Barbados has earned an upgrade in its long-term issuer ratings from B3 to B2 by Moody’s Ratings, reflecting the country's sustained fiscal discipline, economic recovery, and improved debt management. The outlook remains stable. According to Moody’s, the rating improvement stems from Barbados’ consistent primary surpluses, narrowing fiscal deficits, and a firm downward trajectory in public debt....
A US$2.93 million (BDS$5.92 million) coastal fisheries resilience initiative has been launched to support the recovery and modernization of Barbados’ fishing sector following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The project, backed by the United Nations and the government of Japan, was officially unveiled on Monday. The year-long initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry...
Barbados now boasts the largest electric bus fleet in the Western Hemisphere, thanks to the formal handover of 30 new electric buses from the People’s Republic of China. This latest donation brings the island’s total to 89 electric buses and marks the third delivery in an ongoing partnership between the two nations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Santia Bradshaw,...
Barbados has strengthened its commitment to the growth of gymnastics through a collaborative initiative with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the Barbados Amateur Gymnastics Association (BAGA), with plans also underway to introduce the dynamic sport of parkour to the island. The announcement came during discussions between Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles...
Barbados has secured a US$30 million loan from the World Bank aimed at strengthening the nation’s disaster response systems and boosting resilience against natural and public health emergencies. The financing comes through the Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan, which includes the Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat DDO)—a rapid-access credit line that allows the government to...
Barbados and China have reaffirmed their shared commitment to climate action and sustainable development, with a renewed focus on zero-carbon initiatives. This came as officials from both countries gathered in Rockley for a networking session aimed at deepening cooperation on clean energy and low-carbon innovation. The event, held at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa, was organised by the Association of...
“Trade and investment must be at the centre of the Commonwealth’s renewal,” declared Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey during the 2025 Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit. Her remarks came at a pivotal time of global economic disruption, marked by sweeping tariffs that have unsettled markets worldwide and affected several Commonwealth countries directly. "This is no...
Barbados is charting an ambitious new course to solidify its status as a global insurance hub, with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) unveiling a series of strategic initiatives to boost efficiency, innovation, and regulatory agility in the $174 billion insurance sector. FSC Chairman Oliver Jordan, speaking at the recent Barbados Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM) conference hosted by BIBA –...
In the heart of Barbados’ Scotland District, a once-depleted sand quarry has undergone a stunning transformation into the Caribbean’s largest regenerative hub—Walkers Reserve. This flagship project is fast becoming a national model for sustainable development, climate resilience, and ecological restoration. Led by the Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research, Education, and Design (WIRRED),...
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is set to make a strong impact at WTM Latin America 2025, held in São Paulo, Brazil, from April 14-16, 2025. For the first time, the CTO will host a dedicated Caribbean Pavilion, showcasing the diverse tourism offerings of the region. Located at Booth M90, the Caribbean Pavilion will feature representatives from key destinations, including Antigua &...