From victory to reality – the work continues

As the euphoria of another solid electoral win for the ruling administration begins to dissipate, the reality of governing this country must resume, cognisant that the challenges are many and the solutions are not easily accessed.

The campaign trail promises must now be measured against the unforgiving yardstick of governance, and while the electorate may have spoken with clarity, they also continue to await delivery with some measure of impatience.

In 2025, Barbados stands at a pivotal juncture, grappling with a complex mix of economic and social challenges that threaten its long-standing development gains. While the island has made strides in areas such as debt reduction and climate resilience, some structural issues persist, and they demand urgent policy responses.

The economy, though projected to grow by 3.9 per cent in 2025, remains vulnerable due to several inherent weaknesses. The over-reliance on tourism exposes the island to external shocks, including geopolitical tensions and global economic slowdowns. The recent United States tariffs policy has added strain to key sectors.

The fiscal landscape presents some worry also. Public debt, while it has fallen from 138 per cent of GDP during the COVID period, it is still more than 100 per cent today. Debt service costs are projected at $1.78 billion for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This underscores the importance of reliable fiscal management.

Efforts to bolster economic resilience include the debt-for-climate swap, which freed up $125 million for investments in water infrastructure and environmental protection. This initiative aligns with the island’s commitment to reducing its debt-to-GDP ratio significantly by 2036.

Socially, Barbados confronts a widening gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’, along with a fear of crime. Despite economic growth, many Barbadians, particularly in the working and middle classes, continue to face financial strain. The escalating cost of living, driven by high food prices and utility bills, has dampened the purchasing power of households, making it difficult for many families.

Crime, particularly violent offences, has become a pressing concern. Addressing crime requires a multifaceted approach that combines law enforcement with social interventions to tackle the root causes of criminal behaviour.

The healthcare system, once a source of national pride, is under significant strain. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital faces challenges such as equipment shortages, overburdened staff, and inefficient administrative processes. Patients often experience extended wait times, and the rising cost of private healthcare has made access to services increasingly difficult for many.

Barbados’ vulnerability to climate change poses additional challenges. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten key sectors like tourism and agriculture. In response, the government has initiated projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience, including renewable energy initiatives and sustainable tourism practices.

As Barbados navigates these multifaceted challenges, a holistic approach is imperative. Economic diversification, fiscal discipline, and investment in human capital with a focus on marginalised youth are essential to building a resilient economy. At the same time, addressing social inequalities through targeted interventions will likely promote greater social cohesion and stability.

In the face of all these challenges, one must concede that there is evidence of forward-thinking policies in the administration’s approach to matters such as climate resilience. The landmark debt-for-climate swap not only alleviated immediate financial pressure but also signalled a bold approach that demonstrated how small islands can finance their development.

With the climate crisis a clear and present danger, such initiatives are not just admirable — they are essential. Prime Minister Mottley has been lauded for her dogged approach to this matter on the international stage, but it is important to explain the issues to ordinary Barbadians.

What is needed also is governance that is pragmatic — a leadership that is willing to engage in honest conversations with the public about the depth of the challenges and the sacrifices required. The administration must avoid the temptation to govern by public statements and instead embrace a model of participatory governance, where transparency and accountability are not buzzwords but guiding principles.

Barbados has the human capital, institutional knowledge, and international goodwill to turn its challenges into catalysts for a more inclusive and resilient future. But time is of the essence. Every delay in reform is a cost to the public trust. The ruling administration, in its assessment, has secured a mandate again, through another by-election. The real work — the hard work — begins anew.