Some Bajans not feeling growth

Despite 20 consecutive quarters of economic growth, low inflation and falling debt, some Barbadians say they are not feeling the benefits in their daily lives, insisting that the high cost of living continues to place severe pressure on households.

The concerns were raised after Central Bank Governor, Dr The Most Honourable Kevin Greenidge, reported on the country’s economic performance for the period January to March last Wednesday, highlighting sustained growth.

However, a number of Barbadians told a Nation team the figures being presented did not reflect the reality facing ordinary citizens.

Destiny Leacock said while Government officials might be speaking about growth, many people remained unconvinced because prices continued to rise and everyday expenses were becoming harder to manage.

“My view of what is happening in Barbados is that the cost of living is far too high, so when they say there have been 20 consecutive quarters of growth, I honestly find that difficult to believe. It sounds like they are saying what they think people want to hear but in terms of real life, I do not see where the average person is benefiting,” she said.

Leacock added that crime was another major issue affecting national development and confidence in the economy.

“Before anything else can improve, the crime situation in Barbados has to be brought under control. If crime continues to rise, tourism could slow down and tourism is one of the things that helps keep Barbados going. If tourism suffers, then everything else will get worse, including the cost of living. We need to address crime and the rising prices because people are under pressure,” she said.

In his review, Greenidge told the country that tourism continued to be the principal driver of growth, adding that earnings had already surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels. He said stay-over arrivals rose by 1.1 per cent to more than 237 000 visitors, while cruise passenger arrivals jumped 30 per cent to over 359 000.

Michael Thompson also challenged the claim of meaningful growth, arguing that high taxation, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure remained serious concerns.

“What I would say is that the high taxation on duties and other things is one of the problems. I also do not really believe there has been any significant growth worth mentioning, because many people are still unemployed and the cost of living remains high. There are too many factors still affecting ordinary people,” he said.

Thompson noted that while positive economic announcements might create confidence, many citizens were yet to see practical results.

“It sounds good when officials say the country is improving every quarter, but are we really seeing that progress in our everyday lives? We are not seeing the trickle-down effect. Even look at the roads – people are still complaining – so I would not really call it growth for the average person. It appears to benefit a small percentage of Barbados, maybe the top end, but it is not making a real difference for regular citizens.”

Rachelle Allamby said she too was struggling to reconcile official statements with household realities, as many families remained one pay day away from hardship.

“I do not see the growth they are talking about, because it still feels like people are living pay cheque to pay cheque. No matter how many incomes you may have coming into the house, it is still hard and people are still struggling. What they are saying is not matching what many of us are experiencing,” she said.

Allamby called for more direct support to households rather than measures she said did not provide immediate relief.

“I think they need to handle households directly and give families some breathing space. Not indirect measures that take time, but real help that allows people to pay bills, buy groceries and survive week to week. For a family of five like mine, it is a struggle, so they need to do better in helping ordinary people manage.”

Louriston Goddard said he was still feeling the same financial pressure despite reports of economic gains.

“I am feeling the hustle every day. The cost of living is still hurting the same way and nothing has dropped. Everything keeps getting more expensive. So when they talk about growth, to me it sounds like just talk because nothing has changed for poor people,” he said.

Goddard said assistance should focus on those most in need.

“I think they need to look for ways to help poor people survive and save. Things need to be made better for those at the bottom because many people are still living from pay cheque to pay cheque and not seeing any real improvement. Despite the growth they say Barbados is recording, we not feeling this growth; that’s just pretty talk,” he added.

Another person, who declined to be named, said the economic expansion might be benefiting some sectors, but not lower-income earners.

“As an average Barbadian, I do not feel this growth at all. It may be growth for people in certain brackets, but certainly not in mine. The cost of living is very high and whatever little income I have has to stretch a very long way. Sometimes I have to dip into savings just to manage.

“That means the growth does not reflect on me. It reflects on people who can afford things and do not feel the crunch, but the average person like me is still struggling.” 

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