globally. Barbados was elected to the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council at the 28th Universal Postal Union Congress in Dubai, United Arab Emirates n 2025.

The Barbados Postal Service plays a role in this nation’s border protection by preventing the circulation of illicit goods and contraband in local and international mail. To support this function, a dual view x-ray machine was installed at the Grantley Adams Mail Facility. To enhance the BPO’s security scanning capability, two smaller dual view x-ray machines were purchased and commissioned for the Office of Exchange, the main Sorting Office in Bridgetown, to improve visibility of all mail items in circulation. The BPS is seeking to meet the criteria to qualify for UPU Security certification.

PRISON

The prison at Dodds is now better equipped. Measures and training have been put in place to reduce gang activity and violence in the prison. Increased farming activity by prisoners supports food security and putting prisoners into healthy, productive activity which has beneficial mental and physical impacts.
PRISONERS
To ensure that on their release, prisoners leave Dodds with the capacity to earn, live with dignity and become useful members of society, training, skills and education are provided in areas such as Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, English Language, Digital media, Creative Writing, Religious Programmes, including Seventh Day and Islamic religious traditions, Psychological Therapy Programs, Hospitality Courses, Music, Entrepreneurship, Agricultural and Social Studies.
PRISON OFFICERS
There has been increased recruitments of prison officers enhancing the capacity of the prison to properly perform prison services. Officers have also been trained in drone operation and equipped with body cameras.

PUBLIC SECTOR

This country was built on the skill and professionalism of public servants, a fact the BLP appreciates and does not take for granted.
  • Appointed over 2100 public servants
  • Appointed public servants who were disadvantaged by being kept in acting positions in the Public Service for years.
  • Public sector workers received salary increases in 2018 (retroactive to 2017), with additional Cost of Living Allowance discussions in 2022–2023. Unions and government agreed on continued negotiation with payments tied to inflation data.
  • Public sector officers across the system, from secretaries and clerical officers to senior staff, are receiving training and upskilling to improve the way they function and to help them derive greater job satisfaction.
  • In the 2023/2024 fiscal year alone, the government spent $852.4 million on wages and salaries, indicating a significant investment in public sector compensation.
  • Regrading - Conducted a comprehensive regrading to fix pay disparities in the Public Service.
QUALITY OF LIFE
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL

QUALITY OF LIFE

It is the BLP’s philosophy that all Bajans must have an acceptable quality of life. Much work has been done in this area but an important initiative has been the Pit Toilet Elimination Programme carried out in urban communities such as New Orleans, and Greenfield which are then connected to the sewerage system.

QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL

The QEH is being financed, equipped and enabled to be a modern, patient-centred hospital which delivers quality health care at all times.

Key initiatives:
  • The Accident & Emergency Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), was expanded and upgraded.
  • Plans are at an advanced stage for another multimillion-dollar expansion of the QEH.
  • Establishment of a special QEH account of $130 million dollars to purchase new equipment or to replace old or malfunctioning equipment.
  • Increase of 295 clinical posts at a cost of $17m per annum across clinical departments, including a larger complement of emergency physicians. This also includes 160 new posts for nurses, separate and apart from more than 100 recruited from Ghana.
  • Deployed community health assistants to manage NCDs at home.
  • National Cardiology Project - Launched initiative to improve heart health outcomes.
  • Cancer patients no longer have to be sent overseas for radiation treatment.
  • Created new posts for senior specialist doctors and consultants.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
REPUBLIC
ROADS
ROOF TO REEFS (R2RP)ROADS

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Global investment in green energy (renewables) now outstrips investment in brown energy (oil and gas); this is a trend and necessity for Barbadian society and economy.
  • Renewable energy target of 100%, becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
  • Solar PV on Roofs - incentivised and rolled out solar panels on residential roofs.
  • Vaucluse Energy Park - facilitated the development of a major solar/green energy park.
  • Clean Energy Bridge: Commissioned a solar plant in St. Lucy to reduce fuel imports.
  • National Energy Policy - revised policy to guide the energy transition and launched an Energy Transition Investment Plan (ETIP)
  • Battery Storage - licensed and facilitated grid-scale battery storage projects.
  • Smart Energy Fund – Restructured to support small businesses in adopting green energy by providing over $16.9 million in financing
  • Launched the island’s first Wind Farm at Lamberts, St. Lucy.
  • Support for Renewable Energy Expansion.
  • The government implemented a robust renewable energy agenda with solar panel installations on public buildings, incentives for household solar, and support for independent solar farms. Barbados remains on track for its 2035 net zero target with additional projects launched in 2023 and 2024.
  • Implementation of Renewable Energy Projects.
  • The government has made significant strides towards its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030. As of May 2025, numerous solar and wind projects have been completed, including the installation of solar panels on government buildings and the development of community solar farms.

REPUBLIC

Barbados is now a Republic. The BLP took us to this status on the 30th of November 2021, after nearly 400 years we, the people of Barbados, finally removed the British Monarchy from our constitutional affairs, installed one of our very own native daughters as our Head of State, and declared our nation to be a Republic. This move perfected the step we took on November 30, 1966. In 2021, we took full control of our sovereignty.

“What are we Barbadians going to make of our new Republic?

We will develop a Republic that is characterised by a profound commitment to such intrinsically republican values as social equality, participatory governance, self-propelled economic development, national discipline and self-reliance, empathy with our fellow citizens, a commitment to champion and uphold universal human rights, and a determination to strive for the highest standards of collective achievement as a people.

ROADS

After years of neglect, properly resourced and structured road construction and repair programmes are being executed.
  • Substantial renovation of over 70 roads, inclusive of major projects such as the Oistins to Bay Street and Bridgetown to Holetown highways were executed.
  • The Ministry of Transport and Works has acquired new equipment, including asphalt pavers, road rollers, and milling machines, asphalt mixers, graders, and road repair units. This has significantly reduced potholes and accelerated repairs across major corridors.
  • To address flooding issues, the ministry has acquired modern excavators and vacuum trucks for clearing drains and gullies, particularly in flood-prone areas.
  • Bridge and Culvert Rehabilitation: Specialised equipment, including mobile cranes and concrete mixers, have been utilised in the rehabilitation of bridges and culverts, enhancing structural integrity and safety.
  • Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) Programme - The MTW has embarked on a programme using the new technology of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) for road paving, which involves using concrete applied with specialised equipment designed for that purpose.

ROOF TO REEFS (R2RP)

Roofs to Reefs Programme (R2RP) is a signature environmental initiative of the BLP which adopts holistic ecological, climate resilient approaches from our roofs to our reefs. R2RP has been responsible, in large part, for strengthening collaboration with regional and international partners, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to unlock financial and technical support. The R2RP has provided the umbrella platform and been involved in the detailed work for a series of key projects including:
  • Debt for Nature Conversion.
  • Debt for Climate Swap.
  • Blue Green Investment Corporation.
R2RP covers a wide range of areas including:
  • Coral Reef Restoration.
  • Resilient Port Infrastructure.
  • Sustainable Water.
  • Resilient Health.
  • Housing.
  • Agriculture.
SANITATION SERVICE AUTHORITY
SARGASSUM MANAGEMENT
SCOTLAND DISTRICT
SEA PORT
SENIOR CITIZENS
SPORTS
SHIPS REGISTRY – DOMESTIC VESSELS
SOCIAL AND FAMILY SERVICES
SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP
SOCIAL PROTECTION
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

SANITATION SERVICE AUTHORITY

The SSA is central to Bajans’ health and wellbeing. For the first time SSA staff received health insurance through a group medical plan. SSA is now upgrading its fleet and services to give a world class collection service to the public. To ensure this, the SSA purchased:
  • 55 refuse compactors.
  • 2 skip trucks.
  • 3 stationary compactors.
  • 2 dump trucks.
  • 1 CAT 966 wheel-loader.
  • 1 excavator.
  • 1 landfill compactor.
A new Northern Depot has been opened at Vaucluse St. Thomas.
Incentive payments totalling $825,000 were made to staff in 2025.
The Authority also participated in the National Bulk Waste Program.

SARGASSUM MANAGEMENT

Annual influxes of sargassum seaweed impact our beaches and our use and enjoyment of them. It has an adverse impact on our tourism product as well. The BLP is treating to this new and growing problem with creativity and determination.Sargassum seaweed and its mitigation are important for beach quality, recreation for nationals, and for tourists represents a concern. To address the challenge, the BLP employed a team to assist in keeping beaches clean for nationals and tourists. Encouragement has also been provided to innovators to experiment to turn sargassum seaweed from a nuisance into useful products such as fertilizers, bio-fuels, and other products.
  • Under the Improving Sargassum Management Capacities in the Caribbean project, two shipments of machinery and equipment have been received. Three tractors – two medium weight and one light weight.
  • Another shipment of equipment - two work boats, arrived in Barbados around mid- December 2025 and the process for clearance of the work-boats from the Barbados Port Inc. has begun to enable deployment in sargassum beach clean-up. A draft Sargassum management Plan has been developed.
  • The Ministry has invited proposals for sargassum collection offshore before it reaches the shore.

SCOTLAND DISTRICT

The BLP is treating the Scotland District as a special case warranting attention, resources and commitment.
  • Scotland District Road Rehabilitation Project - Under this project, aging and deteriorating highways, roads, culverts, and bridges affected by landslides in the Scotland District are being rehabilitated or reconstructed. Completed are:
  • Shorey Village
  • Vaughns Road 2
  • Animal Flower Cave Road
  • White Hill-Phase 1
  • Link Rd. Four Hill to Junction Prospect and Indian Ground Rd.
  • Reece Road, St Thomas
  • Jemmotts Road to Mount View Road
  • Chance Hill
  • King Street
  • White Hill-Phase 2
  • Coggins Hill
  • Babylon Road, St. Andrew
  • Sugar Hill-Laynes Bridge (landslide)
  • Highway F Phase 2

SEA PORT

Barbados Port Inc is central to the Barbados economy.
  • Effective February 1, 2024, port-related container charges at the Port of Bridgetown were reduced further by 7.5% for a total 17.5% reduction in charge during the financial year to help to control inflation and provide reduced cost for the population.
  • Barbados Port Inc. constructed three new berths for commercial vessels at the Careenage and a new dedicated dock for party boats in Bridgetown. The new berthing arrangements ensure business continuity for BPI tenants during the demolition and construction phases of the neighbouring Pierhead Project, which is being executed by the private entity, Miss Daisy Investment Inc., south of the Careenage.
  • Port Fire Station: On November 1, 2023, the Port of Bridgetown Fire Station was officially opened.
  • The Port registered two record-breaking performances in container discharge: 927 containers (July 13-18, 2025) and a new record of 1,052 containers (August 16-22, 2025).
  • Four mooring points for super yachts were added on the West Coast and two mooring points for small cruise vessels were placed in the Speightstown Bay area facilitating cruise calls at Speightstown and inland connectivity via the Jetty.
  • On October 3, 2023, the Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) berth, constructed as part of the Shallow Draught Marina Expansion Project, went into operation. It is utilised by the inter-island feeder vessels, with weekly shipments of fruit and vegetables, as well as the vessels bringing natural gas to Barbados.

SEA PORT

The BLP has improved conditions for seniors citizens. Their comfort and dignity are our primary concern.
RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS BILL
The Barbados Labour Party has drafted the Rights of Older Persons Bill and prepared it for Parliament. This Bill establishes protections against abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and promotes active ageing, inclusion, and dignity. It reflects the BLP’s commitment to ensuring older Barbadians live with dignity, security, respect, and autonomy.

The BLP also:
  • Increased pensions for Seniors - raised the non-contributory pension significantly (from $155 to $225 weekly).
  • Established day care and respite facilities for the elderly and disabled.
  • Constructed a soon to be completed state- of-the-art national Geriatric Hospital at Waterford.
  • Is bringing legislation to protect our seniors from elder abuse of all types.

SHIPS REGISTRY - DOMESTIC VESSELS

This Government improved the Barbados Ships’ Registry by modernising the legislative regime. A suite of maritime legislation was passed bringing the sector into a modern era.
The Ships Registry for Domestic Vessels processed a range of registrations, permits, and licenses, including:
  • 10 New Domestic Vessel Registrations (Commercial).
  • 5 New Domestic Vessel Registrations (Personal).
  • 51 Renewals of Domestic Vessel Registrations (Commercial).
  • 27 Renewals of Domestic Vessel Registrations (Personal).
  • 26 Cruise Permits.
  • 72 Licence Endorsements.
  • 26 Barbados Small Vessel Learners Permits.

SOCIAL AND FAMILY SERVICES

Social and family services are at the core of social protections and safety nets which the BLP provides and are pivotal to social stability.
SOCIAL SERVICES REFORM
The Barbados Labour Party delivered one of the most significant institutional reforms in the social sector through the creation of the Social Empowerment Agency.
For decades, vulnerable Barbadians were forced to navigate multiple departments, repeat their stories, and wait while agencies worked in silos. This fragmented system caused delays, frustration, and in some cases, actual harm. The BLP addressed this directly by bringing the Welfare Department, Child Care Board, National Disabilities Unit, and National Assistance Board into a single, coordinated agency. The Social Empowerment Agency (SEA). This reform fundamentally changed how people experience the State. Support is now organised around individuals and families rather than bureaucracy. Cases are managed holistically, decisions are faster, and accountability is clearer.
The launch of the first Social Empowerment Centre at Six Roads has made this reform visible on the ground and accessible to the public.
  • The Social Empowerment Agency (SEA), an amalgamation of the island’s social services opened its first client centre at Six Roads, St Philip, providing one-stop social care services, guidance, case management, and support. Additional centres are planned for Bentham, St Lucy in the north, Sunset Crest, St James in the west, and Southern Plaza in the south, providing island wide coverage..
PATERNITY LEAVE FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS
The BLP implemented two weeks of paid paternity leave for public sector workers. This was aimed at promoting shared family responsibility and gender equity. Some private sector companies have since voluntarily adopted similar policies.

SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP

The BLP treats the Social Partnership with respect as partners and stakeholders in maintaining national stability. The partnership has been formally expanded to include the Credit Union movement which represents the interests of thousands of Barbadians. Some members of the Third Sector attend by invitation. Dialogue with social partners is on-going and all major decisions are made only after consultation with the Social Partnership.

SOCIAL PROTECTION

The BLP has made the largest investment in social protection in Barbados’ history.
This strategic investment strengthened institutions, expanded coverage, and stabilised households in the face of economic uncertainty.
It ensured that recovery was felt in people’s daily lives, not just reflected in national indicators.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Small businesses dominate the local landscape and are one of the growth engines of the global economy. The BLP seeks to accelerate small business development.
CREATION OF MECHANICS BAY AT GRAZETTES
Established a Mechanics Bay at Grazettes as a purpose-built environmental, health, and safety–compliant facility for community-based vehicle repair. This gave proper facilities to those with skills who had no place to work, formalising informal activity, reducing environmental risks, improving occupational safety, and creating a scalable model for regulated community industrial services. It took mechanics off the street and out of communities where vehicles under repair, or abandoned, created health and safety hazards and frequently caused annoyance to neighbours.
FUND ACCESS
Fund Access has made $75 million available to 2244 small businesses and created over 2736 new jobs in the 25 years since its establishment.
TRUST LOANS
Trust Loan Fund in 7 years disbursed $27.9 million to 5703 people. This money financed and enabled dreams. Set up a “client storefront” in Hayman’s Market stocked with products of Trust Loan clients.
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME
The YES started by the BLP continues to shepherd youth into entrepreneurship giving them the knowledge and skills for success. With the Prime Minister’s Innovation Prize, the government has advanced entrepreneurship.
THE NATIONAL BUSINESS INTERRUPTION SUPPORT PROGRAM
Successfully deployed a financial safety net for over 7,000 local businesses. This wasn’t just a handout; it was a strategic intervention to prevent the collapse of small business owners and their families during global economic shocks.
  • By keeping 7,000+ businesses solvent, the BLP saved tens of thousands of jobs and kept the "circular economy" of our villages and towns moving.
  • Resilience: This program built a blueprint for future crisis management, ensuring that Barbadian entrepreneurs are never again left to weather a global storm alone.

SPORTS

Sports are vital to life, society and economy and to the BLP’s view of social necessities.
  • Commenced construction work on a new National Stadium.
  • Construction of thirteen (13) mini-stadia across the island, in order to facilitate sporting activity and community development combined with a comprehensive programme of installing lights at playing-fields across the island to facilitate youth engagement and healthy lifestyles.
  • Hosted the World Cup successfully secured and hosted the T20 Cricket World Cup Finals in 2024.
  • Road Tennis Development - invested in Road Tennis to develop it locally and promote it internationally, including coaching certification.
  • Five Cricket pitches at Blenheim completed.
  • Over 300 road tennis courts have been completed.
  • Athletic Tracks – Two additional athletic tracks are earmarked for the north and south of the island.
  • A new Archery Facility at Lears has been completed.
  • Netball Stadium Refurbishment is underway.
  • Collaborated with the Barbados Cricket Association and Cricket West Indies, to host the England, Australia and Pakistan cricket tours.
  • The Inter Parish Community Football Programme attracted approximately 750 Under 19 football players across Barbados. They were trained in various life and football skills.
  • Semi-Professional Football - introduced the "Prime Minister's Cup," a semi-professional football tournament.
  • Motor Sport Partnership - partnered with Barbados Motoring Federation for annual support of Bushy Park events.
  • Launched national participation projects to expand school and community-based sports.
  • Coordinated the Independence Road Tennis Competition 2021 across the national communities engaging 380 players and over 100 officials.
  • BajeFit Exercise Programme attracted over 1,400 persons ranging in ages from 8 to 80, while the Swim For Life Programme which catered to 987 participants.
  • Construction of a pavilion at the Glebe, St. George, Phase Two is ongoing and includes the construction of a multi-purpose hard court to cater to a number of sporting disciplines such as basketball, volleyball, netball and road tennis.
  • Lighting of 37 playing fields has commenced with new lights already in place at Byde’s Mill, St. George, Princess Margaret
  • Secondary School, St. Margarets, St. John, Connell Town, St. Lucy, Foul Bay, St. Philip, Lodge Road, Christ Church and St. Martin’s, Arsenal and Lears. Some 28 playing fields have been completed to date.
  • Creation of 15 mini stadia across Barbados is ongoing.
  • A new Beach volleyball training facility has been completed at Wildey.
  • Completed ground regrades at Alleyne School, Christ Church Foundation School, St. George Secondary School and Deighton Griffith Secondary School, Conrad Hunte Field, Lumber Company and Queens Park.
  • New cricket pitches were installed at the Alleyne and St. George Secondary Schools.
  • The National Sports Council has embarked on a Renewable Energy Project for the installation of photovoltaic panels at Blenheim and carports at the Gymnasium.
TAX EASE
THIRD SECTOR
TOURISM
TRADE UNIONS
TRANSPORT BOARD
TRANSPORT SECTOR – PUBLIC TRANSPORT

TAX EASE

Easing taxes on nationals and business is a priority of the BLP. Toward this end the BLP:
  • Cleared years of backlog in tax refunds and NIS debts owed to Barbadians putting millions of dollars back into the pockets of Barbadians.
  • Eliminated the annual Road Tax, replacing it with a fuel tax.
  • Reduced Corporation Tax to a sliding scale (max 5.5%), attracting international business.
  • Implemented a $1,300 reverse tax credit for those earning less than $25,000 annually.
  • Abolition of the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL), a 10% tax on imports and domestically produced goods, was abolished in July 2018, as part of the government's efforts to reduce the cost of living and stimulate economic activity.
  • Removed tax off the first $350,000 in property value. Several Bajans do not now pay any land or property tax.
LESS TAXES MORE MONEY IN PEOPLE’S POCKETS
The BLP’ personal income tax cuts and credits
  • Simplified personal income tax into a two- band structure in the 2019 Budget.
  • Reduced the top rate from 33.5 percent to 28.5 percent for income over $50,000 and reduced the lower rate from 16 percent to 12.5 percent on taxable income up to $50,000.
  • Increased the personal income tax allowance for pensioners from $40,000 to $45,000, then increased the allowance to $50,000 starting April 1, 2025.
  • Kept non-taxable meal allowances for tourism workers.
  • Expanded the Reverse Tax Credit by increasing the income threshold from $18,000 to $25,000.
  • Abolished the 40% tax band and introduced a compensatory income credit for lower earners.
EASE IN VAT
  • Capped VAT on gasoline, diesel, and electricity to shield consumers from price spikes.
  • Removed VAT on diabetic foods and items for the control of diabetes.
  • Removed VAT from a basket of healthy foods to promote wellness.
  • Removed VAT from a wide basket of essential foods.
  • Expanded VAT exemptions by adding essential items to the VAT-free basket, initially 44 items, and zero-rated personal care and health related goods including baby care items and health supplements.
  • Removed import duties and VAT on selected fruits to help reduce the price of healthy foods.
  • Government temporarily cut VAT on electricity from 17.5 percent to 7.5 percent and introduced VAT exemptions on essential consumption items.
  • Government introduced an excise tax and VAT holiday on electric, hybrid, solar powered and natural gas vehicles from 2022 to 2026.

THIRD SECTOR

Third Sector Policy to fully incorporate and benefit from the good will, skills and resources of persons in the NGO community, has been developed by the BLP and is expected to further animate and facilitate contributions to life in Barbados from persons of good will. Produced in consultation with the NGO community, and the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), the Third Sector policy will be a first in Barbados.

TOURISM

Tourism is our major foreign exchange earner. It pays the bills and has direct and indirect benefits and impacts on other sectors. Barbados’ performance in the tourism sector under the BLP has been spectacular, rising to 649,100 stay-over visitors in 2025 and the largest number of aircraft even seen on the tarmac at the Grantley Adams airport. The data tells the tale:
  • Airlift Activity:
  • Seat Capacity
  • » 2022/23 - 178,866 seats
  • » 2023/24 - 423,860 seats
  • » 2024/25 - 470,460 seats
  • New Routes/Airlines:
  • InterCaribbean from St. Kitts & Nevis
  • Air Antilles increased seats and frequency.
  • Virgin Atlantic tagged flights to Grenada and St. Vincent.
  • Cayman Airways from Grand Cayman. » BahamasmAir from Fort Lauderdale. »
  • Suriname Airways from Paramaribo via Guyana (Dec 2023).
  • InterCaribbean from Kingston, Jamaica (Feb 2024).
  • Frontier Airlines from San Juan, Puerto Rico (Jul 2024).
  • Winair from Sint Maarten via Martinique (Nov 2024).
  • Caribbean Airlines from Martinique (Dec 2024) and Guadeloupe (Dec 2024).
EASE IN VAT
  • P&O's Arvia commenced home-porting with a capacity of 5,500 (Jan 2023) and its christening was held in Speightstown (Mar 2023).
  • TUI increased operations, deploying larger ships (Explorer 2, Discovery, Voyager) and increasing chartered flights.
  • Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection (Evrima) and MSC Explora 1 began homeport operations in Barbados.
  • Virgin Voyages commenced transit sailings.
  • Over 800 Barbadians on-boarded with RCCL/ Celebrity and Princess Cruises.
  • Hosted provisioning seminars and site visits with Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean.
  • Executed annual cooperative marketing programmes with TUI Marella.
  • Maintained annual memberships/ partnerships with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Cruise Planners, and Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).
  • Hosted recruitment events with P&O UK and MSC.
  • Ministerial and Prime Ministerial-level meetings held with major cruise line presidents in Miami.
  • Secured summer cruising with Royal Caribbean in 2024, delivering 49,246 cruise arrivals.
  • MSC increased capacity by replacing Seaside with the larger Virtuosa for winter 2024/25.
  • Drafted and approved an MSC incentive agreement to secure year-round deployment.
  • MSC hosted a student training session and a two-day job fair (Jun 2025).
SPORTS TOURISM
Hosted and supported a wide array of sporting events including:
  • Barbados Sailing Week, Last Man Standing Cricket, World Surf League (WSL) events, Sol Rally Barbados, Barbados Ninja Throwdown, Rascals Barbados Beach Wrestling Open, Barbados ITF Cup, Barbados Adventure Race, Run Barbados.
  • Barbados Polo Season, Sandy Lane Gold Cup, Barbados Surf Pro, Barbados Invitational Masters Football Classic, CIBC FCIB Golf for the Cure Tournament, Dive Fest, Sir Garfield Sobers School Cricket Tournament, Barbados, International Hockey Festival, Barbados, Open Golf Championship, Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Barbados National Triathlon, Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Tournament.
  • ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup (2024, World Triathlon Americas events, International Game Fishing Tournament, Roger Boyce Classic and IFBB World Cup, CARIFTA Triathlon Championships, Tour-de-Bim, Barbados Darts Festival, Commonwealth Rowing Beach Sprint Championship (2025).
NEW HOTELS
The BLP is overseeing new hotel and tourism accommodation worth approximately BBD $1.8 billion in investment, countless jobs, a thriving economy and enhanced reputation as a premier destination.
  • Beaches (Heywoods).
  • Four Seasons Montage (Paradise).
  • Hyatt (Bay Street).
  • Indigo (Hastings).
  • Odyssey (Maxwell Coast).
  • Pierhead (Bridgetown).
  • Pendry (Six Mens).
  • Royalton (Holetown).

TRADE UNIONS

The BLP respects and gives precedence to the wishes of the trade union as labour’s representatives and will always hear and address trade unions’ concerns.

Trade Union movement and labour were strengthened by:
  • Trade Union Recognition - Passed legislation to legally recognise trade unions.
  • Union Dues Tax Allowance - Increased the tax deduction allowed for trade union dues.

TRANSPORT BOARD

Improvements to the Transport Board, its fleet and service to the public have been undertaken by the BLP.

The government acquired 121 electric buses between 2020 and 2025, modernising the Transport Board fleet. Bus wait times decreased for passengers, routes expanded, and Barbados now has the largest fleet of electric buses in the region.
TERMINAL AND DEPOTS’ REFURBISHMENT:
  • Fairchild Street Terminal inner foyer, handrails, terminal painting and bathroom upgrades.
  • Speightstown Terminal mechanical area, canteen and lighting upgrades
  • Free WIFI access to commuters in Fairchild Street and Princess Alice Bus Terminals.
SERVICE EXPANSIONS:
  • Expanded services on rural routes to address the demand for service in rural communities.
  • Improve services on short haul urban routes with the assistance of the TAP operators.
  • Management sought to focus on Deacon’s
  • Road, Eden Lodge, White Hill, and Sturges.
SERVICE REINSTATEMENTS:
  • Airport via Coverley/SPT service.
  • Bridgefield/Oistins service.
  • St George Church to Oistins service.
  • Southern Circle.
  • Bath Sunday Service.
  • Dash Valley.
  • Jackson/Warrens service.
  • Porter’s/Westmoreland.
  • Marley Vale service (Through TAP assignment).
  • Wellhouse service with the inclusion of the Sandy Hill district.
  • Chalky Mount via Dark Hole at select time.

TRANSPORT SECTOR – PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Moving around the island with efficiency, reasonable timeliness and in comfort would characterise a modern public transport system that the population wants to use. The BLP is working toward this.
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
UNIVERSITIES – INTERNATIONAL

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

The University of the West Indies has benefited from the consistent support of the Government. The Barbados Labour Party Government reinstated free tuition for Barbadian students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in September 2018. Reversing the previous policy of paid tuition fees, greatly increasing access to higher education, providing the ladder for upward social mobility for hundreds of Barbadians who may not otherwise have been able to afford higher education.
The BLP has paid over $98 million to the UWI to support the academic costs which guarantee Bajans learning opportunities.

UNIVERSITIES - INTERNATIONAL

Through deliberate policy, the presence of international universities in Barbados is enhancing the country’s reputation as a centre for diverse and quality education. The universities earn us foreign exchange and are a source of in-come for property owning landlord and the businesses that provide goods and services to students. The presence of offshore medical schools now benefits Barbados:
  • Bridgetown International University.
  • Victoria University of Barbados.
  • American University of Barbados.
  • Ross University School of Medicine.
VEHICLE FLEET ENHANCEMENT
VENDING

VEHICLE FLEET ENHANCEMENT

The BLP is bringing an end to the aged and breaking down government vehicle fleets that were falling far short of delivering the kinds of service that the society needs and the public demands.

Vehicle fleets owned by Government have been upgraded, and their numbers increased. The Barbados Police, Service Sanitation Service Authority, Barbados Water Authority, The Transport Board, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, all benefited from upgraded and increased, more modern fleets, including electric vehicles, to improve services to the community and convenience to citizen.

VENDING

The BLP has moved vending from a history of stigmatisation and criminalisation to the reality of legalisation and dignity. The BLP:
  • Passed and proclaimed the National Vending Bill - A historic piece of legislation that, for the first time in 300 years, decriminalised vending. It replaced the threat of a "police record" with a structured administrative system, saving from criminalisation all those small operators who were just trying to earn a dollar for themselves and their families.
  • Rights & Protections: Vendors now have the right to a 30-day notice period before relocation and the right to appeal—giving "the small man" the same legal protections as a large corporation.
  • Financial Inclusion: The new National Vendor Registry allows the small man to build a formal business identity, making it easier for them to access bank loans and credit.
VENDING ZONES
  • Is in the process of establishing a modern, purpose-built vending zone at Redman Village.
  • Constructed and upgraded vending facilities (e.g., Swan Street, Temple Yard).
  • Constructed the modern Millie Ifill Fish Market at Weston, St. James.
  • Constructed the new Fairchild Street Vendors Market.
  • Established a vending space at Spring Garden.
WATER
WE GATHERIN’
WI-FI ACCESS
WORLD ENGAGEMENT
WORKERS
WORLD ENGAGEMENT – SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES

WATER

Although the challenges of climate change have caused the United Nations to classify Barbados as a water-scarce country, the BLP has moved decisively to secure clean potable water for all citizens.
  • Waived VAT and import duty on water tanks and pumps, thereby improving access, augmentation, and environmental protection.
  • Replaced aging mains in the North, including St. Lucy and St. Peter.
  • Installed containerised desalination units to augment water supply.
  • Installed water tanks and rainwater harvesting systems island-wide through the Green Climate Fund Water Project.
  • Water Conservation - mandated water tanks for new buildings and distributed free tanks to vulnerable households.
  • Absorbed payments on the basic water bills for residents of St. Lucy experiencing prolonged water inconvenience.
  • Laid new water mains between Lamberts and Date Tree Hill, and in Centipede Alley.
  • Built new reservoirs at Boscobel; Mount Stepney (The Mount); Castle Grant, Fort George, and Indian Ground.
  • Personal tanks installed at homes in the greater Boscobelle area.
  • Additional water tankers filling the Boscobel and Mount Stepney reservoirs to strengthen distribution.

WE GATHERIN’

We Gatherin’ was a national initiative to reconnect Bajans at home and abroad, strengthen the sense of national identity, boost community spirit, and create economic opportunities for numerous small businesses and service providers all over the island, from DJs, to nail techs, to truck drivers. We Gatherin’ was a visionary bridge that united our 166 square miles with the power of our global diaspora.

We Gatherin’ harnessed the collective talent, treasure, and the pride of every Bajan, turning parish pride into tangi-ble local development. It reminds us all that when we as Bajans unify our voices and our resources, we can drive local development and build a resilient world-class future built on Bajan culture and values for all Barbadians.

WI-FI ACCESS

Recognising that Wi-Fi access is now essential in the modern world, the BLP expanded free public Wi-Fi across Barbados. Free connectivity is now available in many public spaces, including in public transport terminals, on many Transport Board buses, in libraries, and community centres. There are further plans to expand the scheme to even more public spaces and communities in the near future.

WORLD ENGAGEMENT

To protect Barbados’ national identity and establish a space for Bajans to be heard and to influence, it is important that we are engaged directly in major global decision-making spaces. Some achievements include:
  • Global Leadership - The BLP Government launched the Bridgetown Initiative (BI) to reform global development finance and provide developing countries with greater fiscal space.
  • IMF–World Bank Influence - Prime Minister Mottley was selected to chair the Development Committee of the World Bank and the IMF, and was able to successfully lobby for a new general allocation of US $650 billion in IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs which is a special global trust fund), that allowed Barbados to benefit from US $90 million in SDRs.
  • Diplomatic Expansion - Established new High Commissions/Embassies in Kenya, Ghana, Panama, Ireland and an Embassy in the United Arab Emirates
  • African Union – CARICOM Partnership - Secured formal all-CARICOM cooperation that includes annual Heads of Government meetings and the designation of 7th September as Africa/CARICOM Day.
  • Advocated for and achieved the establishment of an African Union / CARICOM global partnership on reparatory justice for the enslavement of our African ancestors.
  • Successfully hosted the UNCTAD 15 conference, the first time a small island developing state ever hosted such a conference.
  • Regional Travel - Reduced the CARICOM Air Travel and Tourism Development fee to facilitate regional travel.
  • Removal from Blacklists - Enacted legislative frameworks that removed Barbados from OECD/EU uncooperative jurisdictions lists, thereby protecting our economic and sovereign interests.
  • SIDS Leadership - hosted the SIDS High- Level Ministerial Summit on Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).
  • African Relations - Deepened economic and diplomatic ties with Africa by building relations with and hosting the Afreximbank and establishing direct diplomatic links with Africa.
  • CSME Leadership – Capitalised the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), to facilitate free movements and extended states of CARICOM member states.
  • UN Global Hub – Established the UNIDO
  • Global SIDS Hub in Barbados to service Small Island Developing States across the world.
  • Loss and Damage – Became the first small state and island to host a Board meeting of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), and was able to have the operating modalities for the Fund named the Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM). This ensures that grant funding for SIDS and LDCs after natural disasters, such as Hurricane Beryl, would now trigger direct rehabilitation support as grant funding.

WORLD ENGAGEMENT – SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES

In an increasingly unstable world with increasing geopolitical tensions, insecurity, instability, climate and environmental upheaval, and social systems deterioration, cooperation among Small Island Developing States is more vital than ever. Barbados, a historic leader of the SIDS agenda, has strengthened its leadership over the past four years by:
  • Scaled up SIDS advocacy through the appointment of an Ambassador for SIDS relations.
  • Recognising the 1994 UN Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) held in Bridgetown, Barbados, where the crucial
  • Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) and Declaration, establishing a global framework for SIDS' sustainable development was adopted.
  • The establishment of the first UNIDO global SIDS Hub in Barbados and instituted a new cooperation agreement that supports the advancement of the Declaration of Mission for global SIDS.
  • Establishment of the SIDS–SIDS Green and Blue Economy Knowledge Transfer at the UWI Cave Hill Campus as a mechanism for South-South and triangular cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity building in SIDS.
  • Advocating for the stronger inclusion of SIDS in global policy and environmental decision- making.

WORKERS

The BLP has been linked historically to the party’s fight for the poor and for workers in this country. That representation continues.
Minimum Wage was established at $8.50 per hour for general workers and a sectoral minimum wage for security guards at $9.25 per hour to protect workers and insure them a liveable wage. It was later increased to $10.71 and $11.66 for security guards, with an annual indexation increase of 2% planned at the start of each year.
Sexual Harassment Bill was enacted to protect workers from this kind of abuse. (See also Labour and Trade Unions)
  • Scaled up SIDS advocacy through the appointment of an Ambassador for SIDS relations.
  • Recognising the 1994 UN Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) held in Bridgetown, Barbados, where the crucial
  • Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) and Declaration, establishing a global framework for SIDS' sustainable development was adopted.
  • The establishment of the first UNIDO global SIDS Hub in Barbados and instituted a new cooperation agreement that supports the advancement of the Declaration of Mission for global SIDS.
  • Establishment of the SIDS–SIDS Green and Blue Economy Knowledge Transfer at the UWI Cave Hill Campus as a mechanism for South-South and triangular cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity building in SIDS.
  • Advocating for the stronger inclusion of SIDS in global policy and environmental decision- making.
XENOPHOBIA

XENOPHOBIA

Barbados continues to stand apart from the rising global tide of anti-immigration sentiment. Having always had open borders for non-nationals, and with Bajans living all over the world, being xenophobic is NOT who we are. The BLP:
  • Established the Welcome Stamp programme.
  • Imported Cuban and Ghanian nurses to fill gaps in healthcare and complement local nurses and take stress off of them with these increased numbers. This was especially helpful during COVID-19.
  • Recognised Spouses and Dependants of CARICOM Skilled Nationals who accompany a CARICOM Skilled National living in Barbados, so as to promote family unity within the regional labour movement.
  • Implemented Full Free Movement in a controlled framework for the free movement of persons from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize and Dominica.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
YOUTH ADVANCE CORPS
YOUTH AGRICULTURE
NATIONAL YOUTH FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAMME
YOUTH CODING, TECH & DIGITAL TRAINING

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

The BLP remains committed to ensuring that every young Barbadian has a bright future and clear pathways to opportunity. First Jobs Initiative – launched Job Start Plus to create placement opportunities for youth to gain work experience and confidently navigate the job market. Young participants have been placed and are obtaining work experience, with more employers joining the programme and expanding its reach.

YOUTH ADVANCE CORPS

The Barbados Youth Advance Corps continues to offer structured training, stipends, and personal development opportunities and over a thousand young people have graduated from the programme. Annual training is delivered through BIMAP, SJPPI, and BVTB in such areas as:
  • Food Preparation and Cooking
  • Animation
  • Entrepreneurship Management
  • Computer Applications
  • Carpentry and Joinery
  • Childcare and Nursery Management
  • Electrical Wiring
  • Home Economics
  • Graphic Design
  • Pre-Engineering
  • Interior Decorating and
  • Photovoltaic Design and Installation.
Participants also benefit from opportunities to engage in national and overseas sporting events.

YOUTH AGRICULTURE

Encouraged and supported youth participation in modern farming, which has been helping to build a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs.

NATIONAL YOUTH FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAMME

This programme has expanded to 90 schools and has hosted numerous community pop-up education events, spreading financial literacy information in communities across the island.

YOUTH CODING, TECH & DIGITAL TRAINING

A range of technology and digital training initiatives, including coding camps, were launched in partnership with local and international agencies. Thousands of young Barbadians have participated in the digital training offered in schools and community centres island-wide.
ZEN
ZONES

ZEN

Zen means a sense of peace, wellness, and calm. The BLP continues to invest in zen spaces, including the creation of new parks and recreation areas island-wide, in keeping with the clean and green thrust. These spaces offer Bajans opportunities to reset even in the middle of the day or within bustling work centres.

ZONES

Special Economic Zones remain under consideration for development and ens