A great initiative which the government could undertake is the sponsorship of refugees from Syria. Why specifically Syria? The majority of refugees residing in Jordan, Turkey and those currently fleeing Syria are from the region of Dara’a. The people of Dara’a are an agricultural people with extensive experience in farming - both in planting and animal husbandry - and working difficult soils.

If the government could undertake the sponsorship of several families (a minimum of 15), this would be a life saving initiative providing new life for people who need it the most right now. In order to have see a successful initiative the government would need the following:

- Implement and provide an income support program for a minimum of 1 year to the families (based on family size)

- Find and provide portions of land upon which the families could farm

- Provide the families with necessary tools

- Provide the necessary language classes for them to learn English, and the necessary support in the communities to engage them

Ultimately, strong systems of checks and balances would need to be put into place to ensure their successful integration into Barbadian society and to facilitate their progress in the society.

I truly believe the return to reap would be phenomenal as I have seen the contributions which are already being made by Syrians in Canada who only arrived in 2016. Of course the Canadian government has spent a lot of money to sponsor refugees but the return is already being seen in numerous places.

It must be noted that Syrians from this region not only have agricultural experience but also experience in hospitality and cooking.

I am confident in this suggestion and I am willing to offer as much help as possible to assist in creating a plan, providing support and making suggestions for whatever may be needed. Please feel free to contact me if this is something you would be interested in.

Thanks,

 Sean Bentham