The government’s decision to convert 6.35 acres of a government agricultural station’s land in St James into housing has ignited fierce debate, with the administration’s parliamentary critic warning of a blow to food security while government lawmakers defend the move as critical to addressing the island’s housing crisis.
As the House of Assembly debated a resolution vesting the lands in the National Housing Corporation (NHC), Minister of Housing and Lands Dwight Sutherland told the chamber the aim was to address the island’s urgent housing needs. But he faced fierce opposition from Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne who expressed concern about the preservation of farmland and its implications for food security.
The resolution is set to create a new residential development featuring 36 housing units, a children’s home, and an entrepreneurial centre. The housing minister suggested the decision was necessary to tackle a national housing crisis, with over 20 000 applications pending for affordable homes.
Sutherland outlined the Mia Mottley administration’s commitment to making homeownership accessible for all Barbadians: “That dream that every Barbadian adult carries in his or her heart is to own their own home. Furthermore, to leave a start for their children or loved ones. So, in essence, homeownership is the essence of what we refer to as the Barbadian dream.”
He highlighted the administration’s record, noting that 1 323 houses have been built since 2022, with plans to construct an additional 1 500 homes by the end of 2025.
The St George South MP sought to dispel concerns that the government was arbitrarily converting agricultural land for housing.
“We don’t just pick up land arbitrarily and put it in housing, agricultural land,” he said. “A thorough assessment is done by the technical teams, not only within the Ministry of Finance, where we have town planning and development but also within the Ministry of Agriculture…. Careful studies are done.”
Sutherland emphasised that the government’s approach prioritises balancing housing development with sustainable land use.
“The site at Bullen’s Agricultural Station has therefore become ripe for infill development,” he explained, adding that the project aligns with the principles of the Physical Development Plan. He also noted that significant tracts of agricultural land had been preserved elsewhere on the island.
However, Thorne strongly opposed the government’s decision, questioning both the timing and the rationale.
“Is this the time to close our agricultural spaces and not only close them but to condemn them under concrete?” the opposition leader asked. “This is the time when there are young Barbadians out there who are appealing to this government to allow them some land space to grow food. And here this government comes to the people of Barbados and tells the people, ‘We are closing an agricultural station and we are going to place concrete on it’.”
He further argued that the repurposing of Bullens was a blow to the country’s food security, especially given global concerns about sustainable agriculture. “Several acres of an agricultural station will disappear forever when there are other parcels of land across Barbados which are suitable for housing,” he said.
The Christ Church South MP suggested that the government use smaller parcels scattered across the island instead of large agricultural tracts.
“We call it rab land upon which houses can be constructed. But the word is rationalisation. Let us rationalise our land use in this country,” Thorne said, adding that prioritising agricultural preservation is essential for the long-term well-being of Barbados.
He also warned of the social implications of high-density housing developments: “When you congregate several people into a limited land space… you are not just housing people, but you are condemning people almost to the pains of their existence.”
While acknowledging the urgent need for housing, Thorne stressed the importance of agricultural preservation, particularly as global food security becomes increasingly precarious.
“No one denies that housing is needed,” he said. “But we must rationalise our land use to ensure we meet housing needs without sacrificing our agricultural future.”
Sutherland rebutted this, asserting that the project reflects the government’s ability to address multiple priorities simultaneously.
“We don’t just build houses; we build communities,” he said. “This government has a stellar record of providing for its people while safeguarding the resources of our nation.”
