Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has reaffirmed that Barbadian workers must remain at the centre of national development, with a renewed focus on increasing disposable income, improving wages, and expanding opportunities for ownership.
Addressing workers at the May Day celebrations, Ms. Mottley said the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the critical value of every worker across the economy. “If anybody doubted your value and your worth, we understood it clearly when COVID came…, everyone has their role to play,” she stated.
The Prime Minister made it clear that her administration, as a Labour-led Government, remains committed to policies that prioritise people. “Without labour, businesses cannot function…, that is why putting people at the centre of all that we do is so important,” she said.
Among the key measures highlighted was Government’s tax policy aimed at increasing disposable income for lower and middle-income earners. “Every Barbadian earning $50,000 or less will effectively not pay income taxes in any year where the Government’s cash flow allows it,” Ms. Mottley explained, noting that this policy has already benefited thousands of workers in recent years.
She also pointed to upcoming public sector reforms, including regrading and wage negotiations, which are expected to commence shortly. “We will start…the review of the work of the committee in the next two weeks…and begin negotiations…for the next three years,” she said.
Beyond wages, the Prime Minister introduced a major policy direction focused on worker empowerment through ownership and investment. “This term must be about making Bajans owners…, creating opportunities where ordinary Barbadians can participate in the bounty of this country,” she stated.
She outlined plans for workers to invest in national development projects such as renewable energy, water infrastructure, and data centres, allowing them to benefit not only as employees but also as shareholders. “We are saying that instead of a few benefiting, we can create opportunities where all of us benefit…, so that you don’t only pay bills, but you earn dividends as well,” Ms. Mottley explained.
She also stressed the importance of productivity and collective responsibility in sustaining economic growth. “For every minute or hour that we don’t work, something suffers…. We all have a vested interest to get this right,” she said.
Reaffirming Government’s commitment to workers, she added: “This is Labour working for workers, and a Government of Barbados working alongside to make it better.”
The Prime Minister concluded by encouraging Barbadians to embrace opportunities for economic participation, particularly as the country marks its 60th anniversary of Independence. “This must be the year that we educate workers on how to become owners in their own land,” she said.
