Technology, housing and training at the centre of construction future

Technology, affordable housing and skills development must be at the heart of Barbados’ construction agenda, government ministers and private sector leaders told delegates on Wednesday at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council’s 4th Annual Construction and Design Conference at Sandals Royal.

New Minister of Housing Chris Gibbs underscored the link between shelter and social stability, warning that inadequate housing feeds crime and frustration. “Housing is very, very important to this nation right now. There is a huge link between affordable housing and crime. There are studies that show that this link is very deep. And it’s not remiss of me that housing plays an integral and important role in giving solutions to this nation that emphasise affordability, sustainability and I would add dignity,” he said.

Drawing on his experience as MP for St Michael West, Gibbs said poor housing design had social consequences. “Urban sprawl and the density of our urban areas have led to a level of frustration by our young people. And that frustration has led to conflict and unfortunately because of the lack of conflict resolution, we find ourselves in a situation where crime is on the rise. But we can do something. We can build housing that is attractive, affordable, especially using techniques that the Honourable Minister just mentioned. Barbados has had a history of being on the forefront of emerging technology.”

Minister of Training and Tertiary Education Sandra Husbands, highlighted the need for training to ensure the workforce keeps pace with innovation. “Our world has changed, and everything in it is being changed by technology, being changed by innovations. And if, as a country, we want to keep up, if we want to sustain our current development and continue to prosper in this new environment, then we too must change.”

She continued: “Construction is one of those areas in which we must embrace the new technologies and ensure that all of our current practitioners in the industry have the opportunity to be trained, to be exposed, and to be able to transition onto these new methods. This is how we are going to keep Barbados intact and whole, relevant, and prosperous.”

Executive chairman of The Maloney Group Mark Maloney, urged the region to adopt modern building systems and artificial intelligence in construction. “System build is no longer an option. It’s a new standard. By manufacturing in controlled environments, we guarantee quality, accelerate timelines, reduce risk, and deliver consistency. Families in need of housing can receive the keys to their homes in months rather than years. Schools and hospitals can be built faster, stronger, at the global standards.”

He said artificial intelligence (AI) could transform the industry. “Before a shovel hits the ground, AI simulates the entire project. It predicts risks. It calculates the most efficient use of materials. It forecasts maintenance needs years in advance. Imagine Barbados in 2030. Every major project is digitally rehearsed before it is built. No more surprises. No more waste.”

But Maloney cautioned that people remained central to progress. “Technology is not the hero of this story. People are. It is the skilled precaster, the engineer, the artisans, the QS, the site manager, the architect, the policymaker, all of you in this room who bring technology to life. We must invest in training academies. We must raise standards and create cultures of accountability.”

The three-day conference, themed Integrating Technology into Quality Construction, brings together architects, engineers, contractors, entrepreneurs and policymakers to explore how innovation can reshape the industry in Barbados and across the Caribbean. (SZB)