Government’s fiscal programme is aimed at improving the lives of Barbadians, says Senator Roshanna Trim.
In her contribution to debate on the Appropriation Bill 2026 in the Senate yesterday, the new senator said that the Budget delivered last week showed a clear understanding of the realities facing countries like Barbados as it prioritised, among other things, where and how to invest.
Trim cited the war in the Middle East, the climate crisis, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global issues as matters which the Government had to consider and said it had achieved much, given the resources available.
She stood by the Government’s record in managing the country and said that the clearest endorsement of that Barbados Labour Party administration’s record came from the people of Barbados in the last General Election.
Trim went on to speak on the money allocation to the Ministry of Transport and Works as well as the Ministry of People’s Empowerment and Elder Affairs, with particular focus on the newly established Social Empowerment Agency, the One Family Programme, and the National Crime Prevention Programme.
“These are ministries that shape the everyday experience of Barbadians. These are the ministries that meet people where they are at in their communities, and in their homes,” she said.
Turning to the issue of traffic congestion, Trim said the $159 million allocated to the MTW was part of an integrated effort to address traffic woes.
“Because traffic is not caused by one issue. It is the result of multiple systems not working together as efficiently as they should. It is roads, it is drainage, it is transport availability, it is route coverage, it is infrastructure, and yes, it is also behaviour,” she said.
In reference to the observation by some citizens that the public consultations now taking place on possible solutions to traffic congestion came after Government announced that flyovers were coming, Trim said a decision could be made but other suggestions sought.
On the criticism that the Government was operating backwards on the traffic crisis, the senator said: “It’s okay to have your idea in your head and still speak to other people.
“It is perfectly fine to decide that we want to take this route, but we are open to other suggestions because we understand that all of the ideas, all of the solutions do not reside here.” ( AC)
