Barbados is set to transform its public debt unit into an investor relations agency as part of a broader initiative to enhance debt management and make government securities accessible to ordinary citizens. Finance Minister Ryan Straughn announced the plan during the 20th Annual Meeting of the LAC Debt Group 2025, held at the Hilton Barbados. The restructuring aims to emphasize citizen participation in debt management, with the revamped unit handling front, middle, and back-office functions. Currently, the Central Bank acts as the fiscal agent, but the new unit will proactively manage the debt portfolio, treating it as a productive sector of the economy. Additionally, the government has approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework under its procurement law to share risks with the private sector while maximizing value for citizens. The investor relations unit will focus on extracting value from PPPs, shifting risks to the private sector, and fostering economic growth. Digital platforms like BIMPay will facilitate broader participation in the domestic capital market, enabling real-time payments and reducing costs for financial institutions and merchants. The government also plans to introduce smaller investment lots, allowing individuals to invest as little as $50 in treasury bills, with digital notifications streamlining the process. The ultimate goal is to democratize access to government debt returns, ensuring that average citizens can earn returns comparable to larger investors. Minister Straughn emphasized that this initiative will reduce reliance on banks as brokers, enabling direct citizen participation in the debt market.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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Pay up or miss out on Christmas rebate
The Barbados government has issued a stern reminder to taxpayers to settle their personal income tax obligations, originally due in April, to avoid forfeiting a promised $1300 rebate scheduled for December. Ryan Straughn, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, revealed on Tuesday that thousands of low-income Barbadians are set to receive their 2024 reverse tax credits in early December. However, he emphasized that this financial relief is contingent upon taxpayers clearing any outstanding balances.
Straughn cautioned that individuals who fail to file their taxes will not qualify for a refund, and those who have filed but still owe money will remain in debt. He urged prompt payment to prevent accumulating penalties. Under normal circumstances, Barbadians are required to pay half of their owed taxes by April and the remainder by September. Missing these deadlines disqualifies taxpayers from automatically receiving the rebate, though the Barbados Revenue Authority may, in certain cases, offset previous refunds against unpaid amounts.
The Minister reiterated that all 2024 refunds are being processed in October, but eligibility hinges on full compliance with tax obligations. The reverse tax credit scheme is specifically designed to assist individuals earning below the standard personal tax allowance. To qualify, applicants must be Barbados residents with an annual gross income of $25,000 or less, employed for at least four months during the income year, paid at least $1300 in National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, and less than $500 in income tax for the year.
Straughn encouraged taxpayers to act swiftly, highlighting that timely payments to the Barbados Revenue Authority not only avoid penalties but also ensure eligibility for the December rebate.
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Prime Minister’s Cup knockout round kicks off at Gall Hill
The knockout stage of the Prime Minister’s Cup is set to deliver thrilling encounters as the competition intensifies at Gall Hill, St John. With no room for error, teams will battle for a spot in the grand final on Independence Day at Kensington Oval, where a $100,000 prize awaits the champion. The Round of 16 kicks off with a David versus Goliath clash between Division 2 side Technique FC and the formidable St Andrew Lions at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
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Govt accelerates $20bn energy transformation plan
Barbados is poised to embark on a transformative renewable energy journey, as the government accelerates its Energy Transition Investment Plan, a multibillion-dollar initiative expected to save the island $16 billion over the next decade and generate thousands of green jobs. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds announced the plan in Parliament on Tuesday, emphasizing its potential to reshape the nation’s energy landscape and economy.
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Liberty Caribbean working with Starlink Direct to Cell to provide service in Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, Liberty Caribbean, the parent company of Flow Jamaica and Liberty Business, has taken proactive measures to ensure swift recovery and uninterrupted communication for its customers. Leveraging its partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell, Liberty Caribbean will utilize satellite technology to provide emergency connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks have been severely disrupted. This groundbreaking collaboration marks the first instance in Jamaica where a traditional telecom operator has teamed up with a satellite communications provider to deliver seamless mobile connectivity during crises. The initiative will enable essential SMS and text communications, ensuring that emergency services, businesses, and families can stay connected when local infrastructure fails. Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the critical importance of communication in disaster scenarios, stating, ‘Having the ability to communicate post-hurricane is a matter of life and death. Our FLOW Essential service will provide immediate basic connectivity.’ This innovative approach underscores Liberty Caribbean’s commitment to safeguarding Jamaicans, the economy, and the region’s shared future by integrating redundancy into its island-wide mobile network.
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Team Barbados gears up for Global Robotics Challenge in Panama
Four talented young Barbadians are poised to showcase their ingenuity at the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Challenge, an international STEM competition that mirrors the spirit of the Olympics. This year’s event, scheduled from October 29 to November 1 in Panama, will bring together high school students from across the globe to demonstrate their prowess in designing and programming robots capable of executing intricate tasks. Team Barbados, led by seasoned electronics and electrical technology teacher Matthew Douglas, has been diligently preparing for the challenge. Douglas, with over 25 years of experience and a passion for nurturing young innovators, praised the team’s exceptional time management and unwavering dedication. The competition will feature robots performing tasks such as collecting and shooting soccer balls into scoring zones, maneuvering larger balls into slots, and even climbing ropes—a true test of engineering precision and collaborative effort. Among the team members is Jean-Pierre Pilgrim, a 14-year-old prodigy from Queen’s College, who has already excelled academically in English, Mathematics, and Information Technology. Pilgrim, an avid computer and gaming enthusiast, expressed confidence in the team’s hard work and preparation. Makai Beckles-Lewis, a 15-year-old from Combermere School, is equally enthusiastic, looking forward to experiencing diverse cultures in Panama. Kurt Hazell, a 16-year-old athlete from the same school, shared his excitement and nervousness about his first international competition. Nathan Douglas, a 15-year-old from The Lodge School, is drawn to the mechanical aspects of robotics, while 13-year-old Christopher Smith from St. Winifred’s School is eager to learn from his older teammates. The team departed on Monday, ready to make their mark on the global stage.
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Thorne: Govt masking worsening hardship with ‘pretty talk’
Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has launched a scathing critique of the Mia Mottley administration, accusing it of employing ‘pretty talk’ to create ‘illusions of prosperity’ while many Barbadians grapple with economic hardships. During a heated debate in the House of Assembly over the Barbados National Energy Company (Transfer and Vesting of Assets) Bill, Thorne highlighted the growing disparity between the government’s confident rhetoric and the stark realities faced by citizens. He argued that despite ministers’ claims of economic progress, the benefits are not translating into tangible improvements in the lives of families, small businesses, and street vendors. Thorne urged lawmakers to witness the struggles firsthand by visiting Swan Street, where vendors are fighting to survive rather than thrive. He dismissed the government’s narrative of national prosperity as a ‘cruel joke,’ emphasizing that the people of Barbados are enduring significant suffering. Thorne also criticized the administration’s reliance on buzzwords like ‘sustainable,’ ‘resilient,’ and ‘whole-of-country approach,’ which he described as empty slogans devoid of substance. He warned that the government’s refusal to acknowledge the hardships faced by citizens risks deepening public apathy and eroding trust in leadership. Thorne concluded that speeches alone cannot alleviate the economic pressures weighing on Barbadians, calling for more concrete actions to address their struggles.
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Bajan students in Jamaica accounted for as Hurricane Melissa batters island
All 41 Barbadian students in Jamaica have been confirmed safe and securely accommodated as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall on the island. Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong, provided this assurance on Tuesday, just before the hurricane struck with unprecedented wind speeds of 185 miles per hour and heavy rainfall. While 26 students were evacuated on short notice, others remained safely sheltered at the University of the West Indies’ Mona Campus and a hotel in Kingston, the island’s capital. Comissiong emphasized that the situation in Kingston, where most students are based, remained stable, with Barbados’ honorary consul in Jamaica maintaining constant communication with the students. Some students were flown back to Barbados via a special flight arranged by the government, though the tight timeline of just four hours meant not all could be accommodated. Rakeia Mayers-Parris, Public Relations Officer of the Barbados Student Association of Jamaica (BSAJ), recounted her experience of receiving a last-minute call for an afternoon flight back home. She praised the government’s swift action, noting that those unable to evacuate were provided safe accommodations at hotels. Despite reports of infrastructure damage and flooding at the UWI Mona Campus, Comissiong assured that the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with both students and Jamaican authorities. The BSAJ expressed profound gratitude to the government and all individuals involved in ensuring the students’ safety, highlighting the efforts of Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds, Director General of Foreign Affairs Donna Forde, and Honorary Consul Winston Bayley.
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Pharmacy at St Philip Polyclinic to close October 31 to November 5
The pharmacy at the St Philip Polyclinic will be temporarily shut down from Friday, October 31, 2025, through Wednesday, November 5, 2025, to allow for essential renovation works. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced that normal pharmacy operations are scheduled to resume on Thursday, November 6, 2025. During this period, patients who typically utilize the St Philip Polyclinic Pharmacy for prescription refills or other pharmaceutical services are advised to visit any other polyclinic pharmacy or out-patient clinic pharmacy. To ensure seamless service, patients should carry their identification cards and empty medication containers. The Ministry expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to the public for their patience and understanding as they work to enhance the facility for improved service delivery.
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Room for debate as Uber enters Barbados
Uber officially debuted its ride-hailing services in Barbados last Tuesday with a high-profile event at the Hilton Barbados. The launch introduced three key offerings: Uber Taxi, Uber Reserve, and Uber Hourly. Uber Taxi allows passengers to book rides to their desired destinations, while Uber Reserve enables users to schedule trips up to 90 days in advance or as close as 30 minutes before pickup. Uber Hourly provides the option to hire a driver by the hour, catering to tourists needing airport transfers or island tours.