Oistins, Holetown, Speightstown among key areas in line for development

Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr William Duguid on Tuesday revealed plans for the development of Barbados’ key towns and other areas under the government’s Physical Development Plan (PDP).

He said the capital city, Bridgetown along with Speightstown, Holetown, Oistins, Bathsheba, Six Roads, Belleplaine, Wildey and Warrens are in line for physical improvements.

Leading off debate in the House of Assembly on a resolution to approve the Barbados Physical Development Plan as amended in 2023, the minister responsible for infrastructure provided some insight into the plans for the areas, including development of the waterfront, the transformation of urban open spaces, the strengthening of resistance to climate change, upgrading of transportation options and the development of regional centres. 

There are also plans aimed at addressing traffic congestion, embracing the fishing legacy and enhancing projects which take the cultural heritage into account.

Duguid also indicated that there will be master plans to manage some areas of development, including the enhancements at Warrens, Holetown, the National Botanical Gardens and the environs which embrace the National Stadium and the new Geriatric Hospital.

He told the Lower House of Parliament that the PDP was a “tremendous” document setting out the vision and framework to manage the country’s growth and development over the next decade.

He explained that the amended plan updates those of 1991, 2003 and 2017 and when it passes, the legislature would make Barbados the only Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country with an up-to-date plan.

The minister said the PDP outlines an ecologically safe land use policy for Barbados and also speaks to the enhancement of the transportation network, including encouraging modes of walking and cycling and improving road safety. Housing development also forms part of the PDP, he said.

“The plan proposes to increase the supply of affordable housing and promote the development of mixed-use communities,” he added.

Duguid noted that climate change mitigation measures are also proposed in the plan along with promoting renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gases.

“We are at a very important time in this country where we transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and all across Barbados there are people – small and large, medium-sized – taking part and getting into the renewable energy transition,” the senior minister said.

Duguid further explained that the PDP focuses on the development of a nation of healthy, safe, distinct and age and gender-responsive communities, sharing a common economic base and community aspirations.

The goal, he said, was to be a nation where resilient, sustainable and physical growth is balanced with conservation and restoration of “irreplaceable resources”, rural working landscapes, cultural heritage and natural heritage.

Feedback on the draft plan was gathered via public and private meetings with various entities, Duguid told his colleagues.

Duguid commended the work of former minister Marsha Caddle and the contribution of the major architects of the plan, specifically the director general and other senior
officials and staff who he said were able to craft the final document.

“The plan is designed to strengthen Barbados’ communities by recognising and focusing on the distinct nature of communities and promoting reinvestment and economic viability of their cores and ensuring the delivery of critical amenities to all communities,” he added. (SP)