BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Prime Minister Mia Mottley says her administration will prioritise measures to cushion Barbadians from global economic pressures, even as it advances constitutional reform and other key policy initiatives.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley at Monday night’s Ideas Forum town hall meeting.Speaking at the Ideas Forum town hall meeting on Monday night, Mottley said the government has decided to shorten planned celebrations marking the country’s 60th anniversary of Independence and the fifth anniversary of becoming a republic so that greater resources can be directed towards easing the impact of rising international costs on households.
She said the commemorative activities would now be held over a three-month period rather than through separate, extended observances.
“What I’m not going to do as prime minister of this country is to misallocate funds or misprioritise funds when circumstances clearly show you are dealing with a war,” Mottley said, referring to global conflicts and their impact on small economies.
The prime minister said Barbados must continue making prudent financial decisions in light of international developments beyond its control.
She also announced progress on the government’s constitutional reform agenda, disclosing that the advisory report on a new Constitution has been submitted to the President.
According to Mottley, the report is expected to be reviewed by Cabinet ministers within the next two to three weeks before being released for nationwide public consultation.
She said while the government had hoped to complete the process by November, it would not sacrifice meaningful public participation to meet a specific deadline.
“The hope is that if we can’t make it for November, we make it soon thereafter, because we don’t want to deny the country the right for full participation,” she said.
On the economy, Mottley defended the government’s decision to absorb part of the recent increase in global fuel prices rather than pass the full cost on to consumers.
She said officials had recommended increasing the retail fuel price from BDS$3.72 (US$1.86) to BDS$4.20 (US$2.10) per litre, but the administration instead capped the price at BDS$4.01 (US$2.00), with the government covering the difference.
“The government will carry the weight of that accounting difference for the people of Barbados rather than passing it on,” she said.
Mottley also outlined several other initiatives, including plans to introduce legislation aimed at tackling diabetes and kidney disease. She said the bill would be piloted by Health Minister Senator Lisa Cummins under constitutional provisions allowing ministers to participate in proceedings in both Houses of Parliament.
She said the legislation forms part of a broader strategy to position Barbados as a regional centre for medical tourism and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Addressing energy policy, Mottley reiterated the government’s support for natural gas as a transitional energy source while the country expands its renewable energy capacity.
She said Barbados would only partner with companies able to demonstrate compliance with strict methane emissions standards, adding that natural gas would also provide a reliable source of electricity following hurricanes or other natural disasters that could damage renewable energy infrastructure.
The prime minister also highlighted the establishment of a Department of Citizen Engagement and Media Relations to strengthen communication between government and the public.
She concluded by encouraging Barbadians to volunteer with youth organisations and community groups during the summer, saying the country’s future depended not only on financial investment but also on citizens giving their time to help develop the next generation.
