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A prominent pastor has called on the government to reassess its approach to population growth, emphasizing that merely urging citizens to “have more children” could exacerbate social and economic challenges without robust family, adoption, and moral support policies. Speaking at a press conference organized by Family Faith Freedom Barbados at the First Baptist Church on Constitution Road, Pastor Paul Leacock highlighted the need to focus on raising responsible citizens rather than simply increasing population numbers.

Leacock acknowledged the government’s desire to boost the island’s population but cautioned against irresponsible messaging. “Encouraging young parents to raise the population is valid, but simply saying ‘have children to repopulate the nation’ is inadequate. We need individuals who are raised as responsible citizens—people with strong moral values and the ability to contribute to the country’s sustainability,” he stated.

One critical area requiring immediate reform, according to Leacock, is adoption. He described the current adoption policies as “weak and ill-defined,” urging a comprehensive review. “If a parent cannot support another child, there are willing individuals ready to provide care. Strengthening adoption policies could alleviate pressures that lead some women to consider abortion,” he explained.

Leacock also proposed practical incentives, such as tax breaks for families, to support population growth. “From an economic standpoint, the government could offer tax credits for families with children or reduce taxes for parents. These measures are feasible and impactful,” he said, adding that support for marriage and stable households should be integral to long-term population planning.

The pastor underscored the moral and economic implications of an ageing society with a shrinking working-age population. “A large geriatric population without sufficient youth to sustain it will strain both the social system and the church. We must educate our youth and care for our elders,” he emphasized.

Leacock highlighted the church’s role in elder care, stressing that it cannot abandon vulnerable members even when families do. “Pastors must ensure elderly members are cared for, not neglected. If families abandon them, the church must step in,” he said.

Additionally, Leacock urged the government to reconsider its stance on publicly funded abortions, linking the issue directly to population sustainability. “We cannot solve our population challenges by ending the lives of others. Let’s prioritize preserving life,” he argued.

In conclusion, Leacock expressed his organization’s vision for a “sustainable Barbados—both morally and economically,” calling for a holistic approach to population growth that addresses societal and ethical dimensions.

In a significant move to transform the education system, Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw announced on Thursday a sweeping overhaul of school curricula and textbooks. This initiative, part of a broader education reform agenda, aims to enhance teaching quality, support families, and improve literacy and numeracy among students. The announcement was made during the opening of a teachers’ workshop focused on improving mathematics instruction at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre. Dr. Bradshaw emphasized that the review seeks to ensure students receive support not only in schools but also at home. As part of this transformation, the Ministry of Education has already begun rationalizing textbooks used in primary and secondary schools, with details on approved materials to be released shortly. Additionally, a parent education programme is being introduced to equip parents with resources to assist their children with schoolwork. This programme will include instructional videos on challenging mathematical concepts, such as fractions, accessible via the Ministry of Educational Transformation’s website. Dr. Bradshaw highlighted the interconnectedness of literacy and numeracy, stressing that strong reading skills are crucial for effective problem-solving in mathematics. To bolster literacy, the ministry has trained over 311 teachers in specialized programmes like Lindamood-Bell Seeing Stars and Snappy Sounds. From September, a daily reading period has been introduced in schools, with the ministry collaborating with the National Library Service to promote reading as a national movement. Dr. Bradshaw reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring all students can read by the age of seven by 2026, expressing confidence in achieving this goal.