Barbadians are a people proud about the quality of life they have experienced over the years. Barbados is fast approaching the status of a truly modernised democracy. The 166 sq. mile island boasts a good record of political stability and an enviable record of a high ‘quality of life’ for its 270,000 citizens. Not only is this fact recognised at home and among CARICOM neighbours, but it is repeatedly documented in various United Nations reports together with several other independent and international countries and institutions. For example, many socio-economic indicators compiled from among the many agencies and international institutions rank Barbados in the top quartile of all sovereign nations in the categories of health, education, life expectancy, civil stability, investment attractiveness, and as a choice destination for tourism and living.

The inspirational Barbados Labour Party has been at the forefront of most programmes and policies designed specifically to enhance the lives of all citizens. It is a reality that over the years and especially during the period between 1994 and 2007, the BLP has remained grounded in its philosophical moorings while renewing the spirits of the Barbadian people. The party continues to protect the socially excluded, the vulnerable, the poor, the sick and the elderly. The domestic climate in Barbados is well aware of the National Strategic Plan for Barbados which speaks to an emphasis on empowerment, building self-confidence, creating a favourable environment for the full eradication of poverty, and bringing a more human face to all developmental initiatives undertaken on the behalf of all Barbadians.

Under the astute leadership of Prime Minister Owen Arthur, the government and people of Barbados have been able to overcome very complex and difficult challenges that impact negatively on small developing countries such as Barbados. While globalisation and other hegemonic forces have presented real challenges to the economy, Barbados is showing great resolve in ensuring that several opportunities are maximised for the greatest benefit of all citizens. Today, free education has been expanded at all levels inclusive of nursery care; healthcare has been taken to a higher level despite the enormous costs of equipment and the maintenance of other physical infrastructure; and many more Barbadians are gainfully employed thereby helping the administration to bring record low levels of unemployment and increased levels of local economic activity to solidify the high quality of life in the island.

Even as there are genuine concerns in relation to the rising cost of living, which effects every country in the world due to the tenacious nature of high energy costs, Prime Minister Arthur and his splendid team have put problem-solving ideas together just to ensure that the quality of life and the standard of living are not in any way compromised. A just published report justifies the excellent work by the BLP administration in Government whereby Barbados has been able to maintain its ranking of 31st among 177 nations in the UNDP 2007/2008 Human Development Index. Barbados stands ahead of any other Caribbean state in this regard.

Barbados has also coveted the top ranking position for countries in the world in relation to the Income Poverty Index. This is significant considering the venom that is constantly thrown at the BLP administration by some voices void of practical solutions to any lingering problems. The BLP administration is working doubly hard to remove the incidence of poverty in this country and at the same time, the Arthur-led executive is expanding viable opportunities to ensure the continued socio-economic empowerment of individuals from all walks of life in Barbadian society. Furthermore, Prime Minister Arthur through his responsive and responsible decision-making that is characterised by good judgement and political will has implemented a series of public policies designed to enhance the wellness of individuals and thereby help to tackle problems associated with chronic illnesses. Across the Caribbean and the world, persons are complimenting the Prime Minister for according a special treatment to persons living with HIV-AIDS. There are many success stories in relation to this programme and Barbadians are well aware of the proximity the Prime Minister has attached to crafting a healthy society. Adequate mechanisms are in place that allow for citizens to continue making major contributions to the productivity levels in this country while satisfying family needs and demonstrating that Barbados is indeed a caring society. Therefore, the BLP’s boast of “a better life for our people” is by no means a far-fetched ideal. Neither is the human-centred approach of wide public policies as formulated under the current BLP regime, to be dismissed as being out of touch with the masses. For certain, the fact that both contending political parties in Barbados refuse to bring practical alternatives for development in Barbados, illustrates the malaise to be found within persons and groups bent on self-aggrandisement at the expense of working towards the national interests. There is no doubt that Prime Minister Owen Arthur’s sound vision and pragmatic leadership is well-suited for moving Barbados to the next higher level of real social and economic progress.

Prime Minister Arthur and his confident team refuse to rest on the laurels of success. Collectively, all of the Ministers of Government have vowed to pilot Barbados’ direction ever conscious that “Barbados must continue to go for the gold.” Hence, in sober reflection upon where Barbados stood prior to the BLP’s rise to government in 1994 and where the island stands now, reveals the extraordinary accomplishments by an administration committed to the competent representation of all Barbadians in every sphere of socio-economic activity. This development path is undertaken against the odds of global volatility, global financial shocks since 1994, and the rapid rise internationally of energy and commodities such as wheat, corn, and other grain.

By not allowing any obstacle to be greater that the cause, the Barbados Labour Party which governs in conjunction with the majority of people have done Barbados proud and have been pellucid in their performance. It does not matter the length of time an administration remains at the helm of the country, just as long as life is made abundantly better for each and everyone. The Prime Minister and his Cabinet have worked steadfastly for the cause of social justice and social improvement for Barbadians. The evidence is worth showcasing in glowing terms because the securitisation of Barbados’ sustainable development is a major priority. On this certain growth path, Prime Minister Arthur and his BLP administration can and will do much more that is even destined to push the quality of life to unprecedented heights thus far unachieved by any previous administration in the post-independence years. “The time of new enlightenment begins TODAY!”
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