In a fiery address during the Democratic Labour Party’s national rally at Independence Square, St Philip West candidate Dr. David Estwick launched a comprehensive critique against the incumbent Barbados Labour Party administration. The former parliamentarian asserted that BLP fiscal policies have directly precipitated the escalating cost of living crisis, imposing disproportionate financial strain on ordinary citizens through increased taxation mechanisms.
Estwick systematically detailed how rising land taxes, fuel levies, and utility charges have created cascading economic pressures that ultimately burden consumers. “The cumulative effect of higher diesel prices, water rates, and new levies creates unbearable pressure on households and businesses,” he told supporters, emphasizing that diminished purchasing power prevents Barbadians from meeting basic needs as their income stretches less far with each policy change.
The criticism extended beyond economic matters to proposed legislation that Estwick characterized as threatening constitutional rights. He raised particular concerns about the Trident ID system, arguing that citizens should not require new identification to access inherent rights. The Cybercrime Bill faced even stronger condemnation, described as “a blatant and rude affront on democratic rights” that jeopardizes free speech through provisions enabling telephone interception without judicial oversight.
As former Minister of Agriculture, Estwick provided sector-specific criticism regarding water rate increases for farmers from 60 cents to $1.80 per cubic meter, warning that well metering would further raise production costs. He contended that these policies force local farmers to increase produce prices while government support for food imports undermines domestic production viability. The sugar industry received particular attention, with Estwick declaring it had been “brought on its deathbed” through importation policies and terminated production arrangements with Coop Energy.
Estwick concluded with a stark warning that Barbadians would continue suffering under these conditions if the Mia Mottley-led administration retains power, positioning the upcoming election as crucial for reversing these policies.