Barbados is setting a bold agenda to integrate technology, affordable housing, and skills development into its construction sector, as emphasized by government officials and industry leaders at the 4th Annual Construction and Design Conference hosted by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council. Held at Sandals Royal, the event highlighted the critical role of innovation in addressing pressing social and economic challenges. Chris Gibbs, the newly appointed Minister of Housing, stressed the profound connection between housing and social stability, noting that inadequate housing fuels crime and frustration. ‘Housing is pivotal to our nation’s well-being,’ Gibbs asserted. ‘Affordable, sustainable, and dignified housing solutions are essential to curbing crime and fostering social harmony.’ Drawing from his experience as MP for St Michael West, Gibbs highlighted the societal impacts of poor urban design, including urban sprawl and rising crime rates. He advocated for modern, attractive housing solutions that leverage emerging technologies. Sandra Husbands, Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, underscored the need for workforce training to keep pace with technological advancements. ‘Our world is evolving rapidly, and construction is no exception,’ she said. ‘Embracing new technologies and ensuring our workforce is equipped with the necessary skills are vital to maintaining Barbados’s relevance and prosperity.’ Mark Maloney, Executive Chairman of The Maloney Group, championed the adoption of modern building systems and artificial intelligence (AI) in construction. ‘System build is the new standard,’ Maloney declared. ‘By manufacturing in controlled environments, we can ensure quality, speed, and consistency. AI can simulate projects, predict risks, and optimize resource use, transforming the industry.’ However, Maloney emphasized that human expertise remains central to progress, calling for investments in training academies and higher industry standards. The three-day conference, themed ‘Integrating Technology into Quality Construction,’ brought together architects, engineers, contractors, and policymakers to explore how innovation can reshape Barbados’s construction landscape and set a benchmark for the Caribbean region.