Consolidation of the Republic
On November 30, 2021, Barbados took the historic step of becoming a republic. A member of the Commonwealth since its independence in 1966, Barbados previously recognized the British monarch as head of state. This transition to a republic marks a new chapter in the country's long process of decolonization and the taking of control of its destiny.
Although this major constitutional change implies the abandonment of Barbados' status as a Commonwealth realm, the country retains its membership of the Commonwealth. For the time being, apart from the change of regime and Head of State - Dame Sandra Mason, the island's last Governor General, having been elected by Parliament (composed of the House of Assembly and the Senate) to take on the role of President - the daily lives of Barbadians have not been disrupted.
On June 20, 2022, a Constitutional Review Commission was set up. Its main objective is to examine the country's fundamental texts and propose the changes needed to establish a solid parliamentary republic. The Commission plays a crucial role in defining Barbados' future as an independent republic.
Economic diversification
Barbados is still heavily dependent on sugar cane and above all on tourism, which contributes 40% of GDP and employs a significant number of the population. The vulnerability of this economic pillar was illustrated during the Covid-19 crisis, when travel came to a standstill. Although the government intervened to support this important economic sector, this only served to exacerbate an already high level of debt. Several years ago, in collaboration with the IMF, the country implemented the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation plan, which aims to support the island's transformation through 8 pillars: the green transition and the building of resilient infrastructure; encouraging the construction of housing for low- and middle-income earners; investing in training and education; preserving financial stability and mobilizing national savings for local investment; making government a catalyst for improving productivity, boosting competitiveness and exports ; make Barbados a logistics hub; promote diversification through new niche economic activities centered on a new knowledge economy; and adopt policies to open up the labor market while improving productivity and competitiveness (one of the black spots in the labor market).
Social issues
Despite a literacy rate that would make Western nations green with envy (99.6% according to the IMF, with only Cuba doing better in the region), education and socio-economic inequalities remain a recurring problem. Indeed, there is a wide gap between the richest and the poorest, and between urban and rural areas. Access to education and employment remains problematic, and the unemployment rate remains relatively high (8.2%). This complex situation gives rise to social problems such as poverty, crime and exclusion, which hamper social cohesion and impede the country's equitable development.
The environment and climate change
As you'll soon notice, Barbados is rather flat and largely urbanized, particularly on the south and west coasts, which are popular with tourists. This urban concentration is accompanied by rampant concrete development, often to the detriment of natural and agricultural areas. While tourism is a crucial economic pillar for Barbados, generating income and jobs, it is not without its negative effects. Increased building density, rising water demand, proliferating waste, air and water pollution are undermining the environment and threatening the island's sustainability. Growing urbanization is also undermining the natural areas that are still preserved (some, such as the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, are under threat).
Faced with this situation, Barbados finds itself at a crossroads. On the one hand, there is the urgent need to preserve its natural resources and guarantee a sustainable future for its inhabitants. On the other, the need to maintain a dynamic tourism sector and diversify its economy.
Global warming complicates matters and is already having a tangible impact on the island. Rising seawater temperatures are threatening the coral reef, home to a wealth of underwater flora and fauna. Warmer oceans also mean more violent and frequent tropical storms, amplifying the hurricane risk for Barbados. The dry season is also longer, putting a strain on the island's already less-than-optimal water resources. Rising sea levels also mean coastal erosion. The island's narrow western seaboard, the most popular with tourists, is particularly at risk. Its flat topography also puts Barbados at risk of severe flooding.
The solutions. Initiatives to tackle these serious problems include the multiplication of solar panel farms, projects to recycle wastewater for land irrigation and consumption, and plans for offshore wind farms. The aim is for the island to eventually use 100% renewable energy by 2030. The restoration of natural habitats is also on the agenda of Prime Minister Mia Mottley's government.
