Building a First World Society 2 Economic Charter 5 Lower Taxes, Increased Benefits 6 Opportunity for All in Tourism 10 A Thriving Business Sector 13 Culture and the Creative Economy 16 Better for Business, Better for Consumers 18 Information and Communications Technology 20 Partnering with the World 21 Homes Within Reach of All 23 Life Long Learning 27 A Quantum Leap in Health Care 32 Growth in Agriculture 38 Relief for Road Users 42 Water, with Care 43 Eradicating Poverty through Social Transformation 44 Physical Development and Environment 51 Justice, Peace and Security 54 Social Partnership 60 Governing Barbados Well 61 Proven Leadership 63

PUBLISHED BY THE BARBADOS LABOUR PARTY, 111 ROEBUCK STREET, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. PRINTED BY COLES PRINTERY LIMITED DESIGNED BY ACUTE VISION INC

1 The challenging times that currently confront us EVERYEVERY allow no place for the whimsical, the timid or the tentative. BAJANBAJAN AA Barbados must be confident. Barbados must be brave. WINNER Barbados must be bolder than we have ever WINNER dared to be at any time in our history. BUILDING A Survival in an increasingly harsh international FIRST WORLD SOCIETY environment demands no less. Success in that environment demands considerably more. THE RT. HON. Small and faltering steps will not serve us on the OWEN ARTHUR daunting road that lies ahead. Prime Minister othing less than a quantum leap will assure Leader, Barbados Labour Party NBarbados a future so secure that every Bajan will be a winner.

Sons and Daughters of Barbados, Fellow During the next five years, the most complex, Barbadians, Citizens, Residents and Friends: challenging and far reaching changes ever, will have o my enduring gratitude, you have given me to be made to the Barbados economy. Ttwo terms in our nation’s highest elected office. eginning in 2005, Barbados will have to I now seek your mandate for a third. Bfunction as part of a single Caribbean market and economy. Whatever might have been my private aspirations and intentions, and my perspectives on tenure in In that same year, a Free Trade Area of the Americas political office, the challenges of the times dictate is scheduled to come into being, launching a totally that I again offer myself for office in your service. new relationship between all of the economies of the Western Hemisphere. I do this willingly. Negotiations to create a new economic t this time of global turmoil, trauma and cooperation agreement with Europe are scheduled Aescalating threat of terror, the obligation to be completed by 2007, ushering in an entirely falls to every Barbadian to commit to every new economic and financial framework with the contribution that can serve the common good European Union. and propel our nation’s cause. new set of negotiations, which will affect our It was generally felt that the catastrophic events Amanufacturing services and agricultural sectors of September 11, 2001, had changed the world under the auspices of the WTO, is set to be forever. concluded by and implemented after 2005. Not even that sombre reality, however, could have We also have very good reason to expect that the prepared us for the raging storm that surrounded revolution in information and communication and will be sequel to the war in Iraq. technology, which has so dramatically transformed ital links between powerful nations have been the way business is organised and conducted, and Vtested and the passions of untold millions which has done so much to make the entire world around the globe ignited, making the world now function as one global economic village, will gather frighteningly combustible. pace and intensity.

2 In every instance, powerful forces will be geared macroeconomic policies and management to the dismantling of the means by which Barbados strategies that have shaped a climate of investor has provided protection for our industries, will and consumer confidence, and that have driven expose us to having to compete on equal terms Barbados’ sustained economic growth. with much more advanced economies in the same Above all, over the course of the past two terms, liberalised markets, and will require that we master we carefully and progressively introduced new the use of modern technology. strategies, new polices, new programmes to e will have to ready ourselves to function prepare us for this defining and transforming Was part of the global economy, on terms moment in our national development. that bear no resemblance to those which have e have carefully and deliberately created a conditioned our relationship with our regional new legal framework within which a new and global economic partners in the past, and W modern, competitive economy will emerge and in circumstances where no one owes us a living. function. Yet, this new situation presents Barbados with Tourism Development exciting and unprecedented economic Consumer Protection opportunities. Consumer Guarantees Participation in the Caribbean Single Market and Fair Trading the Free Trade Areas of the Americas will enable Telecommunications Reform us, for the time being, to be able to plan our economic development free of the limitations historically imposed on us by geography, small population and market size. he effects of technological change and the Topening of virtually unlimited markets for services present Barbados with significant opportunities for becoming a premier producer of high quality services as never before, a country rich in human capital and resources. ur nation comes to this juncture of global Odevelopment as one of the world’s successful middle income countries.

We rank high and out of all proportion to our size in the universally accepted Human Development Indices.

We lead the developing world in the scale and sustainability of our economic development and our economy has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to respond to external economic shocks. This did not come about by accident. he Barbados Labour Party Government has Tcarefully nurtured and developed our human resources and our social capital. We have built our economic progress on a tradition of strong and sound

3 Insolvency Legislation We have provided technical assistance and Small Business Development financial support to build institutional capacity in our private sector organisations and the labour Special Development Areas movement, to enable them to better gear their Electronic Commerce constituents to participate effectively in a eGovernment globalised economy. Intellectual Property protection y these and other means, we have established Competition Policy Bthe platform from which we can launch Trade Liberalisation Barbados to the next level of economic Utility Regulation accomplishment. International Business We will further diversify our economy through Securities Market intense focus on a new sector, “The Creative Financial Institutions Economy.” Pension Reform This will mobilise, for economic reward, the Social Security creative capacities of our country’s artists, artistes, Caribbean Single Market and Economy artisans and other generators of intellectual Direct and Indirect Tax Regime property will be a significant contributor in All of this has been the subject of major, radical reaffirming identity and self worth in all Barbadians even as it presents unprecedented economic new legislative initiatives since 1998, to reposition opportunity to those who epitomize the term, and transform our economy. :100% Bajan. e have devised new means to afford new arallel with the economic framework, we here forms of support and protection to our W present other strategies to embrace and enterprises, especially in the manufacturing and P empower every Barbadian. agricultural sectors. All that the Barbados Labour Party has delivered We have created, for each productive sector, new to date, all that we propose, subserve our financial arrangements by which funds can be fundamental mission, to make life better for secured to carry out the restructuring and everyone. modernisation required to deal with contemporary challenges. In this context, I take the licence to adapt to my principal personal purpose, the declaration made The Agricultural Development Fund by Nobel Laureate, Maya Angelou, the African- The Tourism Development Fund American poet: The Small Hotels Fund “All my conscious life and energies have been The Industrial Employment and Investment devoted to the most noble cause in the world: Fund the liberation of the Barbadian mind and spirit, Fund Access beginning with my own.” Enterprise Growth Fund entral to this purpose is my conviction that Innovation Fund Cevery Barbadian should be accorded every Urban and Rural Enterprises Funds opportunity to live in human dignity. e have directed enormous new investment This means that no longer should any Barbadian Wto building a new physical infrastructure, to be imprisoned in poverty; it means that connecting to the information wave, to excellence in education, well paying and secure transforming our education and training facilities jobs, the highest quality health care, peace and and to democratising the use and effects of safety in comfortable homes of their own, and modern productivity enhancing technology security and attention in their golden years, throughout the entire society. should be the right of all Barbadians.

Building a First World Society, continued on page 62

4 Implement strategies to diversify our economy into special market niches to take full advantage of the quality of our human capital. SUSTAINED ECONOMIC Fully leverage the benefits of our location. and GROWTH, DEVELOPMENTOYMENT AND FULL EMPL our tradition for economic stability To achieve our national development goals we will Put in place new financial, technical assistance spur on the recovery from the recent, trade, recession interest and capacity building and institutional support and utilise a mix of fiscal, monetary, sectoral and capacity measures to enable small and medium sized rate, exchange rates, energy enterprises to thrive and create new building measures to restore the economy to a employment opportunities. sustainable path of realising an annual real growth . Continue the aggressive development of our of at least 3% per year human capital to meet local, regional and We: global requirements. Will not devalue the Barbados dollarxchange and we Continue to promote measures to boost will continue to boost our foreign e productivity so as to enhance the e this possible. reserves to mak competitiveness of Barbadian workers and enterprises. Will maintain the current regime that has ensured that interest rates remain at Institute new policies to facilitate economic historically low levels. expansion through the export of Barbadian technology, intellectual capital, enterprise, Having reduced taxes on energy products to brands and the products of our cultural levels competitive with any in the Caribbean, industries, to take advantage of opportunities we will support and implement a pricing policy created by CSME and FTAA. to hold energy prices to the lowest levels consistent with international crude oil prices. Implement, through the Commission on Competitiveness, the programme to remove Will institute policies to contain our overall encumbrances and to reduce the cost of doing fiscal deficits to no more than 2.5% of the GDP . business in this country and the overall public debt to no more than . 60% of the GDP REMOVE Phase out existing surtaxes and other extraordinary protective tariff mechanisms in Will in the next term progressively on capital transactions, the interest of creating a better climate for EXCHANGE CONTROLS , tourism and international business. first in the context of our obligations under the Caribbean Single Market and Economy Provide manufacturing and agriculture with , and secondly in relation to our subsidies and income transfers that are CSME FTAA. obligations under the compatible with our regional and trade OYMENT obligations. FULL EMPL Restructure the taxation regime to make We have in our first two terms successfully reduced Barbados the preferred location for doing unemployment to historically low levels. The business in the Caribbean. reduction of unemployment to negligible proportions is a goal that is now within our grasp. To achieve it we will: Implement measures to stimulate investment to create new enterprises and ones. expand existing Exploit export market opportunities made possible by new trade arrangements, especially for financial and professional services. 5 The policies we present in this manifesto are informed by and anchored to economic reality. They were formulated with the level of serious research that goes into a national five year plan. Every proposal is people centred and predicated on extensive consulatations with the Barbadians whose lives it will impact. The charts on the inside covers of this publication demonstrate the strength of the Barbados economy and the formidable record of the BLP in managing and governing well.

Lower Taxes, Increased Benefits

A BLP Government will modify and the physically challenged as Reduce the top rate the tax system to respond to a well as for small business and applicable to taxable set of new economic forces, and other enterprises that offer income in excess of $24,000 to enable us to achieve powerful special opportunities for our from 40% to 37.5% in social and economic goals. youth and others in need of a income year 2005, and from Insofar as Barbados will function helping hand. 37.5% to 35% in income year 2006. as part of a Caribbean Single The BLP will reform the income Market and Economy (CSME) tax system through a number of A BLP Government will review after 2004, we must structure new measures. the personal income allowance our tax system to be the most in 2007, and increase it as competitive in the region, and to financial circumstances allow. make Barbados the preferred LOWER INCOME TAX, business centre in the Caribbean. INCREASED After 2005, our tax system must MORE WILL BENEFIT accommodate removal of import ALLOWANCES FROM HOME duties in accordance with FTAA, The BLP recently amended European Union, and WTO trade the Income Tax Act to: ALLOWANCE agreements. In 1992, the DLP abolished the Increase personal allowance Our fiscal system must also allowance for mortgage interest, from $15,000 to $25,000 feature attractive incentives to a benefit that brought welcome over four years by annual spur personal initiative, promote relief to lower and middle increments of $2,500, high levels of savings and income home owners. starting in income year 2004. investments, and provide fair The BLP reinstated the and reasonable returns as stimuli Reduce the basic rate of Home Allowance, set first at to private investment. income tax from 25% to $3,500, then further It must provide attractive 22.5% in 2003 and to 20% in increased to $6,000, which concessions for families,pensioners 2004. is to be expanded to

6 David Gill ST. MICHAEL SOUTH CENTRAL

He holds a B.Sc degree from Concordia University in Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry. In his professional career, he has been a manager with two major international pharmaceutical companies. Elected to Parliament in 1999 as M.P. for St. Michael South Central, he has been an acting Minister on many occasions. He says: “With Owen Arthur, Billie Miller, Reginald Farley, Mia Mottley, Noel Lynch, Liz Thompson and people like that, the BLP is truly the Team for the Times”.

$10,000 from income year 2004. taxpayers organise their savings The next stage in our reform of and investments. Corporation Tax will be the We expanded this allowance to removal of the differential give taxpayers a tax credit for between rates paid by domestic expenses for installing water INCREASE IN enterprises and those in the storage facilities, solar water International Business and heaters, storm shelters, and for REVERSE TAX Financial sectors. home repairs and improvements, CREDIT and for home insurance premiums, as well as interest on In 1998, the Barbados Labour LOWER TAX RATE mortgages. Party introduced the Reverse Tax Credit to provide relief to FOR SMALL We will review this allowance in those who whose income did 2006 and will increase it as the BUSINESS country’s financial circumstances not exceed $13,000 and who Under the Small Business permit. therefore could not benefit from income tax concessions. Development Act introduced by We pledge that the Home the BLP, small businesses pay tax Allowance will be a Parallel with our programme to on profit at a rate of 25%. permanent component of a increase the personal income to The next BLP administration will BLP Government’s tax $25,000, we will progressively reduce the Small Business Tax system. extend the number of taxpayers Rate to 20% when the General enjoying this benefit from the Corporation Tax rate reaches present income level of $13,000 25% in 2006. GENEROUS to $25,000; and we will increase CONCESSIONS TO the quantum of the Tax Credit ENCOURAGE as circumstances allow. TAX BREAK FOR SAVINGS HOME LOWER CONSTRUCTION A BLP administration will introduce a consolidated savings CORPORATION TAX To encourage home building, allowance that will offer We amended the Income Tax we will establish a special generous concessions to Act to reduce the Corporation corporation tax rate of 20% for encourage savings, while Tax from the current 40% to firms engaged in housing allowing freedom in how 25%, by 2006. construction.

7 NO VAT ON COMPUTERS “To propel our thrust to make Barbados a First World society, we must ensure that information technology is available to all Barbadians, as a learning tool and as a business option. To this end, a BLP Government will remove the VAT on computers and computer supplies.”

The removal of import duties, TAX CONCESSIONS while reducing Government’s tax FURTHER EASE ON FOR SPECIAL revenues heavily, will be of major PROPERTY TAXES benefit to consumers and to the DEVELOPMENT economy. We will exempt the first $125,000 in property value from AREAS Their removal will lead to payment of land tax, place a substantial reduction in prices, Special development concessions ceiling on the value on which and will assist in reducing the have played a major positive role land tax will be charged and cost of doing business; especially in the redevelopment of permit property owners to pay in the tourism and international Speightstown, Carlisle Bay, St annual land tax charges in services sector. Lawrence Gap and the Scotland quarterly instalments. District. The BLP administration will stimulate economic activity to We will extend concessions to replace the significant loss in REDUCING such locations as Baxters Road, revenue that will result from Tudor Street, Roebuck Street PROPERTY these adjustments. and other areas designated for TRANSFER TAX urban renewal. NO VAT ON A BLP Government will reduce the property transfer tax WE WILL PHASE OUT COMPUTERS vendor rate from the current IMPORT DUTIES To propel our thrust to make 10% to 7.5%. Barbados a First World society, Whereas existing legislation To fulfil our obligations under the we must ensure that provides for payment of FTAA and WTO agreements, information technology is property transfer tax on leases Barbados will, from 2005, begin available to all Barbadians, as a in excess of one year, we will phasing out import duties. learning tool and as a business amend the Property Transfer This will be a major tax option. Tax Act and Stamp Duty Act to adjustment, as import duties To this end, a BLP Government exempt leases of up to 25 years. currently range between 20% will remove the VAT on and 45%, and yield $170 million computers and computer in revenue. supplies.

8 Errol Crawford ST. JOHN

Errol Crawford is a man with a mission. His mission is deliverance from the Dems for St. John. As a member of a governing BLP team, Errol would be in a position to make sure that there is reparation for St. John following its decades of loyalty to a party that treated this community with callous neglect.

Pensioners over the age of 60 CENTRALISING INCREASED enjoy the concession of paying REVENUE PENSIONS land tax at half the rate of other COLLECTION property owners. AGENCIES Pensioners earning income that The BLP will establish a Revenue Such pensioners will now makes them liable to tax already Authority, which will centralise all further benefit from exemption enjoy major concessions that are revenue departments, except not available to other taxpayers. of the first $125,000 in property Customs, in order to improve the value from payment of land tax, They enjoy a personal allowance collection of revenue, and as well as from the increase in of $30,000, which ensures that generally enhance efficiency. home allowance. any pensioner living only on a National Insurance pension is The Barbados Labour Party free of tax liability on such administration has removed the DEPOSIT pension. tax on interest on savings for INSURANCE FOR pensioners, a concession that will We will maintain a personal remain in place. YOUR PROTECTION allowance for pensioners that will free National Insurance We will increase the grants to We will establish a statutory Deposit Insurance Corporation, pensions from tax liability and we non-contributory old age which will insure and protect will increase it as circumstances pensioners and persons with people’s deposits in banks and allow. physical and other disabilities. other financial institutions up to prescribed limits.

9 The next BLP administration will reduce the Small “Business Tax Rate to 20% when the General Corporation Tax rate reaches 25% in 2006. We will inject $150 million in projects for tourism product development.”

Opportunity for All in Tourism

Through the swift intervention In the next term, the Projects will include: of the Government in mobilising BLP’s priorities will Completion of the second the social partners in a unified include: phase of the Bridgetown mission, and by providing special Further broadening the Board Walk along the financial incentives to the appeal of our tourism Careenage Inner Basin. industry, Barbados was unique in product in all of its facets. averting the social and economic Reconstruction of the dislocation that other tourism Ensuring that tourism is the Chamberlain Bridge. prime catalyst energising economies experienced after the Dredging of the Careenage other sectors of the terrorist attacks on the United Inner Basin. This will form economy, in such a way as States on September 11, 2001. part of the new civic to involve every citizen, in Tourism now faces profound space, along with the every community. challenges that include volatility Independence Square in the airline industry, the The BLP will work vigorously to upgrade. emergence of new and ensure that Barbados is a The Constitution River will be dangerous threats to security destination of choice for brought up to acceptable and safety, and new business discriminating travellers. enviromental standards and alignments that will affect maintained. investment decisions and airlift A BLP Government will inject capacity. $150 million in projects for The Salt Pond Drainage and tourism product development. streetscape project in To further promote tourism, we Speightstown will be Barbados Tourism Investment have established a legal and completed. regulatory framework that offers Inc., (BTII) will continue to drive attractive incentives in virtually product development and will Redeveloping and upgrading all aspects of the industry. partner the private sector in the Fish Market and selected joint ventures. Esplanade at Speightstown.

10 Noel Lynch ST MICHAEL SOUTH

A marketing executive and management consultant by profession, Noel holds a B.A in English and Spanish and a B.Sc in marketing. He was appointed to the Senate in 1994 and elected to the House in 1999. He was appointed Minister of Tourism and International Transport in 2000. He says: “Prime Minister Arthur’s agenda “Every Bajan a Winner” and his exhortation to the nation to “Go for the Gold” got my vote.”.

Constructing of a Public Car The redevelopment of Fort Park at Speightstown. Denmark in Speightstown FUNDING TOURISM Our industry is mature and a Streetscape improvements The development of the significant portion of our hotel in Speightstown. estates of the Codrington Trust to foster ecologically plant is in need of renewal. Our Constructing a multi-storey sound tourism challenge is to provide the capital Car Park in Bridgetown at necessary to refurbish, Bethel and Cheapside. The upgrading of the west rehabilitate and refresh the wing of our Parliament The erection of a Police existing plant while creating the Station, Sports pavilion and Our tourism development new capacity to make us Public Car Park at Dover in product efforts will promote competitive. new niches; heritage tourism; Christ Church. The BLP Government has retirement villages, boating and provided finance to the tourism Completion of the Dover yachting facilities and extend the industry with the establishment Beach Redevelopment at St. calendar of specific cultural and of the $30.0 million Tourism Loan Lawrence Gap. sporting events. Fund and the $5 million Small Completing the Dover Wa- Government has already secured Hotels Investment Fund. tercourse Redevelopment as the resources to build a marina well as the St. Lawrence and maritime museum in We have reviewed the operation Swamp Redevelopment. Bridgetown. of these Funds and will make them more readily accessible to The second phase of St. A re-elected BLP the industry. Lawrence Gap refurbishment government will: will also be completed. We also will develop joint Promote inland tourism as venture initiatives, provide The BLP will also support a the future wave of technical assistance and/or number of Heritage Tourism investment in the industry additional financial resources to: projects which will generate Facilitate additional golf- Facilitate the export of income and jobs in the sector. course development Barbados’ branded activity in conditional on such projects These projects include: the sector. being self sufficient in water The completion of the resources Support business activity restoration of George specifically directed at Provide incentives for the Washington House, ownership of the cruise establishment of retirement sector and specific linkages villages

11 Our tourism development product efforts will promote “new niches; heritage tourism; retirement villages, boating and yachting facilities and extend the calendar of cultural and sporting events.”

to the cruise and boating and Point in addition to the Hilton Construction of new yachting sector. Hotel. Restaurants and the refurbishment and upgrading Assist with the upgrading The integrated Sugar Hill of existing facitities. and expansion of smaller Project resort complex of a hotel properties. Hotel, Villas and a Golf Refurbishment and upgrading course. of many properties, including Accra, Asta, SPECIAL EVENTS The Apes Hill Project offering a mix of accommodation and To facilitate these develop- We will develop and promote a recreational facilities ments, we will modernise the series of world class sporting and Condominium Act and cultural events. Tourism must The Schooner Bay Project at introduce new Time Share also be the major catalyst for Speightstown, offering Legislation. growth in agriculture, upscale Villa accommodation manufacturing, culture and Completion of the second other economic options. phase of the Crane Beach COMMUNITY Resort Project with an TOURISM NEW INVESTMENT additional 60 upgraded rooms It is imperative that all In less than six months since the communities own and The 120-room Mango Bay passing of the new Tourism participate in tourism. We have Resort at Aquatic Gap Development Act, the Private therefore developed our brand Sector has already submitted A new 50-room hotel at of “Community Tourism” to proposals to start up or expand Pavilion Court, Hastings. integrate tourism into our projects, with an aggregate communities. value of approximately $300m. A 200 room Hotel and Condominium development Community Tourism has the Development planning at Landsdown, Christ Church. potential to add significant value applications currently being Refurbishment and up- to the Barbados product. processed by the Town and grading will also be carried Country Planning Department We will therefore implement a out at a number of existing include: programme to foster heritage properties including Accra, tourism in communities across The construction of another Asta, Coconut Creek, Royal Barbados. 500 rooms at Needhams Pavilion and Glitter Bay.

12 Reginald Farley CHRIST CHURCH EAST

Reggie is a UWI honours graduate with a BSc. in Economics and management. He joined the BLP in 1981 and was Party Chairman from 1999 through 2002. He was Leader of Government Business in the Senate (94-98), Minister of Industry, Commerce and Business Development (99-2001) and Minister of Economic Development (2001-03). He says: “Thanks to the visionary leadership of a bold Prime Minister, Barbados is poised for a swift transition to First World Status”.

This concept of a more This Community Tourism will indigenous brand of tourism will We will promote produce a significant number of continue to be promoted new stakeholders, individuals inland tourism as through projects such as: and communities in tourism. the future wave of The Springvale Eco-Heritage The economic impact of this museum and tours investment in the programme will be substantial, immediate and continuing. The Slave Route project industry Harrison’s and Cole’s Caves Welchman Hall and Jack-In- The-Box Gullies Graeme Hall Nature

Sanctuary.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ A Thriving Business Sector

development of renewable Increase production of ENERGY energy sources. petroleum both on-shore Safe, reliable energy products at and off-shore. Given the existence of the the lowest possible prices Caricom Single Market & Intensify the $30 million remains the anchor of our Economy, our energy policy will capital programme to double energy policy. While we will be geared to regional realities the number of households continue to ensure the and opportunities. with access to natural gas availability and efficient use of (from the current 13, 000 to petroleum products, we will also In pursuit of this, a BLP 26, 000) vigorously pursue the Government will:

13 We will exempt the first $125,000 in property value from “payment of land tax, place a ceiling on the value on which land tax will be charged and permit property owners to pay annual land tax charges in quarterly instalments.”

Reduce taxes on energy electricity fuel surcharge in professional services sector. products to match the order to keep electricity A BLP Government will: lowest in Caricom and prices low. improve Barbados’ Support measures to reduce Maintain the tax regime for competitive position. costs and increase capacity the use of energy efficient in international telecom- fixtures and appliances. Create an Energy munications. Stabilization Fund to Maintain the duty-free Create a new incentive neutralise the volatility in regime on diesel for regime to encourage the energy prices manufacturers. export of professional and Establish a Renewable Enact modern Energy cultural services. Energy Centre Efficiency Legislation. Phase the relaxation of Construct an $80 million Offer shares to the public in exchange controls for industry terminal as a hub for the state owned companies businesses engaged in the import and distribution in the energy sector. export of services consistent of petroleum products with our obligations under Harness wind energy to INTERNATIONAL the CSME and FTAA. produce approximately 7% of Provide incentives for the our electricity. BUSINESS provision of foreign The first phase in this project A BLP Administration will ensure language training and will be the construction of a that Barbados becomes the market intelligence 10mw wind farm at premier centre for the Implement an aggressive Lamberts, St. Lucy production and export of joint public/private sector competitive high quality services Participate in the proposed marketing programme, in CARICOM and the wider targeted especially at the programme of the hemisphere. Our aim is to insurance industry. Government of Trinidad & achieve a growth rate for the Tobago to extend their Expand the range of Double sector of about 5% per year with natural gas resources to the Taxation Treaties and Bi- a substantial increase in region. lateral Investment Treaties. employment. In maintaining the Support representation to dynamism of the financial Establish a dedicated legal the Fair Trading Commission services sector we will also seek unit with the support of the for the abolition of the to diversify the non-financial and private and public sectors

14 Lynette Eastmond ST. PHILIP WEST

An attorney-at-law, Lynette has an LLB and LLM degree in law and has worked in private practice as a senior International Tax Manager and from 1999 to 2002 was Director of International Business in the Ministry of Economic Development. Deeply involved in community and the church, she says: “The BLP is committed to the goal of there being at least one university graduate in every family by the year 2020”.

to facilitate further Productivity development. improvements TELECOM- Attainment of intern- MUNICATIONS MANUFACTURING ational quality standards The Barbados Labour Party such as ISO9000, Government has successfully Though facing unprecedented ISO14000 and HAACP broken the Telecommunications challenges, the manufacturing monopoly which had inhibited sector will continue to be a major Intellectual Property our growth as a centre for contributor to national output as protection for locally international services. well as provide opportunities for manufactured products small and medium enterprises. The recent grant of three new Corporate restructuring licences for the provision of The BLP government will: Provide continued cellular telephone services marks Encourage entrepreneurs to support for the 100% the dawn of a new day for focus on production for local Bajan campaign and telecommunications in Barbados. and regional markets extend its coverage. The Barbados Labour Provide protection Government will lead by Party will consistent with our example as a model Introduce competition in international obligations. purchaser in supporting local manufacturers domestic and international Expand the financial through the use of its telephone services. resources of the Industrial buying power to expand Investment and Employment Ensure that there is a wider the market for locally Fund. range of telecommunication manufactured products. services available to the Expand the technical Expand resources public. assistance programme available to the recently established at a cost of $15 million. This programme is created Joint Public/ designed to enable Private Export Trading enterprises to find industrial Enterprise to enable it to solutions to industrial mount an aggressive problems and lift themselves export marketing to world class levels in areas programme such as

15 We will introduce Cultural Industries Development “Legislation to ensure the sustainability of these industries. We will establish a Festival and Events Bureau to market cultural products and services.”

Culture and the Creative Economy

A Creative Economy will harness MEDIA: Radio, Television and Introduce Cultural Industries the knowledge, imagination and Cable, Digital Media (including Development Legislation to passion of the uniquely talented Software and Computer ensure the sustainability of Barbadian people. The fusion of Services) Film and Video, these industries. This new the arts with business and Recorded Music and Publishing. legislative and regulatory framework will: technology will give us a new We will: economic sector with the Increase the range of tax potential to propel the economic Utilise arts, design and media incentives offered to growth of our nation. within the school curriculum practitioners and investors in as learning tools for all levels Cultural Industries can be a key the Cultural Industries to of education component of the Creative encourage greater participation by the private Economy. Expand technical and artistic education at the level of the sector. They include: University of the West Indies, Grant tax incentives for ARTS AND CULTURE: Performing Barbados Community individuals and corporations Arts, Visual Arts, Literary Arts, College, TVET, Erdiston purchasing local art. Photography, Craft, Libraries, Teachers’ Training College Establish a Fund to promote Museums, Galleries, Archives, and Polytechnic the creation of public art in Heritage Sites, Festivals and Create a National Performing Barbados, to finance the Arts supporting Enterprises. Arts School as a forerunner performing arts and media DESIGN: Advertising, to the establishment of a and software development Architecture, Web and National Performing Arts and design. Software, Graphics, Industrial Company Allocate 1% of the total cost Design, Fashion, Designer of new government Establish Creative and Craft Fabrics, Communications, buildings to the acquisition Centres Interior and Environmental. of local artwork

16 Mark Williams ST. MICHAEL NORTH WEST

Mark, a legendary impresario has been an outstanding parliamentary representative who has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of the people of St. Michael North West. “Every Bajan will be a winner with the new opportunities that will come with the BLP’s plans for culture and the arts.”

A BLP Government will We have taken various initiatives activities such as the Service establish: to preserve our traditional Bajan of Song, Tea Meetings and cultural values, including Christmas Scrubbing A National Art Gallery rejuvenating NIFCA as our Create a Walk of Fame to A Cultural Project premier national festival. We honour our cultural heroes Management Office at the also now celebrate National National Cultural Foundation Heroes Day and Emancipation Commission a book on Folk History and practices A National Cultural Resource Day as public holidays. and Documentation Centre The BLP will: A Public Broadcasting Service Continue to support the for the Arts and Arts unique 140-year old Barbados “A Creative Education Landship Movement Economy will A Film Production Unit Make a strong case for A Cultural Archive and Bridgetown to be designated harness the Registry Institute including a UNESCO World Heritage electronic archives, to Site knowledge, prepare all creative works Publish for use in our schools produced in Barbados the “Social History of imagination A Festival and Events Bureau Barbados”, commissioned in to market cultural products 2001 and passion of and services Ratify International the uniquely Conventions for the PRESERVING THE protection of our Cultural talented Heritage 100 % BAJAN WAY Refurbish the facilities at Barbadian OF LIFE. Queen’s Park and at the Empire Theatre. people.” The Barbados Labour Party has introduced a number of Continue our programme for initiatives that have fostered the revival of traditional renewed respect for and new Bajan customs, proverbs, pride in Barbadian culture. games, cuisine and other

17 The BLP will double the maximum loan that can be “granted by Fund Access from $50,000 to $100,000 and extend the repayment period from 5 years to 10 years We will also reduce the interest rate charged by Fund Access from 11.5% to 6%come year 2006.”

Better for Business, Better for Consumers

The global economy is now to protect the privacy of strengthening the institutions characterized by a new set of individuals and businesses; set up for that purpose. We will rules governing international establish a financial charter for Put regulations in place to small and medium enterprises to trade and business. ensure that individuals and strengthen the relationship businesses can fully enjoy As a consequence, the Barbados between Government financial Labour Party introduced a new the benefits of the provisions institutions and the Small regime of laws for the protection of the Electronic Business sector. of the consumer and regulation Transactions Act such as the The BLP will: of utilities. use of electronic signatures and the security of The re-elected Barbados Expand the capitalization of transactions; Fund Access Labour Party Government will: Provide financial and other Expand the capitalization of institutional support to the Enterprise Growth Fund Complete the legislative enable a strong and vigorous from $4.7 to $10 million framework for the creation consumer movement to take Double the maximum loan of a market-driven root and flourish as part of that can be granted by Fund competitive economy and the market economy. will provide all necessary Access from $50,000 to institutional and financial $100,000 and extend the support CHARTER FOR repayment period from 5 years to 10 years Enact a Computer Misuse Act SMALL AND MEDIUM to outlaw illegally accessing Authorise the Enterprise Growth Fund to grant loans computer systems and the SIZE ENTERPRISES of over $100,000 information contained The BLP will build on its therein impressive record of small Reduce the interest rate charged by Fund Access Enact a Data Protection Act business financing by further from 11.5% to 6%

18 Ronald Toppin ST.MICHAEL NORTH

An attorney-at –law, Ronald was elected to Parliament in 1994. He was Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and International Transport and has been Minister of Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Business Development since 1999. He says: “Under new legislation introduced by the BLP, consumers will have new and enforceable rights.”

Establish clear guidelines for CREDIT UNIONS In refining the concessions for loan evaluation as a means personal income tax, the BLP of causing transparency, The Credit Union Movement has Government will review the fairness and objectivity provided a unique opportunity savings concessions as they for general self-help and for the relate to credit unions in order Enhance the protection of mobilization of savings from all to make them more attractive. the intellectual property and strata of society for the provision other proprietary interests of service to members of the After full consultation we will of small business movement. amend the Cooperatives Societies Act to: Establish a joint public sector Since 1994, total membership Consultative Group for has increased from 44,000 to Strengthened the regulatory Small Business Financing 106,287, total assets from framework for Credit Unions; which will periodically $178.2 million to $580.1 million and review operations of the and total savings from $138.7 million to $480.0 million. Introduce modern prudential Government financing and standards to better protect technical assistance agencies The BLP will continue to support the assets and savings of the movement and facilitate and Continue to fully fund the promote its continued growth members. Small Business Association and development.

Since 1994, total membership has increased from 44,000 to 106,287, total assets from $178.2 million to $580.1 million and total savings from $138.7 million to $480 million.

19 With the assistance of the private sector, we will make “available for sale, more than 8,000 lots resulting in 10,000 housing solutions. Some 2700 lots which are currently being rented will be made available for purchase in the old estates.”

Information and Communications Technology

In an age where economic Technology to make it the Encourage study and systems and entire societies are premier national institution research in science and being shaped more and more by in the area of Science and technology; technological factors, the BLP Technology conducting Enact legislation to give will implement its science and research in a number of greater certainty to Science technology plan. areas critical to national development, including and Technology activities. We will: renewable energy sources; Fund research in Information genetic improvement of Commit 1.5% of GDP to and Communications crops and farm animals and research and development in Technology at institutions Science and Technology. efficient use of water resources and the such as the Community Re-fashion the National conversion of sea water to College (University College of Council for Science and fresh water. Barbados).

Maritime delimitation agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and France (Martinique) will be a key priority.

20 Billie Miller CITY OF BRIDGETOWN

An attorney-at-law, Billie has distinguished herself across the globe as a knowledgeable, energetic and fearless Foreign Minister. Her outstanding political career began in 1976 and she was Barbados’ first woman Cabinet Minister. “Always proactive, always strategic, never less than bold, Prime Minister Arthur recites a mantra that provides clear insight into the character of his leadership: We have to find new ways of doing things.”

Partnering with the World

The catastrophic events of debate on that constituency’s Working closely with the September 11th, 2001, and the concerns in all the corridors of Private Sector to exploit to extraordinary actions they have power. the maximum the economic propelled in the fight against and trade benefits provided The central objective of trade terrorism, have injected a new by the CSME; policy will be to position and profoundly disturbing level Barbados to secure a viable place Concluding maritime of uncertainty and un- in the global economy, exploiting delimitation agreements predictability into the conduct of to the fullest our human capital with Trinidad and Tobago, international affairs. Global endowments. St. Vincent and the insecurity has heavily impacted Grenadines, St. Lucia and Caribbean economies, and has The BLP Government’s France (Martinique); presented and will continue to diplomatic and present serious challenges to our negotiating effort will Promoting the establish- vital tourism and financial give priority: ment within CARICOM of a Common Fisheries Regime services sectors. Pursuing in our Caribbean to allow for the rational and As a consequence, the Barbados neighbourhood deeper, sustainable exploitation of Foreign Service must strengthen broader and faster the region’s shared living and diversify its diplomatic liberalisation among marine resources; coverage, particularly in the ourselves as the foundation hemisphere, and must create for liberalisation with the Positioning Barbados to strategic alliances with like- wider world; exploit the opportunities of the Free Trade Area of the minded states to advance shared Maintaining Barbados’ Americas, through the interest globally. It must also leadership in the effort to development of new and remain in the forefront of the bring into force the non-traditional economic continuing efforts to build an Caribbean Community Single linkages, in tourism, financial effective and cohesive small Market and Economy services, trade and states lobby to energise the (CSME);

21 We will increase personal allowance from $15,000 to “$25,000 over four years by annual increments of $2,500, starting in income year 2004. We will reduce the basic rate of income tax from 25% to 22.5% in 2003 and to 20% in 2004.”

investment, with our International Financial avenues for the export of developing country partners Institutions and in the FTAA services; in South and Central EU/ACP and WTO Coordinating the efforts of America; negotiations; the Country Team abroad to Diversifying our diplomatic Participating actively in the promote Barbados’ coverage through the negotiations to create the development priorities as establishment of a resident Free Trade Area of the well as to brand and market mission in Brazil, and giving Americas (FTAA) by 2005, the Barbados model consideration to a further revise the trade provisions of internationally; resident presence in a the Cotonou Agreement Expanding the network of selected Central American between the ACP and EU Honorary Consuls in strategic Country; countries by 2007, locations throughout the reforming existing WTO Consolidating our valuable world; Agreements and fashion partnerships with Canada, new multilateral rules; and Maintaining and building the United States, the working to ensure that upon the successful People’s Republic of China Barbados benefits from the facilitation programme for and Latin America, with outcome of these trade Returning Nationals, particular emphasis on trade, negotiations; focusing in particular on financial services and initiatives to encourage investment; Promoting Barbados as a overseas nationals to invest source of knowledge-based Promoting and defending in Barbados, or participate services and seeking to small states issues and actively in other aspects of ensure that international concerns internationally, at its economic development. trade agreements provide the Commonwealth, the

22 Gline Clarke ST. GEORGE NORTH

A graduate teacher by profession, Gline has a BSc in Social Science and Certificates in Education and Industrial Relations. He worked with the Farm Labour programme in Canada (83-87) and was elected as M.P. for St. George North in 1994, when he was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works. He was Minister of Housing from 1999-2003. He says: “The BLP has made sure that even the very poor are assured of comfortable public housing below market value”.

Homes Within Reach of All

To fully house the nation stands ACCESS TO LAND below $1,500.00 per month, out as one of our greatest with part of the rent paid challenges of the first decade of With the assistance of the private going towards the purchase the 21st century. sector, we will make available for of these lots. sale, more than 8,000 lots The BLP administration resulting in 10,000 housing We will continue to make lots recognises that this challenge solutions. available for letting to must be met through a persons who have been Priority will be given to first combination of policies and evicted. time homeowners in the programmes: lower and middle-income New measures to facilitate bracket. LEASE OF LOTS access to land at affordable We will continue to give Long-term lease arrangements prices. priority to the use of existing of lots owned by the National Government-owned lands A dramatic increase in the Housing Corporation will also be for housing. provision of housing to low introduced to provide another and lower middle income To fully address demand we option guaranteeing security of persons will, in the next term, acquire tenure. each year, approximately 75 New measures to address acres of land from the Eligible persons will be able to security of tenure private sector. enter into arrangements for a The championing of new 30-year lease with an option to partnership arrangements purchase. Such leases will allow with the private sector to RENTAL OF LOTS persons to build wall structures provide housing for other We will continue to rent lots on the land. sectors of the population to persons whose income is

23 Some 2700 lots which are currently being rented will be “made available for purchase in the old estates. More than 10,000 families principally in the Greater Bridgetown and St. Michael area will benefit from the entitlement and right to purchase.”

It is expected that three This programme is aimed at the WE WILL SELL thousand six hundred and fifty lower middle and middle income RENTAL UNITS (3,650) households will benefit earners. from the sale of rental units. The BLP Government commenced a programme to sell TITLES FASTER its rental units and lots on a 2,000 HOUSE LOTS phased basis. This “sale of units” In order to speed up the process, programme affecting property in ON SALE reduce cost and guarantee a all the estates will be executed good and marketable title in all Some 2700 lots which are over a two-year period. land transfers, the BLP currently being rented will be administration will complete the The concessions to which made available for purchase in computerisation of the search prospective homeowners will be the old estates. system and accelerate the Land entitled are: The sale of these lots will be Registration process for the The basic purchase price will accompanied by a concession 14,000 adjudicated lots. be 75% of the value of the which will allow the beneficiaries properties as established by to offset the purchase price by a the Land Valuation credit of up to $100 per year of MORE LAND AT Department. rent paid, up to a maximum of $2.50 PER SQUARE $2500. Persons eligible to be potential home purchasers FOOT will be entitled to reduce 1,000 HOMES Since 1981 more than 4,500 that basic price by offsetting persons have bought their lots rents paid, up to a maximum Over the next five years a joint in the Plantation Tenantries of $25,000. venture housing programme under the Tenantries Freehold with the private sector will be Purchase Act. This has had a Potential homebuyers will be carried out in these areas - entitled to a concession to tremendous transforming effect Blackmans, Coverley, Deans further reduce the basic on Rural Barbados conferring Town, Ellerton, Groves Phase 2, price by claiming a credit of not only the right to purchase Lancaster, and Upton. Overall the up to a maximum of $5000 but also the right of combination of these measures for agreed repairs to the unit development. will generate 10,000 housing to be undertaken at their In the last term we began the solutions in the next five years. own expense. transfer of title to tenants in

24 George Payne ST. ANDREW

An attorney-at-law, George has been the Member of Parliament for St. Andrew since 1991. He was Minister of Public Works, Transport and Housing (94-99) and Minister of Tourism and International Transport (99-2000). A former national athletic, he has been active in a number of community and service organisations. He says: “In every Ministry in which I have worked the BLP has been changing the face of Barbados. It is the same with every Ministry of this government.”

urban and rural non-plantation tenantries at subsidized prices. NEW HOUSING ACCESS TO Under this programme more STANDARDS FINANCING than 10,000 families principally Minimum standards for The Barbados Labour Party in the Greater Bridgetown and housing will be introduced to introduced in 1998 the St. Michael area will benefit ensure that private rental programme where first-time from the entitlement and right accommodation must homeowners earning up to to purchase. provide basic amenities like $3,000 per month could obtain Such beneficiaries will be running water, water toilet mortgages of $100,000 at 6% allowed to purchase their lots and electricity. from the Barbados Mortgage at a price of no more than $2.50 Finance Company. per square foot, with During the period $50 million in government meeting the LOTS FOR mortgages was disbursed to six difference between that price COMMUNITY-BASED hundred and eleven (611) and fair market value. ENTERPRISES applicants under this The Tenantries Act will be programme. amended to give single lot The BLP Government will make The BLP will further expand this tenants the entitlement to available lots for rental with an programme to bring benefits to purchase a lot from the Crown option to purchase, to small other potential first time in the event that they are entrepreneurs who provide homeowners. evicted. services such as spray painting, mechanics, wrought iron inter The loan limit will be Provision will be made for first- alia to meet an expressed urgent increased from $100,000 to time owners, whose total demand for space and to $150,000 household income is less than perform such services and to $15,000 per year to purchase The earnings qualification relocate them from the streets. lots from the NHC at $2.50 per base will move from $3,000 square foot (including land and to $4,000 development cost) under The earnings qualification restrictive covenant. category will be broadened

25 As a first measure the Government will allow the raising “of $50 million for the HCF through the issuance of National Housing Bonds” The upgrading of facilities at Belleplaine and the “implementation of plans for Centres in St. Lucy and St. John will be a priority.”

thus ensuring that those the General Workers Loan Fund be allowed to raise funds by persons who earn between to conduct repairs and to way of bond issues under $4,001 and $5,000 would purchase land. Government guarantee. benefit from concessionary $45 million dollars was lent As a first measure the mortgage loans as follows: under the same programme to Government will allow the MONTHLY INTEREST 3,891 persons. raising of $50 million for the SALARY RATE During the next term the BLP HCF through the issuance of Up to $4000 6% administration will inject a National Housing Bonds $4 001 - $4 500 6 ¼% further $30 million to service We will continue to provide the needs of an additional 3,000 the HCF with an interest rate $4 501 - $5 000 6 ½% persons who have applied for subsidy on funds borrowed Funds for these facilities will be loans. to enable the institution to available from financial continue to make loans institutions through the Housing available to clients at Credit Fund. HOUSING CREDIT concessionary rates. FUND BENEFIT FOR The Housing Credit was TOWN CENTRES established in 1985 with a USAID SENIORS loan of U$10m, and has so far CROSS COUNTRY At present, persons can borrow disbursed approximately BD$157 The creation of Town Centres as mortgage funds up to the age million for mortgages to the a means of bringing vital services of sixty-five (65). We propose Barbados Mortgage Finance to local communities is a critical to increase this to age seventy Company, Credit Unions and part of the effort of the (70). other financial institutions who Government to ensure balanced then on–lend to individuals. and equitable development. The In 2003 the Housing Credit Fund BLP administration sets as a GENERAL WORKERS (HCF) will be incorporated strategic goal the establishment LOAN FUND as a fully-fledged secondary of a main civic center in each mortgage institution admin- parish by the end of the first Between April 1986 to March istered by the Central Bank. decade of the 21st century. 1994 under the previous DLP administration $5.7 million only To expand the resources The creation of such Town was lent to 821 persons under available to it. The HCF will Centres will involve building

26 Cynthia Forde ST. THOMAS

A graduate teacher with 20 years professional experience, “Cinthy” has a long and distinguished record of committed service to St. Thomas. She was appointed to the Senate in 1994 and made Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport. She was promoted to Minister of State in the same Ministry in 2001. She says: “The Dems should be severely punished for their stated intention to dismantle Edutech. That would be nothing less than a slaughter of the innocents.”

facilities to provide a cluster of Work has started on the The upgrading of facilities at services including Post Office, transformation at Six Roads. Belleplaine and the Library, Resource Center and implementation of plans for Plans for Centres at Cane Market in strategic locations. Centres in St. Lucy and St. Garden and Horse Hill have John will be a priority. Such centres at Warrens and been completed and will

Glebe are now functional. shortly be implemented.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Life Long Learning

We have set for ourselves the objective of transforming our EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUTECH - nation into a fully developed EDUCATION REVOLUTIONISING society in the shortest possible time. Central to the achievement OPERATION EDUCATION IN OUR of this will be the transformation HEADSTART PRIMARY AND which we will undertake to The most critical period of a develop every capacity in our child’s development is its early SECONDARY SCHOOLS educational system. years. The Barbados Labour Party will complete the implementation of At present only 80% of the the Edutech programme which children benefit from formal pre- has been designed to bring school education. We will ensure about a revolution in education that ALL children of pre-school in our schools. This programme age have access to early has been conceived to produce childhood education. students who:

27 The BLP is committed to the goal of there being at “least one university graduate in every family by the year 2020. The major initiative in education by the BLP in the next term will be the establishment of a University College of Barbados..”

Are creative thinkers – that Implement a system of Scheme to recognise and ask what, how, why, when continuous assessment, so reward excellence within the and where that a child’s performance teaching profession. over a 4-year period will Possess effective Expand the highly successful constitute 40% of the overall communication skills Parent Volunteer Support “eleven plus” assessment Are technologically Programme in Early Complete the process for the competent Childhood Education from issuing of a new National the current 55 primary Are trainable and readily Secondary School Certificate. schools to all primary retrainable Establish an Academy of schools. Are confident and Excellence in Sports and Establish a Centre for acknowledge and understand Culture to enhance the skills Behavioural Adjustment in their social and civic in sports and culture of those partnership with NGOs to responsibilities young people with potential. provide a rehabilitative And have the potential to Complete the refurbishing of residential setting to address become future leaders. our school plant and develop the serious behavioural problems of children The key components of the partnerships with referred by the Edna Nicholls programme, as conceived, are: communities, PTAs and other interested NGOs to maintain Centre, while satisfying the Curriculum reform the plant. academic needs of these students. The modernisation of the Expand and strengthen school-plant training at Erdiston Teachers Offer day care and other Institutional strengthening Training College for teachers support to school age of the sector; and and school administrators at mothers that will enable all levels, through partnerships them to re-enter the school The introduction of with internationally renowned system. technology in the schools. universities. Provide the remaining We will: Fully implement, in computer and other Complete the implemen- partnership with the private technological tools to tation of the new curriculum sector, a system wide support the learning process at the primary and secondary National Teachers Award in both academic and levels. vocational studies.

28 Rudy Grant CHRIST CHURCH EAST CENTRAL

Rudy has a B.A. in economics and has displayed his skills as senior consultant in the Ministry of Economic Development. He is looking forward to creating opportunities for the people of Christ Church East Central to develop themselves and their communities. He says: “The Barbados Labour Party is resolutely committed to eradicating poverty and to providing opportunities for marginalised persons in our country”.

TERTIARY UNIVERSITY MORE FUNDS FOR EDUCATION COLLEGE OF STUDENTS A key indicator of a country’s BARBADOS Through the Student Revolving development in today’s world is Loan Fund, the Barbados Labour The major initiative in education the number of persons Party will continue to provide by the BLP in the next term will successfully completing tertiary funding for young persons who be the establishment of a education. At present only 28% could not otherwise afford a University College of Barbados. of our students move from tertiary education. secondary school to university. More Barbadians are seeking A new BLP Government While this is the highest in the education at the tertiary level will: region, we need to urgently than can be currently increase the intake to enable us accommodated at the Barbados Continue to make more to reach our national objectives Community College, Samuel funds available for lending and offer wider opportunities to Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, while constantly keeping the our young people. The BLP is Erdiston Teachers Training loan limits under review. committed to the goal of there College and the University of the Include distance learning being at least one university West Indies. education as a category graduate in every family by the We will establish the University entitled to funding through year 2020. College of Barbados that can fully the Student Revolving Loan We also renew our meet our existing and future Fund. pledge: training needs, broaden the Review the repayment scope of educational To meet the tuition cost of arrangements in order to opportunities, and offer training Barbadians attending the reduce hardship on in areas not previously given University of the West borrowers from the interest recognition. That will widen the Indies; and on student loans. services presently offered by the Fully support the develop- Barbados Community College, ment programme at the Erdiston Teachers Training University of the West College and the Samuel Jackman Indies, Cave Hill, to make it a Prescod Polytechnic. centre of excellence.

29 We will implement a comprehensive programme of adult “education and retraining at the community level in partnership with NGOs.” Expand and intensify the work of the Block Committee to “develop and implement programmes for re-integrating “marginalised” young people into the mainstream of society.”

We will: of the Barbados Youth Service SPECIAL NEEDS Programme to 4 months and Implement a comprehen- We are committed to a Special we will introduce new sive programme of adult Needs Education Policy to programmes. education and retraining at accommodate both the gifted the community level in part- Expand the financial and and those who are challenged, nership with NGOs. technical assistance whether physically or mentally. provided through the Youth Expand the existing evening The BLP will: Entrepreneurs Scheme classes at secondary schools (YES) to reach even more Institute Individual Education to meet the growing young persons. Plans, (IEP) for every child demand. assessed as having special Expand the YES Juniors needs. Programme of entrepre- Increase the training for YOUTH AFFAIRS neurial education and teachers in special needs Barbados’ most precious asset is sensitisation and go beyond education. our young people, our future. the initial pilot to include all primary and secondary Increase the financing of the In 1994 for the first time, the BLP schools in Barbados. equipment and resources established a Division of Youth available to private sector Affairs. Through this initiative we Provide basic training at the schools. introduced programmes for the community level to 2,000 young people per year in a Expand the number of entrepreneurial, training and Special Needs Education creative needs of our young range of sports and cultural Units in primary schools. people. disciplines. Provide technological tools We will: Provide Sports and to the physically challenged. Organisational Leadership Expand and intensify the work training for community of the Block Committee to groups. ADULT EDUCATION develop and implement programmes for re- Transform the National We believe that persons who integrating “marginalised” Summer Camp Programme have not benefited fully from young people into the into a new National Camp education must be given the mainstream of society. Programme to include the opportunity to continue their Easter Holidays and cater for education. Extend the Residential Phase 3,000 children per year.

30 Rudolph Greenidge ST. PHILIP NORTH

“Cappy” is an attorney-at-law with a B.A. and LLB from UWI. He has been a school teacher in Barbados and abroad. A former Minister of Labour, his most recent ministerial assignment was as Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports. He says “The major initiative in education by the BLP in the next term will be the establishment of a University College of Barbados”

Set up a national task force PLAYING FACILITIES SPORTS with a view to establishing a It continues to be the policy of DEVELOPMENT AND National Youth Service. the BLP that every major PROMOTION FUND community must have a playing The BLP has established a Sports field. Promotion Fund. We will ALL SPORTS continue to build up the Fund More than any other field LIGHTING and use the proceeds to promote of endeavour, sport provides The Barbados Labour Party will road tennis as a world sport, to the opportunity for talented accelerate and expand the support national sporting Barbadians to develop them- programme to provide lighting organisations and to assist selves as global citizens, while of playing fields and hard courts. national athletes with their offering avenues for personal preparation for regional and development and fulfillment. NATIONAL STADIUM international competitions. The Barbados Labour Party will In recognition of this, a BLP redevelop and modernise the NATIONAL Government placed increased National and the Netball SPORTING emphasis on sport as a Stadiums to bring them up to ORGANISATIONS developmental and economic world standards. Not all of our national sporting tool. associations are able to SWIMMING CRICKET adequately support their The pool at Wildey, while members because of a lack of A BLP government will lend its providing a valuable service, is appropriate central support full support to the Barbados totally inadequate for the facilities. Cricket Association to ensure numbers of persons, particularly that Kensington Oval is Primary School students, A new Community Services developed and the environs interested in swimming. Facility will be built on the improved in keeping with grounds of the National Sports We will construct additional international standards, to make Council Headquarters to serve public swimming pools, including Barbados an attractive venue for as a secretariat for those one in the north of the island. the hosting of the 2007 Cricket associations which now operate We will also increase the number without an office or home. World Cup. of swimming coaches and training opportunities.

31 The BLP sees access to health-care as a fundamental “right of every Barbadian and insists that it should be funded principally through public finances, as an investment in our country’s social capital. We will add medication to treat glaucoma and lupus to the list of special benefit drugs.”

A Quantum Leap in Health Care

The BLP sees access to health- essential physical form for the Heart disease is the major cause care as a fundamental right of past forty years. It will now be of death in our Island. The BLP every Barbadian and insists that substantially upgraded and will therefore establish a state of it should be funded principally modernized. the art Cardiac Centre. through public finances, as an This project will include: Funding of BD$7m has already investment in our country’s been sourced. This Centre will social capital. Upgrading and modernising the entire physical structure. provide facilities for investigating We will continue to provide high and treating all types of heart quality, modern, health-care Increasing the number of disease. facilities and services and make beds to reduce overcrowd- There will be a new them easily accessible to all. ing on a number of wards. angiographic suite to enable A new, spacious out-patient assessment of blood flow to QUEEN ELIZABETH department. the heart and limbs. HOSPITAL Upgrading the Departments Angioplastic facilities will of Cardiology, Oncology, now be provided at the QEH. A New Beginning Paediatrics and Neuro- Services as centres of The BLP will fully support the A key objective will be to improve excellence within the region. total recapitalisation of the QEH. the capacity of the QEH to deliver the most efficient and highest The entire Hospital will be We will move immediately in quality health services. A Board computerised to improve 2003 to enable it to acquire all of Management has been efficiency, enabling staff to the equipment necessary to appointed and the rights and access information, and to allow this institution to replace interests of all staff will be provide timely laboratory and obsolete and non-functioning protected. X-ray reports. The QEH will then equipment, and to provide for be linked to the Polyclinics to new emergency generators and The QEH has remained in its provide a continuum of care. a new incinerator.

32 Jerome X. Walcott CHRIST CHURCH SOUTH

Dr. Walcott holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from UWI and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh University. He worked at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for many years until his appointment as Minister of Health and Leader of Government Business in the Senate in 2000. He has contributed to national development in many spheres of activity. A supporter of the Barbados Labour Party since he was at school, he says: “The health of our Nation is the wealth of our Nation”.

We will: medical and surgical promotion rather than mental intensive care. illness. establish a Department of Oral-maxillary surgery and establish a Department of The BLP Government will:- expand the utilization of Nursing Research. develop a new legislative telemedicine in both clinical deploy more nursing framework for dealing with care and medical education. personnel within the mental health. provide an expanded Dialysis Polyclinics to facilitate the implement a pilot project to Unit and a Kidney transplant Public Health Nurses visiting reform mental health and to programme at the QEH. and providing care within destigmatise mental illness. their Districts. strengthen the Community provide accommodation for NURSING Mental Nursing Programme. nurses and a day nursery will The nursing profession in be established where their refurbish the physical plant Barbados has made tremendous children can be cared for of the Psychiatric Hospital strides over the years. However during working hours. over the next five years. changes within the health-care Seven units have been expand the flexi-time environment have made completed and we will programme for nurses, now restructuring of nursing services refurbish the remaining ten been carried out on a pilot necessary to meet the needs of buildings. basis, to all health-care the population. institutions. continue to increase funding GREATER EMPATHY FOR OUR over the next five years for revamp the General Nursing NURSES WILL BE A HIGH the public/private sector Council and establish a full- PRIORITY partnership in the provision time secretariat. We will: of drug rehabilitation services. train nurses in sufficient numbers to fully meet local MENTAL HEALTH needs, cognisant of the fact There is significant disability CHRONIC DISEASES the global demand for such and loss of productivity Life-style related illnesses are the services. associated with mental illness. It leading causes of death in expand the specialist training is therefore necessary to reform Barbados. Programmes of of nurses in neuro-sciences, the Mental Health Services to change must be guided by a neo-natal intensive care, focus on mental health health education approach,

33 The entire Hospital will be computerised to improve “efficiency, enabling staff to access information, and to provide timely laboratory and X-ray reports. The QEH will then be linked to the Polyclinics to provide a continuum of care.”

emphasising community introduce electronic partnerships and creating transmission of data from DENTAL HEALTH supporting environments. private pharmacies to the CARE BDS and thus remove one of The BLP will establish a National We will: Council on Physical Activity. We the main irritants of this will also support the service. develop and implement a establishment of the Diabetes National Oral Health Policy add medication to treat Centre to educate, treat and within the next five years. glaucoma and lupus to the research all aspects of this list of special benefit drugs. strengthen Dental Care in disease. our polyclinics by the acquisition of new dental BARBADOS DRUG POLYCLINICS equipment and the SERVICE Polyclinics are vitally important recruitment of additional being the facilities at which dental officers. This service is unique in the health-care interacts directly Western hemisphere and has with community needs. served as a model for various PUBLIC HEALTH countries. The BLP Government will: INSPECTORATE make polyclinics more The BLP Government will: We will: amenable to the public, by reform the BDS to ensure extending their opening strengthen food safety that its resources fully meet hours. programmes and ensure the client class for which it that international standards is intended. Greater introduce men’s health are maintained. efficiency will be achieved by clinics at all polyclinics. full computerization of all encourage new approaches complete the construction Government pharmacies, the to the control of dengue of a new Gall Hill Polyclinic provision of adequate staff fever, including programmes and Community Services and by regular audits of to control the mosquito Centre. public and private population. pharmacies.

34 Dr. William Duguid CHRIST CHURCH WEST

A dental surgeon, William is a long-standing member of the Christ Church West constituency group. He is a hometown boy who can identify and understand the needs of his constituents.

He says “The government success in transforming St. Lawrence Gap into the wonderland we now have, can extend all along the south coast. Where St. James has the West Coast, Christ Church can become Barbados’ ‘Best Coast’”.

The blood and grease SANITATION disposal site at Lonesome CARE OF THE SERVICES Hill, St. Peter. ELDERLY AUTHORITY We are committed to managing We established the Alternative solid waste in accordance with Care of the Elderly Programme We intend to provide a reliable, international best practices, and in 1999, by contracting services affordable island-wide service. mindful of our limited landspace. for the elderly from private Hence we will make provision for nursing homes. acquiring new equipment to We will give urgent attention to facilitate more efficient a “total solutions” option, which In the last term we reviewed and collection, and new depots will includes:– expanded this programme, and be constructed at Reid St. in Waste diversion using private nursing homes are now being paid between $65 and $75 the City and at Vaucluse in recycling. St. Thomas. per day for the care of the Aerobic composting. elderly. We remain committed to Anaerobic digestion. this venture, as we believe that SOLID WASTE these persons who helped to MANAGEMENT Incineration. build our nation deserve to be We will: treated with dignity. Government has established a We will: comprehensive solid waste implement a National management programme. It is Recycling Policy. In addition, undertake a phased multidimensional with many composting at the refurbishment of the components already operating: household as well as national Geriatric Hospital and level will be part of our The Mangrove Pond Landfill, construct a modern strategy. St. Thomas. rehabilitation unit, day-care begin a landfill-gas to energy centre, administration block The pulverisation plant at project. and food service area. Workmans, St. George. revisit incineration bearing in complete refurbishment of The bulky waste facility at mind the cost and the the District Hospitals. Bagatelle, St. Thomas. concerns regarding air The asbestos disposal site at pollution and ash deposition. Harlington, St. Philip.

35 The re-elected BLP Government will intensify its “programme of prevention, treatment and care while focusing on converting the current discrimination against persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS to a positive, caring support from the entire national community.”

ST. JOSEPH REHABILITATION CANCER RESEARCH HOSPITAL SERVICES We will continue to support the Barbados Breast and Prostate We will partner with the private We will: cancer research project which, sector for this Hospital to develop a rehabilitation over the next five years, should become the first tourism related system based on acute, produce critical information for International Medical Centre in secondary and community the treatment and prevention of the Caribbean, with an estimated care. These services, these diseases. investment of US$35 million and currently available at our the creation of approximately 150 jobs. health institutions, will be reorganized and upgraded. HEALTH INSURANCE The proposed specialist centre We will investigate the feasibility establish community based will have an accident and of establishing a National Health rehabilitation programmes, emergency department. Insurance Plan for Barbados. and provide prostheses to our amputees. AMBULANCE CARE, COMPASSION SERVICE CHILDRENS’ FOR HIV/AIDS The BLP will continue re-training DEVELOPMENT A Programme of Hope for of all Emergency Medical managing the challenge of Technicians. CENTRE AIDS We: The purpose of this project is to HIV/AIDS is not only a health will provide more advanced protect the rights and enhance concern, but a significant emergency training for the the quality of life of the physically developmental issue. We have Police and Fire Service. and mentally challenged. therefore adopted a multi- sectoral and multi-dimensional are committed to a de- We will coordinate services for strategy to deal with it. centralized ambulance disabled persons on a National service. basis, and also gradually The National Expanded HIV/AIDS will expand the fleet of fully introduce community-based programme was centralized equipped ambulances and programmes for these persons. under the Prime Minister’s will recruit more staff. Portfolio and the National HIV/

36 Louis Tull ST. GEORGE SOUTH

An attorney-at –law, Louis got a B.A in classics at Manitoba University and a Master in Law at Oxford. Appointed a Senator in 1971, he was elected to the House in 1976. He was Minister of education and Culture (76-81), Foreign Affairs Minister and Attorney-General (81-85) and Commerce, Industry and Consumer Affairs (85-86).

He remains committed to the upliftment of the people of St. George South and says “I am proud to be the senior member of a Party which continues to work assiduously to made Barbados a better place”

AIDS Commission was set up to Upgrading existing poly- Implementing a programme coordinate the national clinics to provide additional to provide care and basic response. counseling services. social support to Persons With AIDS within their home Barbados’ HIV programme Expanding the voluntary environment embraces treatment, care, counseling and testing support and counseling for those programmes at polyclinics Establishing a Drop-In Centre infected and affected by HIV/ and in communities to and Food Bank facility which AIDS, as well as prevention. encourage more Barbadians will offer enhanced material, to be tested in a con-fidential recreational skills training In the first year of our and supportive and psycho-social support to programme deaths in clinic environment. Persons Living With HIV/ patients from AIDS have been AIDS. reduced by 56% and total Developing an HIV/AIDS hospital days have fallen by 59%. education “train-the-trainer” Upgrading the Elroy Phillips programme for private Centre Hostel, which The re-elected BLP Government sector organizations. provides shelter to Persons will intensify its programme of Expanding HIV/AIDS With Aids by expanding and prevention, treatment and care education in our schools rehabilitating the physical while focusing on converting system to sensitise schools facilities to include space for the current discrimination en bloc and embracing occupational therapy. against persons infected and teachers, students and affected by HIV/AIDS to a Continuing to supply the full parents. positive, caring support from drug therapy programme of the entire national community. Continuing prevention Highly Active Anti-Retroviral campaigns which target the Therapy (HART) at no cost. This will involve: most vulnerable groups. Strengthening existing Strengthening capacity to Promoting behavioural legislation to protect the provide reliable information change at the community rights of Persons Living With for policy planning and level and expanding the HIV/AIDS. programming and by number of HIV/AIDS upgrading management Community Committees. information systems. Continuing the successful Awareness campaigns on mother-to-child issues specifically related to transmission prevention gender and HIV/AIDS. programme.

37 Richard Arthur ST. LUCY

A graduate of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic and Miami Tech, Richard runs his business, RDA Refrigeration Service Inc. Involved in community service all of his life, he has served as District Commissioner of the Boy Scouts. Richard wants the chance to work with the BLP government to provide housing, recreational facilities, an improved road network, street lighting and a Town Centre that will house a pharmacy, doctors and dentists offices, a library, post office, a Welfare Department office and an ATM.

Growth in Agriculture

In consequence of the new requires a fundamental between sugar cane and international trade and economic restructuring of our sugar tourism. arrangements our agricultural industry. enterprises will have to face We will: stiffer external competition and THE COTTON operate in a less assured Support the restructuring of INDUSTRY domestic market environment. the sugar industry at the factory level by replacing The BLP considers that the We will continue to build a three antiquated factories development of an integrated vibrant and dynamic agricultural with one modern factory. cotton industry should be seen sector, comprising largely small as the best way of diversifying and medium sized market-driven Maintain financial support to the sector around sugar. agro-business enterprises; BADMC, price support to focused on maintaining an independent growers and We will: adequate level of food security. the Cane Replanting Scheme, Establish a private sector This will involve the efficient use until the new sugar led, vertically integrated, of land and appropriate programme takes effect. sustainable Barbados cotton technologies, ably supported by Diversify into greater value- industry producing an effective marketing system. added products and services exclusively 100% West Indian Sea Island Cotton based for domestic and products and services to be international consumption: THE SUGAR marketed globally. Look to a future in which we Continue to assist the West INDUSTRY sell Barbadian sugar as a Indian Sea Island Cotton The challenge of the European branded product Association (WISICA) to Sugar Protocol and the Implement programmes and establish its right to its “Everything But Arms” initiative support private initiatives to trademark, whilst at the strengthen the linkage same time facilitating the

38 Anthony Wood ST. PHILIP SOUTH

A graduate of Cambridge University with a master of philosophy in Economics, an M.Sc and B.Sc(First Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies in economics, he was a lecturer in economics at Cave Hill. He entered the House in 1999 and was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. He has an outstanding record of involvement in community work in St. Philip. He says: “The BLP’s rural development programmes have the potential to transform all of Barbados into an urban island.”

transformation of that BLACK BELLY SHEEP Support the initiatives of the organisation into a industry to have a new contemporary corporate This is one of the chief areas marketing arrangement structure. where agricultural production central to which is fair can be increased through niche pricing and supply production. We see the future of arrangements with the Fair THE PIG INDUSTRY the sheep industry revolving Competition Act. There is a strong and growing around the establishment of a demand for pork products. sustainable linkage with our Revitalisation of the pork tourism industry. FISHERIES industry will be a high priority for We will: DEVELOPMENT a BLP administration and we will Designate and market increase pork production to 3.0 The fishing industry provides Barbados Black Belly Sheep million kilograms by the end of jobs for over 6,600 Barbadians as a signature product in 2008. and there is scope for expansion. collaboration with Barbados Sheep Farmers Inc. A re-elected BLP will: POULTRY INDUSTRY Barbados Agricultural Vigorously promote a Society, BADMC, and regional fishing environment Poultry is now the largest Barbados Hotel and Tourism in which Bajan fisherfolk and agricultural industry in Barbados. Association. their CARICOM counterparts The industry has an estimated will share the resources of total annual turnover of $128 Protect Barbados Black Belly sheep as a national genetic the Caribbean Sea million, with a capital investment resource and establish this of approximately $100 million. Update the incentive unique animal as a Barbados The industry supports more than programme to support not brand. 400 farmers and provides more only investment in larger and than 80% of the total poultry more modern fishing vessels consumed in Barbados. We will DAIRY INDUSTRY and modern fish harvesting take necessary measures to techniques, but also in the We will: neutralize the effects of trade provision of ancillary facilities liberalization and provision of Expand the existing pilot such as ice making. incentives to improve its feeding programme to all Build a new fish landing technology and to enhance primary schools by the year facility at Six Men’s, St. Peter. productivity. 2006.

39 Continue the market decentralisation programme by “constructing vending facilities at Six Roads, Redman’s Village, Belleplaine, Bathsheba, Jackson, Crab Hill, Gemswick and Gall Hill, St. John. These projects will follow those at the Glebe, Speightstown, Oistins and Gall Hill, Christ Church.”

Rehabilitate the older fish In the new term we will invest Provide greater incentives landing facilities like Oistins over $60 million on its further for investments in water and Bridgetown and bring development and conservation. storage and distribution the recently completed ones systems for farms. fully into operation. WATER FOR Promote the production of LAND FOR THE value-added products - fish AGRICULTURE leather, fish fingers, burgers The greatest constraint to the LANDLESS and sausages and salted, viability of agriculture in Through the Land for the dried and smoked products Barbados is a reliable supply of Landless Programme arable land, Construct “Sea Food City” at water at affordable prices. both private and public, is made Princess Alice Highway. This We will: available to bona fide farmers project will to develop who, otherwise, would not be linkages between the Fully implement a $7 million able to access lands. Since fisheries sub-sector and irrigation project over the next August 2002, 370.4 hectares has tourism. three years. been made available to 92 small This will see: farmers who now provide employment on their farms for THE SCOTLAND The refurbishment of 69 persons. irrigation systems at Ruby, DISTRICT: - Jackmans, Spring Hall, St. We will: A SPECIAL Patricks, Friendship, Expand this Programme to Marchfield, Marshall, Poyer, bring 1 215 hectares of DEVELOPMENT Kirtons, Heddings and arable public and private AREA Gibbons Boggs. agricultural land into production by the year 2007. The Scotland District covers one Establishment of 11 new seventh of the land area of irrigation districts over the Provide a package of Barbados. Over the past few next three years at Three technical support services to years, The BLP government has Houses, Sedge Pond, participating farmers. Diamond Valley, Bath, South spent on average $6 million per Facilitate commercially District, Pine Basin, Burnt- year in stabilizing the area; and competitive long-term House, Back River, Spencers, over $2 million per year in leases for all lands made in Sweet Vale and Newcastle. improving its infrastructure. the Programme.

40 Dale Marshall ST. JOSEPH

An attorney-at-law and hemispheric expert on e-commerce. Dale joined the Party in 1996. He has an outstanding record as Chairman of a number of statutory boards and was appointed to the Senate in 1999. He says: “There is no question that there is no leader other than Owen Arthur, and no Party other than the BLP to take this country to First World standards and status.”

PRODUCTIVITY YOUTH AND GENDER RURAL INCENTIVES We recognize the need to DEVELOPMENT engender a new perspective to We will: The BLP Government will participation in agriculture. We intensify the drive for the Inject additional capital into will: transformation of rural Barbados the Agricultural Develop- Continue to contribute both and for the creation of ment Fund to facilitate financial and human enterprises and opportunities for investment in capital resources to the 4H rural folk. equipment. movement; We will: Increase disbursement of Facilitate the involvement of funds under the Rural Use a minimum of fifty young agricultural graduates Enterprise Fund, Livestock percent of the financial in local educational Development Fund and Fruit resources of the Rural institutions, in commercial Orchard Development Fund Development Commission agriculture by providing for small farmer agricultural for the creation of rural dedicated access to land activities. enterprises. under the Land for the In order to increase investment Landless Programme and Expand the Rural Enterprise in agriculture and reduce the providing financial Fund, Livestock cost of production, we will: assistance. Act. Development Fund and Fruit Orchard Development Fund Enact an Agricultural to assist small entrepreneurs Development Act to provide CHANGES AT BADMC in the development and incentives on a scale, similar expansion of sustainable to those given to tourism The BADMC will be converted from a state trading monopoly enterprises. Amend the Incentives to an agri-business organisation Provide more resources for Regime to allow agricultural to facilitate greater investment the development of craft producers to claim rebates in the agricultural sector. and other community for costs incurred in tourism projects accessing professional business services.

41 The Barbados Labour Party is resolutely committed to “eradicating poverty and to providing opportunities for marginalized persons in our country. We will Increase the Reverse Tax Credit to those who earn less than $13,000 per year.”

Intensify and expand training Divest the management of particular to construct programmes for small community market facilities bathroom facilities for those entrepreneurs. to communities and citizens. remaining households in rural Barbados. Continue the market Increase the volume of local decentralisation produce purchased by Expand the asphalt and programme by constructing government institutions. concrete road construction vending facilities at Six and improvement pro- Provide loans to low-income Roads, Redman’s Village, grammes to ensure that earners in rural Barbados Belleplaine, Bathsheba, every major rural community for home improvements Jackson, Crab Hill, has a paved road. through the establishment Gemswick and Gall Hill, St. of a Housing Credit Fund. Expand the street-lighting John. These projects will programme to ensure that follow those at the Glebe, Continue to upgrade rural all communities in rural Speightstown, Oistins and housing for the poor and in areas.

Gall Hill, Christ Church.

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Barbados ranks sixth among all Some 100,000 vehicles on our heightened focus on traffic countries in road density in roads, with steadily increasing management and a road proportion to land mass. numbers call for an upgraded, enhancement programme that Growing numbers of motor modernized and expanded will include: vehicles are a reflection of national road system. Expansion of the ABC increasing prosperity and To this end, a BLP Government Highway from two to four business activity in Barbados. will continue this work, with a lanes

42 Rommell Marshall ST. MICHAEL WEST CENTRAL

He won numerous awards in the life insurance industry for outstanding sales over a period of 25 years. Elected to the House in 1994, he has been an outstanding representative of St. Michael West Central and an energetic Minister of Public Works and Transport. He says: “The Government’s road enhancement programme has brought many benefits to Barbadians, not the least being safety and savings in motor vehicle expenses.”

Rehabilitation of roads in the The establishment of a Facilitate water transporta- Scotland District Transport Authority. tion linking Bridgetown; with Oistins, Holetown and The sidewalk programme for Paved roads for every Speightstown. pedestrian safety in the community by the end of vicinity of schools, major this decade. Investigate the feasibility of hotels and tourism related monorail and subway Re-equip the Transport facilities systems of transportation Board to enable it to extend Encouraging the Private service to short routes in the Cap the subvention paid to Sector to construct greater Bridgetown as well Transport Board multistory car parks on the as rural areas. Free Travel for old age outskirts of Bridgetown. Support a Park and Ride pensioners

System

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Water, with Care

A safe, reliable and adequate full capacity to meet the Improving the water water supply is one of the needs of central Barbados, network. greatest challenges facing the and particular areas such as Approving new investments country and a new BLP Bagatelle and its adjoining in ventures such as Golf government intends to carry out districts. Courses only on the the following: The feasibility two additional condition investors invest in The desalination plant, which desalination plants to service desalination plants for their is currently producing at 50% the Northern and Southern own use. capacity, will be operated at section of Barbados

43 The BLP will make 50% of the resources allocated to our “Urban Development Programme available for enterprise development within low-income communities at an attractive interest rate of 4%.”

Development of a waste- That all bus fares should be retention ponds and check water sector set by the Fair Trading dams. Committee Ensuring that the Water Enhancement of the general Authority becomes FTC Acceleration of the drainage signage across the country.

related programme, with a focus on

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Eradicating Poverty through Social Transformation

The Barbados Labour Party is Community Based Organisations. resolutely committed to COMMUNITY The eradication of poverty eradicating poverty and to remains our number one ENTERPRISE providing opportunities for priority on the Barbados Labour The BLP will: marginalized persons in our Party’s agenda. country. Make 50% of the resources The main aspects of our allocated to our Urban We will ensure that all Barbadians programme will be based on Development Programme are equipped to take on the building community enterprise available for enterprise challenge of self-development and urban renewal. The development within low- rather than depend on the social Community Enterprise and income communities at an services. Empowerment Programme, as attractive interest rate of 4%. Our Poverty Eradication Plan will demonstrated by the “Deacon’s Make resources under involve participation of all Model” will provide opportunities the Urban Development sectors of civil society: the public for Barbadians to establish Enterprise Programme and private sector, Non- businesses for their our self- available to Community Governmental Organizations and development. Based Organisations for enterprise initiatives.

44 Hamilton Lashley ST. MICHAEL SOUTH EAST

A social worker, “Hammie la” has been lavishly praised as a dedicated and hard-working Minister of Social Transformation. His efforts have changed for the better the lives of thousands of the poor, the old and the vulnerable. He says: “Because of the BLP, my living will not be in vain for every day since my appointment as the first Minister of Social Transformation the region and anywhere else, I’ve been able to help somebody”

Increase the amount allo- We will: COMMUNITY cated to the Poverty Fund Continue to deal with to allow greater access to a squalor in urban Barbados by DIVESTMENT wider cross-section of repairing and replacing the PROGRAMME households and communi- homes of the poorest of the ties. Placing community centers and poor. other facilities under the control Increase the Reverse Tax Continue to provide special of CBOs Credit to those who earn less assistance for the purchase than $13,000 per year. We will implement a community of house spots by those initiative whereby the operation Expand our Welfare to Work persons who cannot afford of government facilities such as Programme as a Family to pay their portion of the markets and resource centres, Support Measure. market value of the land. will be placed under the control and management of Community Increase Old Age Pensions Accelerate the programme Based Organisations. whenever public servants of converting almost 2,000 receive a wage increase. derelict properties into new We will: housing solutions with the Offer the elderly a Provide training in cooperation of existing land transportation allowance to management and main- owners. enjoy a choice of travel. tenance for community Transform Cats Castle, leaders. Take affirmative action Greenfields, Nelson Street, Provide increase funding for to ensure that Persons New Orleans and the enterprise development with Disabilities receive Barracks through a through the Rural and Urban appropriate benefits. Comprehensive Community Development Enterprise Upgrade Project that programmes. URBAN RENEWAL involves repairs to houses Assist community leaders and roads, improved streets with the marketing of their A re-elected BLP government will lights, building of income generating products transform the lives of more community facilities and and activities. Barbadians through the Urban business kiosks. Renewal programme. Provide Computer training and access for low-income communities.

45 We will continue to provide special assistance for the “purchase of house spots by those persons who cannot afford to pay their portion of the market value of the land. We will construct additional Senior Citizens Villages, one each in the centre and North of the island.”

Establish additional Resource West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Centres INFORMATION BARP and other agencies for children in care. Enact legislation to ensure TECHNOLOGY A WAY the highest level of UP FROM POVERTY Implement a Youth accountability, transparency, Development skills training The Barbados Labour Party has financial prudence and non- programme for adolescent already started to make the partisanship in NGO children. operations. entire society technologically literate by making computer In partnership with civil training and internet access society, provide shelter for GATEWAY TO available to communities as a children, adolescents leaving measure of self employment and residential care, and give SUCCESS building job skills. them the life skills and The Gateway Development transitional counseling Concept will use Sports as a necessary to enjoy quality means of providing educational WELFARE TO WORK living and re-integration into society. opportunities for gifted and We will continue to remove disadvantaged youth. This will persons from welfare, and Establish mechanisms to be implemented by way of a provide them with equal access make reporting of child partnership between local to enterprise loans at good abuse mandatory. CBO’s and our overseas interest rates, so that they can missions. Encourage In-Camera establish their own businesses. hearings for incidents of indecent sexual assault. BUILDING SOCIAL CARE AND PARTNERSHIPS PROTECTION OF CARING FOR OUR We will: CHILDREN ELDERLY Continue to give subventions The BLP will: In creating a society for all ages to the Church, NGOs and CBOs we will pursue a programme that to expand their programmes Implement a National Policy allows our senior citizens to and to reach more people. for children. participate in productive and Make the Poverty Formulate a Mentorship stimulating activities and to live Eradication Fund more Programme in collaboration out their lives in conditions of community-oriented. with the University of the dignity.

46 Trevor Prescod ST. MICHAEL EAST

Graduated from the UWI with a B.A. in Sociology and History. He is much admired across Barbados for his unswerving commitment to social justice and poverty eradication. He says: “Nothing resonates better with me than the BLP theme, “we shall leave no one behind”. I see that as Owen Arthur’s mission.”

A BLP government will: Provide smoke detectors HOMELESSNESS and other safety devices for Enact Senior Citizens Safety A BLP Government will: those senior citizens who and Protection Legislation. need them. Create additional temporary Facilitate education and retraining for older workers accommodation for victims who wish to upgrade their of fire and flood. DEALING WITH knowledge and skills. Work in partnership with civil DISABILITIES Establish a National Meals on society to implement Barbados now has an agreed Wheels Programme in developmental and National Disability Policy and partnership with CBO’s and rehabilitative programmes at Programme, which was NGO’s which would ensure its shelters. that indigent persons, shut- approved by Parliament. Improve accommodation at ins, as well as the elderly, We will: the Sir Clyde Gollop Night who live alone, have access Shelter and provide a 24hr Implement safety measures, to at least one hot nutritious and encourage self reliance meal each day. service in collaboration with other NGO’s. among persons with Continue to promote the disabilities through skills Senior Citizens Games as an Offer incentives to the training, enterprise important event on the Private Sector to build development and by national calendar. shelters for the homeless. expanding employment Complete the Vauxhall Senior opportunities. Citizens’ Village and Day Care IN-HOME CARE Improve and expand facilities, which provide a transportation services for range of services for our The BLP has: the disabled. elderly. Restored the Home Care Create a Disabilities Offer incentives to the Programme to a five-day Foundation for persons with private sector to build senior workweek, which was disabilities to ensure that citizen villages. reduced by the last DLP they have access to a wide administration to a three-day Construct additional Senior range of social and economic workweek. We now offer Citizens Villages, one each in services. service seven days per week the centre and North of the Strengthen Disability for those who need it. island. Organisations through

47 The Gateway Development Concept will use Sports as a “means of providing educational opportunities for gifted and disadvantaged youth. This will be implemented by way of a partnership between local CBO’s and our overseas missions.”

provision of increased workers to refit them for subventions. LABOUR AND new careers. Give persons with disabilities INDUSTRIAL Enact the new Occupational expanded political and social RELATIONS Safety and Health Bill. opportunities. Barbados’ stable industrial Introduce a Trade Union In collaboration with NGOs, relations climate has contributed Registration Act and a develop Communal Farming substantially to social conditions Protective Employment Act Projects for persons with in which we have sustained after consultation with the disabilities . development. Social Partners. Ensure that all public The workplace of the future will Enact Minimum Wage buildings, curbs and be significantly different from legislation, in selected areas sidewalks are accessible for that of yesterday. Thus the after consultation with the persons with disabilities. relationships between labour Social Partners. Create a Special Envoy for and capital must be so structured Modernise the Holiday With Persons with Disabilities. as to encourage improved Pay Act. productivity and strike a happy balance between wages and an Update the Shops Act, WELFARE TO WORK equitable return on investment. particularly in relation to rates of pay for Sundays and The Welfare to Work Programme Within this framework, Off Days. was started in the last term and the re-elected BLP will: Enact a Sexual Harassment a number of persons were Promote policies and Bill. trained and offered assistance practices in industrial with job placements. We will use relations conducive to the Ratify ILO Conventions after the Unemployment Fund to attainment of full full consultation with the provide training, retraining and employment in our time. Social Partners. assistance in job placements for redundant workers. Grants will Provide additional training be given for this purpose to for workers in general and workers and employers also re-train redundant organisations.

48 Rawle Eastmond ST. JAMES NORTH

An attorney–at-law, Rawle has a B.A. (Hons) University of the West Indies, a Diploma in Education UWI and LLB (Hons) from London University. He was a secondary school teacher for 17 years until becoming the Member of Parliament for St. James North in 1991. He was Minister of Agriculture (94-99), Energy (97-2001) and Labour and Social Security (2001-2003). A member of the Barbados Labour Party for 30 years, he says: “This government has made the Social Partnerships a vital instrument for economic advance and good governance. One reason why Prime Minister Arthur was the first CARICOM leader invited to address the ILO General Assembly.”

Implement a retraining continued viability of the TVET COUNCIL programme targeted to the National Insurance Scheme. The BLP will: large segment of the labour In respect of private pensions a market which is at risk of Implement the National new Occupational Pensions Bill being marginalized by tech- Vocational Qualification has been laid in Parliament and nological advancements. system. its enactment will be a priority Actively support the in the new term. Use part of Unemployment partnership between Fund to finance re-training Government and the Private of redundant workers and Sector with respect to NATIONAL prepare them for re-entry to Enterprise Training. the workplace. INSURANCE Revamp the Apprenticeship The National Insurance Scheme VOCATIONAL Programme to increase the is on its soundest footing in its number of participating 35 years of existence. employers. TRAINING However, the Scheme has had to The BLP believes that Develop Service Clusters to face problems arising from qualifications enhance the accommodate grouped demographic change, falling workers’ competence and trades, aimed at facilitating fertility rates, improved medical capacity. income-generating projects. care and an aging population. As a result, the BLP Government set Through the Barbados Vocational in train a comprehensive Training Board, the BLP will: PENSION REFORM consultative process with civil Increase the number of In our 1999 Manifesto we society training opportunities to an pledged to institute new We give the clear commitment even wider cross section of measures to ensure that the that pensioners will share fairly the Barbadian public in Public Sector Pension Schemes in the rising prosperity of the keeping with our decision to were fully funded. We also made nation. extend the retirement age. a commitment to safeguard the

49 This Bajan is a Winner

The BLP introduced Social Transformation as a strategy and as an objective central to which is a transformation of the spirit, a sence of pride. In modest surroundings at Kensington Lodge, Bridgetown, homemaker Angela Kirton has transformed her environment into a Shangri la.

She epitomises the theme and title of this publication... Every Bajan a Winner.

50 Elizabeth Thompson ST. JAMES SOUTH

An attorney-at-law, Liz has been an outstanding constituency representative and Minister of Health, and more recently Physical Development and the Environment.

A renowned fighter for social justice, she has remained committed to making a difference in St. James South and across Barbados. She says: “I see the BLP under Owen Arthur as a laboratory for principled politics, good governance and character, and leadership development.”

Physical Development and Environment

Promote programmes to KEEPING BARBADOS empower communities NO BARRIERS TO BEAUTIFUL to take care of their OUR BEACHES surroundings Barbados has a special and A BLP Government will seek unique beauty, the preservation Enact comprehensive to preserve the marine of which is paramount to the Environmental Legislation environment by: quality of life of all our citizens. Enact comprehensive Noise Enforcing the law against Our way of life and economic Pollution Legislation blocking access to beaches. viability are predicated on well Implement measures to Integrating into the planning ordered physical planning and control littering and illegal process those communities preservation and enhancement dumping which live on or make a living of the natural and built from the sea. Where Ensure that vacant lots in environment. applicable, the PAHO-Six residential developments are Men’s Model will be utilised A re-elected BLP will: kept clean by their for developing projects with owners so as to maintain Ensure that there are coastal communities the amenity of the adequate green and development, reduce health Protecting our coral reefs recreational spaces within hazards and crime risks Building a West Coast all communities, thereby Sewerage Project improving our aesthetics and Establish an annual “Minister landscapes while giving of the Environment National Reducing pollutants which residents a sense of pride in Award to promote greater enter the marine environ- their surroundings environmental awareness ment from landbased sources Develop Carlisle Bay Marine Park.

51 The Welfare to Work Programme was started in the last “term and a number of persons were trained and offered assistance with job placements. We will use the Unemployment Fund to provide training, retraining and assistance in job placements for redundant workers. Grants will be given for this purpose to workers and employers organisations.”

$98 MILLION FOR land where necessary - at THE LAND WE LOVE Archer’s Bay, Fryers Well, SPECIAL MARINE Maycocks Bay, Gibbes, The BLP will: PROJECTS Fitts Village, Cove Bay, Develop protocols for the Speightstown. sustainable use of our gullies. The BLP will implement strong New or improved beach coastal infrastructural and Build new community protection programmes. The facilities will be constructed recreational facilities all over BLP government will, with at Pebbles, Silver Sands, Foul Barbados starting with support of an IDB loan, spend Bay, Worthing and Bay Street Church Village, St. Philip, BDS$98.4 million to: (Browne’s Beach). Belleplaine, St. Andrew, Carrington Village and Kiosks for small vendors will improve the waterfront Bayville in St. Michael, and also be provided at from the Drill Hall to Rockley Crystal Heights in St. James. Holetown, Brandons and improve beaches at Enterprise Beaches to Create management Holetown and Welches expand opportunities for regimes and protocols to protect sites of special carry out headland small business people and ecological significance and protection at Woman’s Bay, those aspiring to be self- ensure that they are not the Silver Sands, Christ Church employed. subject of arbitrary restore and enhance Crane commercial activity. Such Beach, St. Philip CLEAN AIR sites include natural construct a boat access and Wetlands at Graeme Hall, slipway at Tent Bay, St. Recognising that everyone has a Coastal Sand Dunes at East Joseph right to clean air, especially Coast and Chancery Lane, having regard to the high River Bay, Joes River and implement an aeration incidence of asthma in Barbados, Turners Hall Woods. system at the Holetown the BLP Administration will, Lagoon, St. James Implement a number of among other initiatives, start a projects to add to local carry out dune restoration at national air quality monitoring sites of beauty and interest, Walkers, St. Andrew programme and establish indoor as well as increase places Increase beach accesses and air quality programmes, for recreation and windows to the sea - by especially at workplaces diversification of tourism compulsory acquisition of services/attractions.

52 Joe Edghill CHRIST CHURCH WEST CENTRAL

A pharmacist by profession, his professional career and strong community commitment have made him an outstanding .M.P. for Christ Church West Central since 1994. He says: “ While there are still too many poor in our society, the BLP has improved the lives of the majority of Barbadians. We walk taller today.”

Development Plan and best improved time and A NATIONAL practices in physical planning. efficiency for processing of BOTANICAL GARDEN Town Planning applications. The BLP will The lush land of Waterford, St. establish a Michael will be developed into a Citizens Charter GREEN BUSINESSES National Botanical Garden — a between the Town There are niches for Bajan multiuse facility containing Planning products and services in the new landscapes, waterscapes, plants Department and global market place indigenous to Barbados and the its users. Caribbean. That Charter will The BLP will: guarantee: Implement a package of well ordered physical incentives for businesses HARRISON CAVE development with a “green ethic and Redevelopment of Harrison Cave business culture.” increased public consulta- will be undertaken at a cost of tion and community Give incentives to businesses BDS$7.6 million. A short-term dialogue in areas where which manufacture value- improvement programme will large developments with the added indigenous products also be initiated to upgrade capacity to affect commu- diverted from the waste existing facilities. Persons whose nities are proposed to be stream and which have the land forms part of the Cave will located potential to earn substantial be compensated and members foreign exchange. a comprehensive computer- of the surrounding community isation of the department Give incentives to businesses will be provided opportunities to to better track files, make to use recognised low- develop businesses as a spin-off more speedy decisions and energy technology and from activity at the Harrison’s to allow members of the equipment Cave. public on-line access Institute the “Greening of information about their Government” involving applications. PHYSICAL measures to reduce waste that all housing and effect cost savings PLANNING developments have Give incentives to promote adequate recreational and Barbados’ beauty will be “Green Globe Certification” green spaces for residents preserved and competing and reduce waste in the to enjoy interests for land use managed hotel and tourism sectors by the application of the Physical

53 Kiosks for small vendors will also be provided at “Holetown, Brandons and Enterprise Beaches to expand opportunities for small business people and those aspiring to be self-employed.”

A BLP Administration will: Give funding and technical assistance to community Promote environmental groups seeking to start education and programmes environmental projects at every level of the

community

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Justice, Peace and Security

Barbados is confronted in today’s the lowest crime rates in the Creating conditions for the world with a range of non- world, fear of crime is a central full attainment of social traditional security threats of a concern of all Barbadians. justice pervasive nature. We will not A Draft National Plan on Justice Enforcing strict account- yield to these threats. Peace and Security has already ability under the rule of law Adopting a policy of zero been prepared and is now the Instilling in our citizens a tolerance, the BLP intends to basis for the widest possible sense of social responsibil- ensure that Barbados remains a consultation by the National ity safe country where social and Commission on Law and Order. Reinforcing traditional legal justice are assured. We are committed to: cultural and spiritual values Although the Barbados Crime Maintaining a peaceful Survey, conducted in 2002 Providing timely and society in our communities established that we have one of affordable access to legal and our homes justice.

54 Mia Amor Mottley ST. MICHAEL NORTH EAST

An attorney-at –law with an LL.B from the London School of Economics, Mia entered Parliament in 1994 after serving in the Senate from 1991. When she was appointed Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture, she became one of the youngest ever Cabinet Ministers. Appointed Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs in 2001.. She says:” We must do all in our power to unleash the talent abounding in Barbados while creating a secure future for our young people.”

THE ROYAL Accelerate computerisation Complete construction of of the Force and its critical the new station at District BARBADOS POLICE databases to improve its “E” Speightstown, jointly efficiency. funded by BTII and FORCE Government Evolve partnerships with A BLP Government will bring communities island-wide Construct a new station at about a reinvigorated Royal Crab Hill through the establishment Barbados Police Force crucial to of Parish Committees to Construct Police stations the preservation of law and assist in maintaining peace through public/private order. and fighting crime. sector partnerships at Dover, We will: Wildey, Cane Garden, Six Introduce Closed Circuit Roads and Hastings/Rockley continue to increase and Television initially in strengthen the Police Force. Bridgetown and St. Spend $26 million to Lawrence Gap to assist REGIME FOR THE completely upgrade its specifically reducing robbery and other crimes. WELL-BEING OF telecommunications system. MEMBERS OF THE Use Island Constables and Expand the anti-burglary Special Constables primarily project piloted in the Bush PROTECTIVE to maintain the peace while Hall/Grazettes districts to SERVICES allowing police officers to other areas. The BLP Government in better focus on the fight Activate the work of the consultation with the various against crime and keeping independent Police stakeholders started a compre- the island secure. Complaints Authority. hensive and service-wide Job Improve the capability of the Reevaluation research project Police Force by focussing on FOR THE POLICE that is due to be completed in comprehensive training and June 2003. retraining in community A re-elected BLP A new BLP Administration will: policing, problem solving, Administration will: Address recommendations victim support and Continue refurbishing coming out of the compre- intelligence-led approaches Central Police Station and hensive Job Reclassification to policing. District “A” Exercise.

55 Defence Force Pensions “The Defence Force Bill, legislation to provide pensions for all members of the Defence Force, past and present, has been drafted and will be presented to Parliament as one of the first orders of business of the new BLP governement.”

Establish dedicated day International Law and nurseries for children of MODERNISING THE International Trade Law, members of the protective JUSTICE SYSTEM Financial/Revenue, services. Litigation/Advisory and Non- There has been a substantial Contentious matters. Establish Resource centres increase in both the range and Introduce modern tech- to afford officers 24-hour number of legal matters nology and reform processes access to the Internet. involving the Government of to enhance the efficiency Barbados. The BLP is committed and speed of conducting to the modernisation of all Government’s legal matters. FORENSIC SCIENCES aspects of our justice system. Establish a National CENTRE We will: Prosecution Service re- We recently opened a new $24 Construct a new Juducial sponsible for all public million Forensic Centre. We will Centre at Whitepark Road prosecutions under the bring this centre fully into through a public/private direction of the Director of operation to enhance the sector partnership. Public Prosecutions. detection capability of the law Implement a computerised Enact a new Legal Profession enforcement agencies as well as integrated justice Act. to strengthen scientific information system (JITS)to investigation in other key areas. Place the Laws of Barbados link the Police, the Prison The BLP will introduce in and subsidiary legislation on Service, the Courts, Parliament a Forensics the Internet. Immigration, Customs and Procedures Bill and a DNA Legislate a new Court Probation Departments. Investigations Bill to support Process Act present and future national Convert the National Task Establish Community Legal forensic activities. Force on Crime Prevention Aid Clinics in partnership into a National Criminal with the Law Faculty of the Justice Planning and University of the West Indies. Research Unit. Expand access to legal aid. Restructure the Chambers of the Office of the Establish a dedicated Attorney General to parliamentary drafting address the following areas: facility.

56 Rev. Joseph Atherley ST. MICHAEL WEST

Joe has a B.A in biblical Studies and a BSc in Political Science. His strong desire to service his community at the decision-making level attracted him to the Barbados Labour Party. “Whereas the Dems had devalued Barbados and Barbadians, the BLP has brought purpose, prosperity and pride to this blessed nation. Barbadians are largely better off now than 9 years ago.”

MONEY 1998 which broadens the range The BLP will: of sentencing options available Introduce modern Im- LAUNDERING, to the Courts. migration and Citizenship TERRORISM AND The BLP will: legislation to ensure effective control of SUBSTANCE ABUSE Establish a Department of Barbados’ borders. Corrections to provide a The global financial community Ensure the integrity and framework for coordinated within recent years has placed security of Barbados and integrated delivery of increasing emphasis on money passports by upgrading penal services. laundering and terrorist finance. them to the new A re-elected BLP will: Construct a maximum international standard for security prison and travel documents. Defend and preserve designate a refurbished Introduce Smart Cards for Barbados’ international Glendairy as a minimum risk Barbadian nationals and reputation for the highest facility. permanent residents to integrity in relation to the expedite immigration conduct of its financial Implement a modern system clearance. sector. of parole and conditional day release. Strongly support the fight against terrorism, money Encourage greater use of BARBADOS POSTAL laundering, drug trafficking, alternative sentences to SERVICE illegal gun-running and other imprisonment threats to our stability and The Barbados Postal Service will security. be converted into a corporate Continue our support for the IMMIGRATION entity and run along commercial National Council on SERVICES lines. Postal workers, credit Substance Abuse unions and trade unions will be The Immigration Department is offered shares in the now required to play a more corporation. PENAL REFORM pivotal role in national New post offices will be built at development and security than The process of penal reform has Tamarind Hall, St. Joseph, at any other stage in its been started by the BLP with Belleplaine, St. Andrew, Six Cross passage of the Penal Reform Act existence. Roads, St. Philip and Benthams, St. Lucy.

57 Ports Authority Police “We will establish a Ports Police Unit to strenghten security at our ports of entry given the threat of terroism, arms smuggling and narco trafficking facing our borders.”

Increase the number of Fire Convert Channel 8 to 80% EMERGENCY RELIEF, Officers and establish local and regional pro- DISASTER an Auxiliary Fire Officers gramming. These measures Unit through community will reinforce national PREPAREDNESS partnerships. identity while creating AND RESPONSE economic op-portunities for the cultural and sports A BLP Government will: CREATING OUR industries Establish a National MIRROR IMAGE Broadcast Channel 8 across Emergency Management the Internet and satellite so Agency (NEMA) to expand The BLP government recently as to create a presence substantially upon functions recapitalised the Caribbean now carried out by CERO. Broadcasting Corporation and globally for Barbados to guaranteed a loan for conversion further enhance the Establish and operate a to a digital platform. country’s leadership role and national Emergency Relief its economic prospects. Supplies warehouse to The BLP will: provide immediate emer- Issue additional free to air gency relief supplies to Divest shares at the CBC to licenses within 3 years. persons affected by localised employees, credit unions or minimal impact events. and members of the public. Complete the conversion of INITIATIVES IN THE the broadcast platform at BARBADOS PUBLIC FIRE SERVICE CBC from analog to digital to We will: increase from 34 to 70 SECTOR channels on cable The Barbados Public Service is Replace the Airport Fire highly respected at home and Station with a modern Dedicate six channels to internationally for quality, complex compliant with broadcast local and regional international civil aviation content to counter balance integrity and professionalism and requirements; foreign programming, for the excellent service it has much of which is rendered our people. Establish a Fire Station at Six overloaded with gratutous Cross Roads, St. Philip and We seek to develop a public violence. Nesfield, St. Lucy. service that responds to this

58 Kerrie Symmonds ST. JAMES CENTRAL

An attorney –at-law with a first degree in Political Science and History, he was made a Senator in 2001. He has demonstrated expertise as a writer on International Affairs and says: “The BLP has a unique understanding of the growing intricacies of global affairs and the visionary leadership to tackle them and keep moving Barbados forward.”

challenge while offering high Government started a as is the case with the BDF, quality service to the public and comprehensive and service-wide they will be created. providing excellent career Job Reclassification research reform the public service opportunities for the most project that is due to be pension arrangement to talented and creative in our land. completed in June 2003. make it more secure. A BLP Administration will In its new term of office, a BLP continue programmes that are Government will implement the fundamental to the creation of recommendations coming out BETTER WORKING the new work culture to ensure of the comprehensive Job efficient, timely and improved CONDITIONS Reclassification exercise. public services. We have been constantly improving the physical and PERFORMANCE WAGE SETTLEMENTS environmental conditions under FOR PUBLIC which our public servants work. REVIEW AND This programme will be SERVANTS intensified and any adverse DEVELOPMENT physical environmental problems The BLP is committed to the will be addressed. SYSTEM satisfactory conclusion of two- We will replace the present year wage settlements for public Annual Confidential Report with servants, on terms that improve E-GOVERNMENT a Performance Review and the standard of living of our Development System. This is public servants, and that also If Barbados is to be a regional designed to lift the morale of include provisions to spur ICT centre, the government must public officers’ and boost productivity. connect to its citizens through productivity across the Public modern com-munications Service. technology. BETTER PENSIONS Within this framework, the BLP will establish an e-government We will: JOB Task Force to provide the road RECLASSIFICATION ensure that sound pension map for full and rapid transition arrangements are put in to e-government. In consultation with the place for all who serve the various stakeholders, the BLP public and where none exist,

59 The BLP remains committed to Barbados’ transition to a “Republic within the Commonwealth; with a native son or daughter always as our Head of State; and with the supremacy of the people impregnably enshrined in our centuries-old tradition of parliamentary democracy.”

Governing Barbados Well

The last 50 years of our history and carried out in supremacy of the people have been characterized by an accordance with the law. impregnably enshrined in our unswerving commitment to There shall be effective centuries-old tradition of democracy, the rule of law and mechanisms of parliamentary democracy. social justice. accountability We shall, in the next term, settle The challenge facing Barbados is Parliament shall retain its the key elements of our to modify our terms of essential role as a balance republican form of government governance to better meet the against executive power. and parliamentary reform, needs of our changing society, thence to proceed to a to protect our sovereignty and An independent judiciary Constitution of our independent to respond to non-traditional shall be a crucial bastion for sovereign state that is a threats to our security. the interpretation of the law proclamation of the people and and the settlement of The Barbados Labour Party disputes, and shall ensure the Parliament of Barbados and reaffirms the values that define that Government should not that of the United Kingdom. the character of our nation. never be above the law and A BLP Government will give We see it as our mission to that all citizens be treated effect to the principal defend and advance the fairly. recommendations of the following: The BLP remains committed to Constitution Review Commission. Barbados’ transition to a Integrity in all areas of We will strengthen the Charter Republic within the governance and public life, of Rights for the better Commonwealth; with a native with the public interest functioning of Civil Society. paramount in all decisions, son or daughter always as our which should be transparent Head of State; and with the

60 Ishmael Roett ST. MICHAEL CENTRAL

A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Columbia University and BIMAP, Ishmael has been a school teacher and lecturer at Erdiston College and founder and Principal of the O’Level Institute. Elected in 1994, he has been Speaker of the House ever since. He was awared the Gold Crown of Merit in 2001. He says: “The BLP majority in no way compromised the Parliament’s role in our democracy. The government used power with sensitivity and restraint and accomplished a great deal more than would otherwise have been possible”.

SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP The majority you gave to This partnership was born out of a need to stabilize the economy, the BLP in 1999 ensured but has grown into a developmental mechanism that that the nation’s contributes to social cohesion and stability. business was never in The re-elected BLP gridlock. Government will: Entrench the Social We were therefore able Partnership in the Constitution. to achieve considerably Extend the scope of its remit so that the Social Partnership more for a greater becomes a vital instrument for the expansion of number of Barbadians of participatory democracy, and enhanced standards of civil all circumstances, in governance, and resolution of industrial conflict. every parish, without Refine the protocols under regard to political which the Partnership functions. affinities. Broaden the role of the Partnership to involve it fully Barbados was the in the negotiations with the CSME, the FTAA, the WTO, winner, decisively so. and all other major international economic and trade talks.

61 Building a First World Society, continued from page 5

To meet these goals, Barbados needs leadership e exercised salutary restraint in every area of the calibre that led our country’s rapid recovery Wof governance and we took every major from the economic shambles, massive job loss, legislative initiative to the Barbadian people before public servants pay cuts, widespread destitution its introduction to Parliament. and deep national distress of the Thompson/ You can therefore trust us with another majority Sandiford regime. sufficiently large to enable us to fulfill our pledge ow, more than ever, Barbados needs the to make every Bajan a winner. Nproductive partnership between the To implement our Agenda for Barbados for the next Barbadian people and the BLP that so effectively five years, the Barbados Labour Party offers a team protected our population from the devastating of candidates that is the right blend for the task of global aftershock of the terrorist attacks on governing in these uniquely challenging times. America. I ask that you give them your support. ow, more than ever, Barbados needs a unified In setting out a detailed blueprint for transforming Nnation, building one another together to the Barbadian society and stimulating individual overcome the obstacles to growth and prosperity and corporate enterprise, this Agenda goes where that are directly ahead, as well as those yet no election manifesto in this country has ever unknown that are likely to be placed in our path. gone.. ow, more than ever, Barbados needs the s you will see, no group is left out, no one left Nnational consensus and cohesion that Abehind, as we continue the work for equitable propelled our nation forward during the trying distribution of Barbados’ resources. times of the last four years. This country’s economic performance since 1994 The majority you gave to the BLP in 1999 ensured has opened up new opportunity and has that the nation’s business was never in gridlock. encouraged rising expectations and new aspirations for all Barbadians. We were therefore able to achieve considerably more for a greater number of Barbadians of all We want all boats to continue to rise on the wave circumstances, in every parish, without regard to of prosperity that brought Barbados out of the political affinities. ‘nineties into a new century and a new millennium in a strong position to be an acknowledged leader Barbados was the winner, decisively so. among all nations, beyond the constraints of geography and population size. We never exercised the power you vested in the BLP with anything but sensitivity, never with ndaunted by the challenges that confront us, anything but great circumspection, never with Uprepared to seize the opportunities that anything but genuine humility. surround us as well as those that are ahead, fully confident of our capabilities and the worth of the When put to the test when stakeholders voiced Barbadian people, we set out in this Manifesto, the concerns, we did not press for passage of BLP Agenda to move Barbados from a middle Employment Rights legislation. income to a FIRST WORLD economy, in which, Nor did we proceed with constitutional transition without regard to social circumstance, every Bajan to a Republic when Barbadians reacted with alarm will be a winner. at the confrontation between the President and Barbados must not settle for bronze. the Prime Minister in a neighbouring CARICOM Barbados must not settle for silver. Republic. Barbados must go for the Gold! Never was the odium of arrogance a concomitant to the decisive majority you entrusted to us in I am confident that you will find this Agenda worthy 1999. of your ringing endorsement.

62 Owen Seymour Arthur ST. PETER

An economist by training and profession with BSc and MSc degrees in economics from the UWI, Owen’s political career began when he was appointed a Senator in 1983. He entered Parliament in 1984, served as Opposition Leader in 1994 when he became Barbados’ fifth Prime Minister.

PROVEN LEADERSHIP A Man for All Barbadians

By The Hon. Billie Miller Chairman, Barbados Labour Party

From his dramatic entrance to Leader demonstrates the extent confronted and indeed frontline national politics in the to which Barbadians have placed threatened Barbados and other 1984 St. Peter By-Election, to the their faith in Owen Arthur and small developing states in the global turmoil and trauma the extent which they trust him late ‘90s. surrounding the “Regime to manage our country’s affairs At the end of that decade, it fell to the greatest good for the Change” in Iraq in 2003, Prime to Owen Arthur to lead our greatest number of our citizens Minister, the Right Honourable country through the global Owen Arthur, has manifestly The Prime Minister earned such economic downturn that been the man destined to lead trust through the visionary, bold resulted in significant st Barbados into and in the 21 and decisive leadership he contraction and plummeting century. brought to the major crises consumer and investor The Barbadian people gave Owen confronting Barbados during the confidence in a number of OECD Arthur that opportunity when last decade. countries. they re-elected the Barbados His economic wizardry led The Prime Minister of Barbados Labour Party to government in Barbados out of the shambles was notably successful in leading 1999 with the most resounding and the pain inflicted on the the response that turned back endorsement ever conferred Barbadian people by the the OECD onslaught against upon a governing party and the ineptitude, callousness and Barbados and other jurisdictions, biggest parliamentary majority recklessness of the Thompson/ which were deemed to present ever given to any party and party Sandiford regime in the early unfair tax competition to the leader in the history of this ‘90s. major industrialized nations. country. The BLP Leader’s genius, clear His swift and innovative So definitive a vote of vision and worldview came response to the terrorist attacks

63 September 9, 2001, effectively described as “One of the finest enterprise in all sections, at all protected Barbados from minds of the century” in action. levels of the society. massive job loss in the public and Always proactive, always He has, understandably, inspired private sectors and from the strategic, never less than bold, deep affection in the hearts of resultant social dislocation Owen Arthur recites a mantra all Barbadians. experienced by many other that provides clear insight into This is well exemplified in the countries, including the sole the character of his leadership: determination of an elderly remaining global superpower. “We have to find new ways of woman awaiting his arrival at an In a period of back-to-back doing things”. event with the publicly stated international crises and He has proceeded to take the and implemented pledge to unprecedented challenge and lead in doing precisely this not “Hug he and put One Kiss ‘pon change, Owen Arthur’s only in Barbados, but in the he”. leadership has guided Barbados Region, in the Hemisphere and from strength to greater in the Commonwealth, as well. Other elderly Bajan women of strength. similar disposition are legion. It was inevitable that Prime Through all of this, Owen Arthur Minister Arthur would be the They respect and trust and love began every day - as he has primary advocate for and the their Prime Minister. confided - looking for new ways principal architect of a protocol It is generally taken without to help Barbadians, to ignite for the sustainable development dissent that there exists between Barbadian pride and enterprise, of small economies, in a joint Owen Arthur and his fellow and to move our nation forward. initiative of the World Bank and Barbadians, across all I have had the opportunity to the Commonwealth Secretariat. boundaries, and through the work closely with the Prime He inspired the resurgence of the best of times and the worst of Minister from the day I spoke at Barbadian spirit and the renewal times, a mutual and enduring his nomination in the By-Election of our nation in less than a love affair. which brought him to decade. Prime Minister Arthur is a proven Parliament; and in government, Prime Minister Arthur has given leader for all seasons, and, in then in opposition, and in new meaning to Independence delivery of his policy of inclusion, government again, from 1994. with the annual community a leader for all Barbadians. I have been in a good position to Independence celebrations, has observe close- up and personal restored Barbadian identity, what Barbados’ second Prime pride and self confidence and has Minister, Tom Adams, famously awakened a new spirit of

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