The Vision For Barbados

The BLP administration initiated the national dialogue in the National Strategic Plan, took it through the Parliamentary process, has begun implementation of its strategies and embraces the Vision for Barbados which represents the national consensus. “A fully developed society that is prosperous, socially just and globally competitive” The fully developed Barbados that we envision by 2025 will be: ❧❧ A society driven primarily by a services economy fuelled by a steady rate of export growth, with a state-of-the-art information and communications technology infrastructure, a high savings rate, widespread material prosperity, full employment, an equitable distribution of income and wealth and enhanced quality of life. ❧❧ A premier world tourism destination and a centre for high quality financial, information and other services augmented by reinvigorated manufacturing and agricultural sectors. ❧❧ A society that places people at the centre of development and, through economic enfranchisement offers each and every individual the freedom and opportunity to develop their talents to their full potential. ❧❧ A society symbolized by creativity, innovation, industry, productivity, entrepreneurship and intellectual excellence, in which all enjoy a rich cultural, social and economic life. ❧❧ A society that is an integral part of the Caribbean family of nations. ❧❧ A truly literate society whose people are educated, rounded human beings, possessed of sophisticated skills and so imbued with social justice and equity that no one is left by the wayside. ❧❧ A sustainable society that co-exists in harmony with a beautiful, clean and healthy physical environment and physical infrastructure, and whose people enjoy good health and high life expectancy. ❧❧ A society of religious and enduring moral values, diversity and tolerance, imbued with a strong sense of public spiritedness and an abiding sense of trust and community. ❧❧ A fully democratic society with enhanced freedoms and rights for all and governed by the rule of law, in which citizens participate in self governance and enjoy a rewarding public life. ❧❧ A society of order, self-discipline and respect for law, relatively free from the scourges of illegal drugs, corruption, crime and violence. Contents

KEYNOTE______2 THE BLP TEAM: SOUTH______46 A STRONG ECONOMY______6 SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION______48 Commerce And HEALTH______50 Consumer Affairs______12 HOUSING______54 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS______14 URBAN RENEWAL______57 THE BLP TEAM: NORTH______17 LABOUR______58 EDUCATION______18 PUBLIC SERVICE______62 YOUTH AFFAIRS______22 ROAD DEVELOPMENT______63 CULTURE______23 FOREIGN AFFAIRS THE BLP TEAM: ST. MICHAEL______26 FOREIGN TRADE GLOBAL SPORTS CENTRE______28 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES______65 DOUBLING TOURISM REVENUE______31 LAW AND ORDER______69 THE GREEN ECONOMY______36 INFORMATION AND THE BLP TEAM: EAST & CENTRAL_____ 39 BROADCASTING______74 THE NEW AGRICULTURE______40 TELECOMMUNICATIONS______75 ENERGY______43 GOVERNANCE______76 INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT______45 DEFENCE AND SECURITY______78

1 Identity Confidence Country

ith sound justification, Barbadians Barbados in the position of Prime Minister are among the most confident for three terms. Wpeople on the planet. Had I not earned the trust of the Barbadian The elements igniting the brimming people, had the BLP’s policies not improved confidence that distinguishes the Bajan spirit the people’s lives, had our performance not are a strong sense of identity; an immutable matched our promises, the people would not conviction of unbounded individual capac- have twice renewed the BLP’s mandate, or ity; and the unshakeable belief that Barbados mine. is the best little country Now, to continue on God’s earth. A notable dimension the work we have been Whatever our calling, to BLP administrations assiduously carrying on whatever our affinities, your behalf, the Barbados wherever we are in the of the past thirteen Labour Party seeks a Diaspora, we want only years is that to an renewal of your mandate. the best for Barbados. unprecedented Never have we taken This attitude and the Barbadian people for these beliefs are critical extent, in tangibly and granted. factors in our country’s generously giving to Prior to this Election, surge to the position of the vulnerable in our we meticulously reported respected powerhouse to you on the delivery of among the small devel- society through targeted our manifesto undertak- oping states of the world; social programmes, we ings; as we did prior to and to Barbados’ stature the General Elections of among all nations. endowed governing 1999 and 2003. These very elements with heart Not many governing helped to shape my parties so report. character and to instil within me a burning desire for a good education; an unwavering Working to ensure only the best for obligation to crusade for social justice; and Barbados is the noblest purpose that can an embedded resolution to work to make our propel any person vested and blessed with country strong, secure and just. the privilege of leading our country. By God’s generous blessings and by the I regard the office the Barbadian people collective will of the Barbadian people, I have permitted me to occupy with respect, have been permitted the privilege of serving and the responsibilities attached to this office with reverence.

2 As Prime Minister, I have had the Those problems were not good fortune to be able to draw from the inconsequential. collective confidence and capacities of The country was crippled by an ailing the Barbadian people; to whom I express economy; we were down to two weeks my enduring gratitude. import cover; public servants had been sent I have also had the good fortune to home by the thousands; and the infamous work with Cabinet teams endowed with the eight percent pay cut was inflicted on those capacities for the most demanding jobs in fortunate to be holding on to their jobs. Barbados; and imbued with the commitment Local financial institutions were calling to give everything in serving the Barbadian mortgages and repossession notices for people. furniture, household appliances and cars Had I not had access to outstanding and dominated the country’s newspapers. committed public servants, my administra- Unemployment was close to twenty- tions would have accomplished little. five percent, with women and young I am in their debt and I place my gratitude people disproportionately represented on public record. among the jobless. Now, as we enter the closing years of It was the worst of times for Barbados. this eventful first decade of the twenty- We considered ourselves under obliga- first century, the world faces daunting tion to ease the squeeze on those who were challenges; with intimidating implica- hurting most. tions for all nations, large and small. Parallel with this, we had to deal with We face the escalating threat of terrorism; the job of putting the economy on a sound climate change; spiralling oil prices; and in- footing. creasing diversion of grain from food to fuel, with mounting demand for these commodi- ties from the rapidly expanding economies of China and India. These perspectives are formidable for industrialised countries, as well as for the developing world. The challenge for Barbados is not only the need for surviving in the impending interna- tional environment but rather for excelling, simply to sustain our present place. Barbados’ resilience in the face of sig- nificant crises in the decades bridging the millennia is widely recognised. This BLP came to government with the fortunes and the future of this country in in- tensive care with the International Monetary Fund. This prompted, as one of my early executive actions, an invitation to the IMF to entrust to Barbados the re- sponsibility of finding the required solutions to our problems.

3 The extent to which we met that objec- Current investment in education and tive is reflected in the facility with which training surpasses all previous levels. Barbados was able to survive external shocks This reflects the priority Barbados Labour such the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attack Party attaches to the development of our on the United States. human capital. In contradiction to Optimum development of IMF prescriptions, the BLP The world our human capital is our key Government proceeded to faces daunting development strategy. increase and enhance benefits challenges; with Our policies have for the poor. broadened the entrepre- Indeed, a notable dimen- intimidating neurial base in Barbados; sion to BLP administrations of implications for all and a cadre of new small the past thirteen years is that nations, large and business operators has to an unprecedented extent, emerged to create jobs and in tangibly and generously small add considerable value to giving to the vulnerable in our the economy. society through targeted social programmes, Foreign Reserves now stand at an impres- we endowed governing with heart. sive US$2.2 Billion; direct foreign investment The Barbados Labour Party has been is flowing in; the best brands in the global resolute in balancing the economic scale hospitality industry are interested in doing to favour our country’s vulnerable citi- business in Barbados; and we are home to zens, and our seniors. the number one hotel in the world. Even at the worst of times, BLP policy is Sandy Lane’s principal assets are its to cushion our vulnerable from adversity. location on one of the most breathtaking To sustain our country’s current position shorelines anywhere, and Barbadian staff in the world, and if, consistent with our who are among the most capable and gra- national strategic plan, we are to realise our cious people on the face of the globe. shared vision of developed nation standards Sandy Lane is a sign of success for all and status by 2025, we will as a people, have Barbadians. to commit to intensified entrepreneurial effort The Barbados Hilton, a government from our private sector social partners and investment, is, in addition to being a sign of increased productivity from our workforce. success, is a source of immense pride for the In the Economic Charter in our 2003 people of Barbados. Manifesto, Every Bajan A Winner, we set We promised to remove exchange control out a precise blueprint for the measures we on capital transactions within the Caribbean would employ to move Barbados forward, Community, and we are now poised to go strengthen and grow the economy, create beyond that undertaking in the new term. jobs and lift the poor from poverty. We have put in place new financial, In the face of skyrocketing increases in the technical assistance, capacity building price of oil internationally, my administration and institutional support measures has intervened to keep the prices constant at to enable small and medium sized the pump. enterprises to thrive and to create new Among the undertakings of the Economic employment opportunities. Charter was the security of the integrity of We said we would restructure the tax the Barbados dollar. regime to make Barbados the preferred loca- Our dollar remains secure. tion for doing business and we are taking it further by meaningful tax breaks, intended 4 for implementation upon the re-election of We might have done better, but we could the Barbados Labour Party. not have worked harder or attempted to do The Barbados Labour Party has governed more. well, to every Barbadian’s benefit. I ask you to hold our opponents to similar Never have I devi- scrutiny. ated from respect for our Barbadians will permit no institutions, people centred compromise of our nation’s leadership, and principled sovereignty. leadership. We move now I invite you to consider I have worked consci- to the next level, very carefully the implications entiously to strengthen Only The Best For for Barbados adventurism democracy, and I have with external sources by those neither sought nor ex- Barbados seeking power with no regard tracted any particular to the possible consequences advantage from the con- to our nation. vincing parliamentary All that Barbados has majorities the Barbadian achieved can be at risk if we lose the trust people have entrusted to the BLP in suc- and respect of the international community. cessive terms in government. Some say that it’s time for a change, that We have never abused the power you have the other party should be given a chance at vested in successive BLP Governments. government. Now, I ask your mandate for a fourth Change to what? term. The choice and character of this The Barbados Labour Party has so country’s government should not be a managed our country’s affairs and so nur- matter of chance, charity, or change for tured the human capital in our society, that change sake. few would challenge the assertion that it is Better Than Ever In Barbados. As the calypso says, you know what you have; you don’t know what you will get. We move now to the next level, Only The Best For Barbados. It has never been better for Barbados. This calls for visionary, trusted and I ask you to make sure that your proven leadership as we face a gathering vote will ensure only the best for storm of rising global prices, unpredictable Barbados. effects of climate change and the sequential I ask you to vote for the BLP can- impact of terrorism. didate in your constituency. What may now be the best of times for Barbados can well become the worst I ask you to vote wisely. of times if we make the wrong decision Barbados asks that of us all. when we go to the polls on January 15. A majority of Barbadians have expressed the view that Leadership will be the key determinant to their voting decisions when we go to the polls. In that context, I offer my candidates, Prime Minister your government and myself for your intense The Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur scrutiny. Leader, Barbados Labour Party 5 A Strong Economy Benefits For All

The Barbados Labour Party believes that only We have achieved this economic success and the best will do for Barbados. transformation by creating a cluster of tax, We aim to deliver a fully developed society regulatory and infrastructure policies that that is prosperous, socially just and globally reward work, encourage investment and stimulate enterprise. These policies have been competitive. Since the directed towards the creation establishment of the World of an entrepreneurial Trade Organisation in 1995 Today, Barbados society, an economy based and more recently CSME, enjoys the around services and this task has become more exports, one that is globally challenging. International lowest integrated and is at the competitiveness has cutting edge of information increasingly become the sole unemployment and communications basis upon which Barbados technology. can build prosperity. Our rate in our response has been to transform our economy into recorded history, Job # 1 is a centre for high quality at 7.1%; down Still Jobs services whose standards of excellence are global and, at from almost The job is not over. the same time, rooted in the Developing new best of Barbadian traditions. 25% in the last strategies to protect This strategy has borne year of the last jobs and expand bountiful fruit. employment DLP government creation at Honouring existing and new The Promise enterprises remains our central The BLP Government came to office with the priority. primary goal of reducing unemployment. Going forward, we are committed to Today, Barbados enjoys the lowest enhancing the conditions for enterprise in unemployment rate in our recorded history, general, expanding our existing tourism at 7.1%; down from almost 25% in the last and financial service base and to supporting year of the last DLP government. The number the creation of new export services such as of people employed in Barbados, at 134,500, cultural, sports, education, professional, is also at an all-time record. construction, computer and health services. 6 We have created Invest Barbados and are in nation in recent decades. The capacity for the process of completing the establishment further high growth in these areas is now of Export Barbados to promote and leverage limited. existing and new policies. To ensure that the next higher level of development is more Unleashing We will increase balanced, a BLP he pirit government will T S the personal open up new areas We are the party of empow- erment, enfranchisement income tax of development in and entrepreneurship. We St Lucy and south will : allowance from eastern Barbados. We will now broaden OO Further support $10,000 to enterprise by lowering the Special Development the cost of doing $15,000 the legislation to include business, improving these new areas. We will our road and transport tax allowance examine the feasibility of infrastructure reclaiming land from the for individual sea without effecting our OO Give further help coastal integrity for our to small companies, investments in future social and economic manufacturing development. We will companies, companies Credit Unions, plan environmentally operating on special and socially sustainable development areas and new shares housing development that approved developers of in public integrates and supports low income housing by local communities. lowering corporate tax on them to 15% companies and Sport creates economic growth. We will introduce OO Raise the turnover mutual funds a Sports Development threshold for VAT Act to promote the registration to $100,000. development of motor sports; horse racing , OO Increase from $10,000 to $15,000 the tax volley ball, netball, community football and allowance for individual investments other sport industries particularly in Special in Credit Unions, new shares in public Development Areas. companies and mutual funds or a combination of these. Transforming New Development The Retail Sector The world economy is in the grip of a Frontiers commodity crisis. Since 2003, international oil The West and South coasts of Barbados have prices have risen by 300%, natural gas prices been at the centre of the development of our by 400% and the IMF’s food price index has

7 increased by 200%. The BLP recognizes the sectors, making them more dynamic and need to mitigate the impact of higher prices competitive.

on consumers. OO We will pass on to consumers the benefits A BLP government will pursue of lower prices a result of the new trade an aggressive programme arrangements Barbados has entered with North America, Europe and the to shield consumers and the Caribbean productive sectors from cost OO We will develop Barbados as the increases. preferred place to shop for Barbadians The BLP has already directly intervened to and others in the region. Developing lower duties and to encourage vendors to Barbados into a shopping Mecca will lower price mark ups for a basket of basic food deliver scale economies that will lower items. Duties on fuel have also been lowered prices for all Barbadians and ignite and on energy-efficient and environmentally new entrepreneurship in the national preferred products, while there has been community a direct intervention to protect residential consumers from rapidly increasing electricity prices Liberalising To further protect consumers we will: Exchange Control OO Enact Anti-gouging and Price Fixing For Barbados to attain global leadership Legislation in international services requires a further liberalization of our exchange controls and OO Remove the surcharge from a number of deeper regional integration of our local stock items not locally produced exchange and capital markets. OO Remove duties on a Health and Wellness Confidence in the Barbados economy by basket of goods overseas investors has led to the further OO Establish a Consumer Protection strengthening of foreign exchange reserves Committee to monitor prices to $2.2 billion at the end of 2007, up from OO Develop measures to encourage Barbadian $47m when the DLP left office. entities to invest in CARICOM projects This provides both an opportunity and a established to export less expensive food robust foundation from which to continue and other agricultural products back to the process of exchange rate and capital Barbados. market liberalization. We will pursue

OO Support the use of renewable energy and further liberalization of exchange controls in household generation through solar and accordance with our CARICOM obligations, wind power and the rest of the world as soon a reasonably practicable. Simultaneously, we will OO Expedite the development of off-shore oil strengthen the laws governing securities and and gas production the functioning of capital markets. OO We will develop measures to transform and modernize the retail and distributive

8 financial risks are shared Responsible Confidence in with the private sector. We Debt are committed to using the Barbados public-private partnerships Management responsibly to create a first The substantial economy world infrastructure while strengthening of our has led to achieving our debt targets. foreign exchange reserves over the past few years is a the further Supporting measure of the confidence the international financial strengthening The community has in our strong and sustainable macro- of foreign Vulnerable economic position. exchange Economic success provides The ratio of external debt to us the revenues to support our GDP was 28% in 2006, reserves to $2.2 social justice. Promises that unchanged from the level cannot be afforded are empty in 2002 and the average for billion at the promises, undelivered. the region. GDP, even when The BLP is proud to have conservatively measured, is end of 2007, introduced the Reverse 12 times the cost of servicing up from $47m Tax Credit – a revolution in external debt - a safe income support to the less multiple. well off that is the envy of when the DLP many nations. As a result of extensive investment in public services, left office The BLP will widen the our domestic debt has risen eligibility for this credit by and the overall level of debt (domestic raising the income threshold from $13,000 to and external) is 85% of GDP. This is not an $18,000 over a three year period and we will unsustainable level, but we are not satisfied. raise the reverse tax credit from $800 to $1100 A BLP government will bring total debt to in 2008 and to $1300 in 2009. GDP down to 60% as soon as practicable. We have already increased the Welfare We will achieve this by growing our economy, stipend paid to severely disabled persons to by making responsible choices, keeping a $96.00 per month and will further increase it tight lid on government expenditure and to $100 commencing from February 2008. using the internationally accepted model To ensure that no Barbadian lies below the of Public Private Partnerships to invest in poverty line, we will co-ordinate the range public infrastructure. of income transfers to the needy, including Such arrangements have become an the reverse tax credit, Old Age pension and accepted model for governments to fund welfare stipends. roads, hospitals and schools because the

9 Health And Wellness The BLP government will increase the tax-free personal Allowance allowance for pensioners from A more prosperous Barbados is a busy $40,000 to $50,000. Barbados where individuals do not always have the time and resources to make healthy This is in addition to other measures to life-style choices. Poor life support pensioners, such style is contributing to a high as existing concessions on prevalence of preventable medicines and transport, the diseases that are costly to 50% land tax concession and treat. an increase in the allowance for Registered Retirement The BLP will support We will Savings Plan and Registered individuals who wish to Annuities to a maximum of make better health and $10,000. wellness choices through the increase introduction of a new Health A pensioner whose and Wellness Allowance. sole income is an Individuals will the child NIS pension will enjoy to a tax pay no tax. break on up to allowance $5,000 on health Cutting Back related equipment, activities and gym from On Taxes memberships out A BLP government will continue to reform the tax of untaxed income. $1,000 to system to ease the squeeze on We will further reduce duties the vulnerable and the middle on health related food and $2,000 per class, to stimulate enterprise other items. and to support individual choice and savings. Increased child The Barbados Labour Party delivers value for money to Benefits For Barbadians through efficient public services and lower Pensioners taxes. Twenty-six thousand deserving Our nation owes a debt to our senior citizens. Barbadians have already been taken off the They have built our nation with pride and tax roll. We will do more. industry.

10 We will: rate of inflation every three years to protect low wage OO Lower the top tax rate We will lower Barbadians from creeping of personal income into paying tax by virtue of tax from 35% to 25% the top tax rate general inflation alone for those on incomes of personal of less than $7,000 per OO Increase the child allowance month or $84,000 per income tax from from $1,000 to $2,000 per annum. 35% to 25% child. OO Further widen OO Increase the the lower tax for those on threshold for land band of 20% incomes of less tax from $125,000 to be levied on to $150,000 and the first $30,000 than $7,000 per review these rates of taxable month whenever there income, up from are new land $24,200. valuations. OO Abolish the higher 35% tax band as our OO Enable persons with incomes below circumstances permit. the personal allowance to recover tax OO Increase the personal allowance by the withheld on interest income.

The BLP will widen the eligibility for the Reverse Tax Credit by raising the income threshold from $13,000 to $18,000 over a three year period and we will raise the reverse tax credit from $800 to $1100 in 2008 and to $1300 in 2009

11 Commerce And Consumer Af fai r s

Our businesses must be productive and arrangements, will be passed on entirely globally competitive in order for our to consumers consumers to be better off. The Department To support these initiatives we will upgrade of Commerce and Consumer Affairs will the Department’s collection and analysis play a leading role in a number of initiatives of price data, increase staff numbers with to transform the retail sector into a more an economic, statistical and analytical competitive and dynamic space. background and upgrade the training of We will existing staff. We will also establish a new OO Mount an aggressive programme to Legal Metrology Laboratory to ensure the shield consumers and the productive accuracy of compliance with standards. sectors from cost increases. OO Enact Anti-gouging Legislation Standards To OO Strengthen our capacity to measure compliance and enforce new competition Protect Consumers rules. And Support OO Remove the surcharge from a number of items not locally produced Exporters OO Remove duties on a Health and Wellness The development of accepted and effective basket of goods standards is required for consumers to reap the full benefit of a liberalised world economy. OO Support Barbadian investments in other Caricom countries to import back to The meeting of internationally accepted Barbados less expensive food and other standards by local business is critical for agricultural products. expansion into new markets.

OO Develop measures to transform and We will therefore work to strengthen and modernize the retail sector, making upgrade Barbados’ National Standards Barbados a first choice destination for Institution. In particular, we will invest in shopping for Caricom Nationals and human resources development, the greater visitors to the region. use of information technology and upgrading OO Commit that the benefits of lower prices, of the administrative offices as well as the as a result, of new negotiated trade laboratory facilities.

12 incentives to encourage investment in them. Entrepreneurship & The increased combined tax-free savings Small Business allowance is one such instrument. It is important that credit unions are modern, Our vision is to create an entrepreneurial well-regulated and safe institutions. We society. A dynamic small business sector will develop measures to help credit unions is a vital ingredient of that. In addition modernize their technology to help them to the small business tax rate of 15%, the meet their regulatory requirements. BLP Government will expand the technical assistance fund for approved small business to assist them to invest in productivity tools Supporting and methods. Technology And On top of our support to small businesses through government procurement rules, and Innovation to small businesses in the manufacturing Our vision is of a society symbolised sector, we will support the development of by creativity, innovation, industry, new domestic and export markets for small entrepreneurship and intellectual excellence businesses. that benefits all. A critical component of that We will develop additional measures to vision is supporting innovation in science facilitate the financing of small businesses. and technology. The BLP Government will implement a comprehensive innovation system and Credit Unions strengthen the institutional framework We have long been supporters of the credit that administers and facilitates science and union movement in Barbados. We have given technology development.

In addition to the small business tax rate of 15%, the BLP Government will expand the technical assistance fund for approved small business to assist them to invest in productivity tools and methods

13 International Business

Previously Barbados was In conjunction with incorporated into the In conjunction with Invest Barbados and international economy other agencies, the on passive terms that Invest Barbados and BLP Government were not our own. The will develop revolution in information other agencies, the Barbados into the and communication BLP Government best International technologies has Business Centre in changed all that. Today will develop the hemisphere with the opportunity is to a sound regulatory integrate into the global Barbados into the environment, a economy on terms highly skilled crafted by us to reflect our best International workforce and strengths and needs. One appropriate tax and way in which we have Business Centre in other concessions. grasped this opportunity the hemisphere with We will: is the development of Barbados into a a sound regulatory OO Complete reforms significant international to increase capacity business centre, with environment, and competition international business in the provision of now contributing almost a highly skilled telecommunication two thirds of corporate workforce and services tax revenues. OO Undertake further In addition to the direct appropriate tax and investment to tax benefit to Barbados enhance capacity from international other concessions and efficiency of the business, the sector corporate registry creates opportunities and immigration and jobs. Opportunities for domestic OO Establish a Financial Services Authority businesses abroad have also widened as a for the effective and appropriate result of the CSME and other trade liberalising regulation of the non-banking financial agreements. In no small part, the business of sector. Barbados is international business.

14 OO Review our legislation that governs the OO Enact a new Sports operations of the international business sector to ensure that we are able to provide Development Act that financial products that meet the needs of will provide incentives the international market place for the development of

OO Increase our network of international tax international motor sports, and investment treaties horse racing, netball, OO Support the UWI and Barbados volleyball, community Community College in establishing and football and other sport flexibly providing programs to train activities Barbadians in the international and export sectors OO Further develop Barbadian cultural exports especially in the music and OO Support the creation of new export fashion sectors. services in the areas of culture, sports, education, legal, technology and health OO Leverage our strong

OO Facilitate the establishment of traditions and reputation in international educational centres that the rule of law to establish will position Barbados as a global an international arbitration centre of excellence in targeted areas of centre under the auspices professional and international education that offer international certifications to of the London Court of Barbadians and which will generate International Arbitration. foreign exchange. We are committed to Expanding Manufacturing creating an enabling The manufacturing sector plays a vital role in securing Barbados’ future prosperity. environment for We are committed to creating an enabling the manufacturing environment for this sector that will help to raise domestic exports to $1 billion and sector that will help employment in this sector by 700 persons per year. to raise domestic Trade liberalisation within the region exports to $1 billion and globally presents significant challenges for this sector, as well and employment in as new opportunities. It requires existing producers to adopt and this sector by 700 change to be globally competitive. To support this process and to develop persons per year new opportunities, we will:

15 OO Operationalise the Export/Import facility to 200% and facilitate the to reduce the risks of Barbadian exporters and investors in new markets abroad establishment of a new Research Centre to facilitate OO Implement a loan guarantee, financing arrangements with delayed repayments collaboration between to help qualifying projects get off the the Private Sector, UWI ground and Government in the OO Make investments and offer significant commercialization of new incentives to support the development products of new manufacturing businesses and the exploitation of new technologies by OO Implement an annual “Skills Needed” existing businesses study to be coordinated by the National Industry Training Coordinator and to OO Provide special support for involve all major training and skills environmentally sustainable investment. bodies OO Facilitate the introduction of reduced OO Develop blue Prints for Sea Island Cotton, energy rates for off-peak house usage Value Added Sugar and Black Belly Sheep OO Fund energy audits through the Special leather Technical Assistance Fund OO Implement the programme of OO Promote research and Export Barbados to position development by increasing the Barbados Brands as one the Research and of traditional quality and Development tax allowance high value

The BLP will facilitate the establishment of international educational centres that will position Barbados as a global centre of excellence in targeted areas of professional and international education that offer international certifications to Barbadians and which will generate foreign exchange

16 The BLP Leadership Team: North

Owen Arthur st. peter

Rawle Eastmond Peter Phillips ST.JAMES NORTH St. LUCY

Elizabeth Thompson Kerrie Symmonds St. JAMES SOUTH St. JAMES CENTRAL Ed u cat i o n

A fully developed society cannot be achieved OO Support the establishment of solely on the basis of the enhancement of a country’s material resources. Human an Evening Campus at UWI, resources are equally or even more important. Cave Hill, so that working Education represents the single largest persons can complete investment in our human capital and must their degrees by attending therefore remain the bedrock of national evening classes and without development in Barbados. having to seek We will provide leave from their Tertiary a tax allowance jobs to do so. Education OO Provide a tax allowance The BLP will continue to for contributions for contributions to support tertiary education education savings by continuing to meet the to education plans up to $10,000.00 cost of Barbadians enrolled savings plans up per year. in degree programmes at the University of the West to $10,000.00 Indies and the soon to be Secondary established University per year Education College of Barbados. We will: We will: OO Construct three (3) new OO Support the thrust secondary schools to of UWI Cave Hill to We will construct bring the enrolment become a research per school to more driven institution with 3 new secondary manageable levels. the establishment of the CARICOM Research schools to bring OO Expand the Park at the Campus. Sixth-Form OO Expand online and the enrolment per Programme to distance education for school to more the St. Michael Barbadians to access and Foundation programmes at U.W.I. manageable levels and the UCB. schools.

18 OO Expand diagnostic testing in emotional, physiological and educational areas. Nursery Education

OO Establish in partnership and the civil We will expand Nursery Education in society after-school programmes across Barbados so that every child three years Barbados to provide care, support and old is guaranteed a place in a preschool mentorship for children whose parents environment. are still at work. OO Expand the school to work programme to Life-long Learning include four (4) additional schools. Persons who desire to continue their education or to embark on new career paths Primary Education must be given the opportunity to do so. We will: We will: O OO Formalize a system of community O Expand the access to adult education organizations to support primary opportunities by increasing the number schools of schools offering continuing education programmes. OO Provide support for tutorial programmes administered by We will expand Edutech community groups We will complete all OO Systematically Nursery remaining aspects of upgrade the resources Education in Edutech under the and facilities at low current funding arrange- performing schools Barbados so ments by 2009. However, to equalize the other aspects of Edutech, performance in and that every child Special Needs Education, the demand for schools Teacher Training, curricu- across Barbados. three years old lum reforms and ITC will continue as a central com- OO Expand the is guaranteed ponent of a restructured national reading ministry. programme. a place in a OO Place greater emphasis preschool Special on literacy. environment OO Expand diagnostic Needs testing for 3 and 5 year olds in Education hearing, speech and sight. A re-elected BLP will: OO Expand such testing in emotional, physiological and educational areas. OO Establish a new alternative educational institution for

19 students requiring greater ICTs in Schools levels of intervention than Learning must become exciting and what is currently provided enlightening for students. This goal is partly by the Edna Nicholls achieved when ICTs are integrated into the Centre. teaching and learning process. OO Implement the new Special Needs In addition, having achieved full access Education Policy. to nursery, primary and secondary school for all Barbadian students, we must now OO Provide appropriate access facilities and focus on the introduction of Initiatives for technological tools for disabled persons Strengthening Teachers and Resources for at all schools Ultimate Quality (INSTRUQ). This will ensure that the full dividends from Edutech Teacher Education can be realised. We will: We will: OO Ensure that all teachers meet minimum OO Continue the education reform process requirements for teaching in Standard with the introduction of the Initiatives for English. Strengthening Teachers and Resources for Ultimate Quality (INSTRUQ) OO Expand teacher training and preparation to meet both local and international Programme. demand. OO Provide one (1) computer per student by 2012. OO Implement a mentorship system for new teachers School Leadership We will establish a National Institute for We will float an School Leadership to address professional development, standards for schools and education bond principals, mentorship of school leaders and succession planning across the education system. of $100 million to continue major upgrading of the school plant

20 Curriculum Reform School Maintenance The delivery of a high quality and relevant To support the provision of technology and curriculum remains critical to enhancing the to ensure that our children are provided with quality of student outcomes. the kind of facilities conducive to learning, We will: our school plant must be adequately maintained. OO Strengthen the provision of gender sensitive curricular offerings to maximise We commit to: the potential and interests of all students, OO Spending at least $2.5 million annually especially boys. on the summer domestic programme for OO Expand the Schools’ Health and primary schools. Family Life Education Curriculum to OO Floating an education bond of $100 complement the national thrust in health million to continue major upgrading of and wellness the school plant. OO Place greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, citizenship, education, science and technology and arts, culture and creative industries.

21 Youth Af fai r s

The BLP through its Youth Affairs Division We will: has implemented a number of projects and OO Establish four (4) Youth Centres across programmes which have responded to the island to engage our young people at the diverse needs of the young people of the community level. Barbados. We recognise that the future of the nation rests with its young people who are its OO Provide young people with more most precious assets. opportunities to participate in structured activity. The BLP will OO Facilitate the National development of Junior Youth establish a Youth Clubs across the new National island. Service We will also promote The BLP recognises that Youth Service to the awareness of self- traditional values are under employment as a viable threat by the rapid changes promote concepts option to succeed in in the global economy and of service, life. its impact on human society. To that end we will: This has significant impact on our young people and community and OO Expand has weakened traditional citizenship among the Project Oasis values. Programme to embrace all unattached youth For that reason the BLP our young people will establish a new OO Expand National Youth Service the Youth to promote concepts of Entrepreneurship service, community and citizenship among Scheme (YES) and implement a special our young people. programme in business management . OO Expand the coverage of the YES Juniors Entrepreneurial Education programme to Community Cohesion the five (5) remaining Secondary Schools Social cohesion is often developed through and the fifty-two (52) Primary Schools. community activity. There must therefore be OO Develop National Youth Camps that a strong focus on community sports training focus on entrepreneurship education for programmes to engage our young people persons between the ages of 8-17 years. and to build community pride.

22 Culture

An important aspect of unleashing the spirit OO Establish, in collaboration of the nation is providing the environment for the emotional, cultural and creative with UWI, a National development of the society. Records centre to enhance It is critical that we the strengthening of the information management Barbadian Identity as central to our national delivery. development strategy. OO Facilitate the development of preservation Who we are, what matters to us, what inspires and conservation skills. us guides our actions and determine the kind OO Establish a National Endowment Fund of society we live in, the quality of our public for the development and strengthening space and the strength of our economic of institutions and training in the cultural prospects. industries. Cultural Industries New Frontiers We maintain that cultural industries must be We will: a key component of the creative economy. OO Give support to the newer areas of Art and To facilitate the maintenance of our Culture such as film production, graphic heritage we will: design and multi-media production OO Enact the Preservation of Antiquities building on the already established base of Legislation. the community technology programme. OO Establish a management mechanism for OO Offer national development the development and marketing of our scholarships in the areas of: Heritage assets in order to ensure their cultural/arts administration fullest and sustained contribution to our economy. and management, sound engineering, lighting, OO Provide incentives to property owners to give access to their property for the film production, writing purposes of excavation/exploration for film and television, on these properties as historical or choreography, and theatre archaeological sites. in education.

23 equity and loan financing for approved OO Establish a Film Commission to market Barbados as entities operating in the cultural sector. a preferred production OO Establish closer links between cultural location for Movies, industries and tourism at level production Television and Photo and marketing Shoots. OO Provide assistance to artists so as to ensure that they are National Cultural properly compensated for Foundation their intellectual property rights We will revamp the NCF so that its focus is on the strengthening of the Barbadian Identity OO Maximise revenue from the sale overseas along other key government agencies and of broadcasts, video and internet rights in institutions of Civil Societies. respect of Barbadian festivals and events Development programming at the community level. Entertainment Continued cultural/artistic programming in We will: the areas of visual arts, dance, literary arts, music, and theatre. OO Build an additional venue for the Business facilitation and providing an performing arts. advising role to the artistic and cultural OO Restore and refurbish the Daphne community. Hackett Theatre and the Empire Theatre Foundation publishing as the NCF’s as performing arts centres. publishing arm. OO Facilitate the growth of an industry We will: around costume production and will OO Create and initially invest in a Festival provide concessions on raw material and Events Bureau which will have a imports for costume making. commercial and marketing mandate to maximize foreign exchange earnings from OO Facilitate the forging of stronger its market driven cultural festivals and partnerships between the entertainment events and from the sale of its services sector and land and cruise tourism throughout the region. sectors.

OO Widen the mandate of the Enterprise OO Seek to host Carifesta XI in Growth Fund to include the provision of 2010.

24 E-government Commission For & E-commerce Pan African Affairs A new internet e-business enabled portal We will: is to be designed and incorporated into the OO Facilitate Partnership and Venture Capital Barbados e-government portal to facilitate & Equity arrangements between micro- on line transactions. entrepreneurs in Barbados and capital Special grants are to be given interests located in the Diaspora. to entities wishing to create OO Pursue bilateral arrangements with e-business platforms for their African States through functional Cooperation in areas of culture, sports, cultural goods and services. tourism, transport and education.

OO Establish a centre for multi-ethnic studies and research.

OO Stage AfoFest – a Barbados/ African Culture event and trade exhibition.

25 The BLP Leadership Team: St. Michael

Mia Amor Mottley Ronald Toppin Clyde Mascoll St. Michael North East St. Michael North St. Michael North West

Trevor Prescod Joseph Atherley Noel Lynch St. Michael East St. Michael West St. Michael south Rommell Marshall Jeffrey Bostic Rudy Grant St. Michael West central City of Bridgetown St. Michael central

David Gill Hamilton Lashley St. Michael South central St. Michael South East Global Sports Centre

Barbados’ illustrious pantheon of cricketing A re-elected BLP will bring the Ministry of icons has endowed our country with an Sports into the Office of the Prime Minister enduring aura as a centre for excellence in In consonance with the National Strategic sports. Plan for Barbados 2006 – 2025 a new Barbados This has translated into significant economic Labour Party Administration will treat sports benefit; with every test match between the as a separate socio-economic sector with the vision of creating a passion in the population West Indies and England a sold-out event for for active participation and the pursuit of our hotels, as well as for Kensington. excellence by all athletes. The new Kensington Oval is It is proposed to complete and adopt a now seen as the show piece National Sports Policy as well as a National of all cricket Strategic Plan for Sports in grounds. The BLP is 2008. The BLP is poised to position Barbados as a poised to Sports global sporting centre position Development with motor rallies, horse racing and full marathons Barbados as a Act as major components in a We will enact thrust to make Barbados global sporting a new Sports the regional leader and centre with Development a major international Legislation which player in various sporting motor rallies, will establish the disciplines. horse racing and requisite policy and With a strong year round strategic framework international sporting international and detail the fiscal calendar Barbados will regime for the ensure that all participating marathons development of in competitive sports in the Sports Sector this country will adhere to to maximise its contribution a code of fairness that will reflect the character to national socio-economic of the Barbadian people. development.

28 We will also: OO Provide a new fiscal regime under the OO Establish a National The BLP will Sports Development Sports Academy. Act to assist sporting The Academy will grant Duty Free associations in the act as the structured development of their entity through which concessions on athletes. outstanding athletes sports equipment develop their full OO Collaborate potential. with the BCA to support the provision of dedicated cricket OO Continue to upgrade of facilities across coaches at all secondary schools. the country and ensure that there are sports and recreational facilities in all OO Provide duty free concessions on sports major communities by 2012. equipment.

OO Empower the National Sports Council OO Establish a Community Football to administer community sports tournament to be administered by the programme, particularly football. National Sports Council.

OO Develop and implement a range of OO Expand the Community Sports Training sporting activities to support the national Programme to ensure greater participation health and wellness programme. in sports and physical activity within the communities. OO Strengthen the administrative and technical capacity of the National Sports Council to effectively execute its mandate New National of facilitating sports development at all levels. Stadium

OO Establish new headquarters for the The Barbados Labour Party recognises that National Sports Council. there is a need to replace the existing National Stadium which was OO Establish a technical constructed during the assistance fund period 1968 to 1970 with a to assist national A new National new modern facility. associations in building capacity in Stadium will be We will: sports administration erected providing OO Erect a new National and strategic Stadium providing planning. facilities for facilities for football, OO Intensify and expand cycling, and track and training programmes football, cycling, field. for coaches across various disciplines. and track and field

29 A new Barbados Labour Party Administration New Indoor Multi- will facilitate the acquisition of lands at sports Complex Bushy Park, St. Philip for use by the Motoring Federation as the circuit and drag-racing We will construct a new indoor multi-sports facility for the island. facility at Waterford, St. Michael to facilitate netball, basketball, volleyball, badmington Multi-purpose Mini Stadium at Checker and boxing. Hall, St. Lucy “North Stars” in Checker Hall, St. Lucy will be upgraded to a mini stadium to Horse Racing provide facilities for cricket, football, hockey, Following the grant of planning permission basketball, netball, volleyball and road to develop horse racing at a new location, tennis. a new BLP administration will support the Barbados Turf Club in its efforts to develop world class facilities to promote the further Minor Sports sustainable growth of the sport. Minor Sports will also be embraced under the new Sports Development Thrust and the new Government will work with the Motor Racing various representative organisations in these Motor Racing is the most popular spectator disciplines to promote and enhance their sport in Barbados. development.

30 Doubling Tourism Revenue

Over the last five years, Barbados has OO Refinement and strengthening of the enhanced its position as one of the premier community tourism programme. tourism destinations in the world. A re- elected BLP Government will Infrastructure consolidate the island’s status as a destination of choice, and Improvement aim to increase tourism receipts and Beautification from $2 billion to In the next term of $4 billion a year We will redevelop the BLP, the Barbados in the next term. Tourism Investment Inc. (BTII) will continue Measures to promote the Church its efforts to redevelop further growth in the and beautify the industry will include: Village area urban areas and those OO Completion of a of Bridgetown recreational parts of the Tourism Master Plan island frequented by as indicated in the will provide for visitors and Barbadians National Strategic a car park and alike. The projects to Plan. be undertaken by BTII OO Further enhancing in- retail and office include: frastructure and beauti- OO Construction of public fication in Bridgetown, facilities bathroom facilities in Speightstown, Oistins, Bridgetown, Speightstown, and Oistins; St. Lawrence Gap, and surrounding ar- OO Redevelopment of the Church Village eas; area of Bridgetown to provide for a car OO Introduction of new legislation to expand park and retail and office facilities; the range of activities that are eligible for fiscal concessions; OO Provision of civic and

OO Introduction of standards and a National recreational facilities Tourism Education Initiative; in Bridgetown and

OO Establishment of a special investment Speightstown including and duty-free area within the environs of comprehensive greening Bridgetown

31 and shading hotel, and commercial components, Construction of facilities; installation of the Careenage OO Construction of street lights, and a car park in the closed circuit Breakwater will St. Lawrence area television protect our capital and completion of to provide the St. Lawrence enhanced city in the event Swamp protection and of storm surge in Redevelopment; security for OO Together with the visitors and adverse weather Barbados Port Inc. and private sector partners, locals; conditions and construction of a dry OO Completion will also serve as docking and safe of the third harbour facility for the phase of the an enhancement hauling out, docking, and repair of small Bridgetown for the Pierhead pleasure boats Boardwalk from Marina Project OO In collaboration with the Pierhead the Barbados Tourism to Needham’s Authority and Need- point; ham’s Point Development Inc., the im- plementing of appropriate infrastructural OO Completion of the second phase of the Salt improvements from the Needham’s Point Pond Drainage and Streetscape Project in Peninsula to Bridgetown. Speightstown; OO Construction of the Harrison’s Point OO Completion of the second phase of the Resort in St. Lucy. This resort will be Constitution River Redevelopment marketed under the Rosewood brand; Project from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and to the Globe Cinema; OO Construction of tourism facilities on the OO Construction of the Careenage Breakwater sites of the former District D and District that will protect our capital city in the E police stations, the old St. Peter’s Boys’ event of storm surge in adverse weather School site, the Fort Denmark site in conditions and that will also serve as an Speightstown and the site of the former enhancement for the Pierhead Marina District Hospital and public offices in Project; Oistins, Christ Church. OO Together with private sector partners, As part of the urban renewal programme we implementation of the Pierhead Rede- will seek to promote the pedestrianisation velopment Project that provides for the of Broad Street and to improve traffic construction of the Pierhead Marina, a

32 management in Bridgetown and other urban areas. Urban renewal will also be promoted Special Investment and highlighted by tours of Bridgetown and and Duty-Free Area Speightstown. Retail shopping by visitors contributes to the growth of the Barbadian economy. New Projects We will: The 2002 Tourism Development Act has served as the catalyst for several tourism OO Establish a special investment projects undertaken in the last five years. and duty-free area at the This Act will be amended to introduce Pelican Village site and new incentives and benefits for retirement surrounding areas. villages, golf courses, and other recreational OO Provide incentives for the establishment facilities. of speciality shops that carry all the We will: world’s leading retail brands to serve as OO Amend the Special Development Areas an attraction for both long-stay visitors Act to promote the Fontabelle, Shallow and cruise ship passengers. Draught, and Brandons areas as locations suitable for the development of tourism related recreational activities. the Community OO Enact a new Condominium Act to Tourism Programme provide for the comprehensive regulation Promotion of community tourism is criti- of condominium developments. cal for providing opportunities to all those OO Provide incentives for development in the Barbadians who are desirous of participating South Eastern Corridor and Northern St. in the tourism industry. Lucy and for investment in certain niche The BLP will: areas that can contribute to the growth of OO Refine and strengthen the policy initiatives the industry. and incentives for this sub-sector.

The 2002 Tourism Development Act will be amended to introduce new incentives and benefits for retirement villages, golf courses, and other recreational facilities.

33 OO Enhance the incentives available for the home accommodation and bed and Special Events breakfast sub-sector. Special events play an important role in diversifying the island’s tourism product. Following on the heels of the successful Investment in the hosting of the World Golf Cup and ICC Tourism Sector Cricket World Cup finals, a BLP Government during its next term will promote and host We will continue to provide financial a series of world class sporting and cultural resources for investment in tourism plant events, with the target being one event for and facilities. We will replenish the Tourism every quarter of the year. Kensington Oval Loan Fund with $20 million and the Small will be used as the venue for some of these Hotels Investment Fund with $5 million. events. We will complete the additional work required for making the venue a full multi- Other Initiatives use facility that can be used year round for recreational and entertainment activities, We will provide incentives to expand and other than cricket. diversify the range of tourism facilities in the island. We will also strengthen the agencies responsible for promoting the tourism Villa Tourism industry. These initiatives will include: Within the 166 square miles of land that forms OO Expansion of the home porting concept Barbados there are a number of luxury villas to include North American based cruise that provide accommodation for a number of lines; visitors to the Island. OO Further development of the coastal These villas make a significant contribution pleasure boat sector to the tourism plant in Barbados. A re- OO Amendment of the Barbados Tourism elected BLP Government will review the tax Authority (BTA) Act to provide for a incentives to the villas under the Tourism more commercially flexible agency. Development Act to provide impetus for further development. OO Conducting a review of the Value Added Tax regime as it applies to restaurants in hotels

We will conduct a review of the Value Added Tax regime as it applies to restaurants in hotels

34 Our Beaches, redevelopment and new development OO New developments shall not impede Our Birthright existing public access routes and The beaches of Barbados are the birthright pathways to the sea and in no case shall of every Barbadian. Every citizen, or every existing public beach access be removed visitor, shall have continuing and expanded OO Where beachfront lots are being access to the beaches that surround amalgamated or redeveloped, new Barbados. beach access points will be required as a This commitment will be reflected in the condition of approval constitution of Barbados. OO The Chief Town Planner will be charged We shall achieve this through the following with securing additional public pathways measures: to beach areas around Barbados.

OO Every effort will be made to enhance existing access to and views of the sea

OO Expanded access and views will be achieved during the approvals process for

35 The Green Economy

Barbados faces an exciting challenge in commercial buildings are powered by building a Green Economy. This is an absolute photo voltaics. necessity and a valuable legacy for future OO Provide tax incentives to encourage generations of Barbadians. the manufacture of This means protecting our green products, and environment, strengthening We will purchase establish Barbados our physical infrastructure as a centre for green and transforming our the Graeme Hall business. economy from one fuelled Nature Sanctuary OO Examine the feasibility by oil to one based on the of waste to energy substantial use of renewable to ensure that projects. energy. OO Require irrigation to In order to build a green it remains part come from recycled economy we will put in place sources. a number of innovative of the national policies. OO Require sewering for patrimony and all developments, We will: commercial and OO Allow energy generation implement residential. from various renewable programmes for OO Review the existing sources for sale to the water zoning policy Barbados Light & Power its better care and so as to put land Company. within the prescribed OO Implement a Greening protection urban corridor into of Government project use by using modern that will incorporate green building technology solutions principles and conservation practices. to afford us the same protection as the present zoning system. OO Establish a Green Procurement Policy for Government. OO Develop extensive protocols for the disposal of waste from the construction OO Offer concessions for persons setting up green businesses. industry, using recycling wherever feasible. OO Ensure that external lighting in Government buildings, residences and OO Vigorously enforce illegal dumping and littering laws.

36 OO Continue the programme of beautifying Barbados We will Beaches by landscaping, planting Coastal trees and creating green establish spaces across the entire Protection country a Marine Our coastlines need OO Establish an Environ- Management protection. This is mental Protection Trust especially critical for Small Fund into which devel- Authority to Island States. The Coastal opers of projects thought Infrastructural Project likely to cause environ- balance the has already rehabilitated mental harm will be re- Rockley, Hastings and quired to place deposits wider interest Welches Beaches. The to meet restoration costs BLP will now extend the in the event of environ- of all beach project to the West Coast, mental damage. users so as Crane and other beaches. OO Purchase the Graeme to reduce We will: Hall Nature Sanctuary OO Establish a Marine to ensure that it conflict and Water Quality standard remains part of the to ensure our beach water national patrimony and promote beach remains of high standard. implement programmes for its better care and protection OO Establish a Marine protection Management Authority to balance the wider interest of all beach users so as to reduce conflict and promote Botanical Garden beach protection. We will move urgently on the development of OO Conduct coastal sensitivity mapping the National Botanical Gardens at Friendship, aimed at identifying risk hazards and St. Michael vulnerable areas.

OO Develop a National Ocean Policy for Scotland District the management of Barbados’ marine territory and the hydrocarbon and National Park mineral resources within that territory Having passed the Scotland District Authority OO Develop a Coral Reef Action Plan to Act, we will ensure that the National Park is evaluate protect and where necessary fully established. transplant corals which are vital habitats for marine species and central to the protection of the coastline from intense wave action.

37 Harrison’s cave Debushing Harrison’s Cave is Barbados’ premier tourist All across Barbados there is concern attraction. The BLP has started work on its about vacant lots covered with rehabilitation and redevelopment. The BLP overgrown bush. These are mainly will now do the following: owned by Barbadians living here and abroad. In order to improve OO Develop a sustainable agricultural project for the protection zone around the Cave maintenance of these lots the BLP and develop the area as a special heritage will: site. This will allow residents to earn OO Develop an environmental inspectorate revenue while protecting the Cave’s that will have the responsibility for Ecosystem. ensuring the reduction and prosecution of illegal dumping, littering and to oversee OO Build vendor kiosks at Allen View to further involve the community and the maintenance of vacant lots. develop business o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r OO Establish a Community Oversight and residents. Monitoring Committee to meet regu- larly to address uses relating to De- bushing, Town Planning Application, Gullies noise and other complaints. Our gullies are important ecosystems for plant and animal life and they also help in preventing and reducing flooding. They also Legislation have the potential to be used for recreational During the coming term, the BLP will introduce or business activity, as has been done at legislation to protect the environment. This Welchman Hall. will include a Clear Air Act, a Noise Pollution A re-elected BLP administration will promote Act, an Environmental Management Act and Public and Private Sector Partnerships, using an Energy Efficiency Act. the Gully Ecosystem Management Project’s findings and recommendations.

We will develop a sustainable agricultural project for the protection zone around the Cave and develop the area as a special heritage site. This will allow residents to earn revenue while protecting the Cave’s Ecosystem

38 The BLP Leadership Team: East & Central

Cynthia Forde Gline Clarke Ian Gill st. Thomas St. George north ST. George South

George Payne Tyrone Power Dale Marshall st. Andrew St. John ST. Joseph The New Agriculture

The agriculture sector cane based production faces competition from low We will with emphasis on utilizing cost and often subsidized modern technology to producers from around construct a produce by-products the world. Barbados has for export such as fuel, certain specific advantages new multi- molasses, branded and and opportunities which, if speciality sugar such as, developed, could ensure a purpose facility Muscavado Gold and bright future for the sector. at Bulkeley, Plantation Reserve. The BLP will position OO Construct a new Barbados to benefit from the St. George to multi-purpose facility at available opportunities. Bulkeley, St. George to Food security, food safety, produce 25,000 produce 25,000 tonnes of use of contemporary tonnes of Speciality and Branded technology, good agricultural Sugar, 20 megawatts practices, modernisation and Speciality and Electricity, 23 million institutional reform in the litres of ethanol, over 36 public and private sectors Branded Sugar, tonnes “A’grade Molasses will be the focus of the BLP’s and Other value added policies for the agricultural 20 megawatts products. and fisheries sectors. Electricity, 23 OO Re-structure the West We will restructure and Indies Sea Island Cotton modernize the agricultural million litres of Association (WISICA) in sector to enhance order to secure the trade productivity and product ethanol, over 36 mark. quality, reduce cost and post tonnes “A’grade OO Ensure that cotton harvest losses and create production reaches the value-added to increase local Molasses and target of 4 000 acres over consumption and export the next five years to meet potential. Other value the demand which will To achieve this we will added products be created by the new OO Revitalize the Sugar arrangements. Industry by radically OO Support the expansion transforming the local industry to sugar of the Pig and Poultry Industries.

40 OO Continue the scientific work now being OO Expand the Land for the done by Caribbean Agricultural Research . and Development Institute (CARDI) and Landless Scheme UWI on the DNA profile of the Black Belly Sheep in order to secure its unique Rural Development intellectual property for Barbados. A restructured Rural Development OO Provide the necessary institutional Commission will continue to improve the framework, policy infrastructure of rural initiatives and incentives Barbados through the that will lead to an The BLP construction of tenantry expansion in the will ensure roads installation of street production of the Black lights and repairs or Belly Lamb. that cotton construction of new houses but will focus more on rural OO Establish a Dairy Development Board production enterprise development. The establishment of OO Ensure that fresh milk reaches the gets into all of the vibrant enterprises across schools to create a further target of 4,000 rural Barbados will opportunity for the therefore be the main focus expansion of the industry. acres over the of the RDC. We will encourage the OO Continue with the next five years upgrading of all fish establishment of back landing sites and to meet the yard gardens and RDC markets in order to meet will organize an annual international standards. demand which parish competition for those engaged in backyard OO Construct a new will be created farming and other fish market at Six by the new enterprises. The winner Men’s. of this competition will be arrangements sponsored at Agrofest in OO Support an expansion the following year. in our fisheries by facilitating investment in mari-culture and aquaculture both in the sea as well Youth in Agriculture as on land. We will: OO Expand the sea moss project as a result of OO Continue to provide financial and the great success at Consett’s Bay. These technical support to the 4H Movement projects are to attract lobster and conch and assist all of those young persons and are managed by the surrounding who are interested in a career in modern communities which will harvest the sea agriculture to do so successfully. moss to develop drink and other products for sale.

41 OO Implement a comprehensive stabilization Agrofest programme throughout the entire We will continue to provide financial support Scotland District during the next five to Agrofest and ensure that it is developed years. in a manner to meet the expectations of the large number of persons who support it and to demonstrate that modern agriculture can Praedial Larceny succeed. We will: OO Strengthen the legislation dealing with Food Security praedial larceny and will provide also for the issuing of receipts, the registration of and Safety farmers including livestock owners and We will: vendors of agricultural produce. O OO Ensure through appropriate incentives O Establish a designated praedial larceny that Barbados becomes self-sufficient Force. in vegetables, root crops, onions, fresh milk, poultry and fresh pork and that we Cross-Border produce at least 15% more in lamb, beef and fruit Investments OO Follow trade policies that will support our We will encourage and facilitate cross-border food security and food safety objectives. investments and joint ventures within

OO Expand the programme of Government CARICOM where appropriate to supplement agencies purchasing at least 60% of local agricultural production and to develop produce. agri-businesses.

OO Upgrade all of the Laboratories under the Ministry to meet international standards Strengthening and will modernize the pesticides legislation to regulate the importation Farmers and use of pesticides. Organisation OO Promote the production and greater use We will: of bio-pesticides OO Work with all farmers’ organizations to ensure that the necessary institutional Scotland District strengthening is undertaken. Financial Through the Scotland District support will be given to improve them. Authority we will: An Agricultural Fund will be established to enhance the sector as a whole. XX Implement a number of new projects aimed at creating economic opportunities. These will include Horticulture forestry development, agro forestry, We will support the horticultural industry to agro-tourism, forage, fruit and agro- meet market demand and to take advantage processing activities. of the exposure which it receives annually at the Chelsea Flower Show in London. 42 Energy

Escalating world oil prices continue to affect OO Set up a public company consumers at all social levels. However, energy remains an integral part of economic to offer shares to all development, hence a reliable supply Barbadians to offer them at affordable prices will be critical. The the opportunity to be part overarching goal is therefore to generate from owners with government of renewable sources 20 per cent of national successful oil well energy consumed by the year 2026. The share issue will be in blocks of such Having successfully completed all size and cost that will be affordable to all marine boundary enquiries, a re- Barbadians elected BLP will: OO Develop an offshore Oil Programme which will fully exploit any petroleum Protecting and deposits in our Exclusive Economic securing oil interest Zone; It is essential that safeguards are put in place to OO Vigorously screen companies seeking protect oil revenues for future generations. to enter the Barbados oil exploration programme before entering into a The BLP will: strategic partnership agreement; OO Establish a Petroleum Heritage Stabilisation Fund OO Apply and follow best practices in choosing any development partnership. Sharing potential We will develop an oil wealth- transforming the offshore Oil Programme socio economic which will fully exploit landscape any petroleum deposits In keeping with its declared policy in our Exclusive of economic enfranchisement for all classes, a re-elected BLP will: Economic Zone

43 OO Create job opportunities by providing OO Provide incentives for the use of energy specialized training both locally and efficient appliances and applications overseas in the energy industry; OO Capitalise a Technical Assistance Fund Local and alternate of up to $20M to assist small businesses seeking to service the Offshore Petroleum energy resource sector As world oil prices increase almost unabated, available local energy resources must be Maintaining utilized to the fullest so as to lessen the use of foreign exchange in energy consumption. Affordable Prices We will: In order to shield Barbadians from OO Expand the availability of natural gas to the worse effect of spiralling world domestic households crude prices, the BLP will: OO Support the use of alternative fuels such OO Constantly review the sources of our as ethanol petroleum product supply OO Promote the use of hybrid vehicles OO Maintain a low tax regime on petroleum products OO Develop programmes aggressively to expand the supply of renewable energy OO Ensure greater competition in the retail from wind, sun and particularly biomass sector by issuing new licences for gas to generate electricity stations as dictated by demographic changes OO Promote the conversion of public sector vehicles to alternate forms of fuel. Conservation Promoting is vital Barbados as Oil prices increased from US$30.00 a barrel in March 2004 to US$100.00 in January 2008. a Green Centre It is therefore essential that every citizen is In addition to the policy initiatives set out made aware and practices conservation in under the heading of the Environment in this one form or other as energy consumption Manifesto, we will promote Barbados as the can have a severe negative impact on socio- Green Centre of the Caribbean and a World economic development. leader in green initiatives. The BLP will: This will draw on the progressive provisions O O Develop a National Energy Conserva- contained in the Barbados National Energy tion Programme for domestic and Policy such as renewable energy technologies, commercial use research and application. We will expand the availability of natural gas to domestic households 44 International Transport

OO Install enhanced integrated Information We will install Technology systems for greater passenger boarding operational efficiency. OO Introduce a 24 hour work bridges for more regime involving 3 shifts, efficient embarking and at straight times 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This disembarking of aircraft is vital to ensure that more vessels are handled and in After extensive expansion of our ports of the shortest possible time. entry at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) and the Bridgetown Port, OO Develop a more aggressive marketing further growth in tourism arrivals demands strategy to promote Barbados as a feeder that we further increase capacity at these port, especially targeting the north-south ports: trade lane between North and South America. We will: OO Pursue the option of establishing a OO Expand the Departure Hall at GAIA regional ferry service to promote regular OO Designate land space at GAIA for low-cost movement of people and cargo facilitating dedicated private jet parking, in the sub-region. and for the construction of hangars for OO In conjunction with the Barbados Industrial these planes. Development Corporation, develop a OO Construct new wide bodied parking free trade zone for manufacturing in the positions to accommodate the continued precincts of the port. increase in larger aircraft from our major OO Conduct an economic impact assessment markets of the cruise sector to establish its future OO Install passenger boarding bridges potential in all areas. for more efficient embarking and OO Develop a dedicated cruise pier. disembarking of aircraft At the Bridgetown Port we will: OO Upgrade the duty free cruise terminal and implement a OO Expand the cargo handling operation by constructing a new Berth dedicated to new ownership model for cargo operations. the facility.

45 The BLP Leadership Team: South

Joseph Edghill Reginald Farley CHRIST CHURCH WEST CENTRAL CHRIST CHURCH EAST

Jerome Walcott Dalton Tyrone Lovell CHRIST CHURCH SOUTH CHRIST CHURCH EAST CENTRAL William Duguid Lynette Eastmond CHRIST CHURCH WEST St. Philip West

George Griffith Anthony Wood St. Philip north ST. Philip South SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

OO Replenish the Social Investment Fund to Poverty Eradication provide additional resources for persons If we are to transform the social landscape who may fall below the poverty line and provide a decent standard of living and a high quality of life for all, the problem of poverty must be tackled aggressively. Community We will: Empowerment OO Expand and extend the reverse tax credit We will: raising the income threshold from $13,000 OO Support community based cultural to $18,000 over 3 activities and years and increasing programmes aimed at the tax credit over facilitating interaction this period from $800 We will expand between the youth, the to $1,300. and extend aged in the community OO Introduce measures and community role to ensure that those the reverse tax models. on incomes under OO Expand the Community $25,000 will receive credit raising Based Technology a tax rebate on Programmes so that withholding taxes the income all Barbadians will be paid on interest. threshold from equipped and exposed OO Coordinate all income to access to computers transfers to ensure $13,000 to and the internet. that no Barbadian will OO Continue and upgrade fall below the poverty $18,000 over our annual subventions line 3 years and to civic organizations OO Strengthen the Welfare such as Salvation Army, to Work Programme increasing the YMCA, YWCA and other community-based OO Implement a National Poverty Mapping and tax credit over organizations Assessment initiative to this period from OO Construct at least three identify those persons additional community and communities most $800 to $1300 facilities in the next in need. term

48 Equal Opportunities Gender and For Those With Parenting Disabilities The participation of women as equal partners with men is critical to national development The BLP Government will commit to measures and the achievement of a just society. that will ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to have greater and We will: easier access to education, housing, transport, OO Reform and revise the Family Reform Act beach facilities, employment, social services and review sentencing for non-payment and benefits, and rehabilitation services. of maintenance

OO Require the inclusion of Children’s Day Supporting The Care Centres in future government buildings that cater to multiple Elderly government departments. We will: OO Implement paternity leave OO Develop a Bill of Rights for the Elderly, to for fathers to be protect their safety, protection, health care OO Institute programmes to educate parents access, and physical and social needs. about their role in raising their children. OO Provide Enhanced Home Care Services through an expanded programme of Community Nurses. OO Expand our Senior Citizens recreational We will construct programmes. three Senior OO Construct three Senior Citizens Villages, in the parish of St. Philip, central and Citizens Villages, northern Barbados

OO Support our pensioners through a number in the parish of St. of tax initiatives Philip, central and OO Expand the National Senior Games to create even greater northern Barbados participation

49 Health

The BLP is committed to providing resources responsibility for their health, through the to improve the health and well being of all implementation of a health and wellness Barbadians. We maintain that the health of programme. our Nation is the wealth of our Nation. We will: The BLP is unswerving in the belief that OO Provide a Health and Wellness allowance health care should be funded principally of up to $5,000 to cover fees to gyms, through public finances, and this will be the cost of exercise equipment, and the cost area where the greatest of an annual physical investment will be made, examination for adults by a BLP Government in We will remove the next 5 years. OO Provide resources through the Ministry of We, however, do recognise import duty Social Transformation that there is a role of and VAT from a to outfit and develop insurance in the provision community based of health care. Accordingly, basket of goods gyms and health clubs we will create a regime is in existing community conducive to every person which support centres. holding a permanent job having access to health healthy eating, to OO Increase the subventions Insurance. to Unions to assist them include diabetic in promoting health and wellness programmes Health and supplements, low for their members Wellness sugar and low fat OO Remove import duty and VAT from a Programme snacks, cereals, basket of goods which We recognise the support healthy eating, paradigm shift in health peas/beans, food to include diabetic care, where individuals supplements, low sugar are being encouraged to supplements, and low fat snacks, play a more responsible multivitamins, and cereals, peas/beans, role in their care. The BLP food supplements, will provide an enabling vegetarian burgers, multivitamins, and environment to empower vegetarian burgers, individuals to take more tofu, etc tofu, etc

50 OO Make it mandatory through Town and Country Planning Regulations for all The BLP will provide new housing developments to provide X-ray and Ultra- safe recreational spaces, e.g. playing fields, walking tracks, bicycle paths or Sound facilities and gym facilities. asthma bays at all OO Enact legislation to ban smoking in public places polyclinics Tertiary Care Care of the Elderly Recognising there is no sense financially We recognise the role played by our and in terms of patient care in completely seniors in building our Nation. To refurbishing the present QEH, we will build properly reward their contribution to a new state of the art Hospital, outfitted with building Barbados, we will: the latest medical technology. OO Expand the Alternative Care of the Currently the Randall Phillips and Maurice Elderly programme Byer Polyclinics are open to 8:30 p.m. These OO Provide an allowance to persons to offset ours will be extended to other polyclinics the cost of providing care for their elderly and physically challenged relatives. Polyclinics OO Establish a sub-acute unit at the Geriatric We will continue the development and Hospital , thereby reducing the number refurbishment of our polyclinics, so that a of elderly who need to be referred to the greater variety of diagnostic and treatment QEH services can be provided. The BLP will: Rehabilitation OO Construct the polyclinic in Services St. John We will:

OO Provide a modern IT system OO Establish a National Rehabilitation so that the Polyclinics will Centre. be integrated with the new OO Develop policies and programmes for the provision of Institutional and Community hospital based services to include NGO’s OO Extend opening hours at all polyclinics Barbados Drug OO Provide X-ray and Ultra- Service (BDS) Sound facilities and asthma The Barbados Drug Service is an outstanding bays at all polyclinics component of our health system. There will

51 be continued reform of the BDS, so that it is an adequate number of ambulances as the better able to serve its client base and to meet expansion of the services continues. their needs in a cost effective manner. Nursing Mental Health The BLP will ensure the implementation The BLP remains committed to mental of the nursing strategic plan, which was health reform and will: developed by this Government. We will now OO Establish a Mental Health Commission focus on the specialist training of nurses. to oversee the very important process of We will enact a Nurses Bill that will provide reform for (a) A revamped General Nursing Council

OO Improve and expand the drug with a Secretariat (b) For mandatory rehabilitation programme in conjunction continuing nursing education and (c) with the private sector Lowering of the age at which one can start the nursing programme OO Establish a half-way house pilot project as an integral part of the mental health reform programme Medical Profession A BLP Government will enact a medical Emergency registration Bill that will provide for, Specialists registration, a revamped Medical Ambulance Service Council and mandatory continuing medical education as a prerequisite for continued (EAS) registration The EAS continues to provide outstanding service, with its fleet of new ambulances, medical director, trained paramedics (first Environmental in the Eastern Caribbean), EMT’s and Health dispatchers. We will construct a new Leptospirosis We will continue decentralisation of this Laboratory. We will implement an electronic service which we started at Arch Hall, St. port health information system as part of the Thomas. The service will now be decentralised implementation of the International Health to the eastern part of the Island. There will be Regulations of the WHO. continued training of our staff to the level of paramedic. We will be committed to providing A new animal control centre will be constructed. We will relocate HIV/AIDS and expand the The BLP will provide continued support to the HIV/Aids programme as Elroy Phillips Hostel we see HIV/AIDS as a developmental

52 issue. In this regard we will: Solid Waste OO Relocate and expand the Elroy Phillips Hostel Management OO Strengthen our sur- We will implement an veillance and coun- integrated solid waste selling programmes management programme We will provide using the retrofitted OO Commence HIV viral resistance testing in the Belle area with sanitary landfill at Barbados at our new Greenland along with Molecular Biology a sewerage system the facilities at Vaucluse. Laboratory We will construct a materials recovery Sanitation Services facility and transfer station, an in-vessel composting facility and a chemical waste Authority (SSA) storage facility at Vaucluse. The BLP, through the Authority, will: OO Maintain an efficient and modern Barbados Water collection system whereby 90% of the public will get a twice weekly collection. Authority (BWA) OO Move towards the sorting of garbage. We will: Householders will be encouraged to OO Continue to provide a safe water supply remove organics, plastics and paper. to all Barbadians. In this regard water OO Encourage recycling and incentives will be treatment plants will be established at the given to entities involved in this process, Belle and Ashton Hall. i.e. recycling of paper, plastics, glass and OO Fully capitalise the mains replacement building and demolition debris. programme which forms the main plank OO Undertake major refurbishment of public of the BWA’s water augmentation plan. cemeteries with a plan to establish the OO Facilitate the construction of the West cemetery at Bushy Park as a National Coast Sewerage Treatment Plant. cemetery. OO Provide the Belle area with a sewerage The BLP will introduce a legislation and system. enforcement programme for littering and illegal dumping. OO Use cutting-edge technology to provide for waste water re-use for agricultural and other similar purposes.

53 Housing

Housing our citizens has OO Use fiscal incentives always been a top priority The BLP will to stimulate the for the BLP. Among the core developers of low values of the Barbadian, is pioneer the use of income housing. the desire to own his or O her own home – a piece of high rise housing O Implement the rock. Private initiative a subsidy has shared substantially in communities, programme the effort of achieving this complete with to help low goal. That initiative has income families received and will continue all amenities and to receive strong support own their from a re-elected BLP services in order to homes. Government. better utilize our OO Implement a National We will facilitate the Building Code. development of up to 2,000 land OO Restructure the housing solutions per year National Housing (10,000 over five years) by the combined Corporation to make it more efficient in efforts of private individuals building on fulfilling its mandate. their own, property developers building OO Encourage the use of new technology in houses or lots for sale or apartments for housing construction. rent, and the Government selling or renting houses or land. In the next term of office the BLP More land for will: housing OO Approve, within the context of our political The Land Use Policy of the BLP presented in development plan, the subdivision of the Physical Development Plan has identified additional lands to meet the housing land in locations all over Barbados which is needs of the nation. suitable for housing. OO Pioneer the use of high rise housing OO 535 acres of Crown land will be used to communities, complete with all amenities provide 4,000 housing solutions. and services in order to better utilize our land.

54 OO Housing developments Fiscal Incentives for by private developers will be encouraged and the Housing Sector developments of 40 or more We will: units or lots will be required OO Use concessions in the new Housing to dedicate 25% of the lots to Incentives Act to reduce the cost of building affordable homes. The benefits affordable housing. include: OO The NHC will be required to sell its OO VAT refund on building materials. land for $2.50 per square foot plus the development cost. OO No import duty or excise taxes on imports.

OO Low 15% corporate tax on profits of Rent to own developers of affordable homes. programme Most families rent New housing at some stage of their lives and may 535 acres of mortgage even be lifelong tenants. Crown land will products The rental sector is a key part of the housing be used to provide We will introduce sector and must be seen reverse mortgages so as complementary to the 4,000 housing as to enable persons policy of home ownership of pensionable age to and not as a competing solutions benefit from the equity policy. With over half of built up in their homes. the rental stock of the NHC being sold to We will also facilitate the establishment of a tenants the time is ripe for a major drive in secondary mortgage market to add greater building rental accommodation. flexibility to an already dynamic housing finance sector. We will: OO Build units for rent with Subsidies for low the option to own in several housing developments income families starting with Stuarts Land, OO Families earning less than Carrington Village and $20,000 per year will be Eckstein Village in St. eligible for a subsidy of Michael. $10,000 to assist in buying OO Introduce Minimum housing standards or constructing their own for rental accommodation along with the home. building code.

55 OO Speedily and efficiently administer the Upgrading allocation of land and houses whether Neighbourhoods for rent or for sale. Communities can be stabilized and OO Support the formation of Tenants strengthened by comprehensive upgrading Associations in all NHC housing of facilities and amenities. The BLP will: communities to be the voice of the tenants. The NHC will be required to meet at least OO Implement neighbourhood upgrades at quarterly with these associations. Cats Castle, Greenfields, Garden Land and Allen View plus 15 other communities across Barbados. The programme includes New technology in improved access, security of land tenure, flood prevention, and greater community house construction space. In order to meet our ambitious targets for housing we need to reduce the time taken to construct houses in Barbados. Restructure the NHC The housing sector is ripe for the infusion of The National Housing Corporation has modern technologies. served this country well for decades. Special Partnership Arrangements supported We have already restructured the finances of by fiscal incentives will be entered into with the NHC by eliminating its debt and placed private sector companies which can build it in a solid financial position. houses using new construction technologies to We will further revamp its operations to: reduce both the time and cost of construction, whilst meeting rigorous environmental OO Carry out proper and timely maintenance of its rental units and estates. standards including hurricane resistance.

OO Undertake more of its own direct construction activities. Along with the OO Along with the Ministries of Housing and Public Works form a Building Brigade to Ministries of Housing maintain and upgrade all Government properties. and Public Works, the BLP will form a Building Brigade to maintain and upgrade all Government properties

56 Urban Renewal

Between April 2003 and October 2007 the BLP OO Pursue the programme of maintaining made a substantial dent in urban renewal, and improving the current stock of houses through the work of the Urban Development which are made available to those most in Commission. We will aggressively implement need. Currently, there are over 1,000 houses policies to reduce urban squalor and expand available for welfare and poverty cases. land and house ownership for our less well-off OO Continue the programme of providing citizens. housing solutions to needy Barbadians in A re-elected BLP administration will: the urban areas. In addition to replacing OO Continue its Derelict Properties Programme old houses with new ones. so as to eradicate the 440 listed derelict OO Complete the programme for the properties within the urban corridor for use eradication of all pit toilets and ensure that as house lots. all sanitary facilities are upgraded within

OO Increase the loan portfolio so as to facilitate the Greater Bridgetown area. the growth of small business and enterprises and provide opportunities for an additional Extending the 2,000 small business persons.

OO Intensify the training programmes for small Eligibility for entrepreneurs setting up new businesses Assistance Criteria thus providing them with the fundamental Our experience has revealed that there is a tools and practical skills to develop their need to provide housing solutions for single business areas. mothers with large families. OO Accelerate the programme for Whilst improving the living conditions of the the purchase of house lots thus elderly and indigent within our jurisdiction, the transferring the ownership of Commission has found that large family units land to some additional 2,500 situate themselves in these households thus creating serious situations of overcrowding, qualified tenants. health and critical social problems. OO Accelerate the current tenantry road We will over the course of the next five years, construction programme to ensure that by implement an appropriate response to address 2013 every urban and sub-urban community this evolving phenomenon which has the has access to proper road infrastructure, potential to threaten the safety of elderly drainage and footpath accesses. persons as well as to impact on the resource allocation needed to resolve these problems.

57 Labour

OO Compile a comprehensive and Towards consolidated framework of laws and maintaining labour standards to govern industrial relations practices and to improve and harmonious protect workers’ rights where necessary. industrial relations OO Promote management/labour cooperation between employers and The maintenance of good and stable workers in industry industrial relations is a key component in the development of OO Strengthen capacity of Barbados as it makes the Labour Department a vital contribution to We will strengthen to ensure the effective national productivity delivery of core functions and competitiveness. and enhance such as conciliation, Such relations are inspections and complaints indicative of good the Social investigation. dialogue between Partnership as an employers and workers Migration and of decision-making instrument for which takes account of The establishment the interests of both civic engagement, of the CSME will sides. In addition, provide opportunities they contribute to productivity for employment of national consensus Barbadians. Likewise, and the enhancement improvements and in member countries of participatory for building social it is anticipated democracy in that other Caricom Barbados. members will seek cohesion employment in A BLP Government Barbados and will be accommodated will therefore:- on a needs basis. In order to address OO Strengthen and enhance the Social these factors a BLP Government will: Partnership as an instrument for civic OO Ensure that Barbadian workers have engagement, productivity improvements priority of place before migrant workers and for building social cohesion. are accommodated

58 OO Establish in law a Guest Workers the requirements for registration with the Programme that will address issues of Barbados Building Authority. worker exploitation, illegal employment O of non-nationals and provide a means O Implement a policy to of prompt response to the fluctuation integrate persons with demands of the labour market so that disabilities into the Skills workers are recruited on a needs basis. Training Programme. OO Implement a policy framework and protocol to ensure that the laws of Barbados are not infringed and the rights Vocational Training of migrant workers are protected in The BLP is ever conscious that today’s accordance with ILO. competitive workforce demands both practical and theoretical skills. Over the last decade or so, the Setting Standards Barbados Vocational Training Board for Training has made a significant contribution In this dynamic environment it is to the development of the human essential that our labour force is well capital of our country through equipped to meet the challenges implementation of vocational training of competition in today’s work programmes aimed primarily at the force. Mindful youth. This successful of these ongoing programme will be requirements a The BLP will continued and a BLP BLP administration Government will: will: ensure that OO Continue to review the quality assurance system OO Promote and set Barbadian to ensure that vocational standards for TVET training programmes Training. workers have meet national standards OO Introduce Occupa- and are relevant. tional Standards, priority of place OO Develop and update Certification and before migrant occupational standards Funding of TVET and National Vocational related areas. workers are Qualifications to meet OO Establish and im- accommodated identified needs in the plement procedures sectors of tourism and for the training and certification of arti- hospitality, customer service, information sans in Barbados to enable them to meet technology, and construction and building related services.

59 OO Formalise training to enhance safety at Expanding Housing sea. For Vocational Pension Reform Training and the National Additional training facilities are required to nsurance house trainees. Currently, trainees working I under the supervision of their instructors are In its review of Pension Reform in Latin in the process of upgrading and expanding America and the Caribbean, the Inter- centres. American Development Bank (IADB) was high in its praises for the National Insurance A BLP Government will: Scheme and the various legislative proposals OO Complete the training facility now under introduced in its pension reform. Noting that construction at Sayers Court in Christ Barbados is the only country in the region Church. that has introduced automatic adjustments OO Complete renovations of the existing to correct cost of living increases, the IADB buildings at St. Lukes and construct a Report asserts that the Barbados NIS Pension new one. Reform makes it more advanced in time.

OO Construct a new facility at All Saints site A BLP Government will:- in St Peter. OO Continue the policy of flexible NIS retirement ages. Special Skills: Boat OO Pursue the policy of annual increases known as “indexing” to the NIS insurable Building and Fisheries earnings limit. Its supervision will be It is essential that support be given to sustain undertaken by the NIS Board. the boat building and fishing industry OO With 92 percent of people over 65 years generally. To this end a comprehensive receiving a pension, arrangements will be training programme in seamanship and made to ensure quick and ready dispatch related disciplines is being developed to: of monthly pensions. OO Ensure that all fishing crews and captains have access to the training required. Best of Treatment OO Attract young Barbadians to a profession which offers new and exciting prospects For Our Pensioners and rewards Those who have laboured in development of OO Establishment of a marine steam ship the standard of living which we now enjoy fishing division where graduates acquire must at all times be accorded the best of certified skills that are transferable to all treatment in the sunset of their years. aspects of academic use of our marine Under a BLP Government pensioners space. will:

60 OO Not be subject to withholding exceed customer expectations is assuming a tax on interest from savings critical dimension that sets an organization, and indeed a country apart from others. OO Continue to pay land tax on Service delivery will therefore assume a 50 percent of the improved very significant role in Barbados’s efforts to value of their prime achieve and maintain a competitive margin residence in the global business environment. We will: OO Have access to a Senior Citizens’ Village which will OO Gather on a continuous basis, empirical information on the nature, causes and be constructed. effects of the perceived customer service OO Be entitled to claim delivery deficiencies further allowances under OO Develop a range of standards that must be the Wellness Health in place for Barbados to attain the status Programme of a world-class provider of service OO Implement service quality training across OO Have their personal all sectors of the economy

allowances increased from OO Build public awareness to generate $40,000 to $50,000 interest and inspire action relative to service excellence within the entire Building World population OO Create a framework of incentives, Class Excellence recognition and rewards for service in the delivery of excellence OO Build the institutional capacity to develop Service and promote service excellence In the global market, product and service OO Make further funding available to the differentiations are being quickly eroded, NISE project to allow it effectively to and consequently, the ability to meet and carry out its programme

61 Public Se rvice

To achieve these objectives the The Greatest Deal BLP will introduce the following for Public Service measures: OO Establish without delay an accessible Officers inventory of the talents, qualifications Security of tenure in office is a fundamental and experience of each civil servant. right of every worker. We have consistently OO Set up a Public Service Institute for the sought to improve the conditions of service continuous training of public officers. of public officers. In fact we amended the Constitution to prevent any DLP OO Re-write in conjunction with the unions administration from ever cutting their new regulations for the public service salaries again. (including an accepted qualification by experience (QBE) From December 1, 1998 over 4000 casual workers and public employees were appointed OO Significantly strengthen the office of as Public Officers. In 2007 we passed the the Chief Personnel Officer to improve new Public Service Act, effecting major efficiency reformation of the Public Service. Among OO Provide for suitable members of the other improvements, the Act provided 3000 private sector to serve for limited periods persons in acting and temporary positions in Government and for public officers to to be appointed. The BLP will continue to serve with the private sector with no loss emphasise an accelerated development thrust of pay, rank or break in service. for major changes in the service. These are OO Improve and enlarge the categories of designed to: public servants entitled to car and travel OO Cause the Service to play a larger allowances, overseas leave and study and more obvious role in the national abroad. developmental process. OO Provide by way of incentive a tax OO Lead to increased satisfaction among allowance for public officers who acquire officers and improve job performance. Government securities. This allowance OO Introduce more flexibility and efficiency. will be equivalent to that provided by way of a tax allowance given to private OO Reward both useful experience, efficient sector workers as part of a productivity performance, relevant qualifications and bonus. demonstrated promise.

62 Road Development

Barbados’ roads, highways, and bridges OO Upgrade and resurface the provide needed mobility for commercial road from Belleplaine to and personal travel. As critical elements of our Bathsheba to development, greater We will extend Bath, St. John improvements are needed, as we complete particularly to our major and widen to four the programme highways, to help boost of resurfacing economic activity and lanes the Ronald maintain a high level of all roads in the social satisfaction. Mapp Highway Scotland District First-World from Simpson area. Infrastructure: Modern OO Complete roundabouts Roads Motors to St at District “B” and at Thomas Parish Groves in St. George, at The BLP will: Orange Hill, St. James, Church and the at St. David’s Junction, OO Complete the Christ Church, at widening of the ABC ABC Highway to Waterford and the Highway into four National Stadium. lanes from Warrens to Waterford. OO Upgrade all tenantry Graeme Hall. roads before 2012. OO Construct six flyover bridges.

OO Extend and widen to four lanes the Ronald Mapp Highway from Simpson Public Safety Motors to St Thomas Parish Church and We will: the ABC Highway to Waterford. OO Provide sidewalks in areas leading to OO Upgrade Highway 5 from Six Roads schools, churches and communities and to Bussa and construct a new link road ensure that they are safe for the disabled between St. David’s and Dash Valley. community

OO Improve Content Road, St. Thomas and OO Complete our National Signage the road from St. Thomas Parish Church Programme and improve our road to Highway 1. markings

63 OO Continue the synchronisation of traffic OO Continue a replacement policy for the lights throughout Bridgetown and St. Transport Board by providing 50 new Michael. buses per year.

OO Continue the process of computerization OO Improve bus lay-bys and shelters. of the Licensing Authority and the Police OO Upgrade the Bus Terminals at the Department to upgrade the delivery of Constitution River, Fairchild Street and service to the public. Speightstown.

OO Foster a safe and reputable taxi service. Supporting Public OO Provide adequate parking space in Bridgetown and at other locations in Transport the island for taxis and review the rates We will: currently charged by them.

OO Complete the study and consultative OO Examine the Feasibility of a domestic process on a mass transit system, ferry service from the north and the south including an examination of the use of of the island to move people and goods. ferries.

64 Foreign Af fai r s , Foreign Trade, Strategic Priorities

Barbados’ international profile is at its highest We will further protect and preserve and most positive ever. Our reputation for our national sovereignty and our political and social stability, good governance, international reputation through: high human development, eradication of poverty fiscal prudence, and for the execution OO Marketing a principled foreign policy of a principled and consistent foreign policy OO The full exercise of our jurisdiction over has never been stronger. the fisheries and mineral resources within The “Barbados model” is admired and the extensive marine space that has been thought worthy of emulation by small states awarded to us by international arbitration throughout the developing world. in the southern and eastern sectors We have built a firm base on which the OO Finalizing our maritime boundaries gains made by the strength of the Barbados through negotiations with France diplomatic and negotiating effort can be (Martinique and Guadeloupe) in the increasingly translated into exciting new north and St. Lucia and St. Vincent and economic, social and cultural opportunities. the Grenadines in the west We will Submit to the United Nations Commission by 2009 a comprehensive claim for an Extended Continental Shelf which will secure for future generations of Barbadians a patrimony of potentially mineral-rich seabed as far as 350 miles from our coast

65 OO Submitting to the United Nations improved hemispheric trade and Commission by 2009 a comprehensive economic arrangement in which claim for an Extended Continental Shelf Barbados’ goods and services have which will secure for future generations relatively free access to all markets in the of Barbadians a patrimony of potentially hemisphere; mineral-rich seabed as far as 350 miles OO Active participation in the design and from our coast; implementation of new and enhanced OO A modern legislative and strategic trade and economic partnerships between policy framework for integrated oceans CARICOM and the USA and CARICOM management and Canada to replace the CBI and Enlarge Barbados’ Regional Economic CARIBCAN arrangements respectively; Space by: Equip Barbados to Secure its Future in the Global Economy by: OO Full and effective participation in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy OO Active and beneficial participation in by December, 2008; a fully functioning Regional Economic Partnership Agreement (REPA) with OO Aggressively pursuing all available the European Union in which Barbados’ commercial opportunities within the goods and services enjoy duty free CSME for Barbadian entrepreneurs, treatment in the EU market; service providers and skilled nationals; OO Integration of Barbados into the emerging OO Further promoting functional cooperation global economy by 2012, on terms of among the members and associate trade that provide special and differential members of the Caribbean Community treatment and adequate transitional to bring the benefits of integration to all arrangements for the small economies of of our citizens. the Caribbean.

OO Continuing our advocacy and leadership OO Partnering with the UWI (Cave Hill) to of the initiatives which Barbados pioneered provide the institutional strengthening in respect of a CARICOM Common and human resource development in Fisheries Regime and the recognition international trade policy. by the international Community of the OO The establishment of a Trade Investigations Caribbean Sea as a Special Area in the and Compliance Unit and the enactment of context of Sustainable Development; anti-dumping, subsidies, countervailing OO Conclusion by 2008 of the and safeguards legislation negotiations for bilateral Establish and Preserve harmonious fisheries agreements with relations with foreign governments Trinidad and Tobago and by: OO Continuing to reposition Barbados Guyana; globally, through the expansion of our OO Effective participation in the negotiation diplomatic coverage. To this end, we and implementation of a new and will give priority to the early opening

66 of resident Embassies in climate change and global Brasilia, Beijing, Havana Consolidate warming, and the HIV/ and Georgetown to service AIDS pandemic our growing bilateral through the OO Strengthening our commercial and consular Commission interaction with the interests newer members of the OO Consolidate through for Pan-African European Union. the Commission for Affairs our Promote and protect Pan-African Affairs our the interests of cultural and commercial cultural and Barbadians abroad outreach to Africa, with by: special emphasis on commercial Ghana, Nigeria, South OO Formalising channels Africa and Botswana outreach to engage the Barbadian diaspora and to encourage OO Enhancing the to Africa, their active participation international in the Barbados’ competitiveness of with special development efforts Barbados’ goods and through investment, the services through an emphasis on transfer of skills and expanded and well- through advocacy in their structured capacity for Ghana, Nigeria, countries of residence the setting, observance South Africa for policies favourable to and management of Caribbean interests Standards, and of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Botswana OO Further expanding rules the network of Honorary Consuls in the Caribbean, Promote the political economic and Latin America, Asia and Africa. cultural interests of Barbados in other countries and in international Promote Barbados as a Leading organizations by: International Centre for Business and Diplomacy by: OO The creation of a strategic alliance within the United Nations, the International OO Rationalising and updating the regime of Financial Institutions and the privileges and immunities governing the Development Agencies for Millennium operation of regional and international Developed Goals and Middle Income agencies in Barbados; ensuring that Developing Countries Barbados remains the preferred choice for the regional Headquarters of such OO Maintaining strong leadership in Agencies; international negotiations to influence policies supportive of the Caribbean’s OO Establishing a partnership with an vital interests on issues of fundamental recognised academic institution a importance such at the response to residential centre for research, dialogue

67 and advocacy on the security, economics of Service of diplomatic and local staff and development and governance of small overseas states, utilising Barbados’s internationally OO Creating a Foreign Service Institute or recognised attributes. Diplomatic Training Academy for the Restructure, modernize and orientation, and training of its Foreign strengthen the Barbados Foreign Service personnel at all levels, and for Service by: the training of the wider public service in those aspects of bilateral and multilateral OO Revising the 1972 External Service Orders diplomacy relevant to their portfolios. to reflect the realities of a modernF oreign Service OO Constructing a new Headquarters building for the Ministry. OO Implementing the recommendations of the Inspection Team on the Conditions

68 Law And Order

brave officers. We have strengthened their Strengthening Law capability to effectively police our territorial Enforcement waters against drug traffickers and other transnational criminal activity. In contradiction to global trends, Barbados is a safe low crime country, and a safe place to be. The changing face of The Roya l crime has required the BLP Administration to adopt We have Barbados innovative approaches in strengthened Police Force fighting this menace and Recruitment of new officers to working collaboratively their capability and the retention of serving with other governments. In policemen and women 2007 Barbados hosted the to effectively continue to be a serious 2007 Cricket World Cup, challenge facing the Royal one of the outstanding police our Barbados Police Force. The legacies of which has been good health and well-being the strengthening of our territorial of the members of the Force domestic crime fighting waters against are critical, especially given capacity and the creation the physically demanding of regional institutions that drug traffickers nature of policing. will enable us to pursue a more aggressive approach and other In the next term a BLP to fighting transnational administration will tackle criminal activity. transnational these issues by not only continuing to improve the According to the World Bank criminal physical conditions and 2007 report, Barbados has the environment in which 3rd highest number of police activity. members of the Force per 100,000 of population currently work, but also coming only after Italy and Mauritius. by introducing innovative policies which Despite this statistic, this administration has will enhance the recruitment and career made the largest investment in policing of conditions and prestige of the Force, making any administration in this nation’s history the profession a career of choice. and this, for the expressed purpose of making the job of policing safer for those

69 We will: OO Convert the existing OO Improve salaries of police Magistrate’s Court at St. constables at entry-level Matthias into a Police OO Introduce a hazard allowance on a Station; graduated scale which will reflect the OO Intensify the ongoing refurbishment level of risks to which members of the programme started at District “A” and Force are exposed Central Police Stations and extend it to OO Expand the existing Wellness Programme other stations islandwide to include a Contributory Medical OO Intensify community policing and the Assistance Scheme empowerment of communities, including the strengthening of the Neighbourhood OO Give the members of the Force the option to take early Watch groups OO Continue the acquisition of cutting edge retirement at age 55 or at age technology so necessary in modern 60 or upon completion of 26 policing

years of service OO Extend Closed Circuit Television to OO Provide adequate resources for the Bridgetown and Speightstown and other continual upgrading of the skills and sensitive areas competencies of members of the Force OO Create an Anti-Corruption OO Pursue an intensive recruitment drive Unit to maintain the Force at the full strength required

OO Focus on training and re-training at the technical and managerial levels. Expanding Access to Particular attention will be paid to further enhancement of the problem-solving and Justice intelligence-led approaches being used Expanding access to justice is fundamental in a well developed functioning democracy. OO Support the acquisition of specialist skills and the development of a competency It is a critical element in the preservation of related scheme to encourage the pursuit citizens’ rights, the dispensation of justice of knowledge within the Force and the preservation of Barbados as a safe haven and a place where its citizens as well as OO Construct new stations at non-citizens would wish to conduct business Worthing, in Christ Church, and make investments. Six Roads in St. Philip, We have substantially improved the Belleplaine in St. Andrew, efficiency of the justice system. We have made Cane Garden in St. Thomas significant progress in the restructuring and modernization of the Courts, the Registration OO Construct an ultra modern Headquarters Department and the Court Process office. at Central Police Station

70 We have implemented and We will continue to implement St. Thomas, new rules of procedure establish a Tamarind Hall, thereby simplifying court Drug Court to St. Joseph and procedures and improving Coleridge Street, the judicial management deal primarily of cases. We will shortly Bridgetown; complete the building of the with first time OO Use Alternate Dispute new Hall of Justice. We are Resolution, including among the first members substance mediation and arbitration, of the Caribbean Court of as a cheaper and viable way Justice. abusers who of settling differences; A new BLP administration are capable OO Modernise the will create an Integrated Maintenance laws to Justice System in which areas of being provide new arrangements of law enforcement, Courts for maintenance actions and Penal Institutions are rehabilitated and payments, including functionally connected, through a the attachment of salaries, inter alia, through greater thereby rescuing mothers sharing of information and supervised from enduring demeaning a coordinated approach to conditions in order to ensure law and order. drug treatment collect maintenance We will establish: payments due under court programme orders. OO A Drug Court to deal primarily with first time substance abusers who are capable of being Juvenile Justice rehabilitated through a supervised drug The existing system does not adequately treatment programme; address the needs of young persons who come into contact with the formal justice OO A Night Court to deal with system. Current legislation does not afford traffic offences which can a sufficient range of remedial options. Our be disposed of through the new measures will make offenders more payment of fines and minor responsible and accountable for their actions summary cases; and will foster an understanding of the impact of crime on victims, and on society in OO A Small Claims Court, a less formal court general. where individuals can go to settle certain cases up to a value of $25,000; A re-elected BLP administration will adopt a more integrated approach to We will: the management and treatment of OO Construct new Magistrates’ Young Offenders which will include: Courts at Belleplaine, St. OO A new Young Offenders Act providing Andrew, Cane Garden, a range of custodial and non-custodial sentences; 71 OO The construction of a new Young OO Upgrade the range of counselling services Offenders Institution; offered;

OO The construction of a Crisis Intervention OO Reconstitute the After Care Committee Centre which will offer a range of given the vital role that it will play in treatment and training interventions supporting inmates transition and re- designed to address the underlying integration into society;

problems of its clients; OO Develop partnerships with community- OO Support services for families of affected based and volunteer groups whose youth as well as the youth themselves. interests are consistent with our penal reform goals; Barbados Prison OO Work with the private sector to develop and implement pilot programmes aimed Service at providing gainful employment for Barbados now has a state of the art prison former inmates. facility which meets many of the international Probation standards for the housing Barbados now of persons deprived Department of their liberty. To has a state A new BLP complement the new administration will: physical plant at HMP of the art Dodds, programmes OO Implement a aimed at further enhancing prison facility programme of institutional the professionalism of the strengthening of the Barbados Prison Service which meets Probation Department and rehabilitation of many of the OO Provide increased inmates are top priority. opportunities for training A re-elected international and skills enhancement for Barbados Labour Probation Officers to ensure Party government standards for that the Department is able will: the housing to fulfill its mandate. OO Intensify training and skills development of persons Barbados programmes and opportunities for deprived of Fire Service the members of the their liberty. We will: Barbados Prison OO Construct a Service; new station at Six Roads, St. OO Develop and implement well structured rehabilitation, educational and skills Philip to meet the needs of training programmes for inmates; the South Eastern Barbados,

72 including the Grantley The new Department of Emergency Management came into being on April 1, Adams International 2007 with an expanded mandate. Experience Airport; from natural disasters regionally and internationally has shown that well prepared OO Give Officers the option of communities are the first line of defence taking early retirement at when a disaster occurs. age 55 or retire at age 60 or In the next term, the new Department upon completion of 26 years of Emergency Management will: of service OO Undertake a national vulnerability OO Continue to upgrade the skills and assessment which will inform the competencies of members of the designation of specially vulnerable areas, Barbados Fire Service through training buildings and communities; and development opportunities. OO Develop national risk reduction and mitigation strategies which will identify Barbados Postal and implement concrete plans to ensure national resilience;

Service OO Provide training opportunities for the The BLP will: District Emergency Organisations, community based organisations and OO Construct new post offices at Tamarind Hall, St. Joseph, volunteers who support its work OO Establish a Social Response Unit to Belleplaine, St. Andrew and coordinate the community response to Six Roads, St. Philip; disasters OO Relocate the post office at Bentham’s, St. OO Lucy to Nesfield as part of the proposed Develop a programme of new town centre; temporary accommodation

OO Intensify action on the conversion of the for persons displaced by Postal Service into a corporate entity. disaster Enhancing Community Resilience to Natural Disasters – the new Department of Emergency Management Barbados now has a state of the art prison facility which meets many of the international standards for the housing of persons deprived of their liberty.

73 Information And Broadcasting

We will: OO Develop a new broadcast policy framework which takes into account OO Establish a joint production company through CBC and the GIS that will have issues of media convergence, domestic an emphasis on the creation of indigenous culture and the technological context. programming content with significant OO Launch a public broadcast cultural and commercial value. service. OO Modernise the regulatory framework for OO Restructure the Barbados Government Broadcasting so as to both facilitate and Information Service in such a way that capture the new emerging technologies. it will comprise a Public Affairs Unit, OO Liberalise the television Barbados News Bureau and a Library market by the introduction Research and Marketing Unit. of competition in television for both wire and wireless service.

74 Telecommunications

Telecommunications offers tremendous technologies and the other sectors of the opportunities for new investments, growth economy

and job creation. For Barbados to launch OO Promote access to basic itself completely into the information telecommunications and information age, the development of and access to services. telecommunications is a key stepping stone. OO Provide choice to the domestic market Barbados has successfully commenced its as to who should be their international liberalisation in telecommunications. The service provider results are strongest in the mobile cellular market and that of internet access. OO Promote the development of The World Bank, International e-commerce, e-government Telecommunications Unit has assessed and e-business Barbados as number three in the hemisphere OO Facilitate greater competition, in respect of internet penetration, surpassed development and innovation in only by Canada and Bermuda. telecommunications in order to expand The remaining aspects of the agenda the range of services and to increase value for liberalisation must now be urgently for money in the sector through reduced completed. costs to consumers We will OO Improve the institutional and human resource capacity of the OO Provide for basis access to the internet at 128kps islandwide telecommunications sector

OO Strengthen the linkages between telecommunications, information

We will provide choice to the domestic market as to who should be their international service provider

75 Governance Of Barbados

Barbados is a well governed work with nation. That is the objective We will opinion of our citizens and government the regional and international intensify departments and communities. statuary boards Transparency International in our efforts on the delivery its 2007 Index on Corruption to eradicate of services at the Perceptions has ranked local level. It will Barbados 23rd among the poverty and be mandatory 190 nations of the world, and fourth among those in the integrate into for these Western Hemisphere. We aim organisations to move ahead of the three mainstream to report on a countries ranked ahead of us society the poor quarterly basis in this hemisphere – Canada, the USA and Chile. OO Further strengthen and and vulnerable enhance the tripartite We have sought to make who may now arrangement between Government for the people the Government, the and by the people a reality. We be marginalised Labour Movement and have widened the participation the Private Sector of Civil Society in all areas of national activity. We upheld and enhanced OO Facilitate the integration of civil society the fundamental rights of all of our citizens in all areas of national activity and sought to ensure that everyone shares in OO Involve Civil Society in facilitating the the country’s growing wealth. practice of good democratic governance During our next term we will OO Intensify our efforts to eradicate poverty maintain and further these values. In and integrate into mainstream society the particular, we will: poor and vulnerable who may now be marginalised OO Widen the participation of the people and their We pledge to: communities by the OO Modernize and strengthen the role of Parliament as the main plank of our establishment of community democracy based organisations to

76 OO Rebalance power between Parliament We will: and the Executive to enable Parliament OO Update and expand the human rights better to hold the Executive accountable entitlements which are embedded in our OO Strengthen the Standing Orders to Constitution, and we will reframe the ensure timely, responsible and effective related wording to made it more citizen transaction of the people’s business friendly OO Place a duty on public bodies to involve OO Enact a new modernized local communities in major decisions Corruption and Bribery Act OO Enact Freedom of Information OO Update the recommendations of the legislation thereby increasing Constitution Review Commission and transparency and the ability enact a modernized Integrity in Public to hold the Government to Life Act account. OO Update the Constitution Review Commission recommendations on OO Strengthen the human rights entitlements replacing the Crown with a Barbadian of our citizens and strengthen the President and proceed to consult the entrenchment of those rights in the public fully by way of a referendum Constitution, modernizing them both in wording and content OO Enact a new Barbados Constitution Barbados played a leading role in the U.N. OO Consult fully with the discussions on corruption in public life and Opposition, the Social on proposals for the universal enactment of Partners, the Electoral and legislation on Integrity in Public Life and the eradication of corruption among political and Boundaries Commission public officials and parties and in corporate and the Public on legislation life. We have signed the UN Convention to regulate the funding of and draft legislation is being prepared for political parties. consultation and thereafter this will be presented to Parliament in the new term.

We will update the recommendations of the Constitution Review Commission and enact a modernized Integrity in Public Life Act

77 Defence and Security

The BLP will continue to improve the terms OO Significantly upgrade the equipment of and conditions of the men and women in our the Defence Force and the Coast Guard. disciplined forces. OO Establish an air wing of the Barbados Pensions will be granted to approximately 775 Defence Force. persons, including retirees, of the Barbados OO Strengthen the wellness and counselling Defence Force. programme available to members of the We will: forces who work outside normal duties.

OO Expand, on a phased basis, the Barbados OO Refurbish the Barbados Defence Force Defence Force by 300 persons and the headquarters, retaining its historic Barbados Coast Guard by 100 persons. characters.

We will expand, on a phased basis, the Barbados Defence Force by 300 persons and the Barbados Coast Guard by 100 persons.

78

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