Reid seeks nearly $188m to drive Barbados’ digital transformation

Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Senator Jonathan Reid on Tuesday outlined plans for his ministry to play a central role in transforming Barbados into a digitally driven economy as he presented estimates of $187 million during the Budget debate.

Opening his presentation, Reid said the funding request reflects the responsibility placed on the ministry to help guide the country toward its Vision 2030 goals.

“Barbadians are at a decisive moment of our national story,” he told the House of Assembly, noting that economies worldwide are being reshaped at an unprecedented pace by advances in technology, science and innovation.

Reid said Barbados must seize the opportunity to reposition itself in this evolving global landscape.

“Nations that were once small players are now becoming global leaders in ways they couldn’t previously imagine. But you have to choose to become a leader in that space,” he said.

The minister said his ministry has been tasked with helping the country “leap from its current economic structures” toward a new phase of development driven by digital innovation and stronger industrial capacity.

“We must be more digitally innovative. We must advance industry. We must build resilient prosperity,” he said.

Reid explained that the estimates form part of a broader four-year strategy to strengthen the ministry’s role in shaping Barbados’ digital future.

The plan will begin with what he described as the “Year of Better” in 2026–2027, followed by “Good” in 2027–2028, “Great” in 2028–2029 and a goal of achieving “world-class” standards by 2030.

He said the ministry aims to become a “digital-first, innovation-driven” institution capable of helping transform Barbados into a high-functioning digital society.

“The vision is straightforward but ambitious,” Reid said. “We intend for the ministry to be a catalyst in Barbados’ leap into the new economy.”