Barbados has reiterated its unwavering dedication to international tax transparency and compliance standards during a pivotal meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum. The event, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort, focused on assessing the island nation’s adherence to global tax obligations. Ryan Straughn, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, emphasized Barbados’ significant strides in aligning with international tax frameworks and its resolve to uphold these standards. Straughn highlighted the critical role of tax transparency and information exchange in fostering investment and economic growth, particularly for small states like Barbados. He detailed extensive reforms undertaken to meet global requirements, enhance governance, and bolster investor confidence, which have contributed to 17 consecutive quarters of economic growth. Straughn also addressed the evolution of Barbados’ corporate tax policy, noting the reduction of corporation taxes to 5.5% in 2018 and the subsequent adjustments necessitated by the OECD’s global minimum tax of 15%, effective in 2024. He underscored the importance of tax certainty for investors, stating that Barbados is no longer a low-tax jurisdiction. Additionally, Straughn outlined ongoing efforts to modernize the business environment, including digitization initiatives by the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) and the Central Bank’s plans for digital payments. Revenue Commissioner Jason King reaffirmed Barbados’ commitment to international standards, highlighting the BRA’s strengthened legislative and technical capacity and its readiness to implement the Common Reporting Standard 2.0 and the crypto asset reporting framework.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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‘Youth homelessness driving surge in crime’
Barbados is grappling with a deepening crisis as an increasing number of young men, many of them homeless, are turning to crime out of sheer necessity, according to Fabian Sargeant, the executive director of the Men Empowerment Network Support (MENS). Speaking on Tuesday, Sargeant highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of this troubling trend.
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Sanction parents, too, says acting DPP
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC has proposed that parents proven negligent in managing their children’s behavior should face sanctions if their children commit serious crimes. Speaking passionately, Seale emphasized that no 13-year-old should be allowed to engage in harmful activities like drug use and carrying knives without intervention. He argued that parents must take greater responsibility, not just voluntarily but with legal consequences if they fail. Seale cited international examples, including a U.S. case where a mother was jailed for six years after her six-year-old shot a teacher at school. He stressed that parental involvement extends beyond material provision to active engagement in a child’s development, including monitoring technology use and ensuring adequate rest. Seale also highlighted the importance of teaching children conflict resolution skills and preparing them for real-world challenges. His remarks came during sentencing submissions for Tyreke Benskin, who pleaded guilty to the 2020 murder of 22-year-old Shakeem Holder. Seale noted troubling signs in Benskin’s past, such as his fascination with knives, and lamented the lack of early intervention. While acknowledging Benskin’s remorse and potential for rehabilitation, Seale underscored the collective responsibility of society in addressing juvenile delinquency. Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell is set to deliver the sentence on February 27.
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Communicators risk being left behind by rapid AI changes – IABC president
The rapid progression of artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant threat to communications professionals, who risk being marginalized unless they enhance their professional standards and unify their collective voice, warned Dr. Pamala Proverbs, President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Barbados Chapter. Speaking at a workshop titled *Human-Driven AI: Powering Communication Excellence*, Dr. Proverbs highlighted the critical challenges facing the industry.
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Shed 4 at Bridgetown Port closed for cleaning
Operations at Shed 4 of the Bridgetown Port in Barbados were halted today following an environmental issue that impacted the Customs Office. Barbados Port Inc. announced that the situation necessitated industrial cleaning, leading to the temporary suspension of cargo activities. Despite the closure, port officials confirmed that container services and the delivery of personal effects from Shed 2 remain unaffected and will continue as usual until 11 p.m. The port authority anticipates that commercial operations at Shed 4 will resume by Wednesday, ensuring minimal disruption to overall port activities.
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Pinelands sweep Cavs to claim BABA Second Division Title
KFC Pinelands reaffirmed their supremacy in the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) Second Division, securing the championship with a decisive 58–49 victory over the Fusionz Boutique Station Hill Cavaliers on Sunday night at the Barbados Community College (BCC). This win completed a 2–0 series sweep, cementing their dominance in the league.
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The data courier problem
In a recent anecdote shared by Jonathan Reid, Barbados’ Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology, the inefficiencies of the nation’s public services were starkly highlighted. While accompanying a loved one at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Reid found himself repeatedly explaining the patient’s condition to different healthcare providers. This scenario, all too familiar to many Barbadians, underscores a systemic issue: the failure of government agencies to share data effectively. Despite the Data Protection Act 2019 allowing internal data use, the lack of interoperable systems means citizens must redundantly provide the same information across various departments. This inefficiency permeates the public sector, from renewing driver’s licenses to applying for business permits. A recent case involving a vehicle registration mix-up further illustrates the problem. After renewing her motor insurance, a citizen discovered her number plate had been reassigned due to a data disconnect between the Barbados Revenue Authority and the Licensing Authority. Despite her insurer’s confirmation of payment and notifications to the BRA, the information failed to reach the Licensing Authority, leaving her to navigate a bureaucratic maze to reclaim her registration. This incident highlights the broader issue of data silos within government systems. While ministries have made strides in digitizing internal operations, these efforts often lack integration with other agencies. For instance, a tax compliance platform by the BRA could streamline business licensing or procurement processes if designed with inter-agency access in mind. However, without a national data governance framework, such potential remains untapped. The root of the problem lies not just in fragmented systems but also in a fragmented mindset. Barbados’ educational institutions focus on producing programmers and network administrators but lack emphasis on systems integration and enterprise design. This gap is mirrored in the private sector, where few businesses utilize APIs or shared platforms for secure data exchange. To move forward, Barbados must adopt a national data governance framework, supported by systems-integration experts and clear data standards. By fostering interoperability and stewardship, the government can ensure that information entered once serves multiple lawful purposes. This approach will not only enhance efficiency but also rebuild public trust. In the end, digital maturity is not about the volume of data a government holds but how effectively it uses that data to serve its citizens.
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Two schools remain closed following staff deaths
Luther Thorne Primary School and St Stephen’s Nursery in Barbados remain closed today as staff members undergo counselling following the tragic deaths of two colleagues over the weekend. The Ministry of Educational Transformation issued a statement confirming that teachers, students, and staff were met with the heartbreaking news upon their arrival at school on Monday. Both institutions were closed early yesterday to allow the school communities to grieve and process the loss. The ministry has arranged for counselling services to be provided to those in need of emotional support, and the schools will remain closed today, Tuesday, to facilitate these sessions for staff members. The Ministry of Educational Transformation also expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, acknowledging the profound impact of their loss on the school communities.
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Food and Rum Festival ends with golden celebration
The 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival culminated in a dazzling extravaganza known as the Liquid Gold Feast, a night that seamlessly blended gourmet cuisine, mesmerizing music, and exquisite décor. Held at a venue recently transformed after hosting CARIFESTA, the event was a sensory delight that left attendees in awe. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with meticulous attention to detail, including a make-up touch-up station to combat the tropical heat. The evening’s ambiance was set by the smooth harmonies of G-Syndicate, who reimagined soca classics like Gorg’s ‘I Got My Rum’ into soulful ballads. Inside, the venue was a visual masterpiece, adorned with décor that reflected the island’s vibrant culture. Barbados’ top chefs and mixologists showcased their craft, offering dishes and cocktails that celebrated local flavors. The Darrien Bailey Band electrified the crowd with renditions of Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock with You’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ while Brian Carter’s dual-recorder performance of Teddy Swims’ ‘Lose Control’ left the audience spellbound. Kweku Jelani added a reggae flair with Bob Marley’s ‘Lively Up Yourself,’ and Shadia Marshall delivered powerhouse performances of Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ and Cher’s ‘Believe.’ The night peaked with DJ Puffy’s high-energy set, ensuring the crowd remained in a festive frenzy. Attendees, dressed in shimmering metallics and dapper suits, matched the event’s bold style. Despite minor hiccups like limited signage and the early depletion of curry oxtail, the Liquid Gold Feast was a resounding success, leaving patrons like Sonia from Tobago eager to return. The event not only lived up to its name but also set a high bar for future festivals.
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Economist to private sector: Take greater risks to drive growth
Renowned economist Jeremy Stephen has called on the private sector to abandon its risk-averse mindset and embrace bolder investments, emphasizing that over-reliance on government spending is hampering economic growth and perpetuating unsustainable public debt levels. Speaking in response to the Latin American Economic Outlook 2025 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Stephen highlighted the urgent need for governments to prioritize mobilizing private investment and move away from ineffective tax incentives. He stressed that innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, could play a pivotal role in attracting both local and foreign investors. Stephen argued that excessive dependence on government initiatives fosters complacency, stifling the economy’s potential. He pointed to Barbados’ weak private sector participation as a key factor behind its unsustainable debt, urging businesses to take calculated risks despite the challenging environment. The OECD report underscores Barbados’ heavy reliance on tourism, which leaves the economy vulnerable to external shocks and limits inclusive growth. It advocates for diversification into sectors like creative industries, renewable energy, and digital services to build resilience. Stephen also criticized the lack of private initiatives in exploring new tourism markets, citing the absence of self-funded roadshows to regions like China and the Middle East. He emphasized the need for a stronger enabling environment to encourage risk-taking and innovation. The report recommends a comprehensive strategy to mobilize private investment, reduce government dependency, and improve fiscal space. Stephen concluded that redefining the public-private partnership model is essential for reducing Barbados’ debt and securing sustainable growth.