Government

Tax Relief for Middle-Income Earners

By Deanzer Roberts

Middle-income earners across Barbados are set to benefit from a tax relief measure announced by Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, in the national budget presentation for 2025. The adjustment to the income tax threshold will provide much-needed financial relief to individuals earning between $50,000 and $100,000 annually.

Minister Straughn emphasized that this measure is aimed at easing financial burdens on hardworking Barbadians, stimulating spending, and fostering greater economic stability. “This tax relief will put more money back into the pockets of our people, allowing them to invest in their families, homes, and businesses,” he stated during his budget presentation.

According to the Ministry of Finance, this tax adjustment is part of a broader effort to ensure that Barbados remains competitive while supporting household economic growth. The move is expected to increase disposable income for thousands of Barbadian families, providing them with greater financial flexibility in managing daily expenses, savings, and investments.

Additionally, the government believes that this initiative will drive increased consumer spending, which in turn will benefit local businesses and contribute to overall economic growth. The Ministry has projected that this measure will result in a $50 million boost to the local economy as middle-income earners redirect their tax savings into purchasing goods, services, and making long-term financial commitments such as home ownership and education.

The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry has praised the initiative, noting that it will create a positive ripple effect in the economy. By increasing disposable income, businesses can expect greater consumer spending, which will lead to expansion opportunities and job creation. Similarly, financial analysts have stated that this tax relief will encourage more structured financial planning among Barbadians, fostering a culture of investment and wealth accumulation.

In light of global economic challenges, this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering financial security for Barbadians while promoting sustainable economic development. Taxpayers are encouraged to consult with financial advisors on the best ways to leverage these benefits to build wealth and strengthen their financial standing.

As the implementation date for these tax adjustments approaches, the government will undertake an extensive public awareness campaign to educate citizens on how to maximize their savings and fully understand the benefits available to them. Financial literacy workshops, consultations with tax professionals, and digital resources will be made accessible to the public, ensuring a smooth transition and widespread understanding of the policy.

Government

Mental Health Workers: Champions Of Change Across Communities

Employees of the Psychiatric Hospital have been urged to see themselves as champions of change across Barbados, to lessen the stigma of mental illness.

This message was conveyed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, at the 2025 Employee Rewards and Recognition Ceremony of the Psychiatric Hospital, last Saturday, at Mahogany Ridge, Plum Tree Road, St. James.

Held under the theme Excellence in Healthcare Delivery, the event saw the Minister lauding staff, for “a tremendous job” and encouraging them to continue working to uplift their brothers and sisters, as they daily handle acute cases of mental health.

Mr. Ishmael, who stressed that many people needed an uplifting hand, given the several mental health challenges faced by society, suggested a comforting word or hug, could help bring such persons back from the precipice.

He praised the hospital’s anti-stigma campaign and emphasised it needed to be embraced to break down the mental blockades which lend to persons taking a stand-off approach to mental illness.

The Minister stated: “I want us, as champions of mental health in our country, to see ourselves as bigger than the Psychiatric Hospital and see yourselves as part of the messengers that have to go out there on a daily basis, within your various conversations, …wherever people are….

“Take a moment to encourage those who are around you to take better care of their mental health, so we can avoid, and we can pull back some of this discrimination, some of these unfortunate incidents that we are seeing in our country because we really have to do better in this country, and it begins with all of us.”

He also reminded staff that excellence in mental health required not only clinical knowledge and technical skill, but profound empathy, patience, resilience, and an unwavering belief in human dignity. And Mr. Ishmael stressed it was for this reason several of them were being honoured for consistently demonstrating this belief, not only through words but through action.

“You remind us that compassion is not just a value. It is practice. You are the reason that hope reaches the hopeless, and healing touches the broken,” he stated.

Several staffers received long service awards for having spent 10 to 40 years at the Black Rock, St. Michael institution. Social worker, Cecilia Ramsay received the 40-year award while Senior Nursing Officer, Alfred Alleyne was bestowed the 35-year award. Both were presented by Minister Ishmael.

Three people received the Hospital Director’s Award – Infection Control Officer, Selvin Greenidge; Deputy Principal Nursing Officer, Michelle Moore; and Department Aide, Rodney Stuart. The hospital also recognised its retirees and presented the “Friends of Psychiatric Hospital Award” to four persons – Peter ‘Peter Ram” Wiggins, Geoffrey “Biggie Irie” Cordle, Nikita Herbert, and Faith Callender – for their voluntary service to the institution and championing mental health initiatives. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Senior Nursing Officer at the Psychiatric Hospital, Alfred Alleyne (right), is presented with the 35-year award by Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael at the hospital’s awards ceremony last Saturday.

Government

EDMUND HINKSON RESIGNS

Speaker of the House of Assembly The Hon Arthur Holder shortly after the sitting began today read a letter of resignation submitted by the Hon. Edmund Hinkson representative for St. James North.

The letter stated ‘In accordance with Section 45 (1) b of the Constitution of Barbados, I hereby give notice that I shall resign from the Parliament of Barbados a the Member for the Constituency of St. James North effective Friday April 25th, April, 2025 at 10am.

Government

Prime Minister Mottley Pays Tribute To Pope Francis

The world today feels like a lonely place with the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. For me, Pope Francis was the beacon of global moral strategic leadership.

I confess that it was Pope Francis’ writings and teachings that guided and inspired me through the dark and desolate days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as I worked with others to lead Barbados through that period of grave uncertainty. He was, in every sense, my hero.

I was later humbled to have spent time with him late last year, where he reinforced in me the importance of always aligning our hearts, our heads, and our hands with our faith – to see, hear, and feel all people, so that we may help them, and to protect our planet.

His voice comforted and inspired many. His hands led him to places where others dared not go, and His heart knew no boundaries. His humour and his laughter were not only infectious but calming.

Let us, each and every day, see, hear, and feel people—to fight the globalisation of indifference. In so doing, we will walk the road he paved tirelessly to the very end of his life.

If we dare to live with heart, to serve with courage, humility, and to love without borders—then Pope Francis still walks among us.

May His soul forever rest in peace. (PR/GIS)