In a vigorous address to constituents at St Stephen’s Hill, Democratic Labour Party candidate Ryan Walters launched a comprehensive critique against the ruling Barbados Labour Party administration’s fiscal policies. The St Michael North West contender asserted that since assuming power in 2018, the government has systematically diminished workers’ disposable income through multiple revenue-generating measures while failing to honor campaign commitments.
Waters articulated a direct connection between taxation levels and citizen purchasing power, contrasting current policies with the BLP’s previous stance that nations cannot tax themselves out of economic recession. He particularly highlighted the Health Services Contribution Levy implemented shortly after the party took office, characterizing it as an immediate reduction in take-home pay for all National Insurance Scheme contributors.
The opposition figure provided substantial financial estimates, claiming the health levy has extracted approximately $530 million from workers between 2018 and 2025. This substantial sum, Walters emphasized, represents missed opportunities for households to address essential needs including groceries, education expenses, and basic survival costs.
Further criticism targeted the garbage and sewage contribution levy, described as an additional financial burden on both households and small businesses totaling an estimated 570 million Barbados dollars. Walters maintained these combined fiscal measures have significantly exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis while the administration attributes economic challenges solely to global factors.
The address specifically condemned the government’s unfulfilled manifesto promise to reduce Value Added Tax, noting the rate has remained stagnant at 17.5 percent since May 2018. Walters characterized VAT reduction as the most effective immediate relief mechanism for consumer expenses, particularly regarding supermarket purchases and daily expenditures.
Concluding with policy alternatives, the DLP candidate pledged his party would implement VAT reduction upon assuming office, positioning this commitment as a central component of their strategy to restore citizens’ spending power and alleviate financial pressures.