Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn has disagreed with statements that Barbadians are not benefiting from the economic growth being driven by a strong tourism sector.
“From the time an aeroplane lands, there are a series of activities that take place which benefits ordinary Barbadians, which cannot be underestimated in any way.
“Everything that we do in this space, equally as we will do in the maritime space, enhances the opportunity for the average Bajan to earn a living,” he said yesterday during debate on the Civil Aviation Bill, 2026.
Responding to commentators in the newspaper saying “that the growth is not being felt”, Straughn said the benefits from tourism were evident not only in the sector directly, but fruitful in relation to investment in hotel accommodation and other areas.
He also pointed to opportunities for people in the cultural, manufacturing, agriculture and transportation sectors.
“We see the numbers of tourists coming to the island. In my constituency alone, I see several tourists walking down Lodge Road, because they’re staying at Airbnbs all in my area, all across Christ Church,” added the Member of Parliament for Christ Church East Central.
“That was not the case eight years ago and therefore, as we have brought more and more traffic to Barbados, that traffic has been immersed within our communities across Barbados, and therefore I would want to reiterate, that I know people who are benefiting from the increased airlift,” Straughn said.
