Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called on residents of St Lucy to remain patient as the government addresses persistent water supply challenges in the parish and surrounding areas. For years, districts in St Lucy and St Peter have grappled with water discolouration, a problem that has significantly impacted daily life. Speaking at the launch of the Lamberts and Castle wind farm project at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Mottley acknowledged the issue and assured residents that measures are underway to alleviate their concerns. She highlighted that financial relief has been provided to affected households, with residents of St Lucy and eastern St Peter exempt from basic water rates since April. This initiative, announced in March, is part of a 12-month commitment to support communities while infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of ageing water mains and improvements to filtration systems, are completed. Mottley emphasized the complexity of the process, stating, ‘As much as I would like to wiggle my nose and say, ‘let there be pipe,’ it takes time for us to lay pipe.’ She reassured residents that the government remains committed to resolving the issue and will provide further updates in due course.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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Flood claims mount as insurers count losses after Sunday deluge
Barbados is grappling with the aftermath of the most severe flooding in a decade, which has left one man dead and caused extensive damage to vehicles across the island. The record-breaking floods, which occurred on Sunday, have led to a surge in motor insurance claims, with insurers estimating payouts in the tens of thousands of dollars.
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Opposition steps up pressure over stalled VAT pledge
The opposition in Barbados has escalated its demands for the government to fulfill its 2018 pledge to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 17.5%, a rate established nearly 15 years ago. The call comes as rising living costs continue to burden ordinary households, with critics accusing the government of inaction. During a parliamentary debate on the Companies (Economic Substance) (Repeal) Bill and the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne highlighted the pressing issue of taxation and its impact on citizens. Thorne reminded the government of its promise to lower VAT, which was initially increased from 15% to 17.5% in December 2010 as a temporary measure under the Freundel Stuart administration. He argued that the current VAT rate is a direct financial burden on all citizens, regardless of their economic status, and serves as a disincentive to spending. Thorne emphasized that while VAT may benefit government revenues, the primary responsibility of any administration is to alleviate the tax burden on its people. He linked lower taxes to economic freedom and urged the government to act on its promise, questioning whether the current VAT rate is reasonable and whether its reduction could provide partial relief to the populace. Thorne challenged the government to clarify its intentions regarding VAT reduction and to specify the extent of any planned cuts. In response, government representative Ryan Straughn defended the administration’s economic record, acknowledging the unfulfilled VAT reduction promise but highlighting efforts to stabilize the economy and support families. Straughn suggested that a VAT reduction remains a future possibility, while emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.
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Windfarm project to boost jobs, tourism in St Lucy
Barbados is making significant strides toward its ambitious target of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035. The latest development in this green energy transition is the establishment of a windfarm in Lamberts, St. Lucy, which will not only generate clean energy but also include a community investment component to directly benefit local residents. Energy Minister Senator Lisa Cummins emphasized that this project is designed to ensure that the average citizen reaps the rewards of the renewable energy shift. The windfarm, equipped with multiple turbines, is projected to produce between 30 and 50 megawatts of electricity, further reducing the island’s reliance on fossil fuels.
During the launch of the request for qualifications for the Lamberts and Castle, St. Peter wind projects, Sen. Cummins highlighted the project’s dual focus on renewable energy and community empowerment. She explained that the contractual terms mandate a community investment strategy, including a unit trust model that allows Barbadians to invest in the project. This approach aims to foster local ownership and integrate tourism elements, ensuring that the community directly benefits from the renewable energy transition.
Elizabeth Marcano, regional director for the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group entity serving as the lead transaction advisor, described the project as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation, and innovation. She noted that the Lamberts windfarm, the first of its kind in Barbados in terms of scale and technology, underscores the island’s commitment to wind energy and its potential to attract private sector investment. The project aligns with Barbados’ Paris Agreement commitments, reduces emissions, and enhances energy security by decreasing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Community liaison officer Anderson Rollock addressed initial concerns from residents, noting that a visit to a similar windfarm in Jamaica helped alleviate fears about noise and agricultural land loss. He reassured the public that modern windfarm technology is non-intrusive and compatible with farming activities, urging Barbadians to embrace the project as a positive step toward sustainable development.
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Barbados must act decisively in clean energy transition, says PM
The Mia Mottley administration has taken a bold step towards Barbados’ clean energy future by launching a request for qualifications for the proposed Lamberts and Castle Wind Project. Prime Minister Mottley, speaking at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, emphasized the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy, stating that the country’s resilience and energy independence hinge on swift, decisive action. She warned that Barbados can no longer afford delays in addressing climate change and securing its energy future.
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Pension security is a three-way commitment
Barbados is confronting a critical juncture in its retirement planning, necessitating candid discussions about the sustainability of its pension system. The National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS), which has long served as the cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net, is under increasing strain due to demographic shifts. According to actuary Lisa Wade of Eckler, Barbados’ ageing population is the primary driver of this pressure. With longer life expectancies, declining birth rates, and a shrinking workforce, the number of contributors to the NISSS is dwindling while the number of pensioners is rising. This imbalance threatens the financial stability of the National Insurance Fund, even as the economy shows signs of improvement. Wade emphasized at the recent Eckler annual Pension Investment Conference that economic growth alone cannot counteract the challenges posed by an ageing society. To address this, the government has already implemented reforms, such as raising the pensionable age and increasing the required number of contributions. However, Wade argues that these measures are insufficient on their own. She advocates for mandatory participation in employer pension plans, highlighting the risks of employees opting out for short-term financial gains. Additionally, she calls for policy changes to eliminate double taxation on private pensions, which could incentivize personal savings and reduce reliance on the NISSS. Wade’s recommendations underscore the need for a collaborative approach to retirement security, involving the government, employers, and individuals. Only through shared responsibility can Barbados ensure a sustainable and resilient pension system for future generations.
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Digicel unveils solar-powered network, 5G+ in major upgrade
Digicel Barbados has launched a groundbreaking dual initiative aimed at transforming the island’s mobile connectivity and sustainability. The company announced a nationwide rollout of solar-powered mobile sites and an upgrade to its mobile broadband network to 5G+. The plans were unveiled on Tuesday in Warrens, St Michael, during an event attended by Digicel’s executive team, key partners, and government officials. The initiative is part of the company’s vision to create a smarter, more resilient digital future for every region in Barbados.
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New debt-for-social swap to boost education, healthcare, heritage – minister
Barbados is spearheading a groundbreaking debt-for-social swap initiative aimed at redirecting savings from restructured sovereign debt into vital social programmes, including education, healthcare, and heritage preservation. Economic Affairs Minister Kay McConney unveiled the plan during her address at the United Nations BCCI Private Sector Forum held at the Hilton Barbados Resort on Tuesday. McConney emphasized that the forum was not merely a discussion but a call to align national priorities with private sector capabilities and adopt international best practices tailored to Barbados’ unique needs. She stressed that traditional financing models are inadequate for achieving the nation’s ambitious goals, necessitating innovative approaches. The debt-for-social swap will restructure existing debt to reduce interest payments, with the savings allocated to high-priority social initiatives. McConney explained the mechanism succinctly: “You restructure the debt, reduce the interest rate, and commit the savings to specific purposes like climate, nature, or social programmes.” This initiative builds on Barbados’ successful track record of innovative financing, including the Blue Bond debt-for-nature swap with The Nature Conservancy, which redirected $150 million toward marine conservation and climate adaptation. Similarly, the 2024 debt-for-climate swap repurposed $300 million in domestic debt, generating $125 million in fiscal savings for climate-resilient projects. McConney assured that the debt-for-social swap would not increase the island’s overall debt burden but would strategically utilize existing obligations to create fiscal space for critical social investments. She highlighted the indispensable role of the private sector in supporting these initiatives, urging collaboration among government, businesses, banks, and development partners. “The social swap allows us to channel resources to where they matter most, without adding to our debt base,” McConney stated. “It is an example of how financial innovation can serve human development, and we are inviting the private sector to be partners in this journey.”
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Tropical Thunder crowned Barbados Beach Soccer champions
In a spectacular display of skill and teamwork, Tropical Thunder claimed victory at the Barbados Beach Soccer Championship on Sunday, defeating the Beach Blitzers 6-1 in a commanding final at Browne’s Beach. The match, which concluded weeks of intense competition, highlighted the prowess of Barbados’ top beach soccer talent. Jamar Crouch Grazettes was awarded Man of the Match for his exceptional performance, and the team secured the $10,000 winners’ prize. Coached by Edwyn Wood and led by captain Peter Grazettes, Tropical Thunder dominated the tournament, culminating in a decisive win. Post-match, Grazettes emphasized the importance of maintaining the championship on the local sports calendar, expressing hopes for future national team success and qualification for the Soccer Beach World Cup. The final saw standout performances from Romario Savoury, who scored a hat-trick, and Jamar Grazettes, who shared the Golden Boot award with 17 goals. The third-place match, a thrilling penalty shootout, saw Sea Breeze overcome Bajan Heat after a hard-fought battle.
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Why CEOs should never be first to speak after a data breach
On November 11, 2025, the Data Protection Commissioner delivered a keynote address at a workshop organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Barbados Chapter. Her speech highlighted the persistent challenges faced by organizations in Barbados and the wider Caribbean in effectively communicating data breaches. She emphasized that delays in disclosure, incomplete information, and softened facts during critical moments are eroding public trust and exposing individuals to unnecessary risks.
The Commissioner identified a broader regional issue: poor breach communication, limited preparedness, and the urgent need for robust incident response frameworks. She noted that many organizations mistakenly believe data breaches only occur through cyberattacks, overlooking the misuse of personal information within their systems. For instance, financial institutions often repurpose customer data for unrelated purposes without consent, a practice that could lead to severe public backlash and regulatory scrutiny if exposed.
A significant gap in breach management, she argued, is the lack of structured crisis communication strategies. Too often, breaches are treated as technical or legal issues rather than public trust events. Executives, driven by personal accountability, tend to issue premature statements that downplay the situation, leading to avoidable reputational damage. The Commissioner stressed that trained communicators, not CEOs or IT heads, should lead public updates to ensure accuracy, professionalism, and consistency.
She called for organizations to adopt a disciplined approach to breach response, starting with a factual holding message that acknowledges the incident, confirms containment efforts, and commits to updates as verified information becomes available. This approach, she noted, is crucial for maintaining public trust.
To strengthen breach readiness, the Commissioner urged organizations to develop comprehensive response plans that outline immediate actions, internal notifications, and regulatory obligations. Clear internal coordination among IT, legal, compliance, HR, and communications teams is essential to avoid panic and inconsistent messaging. Additionally, organizations must prioritize supporting affected individuals by providing clear instructions, reassurance, and timely updates.
The Commissioner’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for Caribbean organizations to rethink their handling of personal information and their response to breaches. She challenged executives to answer three critical questions: Who speaks first during a breach? What is communicated in the first six hours? Who verifies facts before release? Organizations that fail to address these questions, she warned, are unprepared for the inevitable.
Ultimately, the Commissioner emphasized that a breach is not just a technical incident but a test of an organization’s maturity, preparedness, and respect for the trust placed in it. By prioritizing transparency, disciplined communication, and public interest, organizations can rebuild trust and demonstrate their commitment to protection over concealment.