Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has issued a stern condemnation of the Barbados government’s initiative to privatize the state-owned bus service, drawing parallels to the failed sugar industry cooperative scheme. During a heated House of Assembly debate on amendments to the Road Traffic Act, the Christ Church South representative challenged the administration’s claims of worker enfranchisement through ownership opportunities.
Thorne recalled the 2021 sugar co-operative initiative that promised agricultural workers ownership of plantations and the Portvale mill, which ultimately collapsed without delivering on its commitments. ‘They boasted to thunderous applause that sugar industry workers would own the plantations,’ Thorne stated. ‘What is the position today? Nothing! Nil! And the same thing will happen with the Transport Board.’
The opposition leader particularly criticized the government’s approach of deciding on divestment before conducting stakeholder consultations. He raised practical concerns about the newly acquired electric buses, questioning their cost-effectiveness for individual drivers who might purchase them under the proposed privatization model.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, who serves as Minister of Transport and Works, defended the government’s position. She emphasized that the cabinet decision merely enables discussions with stakeholders, describing the process as still being at a consultative phase. Bradshaw outlined that the envisioned ‘enfranchisement model’ aims to focus on ‘improving and modernizing this economy’ while maintaining essential services for vulnerable populations including elderly citizens and school children.
The exchange highlights growing tensions over public asset management in Barbados, with the opposition demanding greater transparency and evidence of successful worker ownership models before supporting the proposed transportation sector reforms.