Prime Minister Mia Mottley has formally initiated her Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) general election campaign with a robust defense of her administration’s economic and social governance. Addressing a substantial rally in Oistins on Tuesday evening, the party leader presented what she characterized as an unprecedented track record of promise fulfillment amid global crises.
The campaign launch, featuring all thirty BLP candidates, served as a platform for Mottley to showcase her government’s policy accomplishments. She unveiled a compact booklet titled ‘Red Record – A 2 Z Promises Kept’, specifically designed for portability and public distribution. “This document represents our accountability manifesto,” Mottley declared. “We want citizens to carry this evidence and make informed judgments based on documented performance rather than misinformation.”
Economic revitalization formed the cornerstone of Mottley’s address, with emphasis on progressive fiscal measures benefiting low and middle-income earners. The administration has implemented expanded reverse tax credits reaching approximately $1,300 annually for qualified citizens and eliminated income tax for individuals earning between $2,100 and $3,000 monthly. These initiatives reflect what the Prime Minister described as a deliberate policy reorientation toward equitable economic participation.
Mottley presented compelling macroeconomic indicators, revealing that foreign reserves have surged from three weeks of import coverage to thirty-two weeks, while the debt-to-GDP ratio has dramatically decreased from 176% to below 98%. “The fiscal stability that eluded us seven years ago now provides foundation for sustainable development,” she asserted.
The Prime Minister acknowledged delayed implementation of integrity legislation, explaining that consultations revealed the necessity for tailored approaches rather than uniform solutions that might discourage public service participation. She emphasized that effective anti-corruption measures require “legislation with teeth” while ensuring fairness in application.
Social protection mechanisms have been substantially enhanced under the BLP administration, including elevated minimum wage standards, increased non-contributory pensions, and expanded disability support systems. Welfare benefits saw a 40% augmentation during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the government’s responsive social policy framework.
Infrastructure advancements include the deployment of a 121-vehicle electric bus fleet, establishment of an International Food Science Centre supporting small agro-processors, modernized fish markets, and reduced agricultural water rates. Institutional modernization efforts have encompassed the National Insurance and Social Security Service, alongside comprehensive judicial reforms including expanded prosecutorial capacity and criminal record expungement provisions.
Addressing geopolitical concerns, Mottley highlighted the necessity of experienced leadership amid regional instability stemming from US-Venezuela tensions. She concurrently condemned alleged misogynistic remarks by opposition figure Dr. David Estwick, demanding formal apologies to both the BLP and Barbadian women collectively.