Minister Sutherland Applauds Cooperative Movement’s Role in Expanding Affordable Housing

Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, Dwight Sutherland, has praised the Cooperative Investment Fund (CIF) for its bold and decisive role in financing housing projects that expand homeownership opportunities for Barbadians.

Speaking at the official opening of the South View Housing Development, Mr. Sutherland described homeownership as “the essence of every Barbadian”, and commended the cooperative sector for stepping forward to share in the responsibility of providing affordable housing solutions.

“Government cannot carry the burden of housing investment alone. The foresight and commitment of the Cooperative Investment Fund demonstrate what is possible when financial institutions embrace innovation and support small businesses in the sector,” he stated.

The South View project consists of 30 lots, with 28 homes already completed and the remainder under construction. The homes, valued between $350,000 and $380,000, are built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and feature modern, open-plan designs. Importantly, the project incorporates rent-to-own options, making homeownership more accessible to working Barbadians.

The Minister also applauded Caribbean Housing Solutions, led by small business developer Renaldo White, for meeting the financing requirements of the CIF and creating jobs for over 100 Barbadians in the process.

The CIF, established through collaboration among five cooperative organisations, is not a credit union but a democratically owned and operated fund rooted in cooperative principles. Its support extends beyond South View, with successful housing projects already completed in Work Hall, St. Philip, and future initiatives planned for Inch Marlow to benefit low-income earners.

Mr. Sutherland highlighted that these efforts align with Barbados’ National Housing Policy and the Government’s commitment to delivering 10,000 homes over five years through public-private partnerships, joint ventures, and innovative financing models.

“This development is a clear example of how small contractors, supported by the cooperative sector, can deliver quality housing at scale. Progress is strongest when it is built together. As the proverb reminds us: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” the Minister emphasised.

He said Government will continue to embrace an industrial approach to housing, integrating modern construction techniques with renewable energy initiatives such as solar photovoltaics, to make homes more affordable and sustainable.

The Minister also issued a call to action to financial institutions. 

“Let this project be a beacon of what is possible. I urge all financial institutions in Barbados to be bold and creative in finding ways to partner with our small contractors and unlock more housing projects across the island. Together, we can build not only houses but stronger communities.” (PR/GIS)