标签： Barbados

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.

Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, has emphasized the urgent need for the nation to expedite its transition away from fossil fuels, citing escalating geopolitical tensions in the southern Caribbean as a critical driver. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the Barbados National Energy Company (Transfer and Vesting of Assets) Bill, Symmonds highlighted the potential catastrophic consequences of conflicts in the region, particularly between Venezuela and the United States. He warned that any military escalation could disrupt energy supply routes and destabilize the Petrocaribe agreement, which has historically provided Caribbean nations with oil on favorable terms. Symmonds stressed that Barbados must take control of its energy future to mitigate the risks posed by volatile global oil prices and geopolitical instability. He referenced recent Central Bank data, noting that fuel import costs had fluctuated dramatically, from $538.5 million in the first half of 2024 to $262.5 million in the same period of 2025. Such unpredictability, he argued, underscores the necessity of reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The minister outlined the government’s broader strategy to consolidate national energy assets, streamline investments, and accelerate the adoption of renewable technologies. This includes transitioning the island’s 110,000 privately owned vehicles and public transport systems to electric and hybrid models. Symmonds highlighted progress in the public transport sector, with 89 electric buses now operational and 35 more on the way. He also emphasized the need for government support to help private operators transition to greener alternatives, including through concessionary financing. Symmonds concluded by asserting that Barbados must emancipate itself from the vulnerabilities of the international petroleum market to ensure a sustainable and secure energy future.