Springer backs green industry push for St Andrew but urges caution

St Andrew MP Dr Romel Springer on Wednesday endorsed government plans for a major green industrialisation project in the parish but cautioned that economic progress must not come at the expense of the area’s fragile environment.  

 

In debate on the Appropriations Bill in the House of Assembly, Springer said St Andrew’s ecological importance must remain a central consideration in any future development, even as residents seek greater investment, job opportunities and improved infrastructure.  

 

He described the parish as one of the island’s most environmentally sensitive areas and warned that development must not undermine its natural character.  

 

“I’m one that supports the preservation of the natural flora and fauna of any place, and St Andrew being one of the more ecologically diverse parts of Barbados, obviously I would not want to see any type of development come to St Andrew that would jeopardise the natural beauty, the pristine beauty of St Andrew.”

 

But the MP stressed that residents of the rural parish also want to see investment and economic activity reach their communities.  

 

“So yes, St Andrew is pristine. Yes, we would love it to remain that way, but at the same time we want to see investment. We want to see development like anybody else. We want to see industry come to St Andrew like any place else in Barbados. We want to see our infrastructure build out and develop. Our roads finish.”  

 

Springer said the proposed green industrialisation initiative could play a key role in bringing new economic opportunities to northern Barbados.  

 

In Monday’s Budget speech, Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn announced the Green Industrialisation Gateway Advantage (GIGA) initiative, which aims to attract environmentally sustainable industries and position Barbados as a hub for green investment and innovation. The project, to be constructed in St Andrew, seeks to create jobs and economic activity while promoting low-carbon development and climate-resilient industries.  

 

He argued that locating such a project in the parish could benefit communities across the north of the island.  

 

The MP said many residents of rural communities currently travel long distances to access employment — a situation he believes could be eased by bringing industry closer to those communities.  

 

Springer also pointed to the immediate employment opportunities that could arise during construction of the project.  

 

Beyond short-term jobs, he argued that St Andrew possesses the talent and human capital needed to support innovation and economic growth.  

 

“I know we also have the intellectual capital in St Andrew because we always blow people’s minds when people see the type of talent that comes out from St Andrew,” he said.  

 

While acknowledging that some residents might initially question the presence of such a project in a largely rural and environmentally sensitive parish, Springer maintained that the long-term benefits could be significant.  

 

“So even though we know that this type of infrastructure is not what people associate with St Andrew because of its pristine nature, I still support something like this coming because I know the benefits that would accrue to the people in that part of Barbados.” 

(SZB)