博客

Three decades ago, inspired by a visit to Singapore, the vision of ‘Barbados: The Singapore of the Caribbean’ was born. Today, this vision is revisited not out of nostalgia but out of necessity. Post-COVID-19, Barbados’ socioeconomic engine is faltering, with sluggish growth compounded by domestic inefficiencies and global challenges. The question now is whether Barbados possesses the political will to pivot strategically for future prosperity while managing its current predicaments. Singapore’s transformation from a poor, overcrowded colonial outpost to a global economic powerhouse offers a masterclass in strategic nation-building. Under Lee Kuan Yew and the People’s Action Party, Singapore expanded its landmass, quadrupled its population through managed immigration, and skyrocketed its GDP per capita from US$500 to nearly US$93,000. In contrast, Barbados has seen modest growth, moving from US$367 in 1960 to around US$25,000 in 2024, yet remains stagnant relative to its potential. To transition from stagnation to sustainability, Barbados must unclog its economic engine by shifting skillsets, mindsets, and embracing cross-cultural communication. This involves learning from successful models, sharpening strategic vision, strengthening governance, eradicating corruption, investing in innovation, enhancing education and health, expanding the population base, modernizing infrastructure, reducing food import bills, and tackling the high cost of living. Singapore demonstrated that discipline and imagination can overcome limitations. Barbados, too, can rise if it steers with purpose. Establishing a Strategic Singapore Model Think Tank, staffed by experienced professionals to work alongside the government and recommend transformative actions, could be a pivotal step. It’s not too late to reignite the Singapore dream—if Barbados acts boldly, inclusively, and with disciplined intent.

Residents in the northern parishes of St Lucy and St Peter in Barbados have been grappling with a persistent and alarming issue: brown, rusty water flowing from their taps. This problem, which has plagued communities like Collins in St Peter for over a decade, has become a distressing part of daily life for many. Despite the presence of permanent water tanks provided by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), the situation remains unresolved, leaving residents to rely on these tanks for their basic needs. Raheem Hurley, a resident of Collins, shared his experience of carrying water for his household and elderly neighbors, a routine he has grown accustomed to over the years. While the water quality has slightly improved, it still carries a noticeable brown hue and a distinct rusty taste, making it unsuitable for drinking or even brushing teeth. Another resident lamented that the issue has persisted since his son was born ten years ago, forcing the family to use bottled water for cooking and cleaning. The problem extends to Six Mens in St Peter, where residents have reported brown water in their pipes, particularly in the early morning hours. This issue emerged after their water source was switched from Speightstown to St Lucy. Although authorities have promised a resolution by next year, skepticism remains high among residents who have endured years of substandard water quality. The lack of direct intervention from BWA officials or government representatives has only added to their frustration, with only a local political candidate addressing their concerns. As the brown water crisis continues to affect multiple communities across Barbados, residents are left hoping for a swift and effective solution.