By Deanzer Roberts

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has expressed mixed reactions to the recently presented 2025 Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement. While acknowledging some positive measures, the umbrella trade union body believes that the Budget falls short in addressing key concerns such as high taxation, the rising cost of living, and poverty alleviation.

CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips, in his post-budget analysis, emphasized that workers and citizens expected the government to introduce initiatives that would ease financial burdens. He noted that while the announced 2% biennial increase in the minimum wage is a welcome step, the current $340 per week remains inadequate given the high cost of living, particularly in areas such as food, rent, and utilities.

One of the key recommendations from CTUSAB was a reduction in income tax for pensioners, beyond the increase in the income tax threshold. The organization believes that pension income should be completely exempt from taxation to provide greater relief for retirees. Additionally, CTUSAB questioned why the Water and Sewage Tax remains in place despite many households not being connected to the sewage system. The union also called for a review of the Municipal Solid Waste Tax to determine if it discourages property development.

Phillips also criticized the continuation of the 2% tax on overseas credit card transactions, arguing that it penalizes consumers engaging in online transactions—a practice that the digital economy seeks to promote. CTUSAB further recommended a reduction in the 17.5% VAT rate, given the country’s reported economic growth and improved foreign exchange reserves.

The trade union body welcomed the government’s adjustments to maternity and paternity leave policies. The extension of maternity leave from 12 to 14 weeks, along with the removal of the three-child confinement limit, was described as a positive move that aligns with efforts to encourage population growth. CTUSAB, which has long advocated for paternity leave, was also pleased that fathers would now receive this benefit.

However, CTUSAB expressed concerns regarding the Government’s proposed 20% sales tax on salty snacks, cautioning that small vendors and local manufacturers might bear the brunt of this policy. The organization questioned the effectiveness of this approach in tackling health concerns, especially in light of the government’s simultaneous VAT reductions on salted meats such as pigtails, sausages, and stew beef.

Phillips noted that the Budget failed to adequately address the pressing economic challenges facing Barbadians, including high electricity and telephone bills, escalating food prices, and the accessibility of land and housing. He highlighted that there were no new measures introduced to regulate high rental costs, curb alleged price gouging, or address concerns about banking sector practices that impact consumers.

“The government has reported strong GDP growth, a healthy foreign exchange position, and reduced national debt, yet there is no significant move to alleviate the tax burden on citizens or to introduce major cost-of-living relief measures,” Phillips stated.

While CTUSAB acknowledged the Government’s one-off payment of $300 to certain groups, it hopes this will not impact the upcoming Public Sector Wages and Salaries Negotiations.

As the country moves forward in 2025, CTUSAB has urged the Government to take a more proactive stance in implementing policies that directly improve the economic well-being of all Barbadians. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for fair wages, economic empowerment, and meaningful social and economic policies that benefit workers and the wider population.

General Secretary Dennis de Peiza acknowledged the government’s increase in the personal income tax threshold but stressed that additional provisions are needed.

CTUSAB has urged the government to introduce tax incentives for workers in healthcare, education, and protective services, as well as tax credits for employees pursuing job-related professional development. The Congress also advocated for tax deductions on work-related expenses, including transportation and childcare.

Addressing the high cost of living, CTUSAB welcomed government’s reduction of vegetable and fruit prices but criticized the lack of further action, such as removing import duties and VAT on all fruits and vegetables. The Congress also lamented the absence of consumer protection regulations to prevent price gouging, stressing that many workers continue to struggle with rising expenses.

In addition, De Peiza called for stronger social protection measures, including increased funding for the National Insurance Scheme to ensure timely pension payment

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, has denounced the planned sale by the Government of Barbados of the civic centre in historic Holetown, St. James to private ownership for the construction of a hotel.

CTUSAB in a press release voiced its disappointment and strong objection to the sale of the historic site at Holetown stating that “the Government of Barbados is to be highly criticized and censured on this insensitive and unpopular decision”. 

The union referenced government’s ongoing efforts to preserve historic sites in Barbados such as the Rock Hall Freedom Village in St. Thomas, the Newton Slave Burial Ground and the Golden Square- Freedom Park in Bridgetown along with efforts to enhance  Speightstown arguing that this contradicts these intiatives and questioned why there is the move to preserve historic memories at these locations on one hand but not at Holetown.

CTUSAB has urged government to move ‘to have Holetown designated as a UNESCO historic site, in much the same way that this designation has been applied to historic Bridgetown and its Garrison. With Holetown being the landing place for the first settlers to the island’. Adding that ‘government’s commit to the sale of the Civic Centre at Holetown, constitutes a blatant disregard for preservation.  CTUSAB  calls on Civil Society organizations, politicians on both sides of the political divide, members of the clergy and members of the public, to mount pressure on the Government of the day, to reverse its decision to sell the civic centre at Holetown’.

Recently there have been several calls against the development from interest groups, conservationists and historians over the proposed  construction of a high rise hotel at Holetown.

The Central Bank of Barbados joins with Barbadians in mourning the passing of Trevor Marshall, a distinguished historian, scholar, and cultural advocate whose contributions to Barbados’ historical landscape are invaluable.

For decades, he dedicated himself to unearthing and preserving our nation’s rich history, ensuring that future generations would understand and appreciate the complexities of our past.

As a historian, Marshall was meticulous in his research and passionate in his storytelling. His work provided critical insights into Barbados’ social and economic history, particularly regarding the experiences of enslaved and free Black Barbadians. His scholarship was instrumental in shaping national discourse and challenging historical narratives.

Beyond his academic and public historical contributions, Marshall was a member of the Bank’s Frank Collymore Hall Committee. In this capacity, he played a role in shaping the facility’s strategy and direction, helping to ensure that it remained a premier space for artistic expression and intellectual engagement. Through his contributions, he supported the Bank’s efforts in promoting culture, reinforcing the importance of the arts in national development and identity.

As we reflect on his life’s work, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our history and championing the arts. The Central Bank of Barbados is honoured to have benefited from his wisdom and dedication, particularly through his contributions to the Frank Collymore Hall, which continues toprovide a platform for Barbadian cultural expression.

On behalf of Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge, the Board of Directors, and the staff of the Bank, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.