A spokesperson for the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has expressed strong concern over what the party describes as the Government’s mishandling of the transition within Barbados’ sugar industry.
In a formal statement issued by Mrs. Amoy Gilding-Bourne, the DLP’s Spokesperson on Agriculture and the Green Economy, the party accused the current administration of stalling progress and failing to provide clarity on critical matters affecting the sector.
Below is the full statement issued from the desk of Mrs. Amoy Gilding-Bourne:
The Democratic Labour Party must express its deep concern over the current government’s handling of Barbados’ sugar industry transition—a matter that affects not only a critical national asset but also the livelihoods of countless Barbadians who depend on this sector.
For too long, the current administration and this current minister have pursued an overly rigid and bureaucratic approach. Rather than engaging constructively with Co-op Energy and the other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues, the government has repeatedly evaded meaningful dialogue. We find it unacceptable that multiple attempts by Co-op Energy to secure clarity—through letters and requests for independently verified valuations—have been met with silence or vague assurances.
The government’s steadfast insistence on withholding asset transfers until Co-op Energy meets its financial commitments, has instead created an atmosphere of uncertainty. Repeated extensions have been granted without any clear deadline for resolving the impasse, leaving the entire industry in limbo. Such delays not only undermine investor confidence but also risk derailing efforts to modernize and revitalize one of our nation’s most historically significant economic sectors.
While the protection of public assets is non-negotiable, it is equally important to foster an environment where innovative solutions and timely investments can flourish. The government’s approach—focused solely on technicalities and contractual minutiae—ignores the broader economic implications. Our sugar industry deserves forward-thinking leadership that balances fiscal responsibility with the urgent need to catalyze growth and job creation.
Instead of clinging to obsolete methods and excuses, the government should adopt a proactive stance. It must provide a clear, transparent roadmap that outlines when and how the legal and financial criteria will be met, thereby restoring confidence among investors, workers, and the public at large. An honest and direct accounting of the challenges—and a commitment to overcome them jointly with all involved parties—is exactly what Barbados needs right now.
We call on the government to:
• Offer a definitive timeline for the completion of the asset transfers.
• Engage in open, transparent communication with Co-op Energy and other stakeholders.
• Explore flexible, innovative approaches that secure both public assets and the economic future of our sugar industry.
Barbados deserves better than ambiguity, incompetence and delay. It is time for leadership that not only safeguards our national resources but also champions the transformation of our economy for the benefit of every citizen. The people of Barbados are watching, and we urge the government to act decisively and transparently to deliver on its promise.
