Mottley shortens national celebrations as Barbados prioritizes cost-of-living relief

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says her administration will prioritize measures to cushion citizens from global economic pressures even as it continues advancing constitutional reform and other key policy initiatives.

Speaking at the Ideas Forum town hall meeting on Monday night, Mottley said the government has decided to shorten planned celebrations marking the country’s 60th anniversary of Independence and the fifth anniversary of becoming a republic, in order to redirect resources toward easing the impact of rising international costs on households.

She said the commemorative activities would now be held over a three-month period rather than through separate, extended observances.

“What I’m not going to do as prime minister of this country is to misallocate funds or misprioritize funds when circumstances clearly show you are dealing with a war,” Mottley said, referring to global conflicts and their impact on small economies.

The prime minister said Barbados must continue making prudent financial decisions in light of international developments beyond its control.

On governance reform, Mottley announced progress on the constitutional reform process, saying the advisory report on a new Constitution has been submitted to the President.

She said the report is expected to be reviewed by Cabinet within the next two to three weeks before being released for nationwide public consultation. While the government had initially hoped to complete the process by November, she said it would not sacrifice meaningful public participation to meet a deadline.

“The hope is that if we can’t make it for November, we make it soon thereafter, because we don’t want to deny the country the right for full participation,” she said.

On economic policy, Mottley defended the government’s decision to absorb part of the recent increase in global fuel prices rather than pass the full cost on to consumers.

She said officials had recommended increasing the retail fuel price from BDS$3.72 (US$1.86) to BDS$4.20 (US$2.10) per liter, but the administration instead capped the price at BDS$4.01 (US$2.00), with the government covering the difference.

“The government will carry the weight of that accounting difference for the people of Barbados rather than passing it on,” she said.

Mottley also outlined several other initiatives, including plans to introduce legislation targeting diabetes and kidney disease. She said the bill would be piloted by Health Minister Senator Lisa Cummins under constitutional provisions allowing ministers to participate in proceedings in both Houses of Parliament.

She said the legislation forms part of a broader strategy to position Barbados as a regional center for medical tourism and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

On energy policy, the prime minister reiterated support for natural gas as a transitional fuel while the country expands renewable energy capacity. She said Barbados would only partner with companies able to demonstrate compliance with strict methane emissions standards, adding that natural gas would also provide a backup electricity source following hurricanes or other natural disasters that could damage renewable infrastructure.

Mottley also highlighted the establishment of a Department of Citizen Engagement and Media Relations to strengthen communication between government and the public.

She encouraged Barbadians to volunteer with youth organizations and community groups during the summer, saying national development depends not only on financial investment but also on citizens contributing time to support the next generation.