How to fix our population problem

The issue of the declining population in Barbados has been in the news lately. Unless this trend is reversed, our standard of living will be under greater pressure in the future. We have become accustomed to a very sophisticated and high standard of living that generates such comments as “Barbados punches above its weight” and “the idea of Barbados”.  Of course, economic development does not necessarily create greater happiness, and there are probably many less developed countries that are quite content with their lot. However, I think most Bajans have become accustomed to the current quality of life and have pride in the island’s achievements. Certainly, not all citizens enjoy the same standard and this is likely to remain an aspirational challenge for the future.

Contrary to the Barbados experience, there are two notable examples of other island communities that have witnessed expanding populations. The Cayman Islands, which is slightly smaller than Barbados with just 100 square miles, has seen an increase in population of three-fold in the last 30 years, with the population growing from 30 000 to 85 000. During that time, the per capita GDP has also increased from $50 000 to $94 000, at current prices. Singapore, slightly bigger than Barbados with a land area of 284 square miles, has doubled its population from three million to six million in the last 30 years and its per capita GDP has also increased from $18 000 to over $80 000, at current prices.

These two islands are geographically diverse but are located close to the major economies of North America and Asia.  Another major feature which makes them stand out is that both countries have a strong reputation for service quality. In both countries, immigration has been used to boost the development of certain sectors and the immigrant population is high at around 40 per cent of the total population. This method is likely to be the main plan of action as the Barbados government seeks to redress the burning issue of a smaller and ageing population. Like Cayman and Singapore, the immigration policy needs to be developed and regulated to blend into the current population seamlessly.  We have had a recent experience where we have accommodated several thousand families with the Welcome Stamp programme during the coronavirus pandemic. Maybe we can expand this programme and target the wider diaspora who may have an interest in returning to the region.

Chris de Caires