In a critical parliamentary session addressing the National Payment System (Amendment) Bill, Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne voiced substantial concerns regarding Barbados’ transition to the BimPay digital payment infrastructure. Thorne emphasized that while modernization through digitization represents inevitable progress, the government’s approach must carefully balance technological advancement with socioeconomic inclusivity.
Thorne articulated a fundamental distinction between mere modernization and genuine development, noting that while digital systems facilitate speed and novelty, true development necessitates consideration of human elements. He highlighted how the abrupt shift to cashless transactions could disproportionately affect street vendors, small-scale merchants, and economically marginalized citizens who rely on traditional cash-based commerce for survival.
Evidence of public discontent has already emerged, Thorne revealed, with protests organized not to reverse technological progress but to preserve essential economic spaces for vulnerable populations. He challenged the government to provide transparent projections detailing anticipated cash usage percentages post-implementation, warning that current uncertainty is generating widespread anxiety.
Despite these concerns, Thorne acknowledged the necessity of digital payment systems for Barbados’ global competitiveness, particularly for international transactions that inherently require digital processing. He called for clear timelines and comprehensive support systems to ensure no segment of the population is excluded during this economic transformation.