N a t i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n o n S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n tN a t i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n o n S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n tG o v e r n m e n t o f B a r b a d o sG o v e r n m e n t o f B a r b a d o s

B a r b a d o s B a r b a d o s N aN a t i o n a l Rt i o n a l R ee p o rp o r tt

o n t h e o n t h e WW o ro r l d S u m m i t o nl d S u m m i t o nS u s t a i n aS u s t a i n a bb l e D el e D e vv e l o p m e n te l o p m e n t

( R i o + 1 0 )( R i o + 1 0 )

Barbados National Report

on the World Summit on Sustainable Development

(Rio+10)

National Commission on Sustainable Development Ministry of Housing Lands and Environment

Government of Barbados

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................I

LIST OF FIGURES .............................................................................................................. IV

LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................ IV

LIST OF BOXES ................................................................................................................... V

LIST OF ACRONYMNS .....................................................................................................VI

BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................VIII

1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 1 1.1 LOCATION...................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 CLIMATE........................................................................................................................ 1 1.3 PHYSIOGRAPHY.............................................................................................................. 1 1.4 GOVERNANCE ................................................................................................................ 1 1.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS ........................................................................................... 1

2. NATIONAL PLANNING PROCESS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................... 4

2.1 BACKGROUND................................................................................................................ 4 2.2 MAJOR INITIATIVES IN PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ........................... 4

2.2.1 National Commission on Sustainable Development ............................................. 4 2.2.2 The National Strategic Plan (NSP)....................................................................... 6 2.2.3 The Environmental Management and Land Use Planning for Sustainable Development (EMLUP) Project........................................................................................ 7

2.3 CHANGES IN POLICY - AND DECISION - MAKING ............................................................ 8 2.4 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE PLANNING PROCESS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT....................................................................................................................... 9

3. NATIONAL CRITICAL ISSUES ............................................................................... 11 3.1 FRESHWATER RESOURCES ........................................................................................... 11

3.1.1 Background......................................................................................................... 11 3.1.2 Challenges to Effective Management of Freshwater Resources......................... 11 3.1.3 National Actions.................................................................................................. 12 3.1.4 Commitment to Earth Summit and Regional Agreements................................... 13 3.1.5 Successes and Failures ....................................................................................... 14 3.1.6 The Way Forward ............................................................................................... 17

3.2 LAND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ............................................................................... 17 3.2.1 Background......................................................................................................... 17 3.2.2 National Concerns .............................................................................................. 17 3.2.3 Actions Taken to Address Land Resources Management ................................... 20

3.2.4 Main Accomplishments and factors that determined these accomplishments .... 24 3.2.5 The Way Forward ............................................................................................... 25 3.2.6 Regional Co-operation........................................................................................ 25

3.3 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT...................................................................................... 26 3.3.1 Background......................................................................................................... 26 3.3.2 Description of Barbados’ Solid Waste Status..................................................... 26 3.3.3 National Actions Implemented to Manage Solid Waste...................................... 28 3.3.4 Commitments to the Earth Summit ..................................................................... 31 3.3.5 Constraints and Challenges............................................................................... 32 3.3.6 Mitigatory Measures.......................................................................................... 32 3.3.7 The Way Forward ............................................................................................... 32 3.3.8 Lessons Learnt .................................................................................................... 34

3.4 VULNERABILITY OF BARBADOS TO NATURAL DISASTERS ........................................... 34 3.4.1 Background......................................................................................................... 34 3.4.2 Vulnerability to Meteorological Events .............................................................. 35 3.4.5 Volcanoes............................................................................................................ 49 3.4.6 Disaster Management Operations ...................................................................... 49 3.4.7 The Way Forward ............................................................................................... 52 3.4.8 Lessons Learnt .................................................................................................... 52

3.5 ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY ........................................................................................ 53 3.5.1 Background......................................................................................................... 53 3.5.3 Market Related Shocks....................................................................................... 53 3.5.4 The Way Forward ............................................................................................... 59

4. EMERGING CRITICAL ISSUES .............................................................................. 62 4.1 CRIME .......................................................................................................................... 62

4.1.1 Background......................................................................................................... 62 4.1.2 Illegal Drugs ....................................................................................................... 63 4.1.3 Robberies ............................................................................................................ 63 4.1.4 Burglaries ........................................................................................................... 64 4.1.5 Actions Taken to Address Crime......................................................................... 64 4.1.6 Constraints to Crime Fighting............................................................................ 65 4.1.7 The Way Forward ............................................................................................... 65 4.1.8 Lesson Learnt...................................................................................................... 65

4.2 HEALTH ....................................................................................................................... 66 4.2.1 Background......................................................................................................... 66 4.2.2 Health Initiatives - Accomplishments and Failures............................................ 66 4.2.3 The Way Forward ............................................................................................... 71 4.2.4 Lesson Learnt/Best Practice ............................................................................... 72

4.3 FOOD SECURITY........................................................................................................... 72 4.3.1 Background......................................................................................................... 72 4.3.2 Measures to Improve Availability, Stability and Access to Food Supplies......... 73 4.3.3 Threats to Food Security..................................................................................... 77 4.3.4 The Way Forward ............................................................................................... 78

5. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND PUBLIC AWARENESS...................................... 80 5.1 BACKGROUND.............................................................................................................. 80

5.2 ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE FORMAL EDUCATION SECTOR .......................................... 80 5.3 KEY IMPLEMENTATION PROBLEMS .............................................................................. 81 5.4 MEASURES TO OVERCOME IMPLEMENTATION PROBLEMS ........................................... 81 5.5 ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE INFORMAL EDUCATION SECTOR....................................... 81 5.6 KEY PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED................................................................................... 82 5.7 THE WAY FORWARD.................................................................................................... 82

6. THE WAY FORWARD – VISION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BARBADOS .......................................................................................................................... 83

REFERENCES...................................................................................................................... 85

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Map showing the relative location of Barbados within the Caribbean……….…02 Figure 2: Sectoral Contribution to the GDP...…………………………….……………….03 Figure 3: Estimate of the Consumption Rate of Freshwater in Barbados…………….……13 Figure 4: Showing the allocation of land to various uses in Barbados for 1976…………..18 Figure 5: Showing the allocation of land to various uses in Barbados for 1995/6………...19 Figure 6: Map showing inland areas that are prone to flooding…………………………...39 Figure 7: Showing the Level of Soil Erosion Experienced Throughout the Island………..46 Figure 8: Showing Slope Stability Works in the Scotland District (1957 - 1997)………...47 Figure 9: Recorded Crime Rate (per 100, 000 Population) for 1990 - 1999………………62 Figure 10: The cumulative number of AIDS cases, by gender, for December 1984 –

June 2000……………………………………………………………………….67 Figure 11: The number of AIDS cases by age and gender, for December 1984 –

June 2000……………………………………………………………………….67

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Sources of Solid Waste Generated during 1997…………………….….…………..27 Table 2: Maximum Storm Surge for the West Coast of Barbados…………………………..41 Table 3: The Distribution of Recorded Crimes for 1990 and 1999………………………….63 Table 4: The Number of Children (< 8 years) with Meningitis due to Haemophilus

Influenza Infection since 1974……………………………………………………..69 Table 5: Number of cases and deaths caused by dengue (1995 - 2001)……………….……70

LIST OF BOXES Box 1: National Indicators Programme (NIP)………………………………………………06 Box 2: Sustainable Development of Tourism in Barbados – A Policy Framework………..09 Box 3: Vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure and Key Economic Sectors………………..36 Box 4: Vulnerability to Climate Change……………………………………………………44 Box 5: Advantages and Disadvantages of Barbados’ Economic Performance……………..54 Box 6: Actions Taken to Enhance Barbados’ Economic Performance……………………..55

LIST OF ACRONYMNS AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ACP African, Caribbean and Pacific States BADMC Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation BMO Barbados Meteorological Office BWA Barbados Water Authority BSS Barbados Statistical Services BATEA Best Available Technology Economically Achievable BOO Build Own Operate CBERA Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act CBI Caribbean Basin Initiative CARICOM Caribbean Common Market CDERA Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency CEHI Caribbean Environmental Health Institute CPACC Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change CSME Caricom Single Market and Economy CERO Central Emergency Response Organisation CTP Chief Town Planner CDRC Chronic Disease Research Centre CZMU Coastal Zone Management Unit CBO Community-Based Organisation DANA Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis DEO District Emergency Organisation DU Drainage Unit DARE Drug Awareness and Resistance Education EOC Emergency Operation Centre EED Environmental Engineering Division EHO Environmental Health Officer EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMLUP Environmental Management and Land Use Planning for

Sustainable Development EU European Union FTC Fair Trade Commission FAD Fish Aggregating Device FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation FTAA Free Trade Area of the Americas GIS Geographic Information System GOOS Global Ocean Observing System GOB Government of Barbados Hib Haemophilus Infection Vaccine HIV Human Immune-deficiency Virus ICS Incident Command System IOCARIBE Intergovernmental Oceanographic Sub-commission for the Caribbean and

Adjacent Regions ISWMP Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme

IDB Inter-American Development Bank IPCC Inter-governmental Panel for Climate Change MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella MGD Million Gallons per Day MARD Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development MEE Ministry of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources MFEA Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs MOH Ministry of Health MPT Ministry of Transport and Public Works NCSD National Commission on Sustainable Development NCSA National Council on Substance Abuse NIP National Indicators Programme NSP National Strategic Plan NSDP National Sustainable Development Policy NGO Non-governmental Organisation OECD Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development PERT Parish Emergency Response Team PDP Physical Development Plan POA Programme of Action QEH Queen Elizabeth Hospital RRU Rapid Response Unit RBPF Royal Barbados Police Force SSA Sanitation Services Authority SSWPU Sewerage and Solid Waste Project Unit SIDS Small Island Developing States SCU Soil Conservation Unit SMID Stress Management in Disaster TAC Tourism Advisory Council TCDPO Town and Country Development Planning Office UN United Nations UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development WHO World Health Organisation WTO World Trade Organisation

BACKGROUND This National Report is prepared for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) 2002 review of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. This report analyses the national progress in implementing the principles of Agenda 21 - the 'blueprint for sustainable development,' which emerged from Rio in 1992. The Report has been prepared according to UN Guidelines and analyses Critical Issues, both current and emerging. Issues identified as critical are:

• Freshwater Resources • Land Utilisation and Management • Solid Waste Management • Vulnerability of Barbados to Economic and Natural Disasters

Emerging Issues are:

• Food Security • Crime • Health, with emphasis on the threat of HIV/AIDS

The Report has 6 main sections:

• Introduction, • National Planning Process for Sustainable Development and its Implementation, • Current Critical Issues, • Emerging Critical Issues, • Education, and • The Way Ahead.

Preparation of the Report The initial report represents a synthesis of interviews conducted, as well as reports submitted by various agencies. The participating agencies include:

• Barbados Water Authority (BWA) • Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) • Town and Country Development Planning Office (TCPO) • Sewerage and Solid Waste Project Unit (SSWPU) • Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) • Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology • Drainage Unit (DU) of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works • Barbados Meteorological Office (BMO) • Soil Conservation Unit (SCU) • Central Emergency Response Organisation (CERO) • Ministry of Health (MOH) • Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MFEA)

• The Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) • The Planning Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) • Ministry of Housing and Lands • Treading Lightly (non-governmental organisation, NGO).

The National Report was compiled and edited by staff at the Environmental Unit (EU) of Ministry of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources. An integral component in preparing the National Report was a broad-based consultation with stakeholders drawn from government, private sector entities, research institutions, and non-governmental and community-based organisations. Input from this consultation was reviewed and incorporated into the final report.

Barbados National Report to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10)

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Location Barbados is a small island developing state (SIDS) located at latitude 13o 10’N and longitude 59o 35’W (Figure 1). The island is approximately190 km east and windward of its nearest neighbour in the Lesser Antillean island-chain in the south-eastern Caribbean. The island has a land area of 432 km2, a coastline of 97 km and an economic exclusive zone of approximately 167,000 km2. 1.2 Climate The climate is tropical, with temperature seldom falling below 20oC or rising above 31oC. The Mean Relative Humidity is 80% and the land is cooled by north easterly trade winds. The wet season occurs between the months of June and November and the dry season between December and May. Annual rainfall averages 1,254 mm at sea level and 1,650 mm at the highest point. 1.3 Physiography The surface is composed of mainly coral rock to an average depth of 100 m, except for the Scotland District where the coral cap has been removed. The Island is comparatively flat, with maximum elevation of 337 m, with the coral area rising gently from the west to east in a series of terraces. 1.4 Governance Barbados has been an independent state since 1966 and practices the parliamentary form of democracy based on the Westminster model. This democratic system is well established and Barbados is generally regarded as one of the most politically stable countries in the world. Legislative power is vested in Parliament, which consists of the House of Assembly, the Senate and the Governor General. Executive power is vested in the Cabinet, which consists of the Prime Minister and the other Ministers of Government. 1.5 Socio-economic Aspects With the 2000 census results still outstanding, the estimated population at 2000 is approximately 267,900 up from 263,100 in 1992. In 1999 the birth and death rates were 14.5 and 9.0 per 1000 population, respectively and the infant mortality rate was 10.0 per 1000 population. Barbados currently has a population growth rate of 0.2%, which is due mainly to out-migration. In addition to the local population tourist arrivals increase competition for the island’s resources. The total inflow of visitors for 1999 was 950,724 up from 785,174 in

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1992. Approximately 391,600 tourists visited for an average of 7 days, while approximately 525,700 visited during cruises in 1999. In 1999 (provisional to Census 2000), the GDP for Barbados at market prices was $4,980.1 million (Barbados Statistical Services, 2001) with Business and Finance, the highest contributing sector accounting for 18% (Figure 2).

City Centre

Source: Ministry of Environ

Figure 1: Map show

In 1992, the per capitUS$8,050 (US$1=BD

Bridgetown

ment, Energy and Natural Resources, 2001.

ing the relative location of Barbados within the Caribbean. Parish and urban boundaries are also shown.

a income was US$5,200, in 1999 it was US$7,450 and in 2000 it was $2.02), while the rate of inflation decreased from 6.5% in 1992 to 1.5%

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in 1999. Total unemployment rate for 2000 is estimated at 9.2% with the proportion of unemployed males at 7.3% and unemployed females at 11.3%. The most recent estimate indicates that the total number of dwelling units was 82,204 (BSS, 1990 population census). More than 90% of the houses in Barbados have piped water and electricity. The current network of paved (asphaltic/concrete) road is approximately 22,317 km, the number of vehicles on the road is 72,805 (MPT, 2000) and the island receives up-to-date telecommunications coverage, with 114,390 telephone subscribers and at least five major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) during 1999.

GDP by Sector 1% 4% 1%

6%

3%

6%

18%

11%10%

18%

5%

17%

Sugar Non-sugar Agri. Mining and QuarryingManufacturing Electricity, gas and water ConstructionWholesale & retail trade Tourism Transport & telecomm.Finance and Business General Services Government

2% 4% 1%8%

4%

4%

18%

12%9%

16%

4%

18%

1992 1999

Figure 2: Sectoral Contribution to the GDP. The Chart on the left describes the sectoral

contribution in 1992 and the Chart on the right describes the sectoral contribution in 1999 (Barbados Statistical Service, 1999).

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2. NATIONAL PLANNING PROCESS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION 2.1 Background The implementation of sustainable development principles in Barbados’ national planning process predates the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (GOB, 1991). However, the importance of Agenda 21 as the blue print for sustainable development at an international level is recognised and Barbados’ position that the achievement of sustainable development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) requires special focus on critical issues, is reflected in its offer to host the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States in 1994. The national actions on implementation of Agenda 21 covered in this report have not been restricted to the areas covered by the SIDS Programme of Action (SIDS/POA). Subsequent to 1994 a number of issues have emerged that are also crucial to the attainment of sustainable development within SIDS and these have also been considered. 2.2 Major Initiatives in Planning for Sustainable Development Three major initiatives taken to implement Agenda 21 may be identified as:

i. The establishment of the National Commission on Sustainable Development (NCSD);

ii. The National Strategic Plan (NSP); iii. The Environmental Management and Land Use Planning (EMLUP) project.

2.2.1 National Commission on Sustainable Development In keeping with the recommendations of UNCED, Barbados, like many other states established a Cabinet-appointed National Commission on Sustainable Development in July 1994. This original Commission consisted of 30 members representing Government and all major groups including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Trade Unions, Women Organisations, the Academic Community and Private Sector entities. The Commission functioned as an advisory body to the Minister and had specific mandates to:

i. Advise Government on measures required to integrate environmental and economic considerations into the decision-making process and to global issues of sustainable development;

ii. Facilitate national level co-ordination mechanisms on sustainable development iii. Promote greater understanding and public awareness of cultural, social, economic

and policy opportunities to attaining sustainable development in Barbados;

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iv. Receive and review the annual report of actions in pursuit of sustainable development, prior to its submission to Cabinet and to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD).

The Commission established 8 Steering Committees to research and provide recommendations on the following cross-sectoral themes of sustainable development:

i. Indicators of sustainable development, ii. Implementation mechanism, assessing progress made and steps required to go

forward, iii. Science and technology, assessing research and development of alternative

renewable energy sources, iv. Natural resources, v. Man-made resources and the built environment,

vi. Waste management and pollution control, vii. Human resource development,

viii. Public awareness and education. The work of these Steering Committees, combined with the results of 5 national dialogues held in 1997 on Sustainable Water Management, Energy, Youth and Community, Solid Waste Management and Agriculture were used to draft a National Sustainable Development Policy, which identifies strategies for achieving sustainability in various sectors. The NSD Policy document is still being revised by the NCSD and has not yet been submitted for the consideration of the Cabinet. Another development from the NCSD involves distillation of a set of National Indicators of Sustainable Development classified under Human Well-being, Ecological Welfare and Sustainable Interactions (Box 1). The NCSD was reconstituted in 2000 with a new mandate, which includes the following:

i. Finalising the NSD Policy; ii. Preparing an action plan for the implementation, monitoring and review of the

NSD Policy; iii. Preparing and implementing a “Public Awareness/Education Strategy;” iv. Participating in national, regional and international preparatory meetings for the

2002 review of Agenda 21 (Rio+10 Review); v. Facilitating the identification and preparation of national sustainable development

projects. The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources (MEE), the Government’s policy-making arm for environment and sustainable development issues, facilitates the work of the NCSD by acting as the Secretariat. At present, therefore, the work of NCSD is an extension of this Ministry’s work.

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Box 1: National Indicators Programme (NIP). In 1997, Barbados became one of 22 countries involved in a pilot programme developed by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) within the UNCSD to test a list of international Indicators of Sustainable Development. Accordingly, a National Indicators Programme (NIP) was formulated and intensive work was carried out by the MEE and the Steering Committee on Indicators of Sustainable Development of the NCSD. Subsequent to broad-based national consultation, a set of 170 National Indicators of Sustainable Development has been distilled. These are classified under Human Well-being, Ecological Welfare, and Sustainable Interactions. Indicators were then selected from each category and tested to determine the technical applicability of the indicators specifically within Barbados. The NIP is currently collecting data and a database is being created. The NIP has encountered many constraints, some of which include: a) the changing membership within the Steering Committee b) inadequate personnel to collect and process the data collected c) inadequate resources such as equipment and financing. The pilot testing of the indicators has highlighted the need for continuous alliances between the

NIP and various data collecting agencies such as the Barbados Statistical Services. It is anticipated that this will work to the mutual benefit of the institutions in their effort to devise solutions to issues of mutual concern.

2.2.2 The National Strategic Plan (NSP) The use of National Strategic Planning is based on the need to respond to rapid changes at regional and international levels in a more dynamic way. This approach also seeks to reduce duplication of efforts across government departments. Analysis of annual experiences are used to establish and to anticipate outcomes using scientific methods and point to policy options for securing the most sustainable outcome for the overall economy. In Barbados, the move towards National Strategic Planning has been based on the development and integration of Sectoral Strategic Plans, which have already been formulated. It is anticipated that the National Strategic approach will facilitate the incorporation of social, economic and environmental issues into national development planning. This approach seeks to encourage consultation and input from all spheres of Government, the private sector, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and academia.

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2.2.3 The Environmental Management and Land Use Planning for Sustainable Development (EMLUP) Project The purpose of the EMLUP study was to provide a policy framework conducive to long-term economic growth and development. It was recognised that such a policy framework was needed to strengthen the ability of the country to implement national policy priorities for natural resource management and update national land use policy and planning to improve its responsiveness to future physical and economic development. Some outputs of the EMLUP study, which will integrate social, economic and environmental policies include: i. A proposed comprehensive Environmental Management Act: This proposed Act is

intended to provide regulations for a variety of environmental and developmental themes, including freshwater resource management, solid waste management, coastal zone protection, to name a few.

ii. An Environmental and Natural Resources Management Plan: This proposed plan

makes provisions for the technical evaluation, regulation and monitoring of all development projects. The Environmental Management Plan incorporates management actions for improvement of the environment. Although this Plan is not yet legislated, awareness of its existence is being encouraged so that future compliance can be facilitated.

iii. Proposed Institutional Framework for Environmental Management: In the initial

stages of developing the Environmental Management Plan, it was recognised that specific departments had to be empowered to execute certain functions and that there needed to be a rationalisation of the environmental management functions. In order to achieve this, a revamped institutional structure were recommended.

iv. National Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidelines and Procedures:

These guidelines outline the steps that should be taken to facilitate EIAs. In effect, EIAs may be undertaken as a result of the following reasons:

• Certain developments, because of their nature or scale, will automatically

trigger the need for EIAs; • The Chief Town Planner (CTP) may request an EIA to determine the effect, if

any, that a development will have on current land uses; • If the CTP does not request an EIA based on land use or physical planning

policy, the Chief Environmental Officer may request one. This is to ensure that environmental considerations are not overlooked;

• Proponents may, by their own initiatives, undertake EIAs to determine the effects developments may cause in the long term.

v. A National Park Development Plan: Under EMLUP, certain areas were identified

as National Parks and Natural Conservation Areas and these would be protected. In

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this proposal, the National Park and Natural Heritage Conservation Areas are placed within a context of a National Open Space System. This system of classification for the National Parks identifies areas as Open Spaces (OS) 1, 2 and 3,’ where the OS1 classification corresponds to the IUCN 5 category. The National Park Development Plan defines various types of activities that can take place in these areas even though the areas are protected. Consequent to the proposed Institutional restructuring, the establishment of a Natural Heritage Department, within the MEE was recommended. This department will have jurisdiction of the National Parks Plan.

vi. A revised National Physical Development Plan: This revised PDP attempts to

encapsulate the principles of sustainable development to guide land resource management. This was achieved through an Environmental Impact Assessment of the revised Physical Development Plan. Details of the ambit of the PDP are given in section 3.2 of this Report.

National review hearings have been completed. While incorporation is outstanding, the principles in the revised Plan are currently being used to guide physical development planning. This has been facilitated through the amended Town Planning Act 1972, which allows the Chief Town Planner to use plans in preparation as an aid to making decisions.

In conclusion, except for the revised PDP, the products of the EMPLUP project are still in a phase of review and approval, with no concrete decisions yet taken on aspects that would initiate significant progress in other areas. For example, enactment of the draft legislation and establishment of the institutional structure would provide for implementing all the outputs including the Environmental and Natural Resources Management and National Physical Development Plans. 2.3 Changes in Policy - and Decision - making The process of decision-making has been evolving to include consultations with a number of stakeholders. Increasingly, affected and non-affected agencies are being given opportunities to review and comment on issues before final policy decisions are made and implemented. This gives the various stakeholders the opportunity to influence government policy by bringing information that may not previously been available. Consultations take various forms, from town–hall meetings, seminars, written submissions, and television programmes, to name a few. This was demonstrated in drafting the Policy Framework for Sustainable Development of Tourism in Barbados (Box 2). While the number of consultations may have increased, there is caution that the views of participants may not be truly representative of the general public since:

• Traditionally Barbadians are cautious in expressing opinions on government policies • The timing of many meetings may not be convenient to communities • The general public may not be properly sensitised as to the relevance of various

issues.

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Box 2: Sustainable Development of Tourism in Barbados – A Policy Framework As a result of a combination of external and internal factors, Barbados has been forced to ‘change its way of doing business’ in tourism. This involves recognition that tourism cannot succeed without a healthy physical and social environment. The draft Sustainable Tourism Policy represents the first attempt at developing a policy for tourism in a participatory manner. The Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) was given responsibility for developing the first draft, which was reviewed by the Ministry of Tourism and revised in collaboration with the TAC. The document was then widely circulated to all tourism and related organisations as well as individuals in the public sector and civil society. Relevant Regional and international organisations with offices in Barbados were also invited to comment. The document was again revised, based on the comments, and submitted to Cabinet for comment and permission to publish for public discussion. A national stakeholder consultation was convened and the document awaits final approval from Cabinet. 2.4 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Planning Process for Sustainable Development The NCSD, NSP and EMLUP, have taken initial steps to address the needs of current and future generations. In this regard some of the strengths of planning for sustainable development are:

• Pro-activity: The EMLUP project, for example, recognised that development could not continue along a sustainable path unless measures were put in place to address environmental issues as well. The NSP is structured to anticipate the need for adjustments in the implementation of measures since the Plan is designed to respond to the dynamics within each sector and external forces.

• Inclusiveness: In keeping with the principles of sustainable development, the NCSD

has sought input of all sectors and major groups.

• Shared responsibility: The process at implementing Agenda 21 has been encouraging more groups to work together. This was demonstrated in the formulation of the NSD Policy.

• Integration: The NSP aims to combine the objectives, ideas and concerns of

practitioners, in all sectors in order to facilitate a comprehensive approach to national planning.

Whilst progress has been made in the national planning process for sustainable development, a number of factors continue to hinder this process. These include:

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• Need for a clear long-term mandate for the NCSD;

• The challenge of communicating sustainable development concepts to the general

populace; • Lack of legal authority and institutional capacity, which are integral to

implementation and enforcement of policies;

• Lack of timely reviews and evaluation of the planning process, thus needs are often overlooked;

• Lack of financial and human resources. For example, the NCSD operates as a

voluntary entity, with no designated budget or independent Secretariat. 2.5 The Way Forward – Steps to Strengthen the Natural Planning Process The National Planning Process for sustainable development could be strengthened through the implementation of the following recommendations:

i. formulation of appropriate public awareness and education strategies. It is strongly recommended that suitable means of communication be developed to get affected and non-affected stakeholders involved.

ii. creation, expansion and implementation of appropriate regulatory frameworks for

sustainable development. To facilitate effective implementation of plans and policies, legislation is needed to empower the relevant agencies.

iii. procurement and expansion of financial, human and technological resources. iv. support, create and strengthen mechanisms for genuine public participation.

Stakeholder participation needs to occur at all levels of development of policies and projects.

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3. NATIONAL CRITICAL ISSUES The critical issues are identified as those that are threatening the social, economic and ecological bases of Barbados. Other issues that do not appear among those listed as critical may merit attention and redress and are not being ignored. The current critical issues identified are:

• Freshwater Resources • Land Utilisation and Management • Solid Waste Management • Vulnerability of Barbados to Economic and Natural Disasters

3.1 Freshwater Resources 3.1.1 Background Freshwater resources are vital for meeting basic needs of small island developing States and the inadequate protection of the quality and supply of freshwater resources can set important limits to sustainable development. This is particularly the case for low-lying coral-based islands, where groundwater supplies are limited and are protected only by a thin permeable soil. Even where rainfall is abundant, access to clean water has been restricted by the lack of adequate storage facilities and effective delivery systems. Inadequate action to safeguard watershed areas and groundwater resources poses a further long-term threat, while in urban areas rapid population growth, changes in economic strategies and a growing demand for freshwater are significant challenges. Increasingly, Barbados is recognising that it is a water-scarce country and is now in the process of trying to augment its groundwater supplies. To satisfy all water demands without over exploiting the existing fresh water resources or jeopardising social and economic development, it was recognised that programmes must investigate the availability of water as well as the various sources of demand. More than 98% of the potable water supply comes from groundwater aquifers, although other potential water sources include surface water, springs and runoff. Sixty-four percent (64%) of private well abstractions are located in the freshwater lens or sheet-water zone. However, Barbados is designated as a water scarce country. This designation speaks only to the availability of freshwater resources rather than the availability of potable water. In order to augment potable water for the island, the implementation of seawater technology is a viable option. This has been implemented through the establishment of a brackish water desalination plant. The underground water supply of Barbados is, therefore, of strategic importance to the development of the Island. Based on present technologies, all economically viable sources of potable water have already been developed. 3.1.2 Challenges to Effective Management of Freshwater Resources The total water resources of Barbados are approximately 59.0 million m3 per year (Water Resources Management and Water Loss Studies, Task 2, 1996). The estimate is based on 56

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inches of rainfall in an average year. With an annual licensed abstraction rate of approximately 49.5 million m3, Barbados is operating very close to the limit of its water resources. Figure 3 gives an account of how the water abstracted is distributed. The process of acquiring a license for abstracting water, covered under the Underground Water Control Act 1953, involves an evaluation of individual applications as well as their interaction with other existing and proposed projects. However, allocation policies have not been clearly defined for specific users nor are there set priorities for long-term and emergency shortages. There are concerns about saline intrusion since the desalination plant and the Belle pumping station are abstracting from the same aquifer. Higher than usual levels of pumping, at the desalination plant could, therefore, have a negative effect on pumping at the Belle. However, no lateral movement of seawater has yet been noticed. 3.1.3 National Actions The extent to which water is developed and managed is dictated by numerous factors, which include policies, legislation, institutional framework and management, data and information available for decision-making and the level of expertise and technology available. To safeguard valuable and sustainable freshwater resources in Barbados several national actions have been undertaken and include:

• Public Education Programmes (1994 to present) • Feasibility Study of Implementation of Desalination in Barbados (1995) • Water Resources Management and Water Loss Studies (1997) • Preparation and approval of Draft Policy Framework for Water Resources

Development and Management (1997). • Implementation of Universal Metering Programme (1997) • Construction of a 6-MGD brackish water reverse osmosis desalination plant to

augment groundwater supplies (2000). • Upgrading of hydrological monitoring network ( ongoing) • Proposals for increasing block tariff structure (1997)- pending • Adoption of integrated water resources management system (1997) • Development and approval of National Emergency and Drought Management Plan

(1998) • Institutional review and strengthening of BWA (current) • Preparation of GIS database for each zone (current).

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68%

8%

2%

21%1%

Domestic

Industrial and Commercial

Hotels & Ships

Agricultural Use

Golf Course Irrigation

Source: Barbados Resources Management and Water Loss Studies, 1996.

Figure 3: Estimate of the Consumption Patterns of Freshwater in Barbados.

The BWA also requires that certain large-scale development projects provide separate water resources. This is requested on a case-by-case basis, for example construction of a 1-MGD Seawater Desalination Plant for golf course irrigation in 2000. While the freshwater produced is not added directly to the public supply, the measure relieves pressure on the existing aquifers. The brackish water reverse osmosis desalination plant implemented in February 2000 also uses groundwater. It is therefore necessary to ensure that this does not negatively affect the groundwater supply. 3.1.4 Commitment to Earth Summit and Regional Agreements Sustainable water quality management recognises that polluted water generally means "no water." The United Nation's approach uses this principle to ensure that water resources of a nation can be passed on from generation to generation. Generally, measures that the UN promotes for the management of water supply systems include:

• Water resources development • Water resources protection and conservation • Water pollution prevention and control • Groundwater protection • Protection of water resources from depletion and degradation • Development and application of clean technology • Monitoring and surveillance of water resources • Water quality management

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• Development of National standards and laws • Human resource development • Sustainable water use • Water re-use • Protection of aquatic systems.

On close examination of the present state of the water quality measures taken in Barbados, these actions encompass integrated approaches to water resources management and include demand management, comprehensive water resources assessment, supply augmentation and improved public awareness and education as well as development of policy framework. Barbados has therefore made serious steps in fulfilling its regional and international agreements and Earth Summit commitments. 3.1.5 Successes and Failures

• Organisational and Management Systems Water management measures are implemented to achieve specific targets or standards. However, the targets are often difficult to attain and sometimes only partial successes or failures are derived.

a) Water Quality Management: The BWA currently has the responsibility of ensuring water quality. The water quality of Barbados is protected and ensured at 3 levels. Firstly, the National Groundwater Protection Zoning Policy, 1963, protects the groundwater resource. Secondly, the water at the pumping station is disinfected to ensure biological safety and finally, once in the distribution system the water quality is monitored to make sure that the consumer has a wholesome product. At present the drinking water supply meets all international standards for drinking water quality and is safe for consumption.

b) Land Use and Zoning: Resource protection in Barbados is achieved using the

"Revised Policy of Private Sewerage and Waste Water Disposal Systems." The BWA holds primary responsibility for its enforcement. However, an inter-ministerial policy has been adopted to administer and enforce the policy. The major players in water resources management in Barbados are the Barbados Water Authority, the Environmental Engineering Division, and the Ministry of Agriculture through its irrigation schemes, the Town and Country Development Planning Office through its zoning policies. The Revised Policy seeks to control any development or liquid waste disposal system that could be injurious to the national water resources.

The Groundwater Protection Zoning Policy divides the Island into five zones and its primary concern is to protect groundwater from bacterial contamination. Zone 1 is the most restrictive and Zone 5 has no restriction. The prohibition of new development in Zone 1 has been incorporated into the Development Order under the Town and Country Planning Act.

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c) Pollution Prevention and Control: It is believed that because the zoning policy is

over 30 years old it does not provide adequate protection from modern industrial (oil, cleaning detergents, etc.) and agricultural chemicals. A review of the zoning policy is suggested to ensure protection of the groundwater reserves from modern chemicals as well as biological contaminants. Recognition is given to the need for continual review, which will determine whether policies remain relevant. However, water quality continues to meet the WHO guidelines for drinking water quality.

d) Protection from Degradation and Depletion: The present regime of groundwater

development in Barbados is based on the principle that the limit of the national water reserves is equal to the recharge of the aquifer. Any estimation of groundwater reserves should be cognisant of the degradation, which takes place at the freshwater-saline interface and the response of the interface to pumping.

• Resourcing (Financial mechanisms)

The droughts of 1993 and 1994 re-enforced the fact that Barbados is a water scarce country with limited available water resources. Thus, there is potential for the water issues to adversely limit economic and social development of the country. Therefore, enough support existed to facilitate financing/loans for the above-mentioned projects.

• Legislation There are 4 pieces of legislation that influence the use of fresh water resources in Barbados.

a) Three-Houses Spring Act, 1713: The Act relates to the Spring and Rivulet called the Three Houses Spring, in the Parish of St. Phillip. This Act allows inhabitants through whose lands the water flows to make a dam to retain the water for the owners use. This is allowed provided that the dam, drain or channel does not cause the rivulet to dry up in the lower parts of the watercourse. Water must also be allowed to flow downstream to keep the pond at the end of the rivulet full at all times for the parishioners of St. Philip to water their stock. This Act is outdated and does not provide any role for the BWA to play. Recent conflicts between landowners on the damming of rivulets and difficulties encountered in addressing these issues highlight the need to review or repeal the Act.

b) Porey’s Spring Act, 1864: This is an Act that makes better provision for the

collection and delivery of the water of Porey’s Spring, St. Thomas. It gives powers of authority to the Vestry of the parish of St. Thomas to construct and maintain works for the collection and delivery of water to persons other than inhabitants of this parish. The BWA is reviewing an offer to purchase the land on which the spring is located.

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c) The Underground Water Authority Act 1953 [Cap. 283]: The Act has legal effect

to assimilate the status of freshwater resources to State property. Thus, there is a requirement for a licence to abstract underground water. This Act also controls the abandonment of wells.

d) The Barbados Water Authority Act, 1980 [Cap.274A]: Another piece of

legislation is the Barbados Water Authority Act, 1980, which manages, allocates and monitors the water resources with a view to ensuring their best development, utilisation, conservation and protection in the public interest. The Act also requires the Authority to obtain and analyse information and maintain records of the total water resources of Barbados as well as conduct research programmes and prepare statistics for its purposes. Currently, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has administrative authority for this Act. Apart from the two spring-sources that fall under the Three-Houses and Porey’s Spring Acts, the remaining water resources are controlled under this Act.

In summary, it is clear that the existing laws are somewhat dated and can retard the effective implementation of management measures. There is no clarity in the laws of Barbados as to who owns the water, except for the Porey’s Springs Act, which gives water rights to the people in St. Thomas and the Three-Houses Act, which gives the rights to the people whose lands abuts the spring.

• Political Support Government has also been open to new approaches to implementing some of these projects as demonstrated by the Build Own and Operate (BOO) option utilised in the construction of the 6 MGD reverse osmosis desalination plant.

• Institutional Capacity There are some institutional limitations related to the separation of responsibilities and inadequate human resources capacity, which are currently under review. Clear demarcation of regulatory powers needs to be made for institutions such as the BWA, EED, Fair Trade Commission (FTC), which all share the responsibility. The BWA also works with the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology on a programme that looks at Integrated Water Resources Management (with emphasis on institutional strengthening and use of tools). In recognition of the fact that activities on land impact on the coast, the BWA is participating in a project with the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) entitled the Integrated Management of Watersheds and Coastal Areas.

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3.1.6 The Way Forward Some of the specific measures that are being implemented to ensure sustainable practices at the national level include:

• Adoption of universal metering • Upgrading of hydrological monitoring network • Reduction of water-loss that cannot be accounted for • Intensified leak detection and repair • Public education programmes • Replacement of water-mains • Distribution of water-saving devices • Sensitisation of all stakeholders to be good stewards of water resources • Optimised use of rainwater • Monitoring of abstraction rates is very important so that the occurrence of saline

intrusion can be observed in its early stages. At the sectoral level, all golf courses are encouraged to use treated wastewater for irrigation purposes. This is not yet enshrined into law although the Planning and Priorities Committee (PPC) approved the proposal in 1997. 3.2 Land Resources Management 3.2.1 Background The small size of most small island developing States, coupled with land tenure systems and soil types, limit the area for agriculture, urban settlement, commercial and tourism activities as well as other infrastructure. This can create intense competition between land use options. As populations grow in these states, there is need for resolution of competing demands, particularly where land is limited and where commercial development can cause small scale and subsistence agriculture to shift to marginal lands. In Barbados, pressure on land resources is reflected in a population density of approximately 620 persons per km2. To satisfy the requirements of this local population in a sustainable manner, competing demands for the use of land must be resolved and more effective and efficient ways of using those resources must be developed and adopted both in the short- and long-term. 3.2.2 National Concerns

• Changes in the Demand for Land The demand and use of land has changed dramatically over the past 30 to 40 years and is a major national concern. During 1966 - 1976, land allocated for urban development was

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21.2%, while the amount of arable land declined from 57.7% to 46%. The allocation of land for 1976 and 1995/96 is shown in Figures 4 and 5.

1976

62%

26%

10%2%

Sugar Plantations

Residential with Agri. &Commerce

Residential

Business: Tourism,Commerce, Industrial

Source: Land Tax Department, 1996.

Figure 4: Showing the allocation of land to various uses in Barbados for 1976.

64%

1995/96

27%

9%

Sugar Plantations

Residential

Business: Tourism,Commerce, Industrial

Source: Land Tax Department, 1996.

Figure 5: Showing the allocation of land to various uses in Barbados for 1995/6.

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Recent projections suggest that land previously allocated to agricultural use has been, or is at risk of being reassigned to residential and other development. For example, the Physical Development Plan (PDP) 1998 projects that approximately 1,400 hectares of land will be needed over the next 30 years to accommodate the expanding population. These changes give some indication of the pressures on Barbados' land resources that result in environmental impacts. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, areas of settlement as well as business activity are expanding. This expansion removes productive land from agriculture and increases the coverage of hard surfaces, which result in increase surface run-off and potential for flooding.

• Changes in Fiscal Policies Competition for land is also reflected in the fiscal policies associated with the purchase of land. These policies speak to a shift in the party that pays the tax upon sale of any property, thus vendors are required to pay rather than the purchaser. In effect, the vendor inadvertently adds the tax payable onto the sale price. Consequently, with the increase in property value the tax also rises and the price of properties will then escalate. Land then becomes too expensive for agriculture to be profitable and thus alternate uses are sought.

• Land Conservation One of the important tenets of land resources management is that of conserving the land systems themselves in addition to implementing appropriate allocation practices. Sand dunes offer protection to the coastline and inland areas, because they break the force of oncoming sea breeze. These valuable ecosystems are being removed indiscriminately thus the land can become threatened. Notwithstanding the threats posed to the Scotland District, greater consideration is required for land conservation efforts to be developed and implemented in areas outside the Scotland district, as discussed in Section 3.4.4.

• Socio-Cultural Factors The perceptions within the society about issues of design and land organisation can also impact on the effective implementation of land resources management. Traditionally, buildings have been designed and constructed to occupy more horizontal space, which also impact on land values. In order to accommodate the high population density of 620 persons per square kilometre and maintain a high quality of life for all Barbadians, building vertically should be considered.

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3.2.3 Actions Taken to Address Land Resources Management

• The Physical Development Plan (PDP) The PDP clearly sets out the different land uses and their policies to guide development within the island. The Plan identifies strategic policies for issues related to Growth Management and Agricultural preservation, Housing, Social and Community Services, Cultural heritage, Environment and Economic Development, as well as sets out policies related to the land use designation. In areas where there are special environmental concerns, development will occur in these areas. The multi-faceted objectives of the PDP allow for the strengthening of co-ordinating mechanisms between institutions that deal with land-use and resource management. The plan allows for co-ordination and consultation amongst various interests. The policies encourage a co-ordinated approach to public and private development within the context of sustainable development. The concept of Sustainable Development leads directly to several basic planning principles that serve as the foundation for this Plan. These include:

1. Emphasis on the protection of the natural environment and cultural heritage resources;

2. Establishment of criteria and procedures for Environmental Impact Assessments;

3. A national development strategy which aims to minimise the negative environmental and social impacts of scattered urban development, by concentrating new growth into a defined urban corridor;

4. Protection of agricultural lands from incompatible urban development; 5. Promotion of a strong, diversified economy through land use policies which

encourage a wide variety of employment opportunities in mixed-use centres and corridors and in key employment areas in a variety of locations throughout the Island;

6. Maintenance of Central Bridgetown as the Nation’s primary location for financial institutions, offices and providing opportunities for other commercial activities;

7. Promotion of the Tourism industry by encouraging redevelopment and modernisation of older beach front properties, and providing opportunities for other visitor experiences in the National Park.

• Identification of Growth Management Areas To guide and manage the growth of the Island in a manner consistent with the principle of sustainable development as well as to preserve the agricultural functions of rural Barbados, four general growth management areas have been defined:

1. The Urban Corridor

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2. The Rural and National Park Villages 3. Agricultural areas 4. The National Park area

Growth Management and Agricultural Preservation, is predicated on several key objectives, as follows:

a) Provide for orderly development, promote the efficient use of public infrastructure and safeguard arable agricultural land through such means as:

• Discouraging the conversion of lands to non-agricultural uses; • Encouraging the return of idle lands to agricultural production; and • Guiding non-agricultural uses to the urban Corridor and Rural Villages to

minimise adverse impacts on agricultural operations;

b) provide residents with a choice of living environments in urban, suburban and rural village locations;

c) encourage the creation of diverse, self-contained communities, in newly urbanising areas through the development of detailed community plans as an integral component of the planning process;

d) promote the efficient use of public infrastructure by directing the majority of new growth to a clearly defined Urban Corridor and Rural Villages;

e) promote and facilitate opportunities for small farm creation and increase ownership accessibility to arable lands.

• Conditions for Approval of Specific Developments

As a condition of approval for some forms of development the Chief Town Planner will include planning conditions to enhance the management of land and to ensure the protection of the environment. For example, a condition requiring tree planting in subdivisions over fifteen lots and a sediment control and management plan are required. The two conditions would read as follows:

1. The tree condition, would require applicant to submit a detailed landscaping plan that makes provision for a minimum of one tree per lot, the proposed location of all trees and the type of tree for approval.

2. The building condition would require the submission to and approval by the Chief Town Planner (CTP) of a sediment control and management plan with the construction material and the storage and management of construction materials in a manner, which would eliminate dust pollution and displacement by surface runoff.

• Legislation

The Government of Barbados has also recognised a need to set out land use policies, which are intended to support and enhance the physical environment. The proposed amendment to

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the Town and Country Planning Legislation has made provision for the inclusion of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as guidelines for developments that can impact negatively on the coastal and terrestrial landscape. Core of the EIA is the inclusion of a definition for “environment” which is all embracing as it looks at the natural environment including the land, water and air and flora and fauna, the built environment including structures, roads and artefacts, and economic and social conditions. The EIA guidelines set out a list of developments that require an EIA. However, this list is not exhaustive. The list is as follows:

a) Special industries include e.g. plant for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical drugs;

b) Waste management facilities; c) Waste disposal sites; d) Golf courses; e) Uses within a Natural Heritage Conservation Area, a National Park Forest

Area and an Agricultural Area; f) Mining operations including quarries and sand mines; g) Applications for major transportation infrastructure; h) Sewage treatment facilities.

The concept of EIA requires a comprehensive and co-ordinated policy-making approach. There is an EIA committee, which reviews and approves the terms of reference prior to the preparation of the EIA. This committee, which is chaired by the CTP, is multi-disciplinary and enhances the decision-making process. It also consists of the Senior Environmental Officer (SEO) and the Chief Technical Officer of the Ministry of Public Works. Inherent in environmental management and land-use planning for sustainable development is a legal framework aimed at transparency and effective regulation of the planning process. The revision of the Town and Country Planning Act will make provision for:

a) The proposed revision of penalty structure to substantially strengthen the internal enforcement procedures of the

b) Mandatory public consultation in certain class or classes of applications.

• Resourcing (Human and Technological) In addition, focus will also be placed on enhancing the performance of the Research and Policy Division of the Town and Country Development Planning Office (TCDPO):

a) Clearly, making use of modern information technology will strengthen planning information systems. Efforts are in train to develop GIS for physical constraints and support planning research.

b) To conduct detail studies and integrated community plans for growth areas as Warrens. The rationale is to provide planned and orderly development in

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areas that have the potential for redevelopment, community improvements and mixed uses.

c) The selection of key indicators of sustainable development as a pre-requisite for integration into planning practices and policy formulation. The indicators identified focused on two major areas, ecological welfare and sustainable interactions. Some of the indicators include:

1. Increase in physical development in coastal areas; 2. Population growth in the coastal areas; 3. Amount of land under agricultural production; 4. Land-use change (from agriculture into other sectors); 5. Per cent of the population in urban areas.

The inclusion of EIA in the amended legislation will be an integrated approach to all environmental, social and economic issues. The inclusion of the definition of the “environment” in relation to the EIA encompasses natural and built environment and social and economic conditions. This in turn provides the opportunity to advance public awareness and appreciation of the essential linkages between the environment, quality of life and sustainable development.

• Institutional Capacity Supportive policies and policy instruments have been developed, which take into consideration the importance of agricultural land. The objectives outlined in the PDP seek to safeguard the status of agriculture and food security in an effort to promote sustainability. In an effort to prevent the fragmentation of agricultural land, subdivision of land in agricultural areas will only be permitted, where the minimum lot size is 5 hectares in areas where irrigation resources for agricultural land will not be transferred to other uses. The PDP’s strong growth management policies form the basis for directing urban development to the designated Urban Corridor and to Rural settlements with growth potential. To strengthen planning and management systems, a general framework for land use and physical planning has been established from which specialised and detailed sectoral plans can be developed. The PDP incorporates broad National level policies. Detailed policies have been outlined for community plan areas such as Six Cross Roads, Oistins, Holetown and Speightstown while in Deans Town, St. James a special study is being prepared.

• Public Participation With regards to promoting public participation, the Government of Barbados is committed to ensuring greater transparency within the physical planning process and greater public consultation on matters of importance to the citizens. These consultations, usually in the form of Town – hall meetings, are held with persons located within a 100-m radius of a proposed development that requires an EIA. In addition, a copy of the EIA findings is circulated among the affected residents.

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3.2.4 Main Accomplishments and factors that determined these accomplishments The Environmental Management and Land Use Planning for Sustainable Development (EMLUP) project has had a key role in assessing the current operational structure of the Planning Department. The institutional strengthening component of the Study recommended an increase in staff and additional training in both the technical and professional levels. As a result of the recommendation, the Planning Department has received an increase in administrative staff at the clerical and stenographic levels and three professional officers are currently being trained in the United Kingdom. The broadening of the technical expertise base and the enhancement of administrative support will ensure that a more co-ordinated approach is adopted when dealing with volumes of and more complex applications in a timely and effective manner. The Research and Policy section has been revitalised and a comprehensive and detailed work programme has been prepared. The scope of this work programme will enable the Department to focus on a range of physical planning issues as well as provide for the necessary research that will guide the physical planning process in the island along a path of sustainable growth and development. With the addition of trained personnel in geographic Information System (GIS), the Research Unit was able to implement its GIS. This has assisted with addressing the comprehensive and broadened issues of physical development particularly in the area of policy formulation and the ongoing monitoring of development. Through the use of the GIS, the Department is able to compile a comprehensive data set on applications submitted for development. The boundaries of the Urban Corridor, Warrens, Six Cross Roads, Apes Hill, Harrison’s Cave of environmental control and the Airport Descriptive Zone has been described graphically in an Arcview coverage. Members of staff can also access this information to assist this information to assist with the assessment of applications. The decision-making process of the Planning Department has been broadened with the establishment of a multi-disciplinary EIA Committee. The formation of such a Committee ensures that a broad spectrum of the environment is assessed and that the best decision will emerge from discussion. The delivery of services will become more transparent and public oriented. In particular circumstances, for example, applications for subdivision of agricultural land and development on beachfront properties, applications are sent to the Minister for a decision. A memorandum outlining the comments of the CTP is usually sent to the Minister, however, a copy of this memorandum is now sent to the applicant or agent. This provides the applicant with information from the various agencies consulted as well as the recommendation of the CTP to the Minister. In addition, the TCDPO is in the process of providing a Manual for Development that would set out the steps in the application process as well as a compendium of criteria applied in the review of development applications. The creation of a Manual will help to achieve consistency in the decision-making process as it would allow all applicants to understand what is required and what factors will be brought to bear in their applications.

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The proposed amendment to Planning Legislation will bring about a comprehensive update of the system to include:

• Legislation making it mandatory for the submission of an EIA for projects, which have potential to impact negatively on the coastal and terrestrial environment;

• Legislation for public consultation; • Legislation to enhance the legal status of the PDP thereby, ensuring that all

development conforms to the policies of the Development Plan. In light of this issue, the credibility of the TCDPO in dealing with development applications will be improved since departures from the approved plan will be seen as not being done for improper reasons.

At the same time, the planning and management of land use will become more efficient because of the existence of a streamlined institutional framework. The Planning and Priorities Committee as the central co-ordinating agency for national development is an important body, which has been structured to entail a strong integration of physical planning into the macro-economic framework. 3.2.5 The Way Forward The proposed amendment to Town Planning Legislation and the proposed Amendment to the Physical Development Plan (PDP) will seek to deal with environmental and land use issues within the framework of sustainable development. Both the legislation and policy document have adopted a comprehensive approach and have placed emphasis on institutional strengthening as key to regulating development and the use of land. It is also envisaged that an active Research and Policy section along with information systems within the Planning Department will streamline and improve the decision-making process. 3.2.6 Regional Co-operation Within a macro-economic framework, Governments of the Region have recognised the importance of an integrated physical-planning framework for the preparation of development plans, which combine economic, social and physical dimensions of sustainable development. As set out in the Regional Report and Plan of Action, Governments of the Caribbean will take the following actions: • Prepare and adopt an appropriate regulatory framework to facilitate preparation, adoption

and use of integrated development plans; • Provide training in the area of integrated physical planning; • Establish a multi-disciplinary decision-making committee including trained physical

planners to evaluate national development proposals as for example national planning priorities committees.

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In this context, national focal points have been established to facilitate the Caribbean Planners Network. The region has continued to promote and institute regional actions for implementation of Indicators Programme and Best practices. With regards to the management of land, the region has made a commitment to promote and use practices and methodologies at both the development plan and development control levels. The conduct of EIA exemplifies this attempt, which at the moment is nested in planning legislation. 3.3 Solid Waste Management

3.3.1 Background Barbados recognised at an early stage that the disposal of waste is a serious constraint to sustainable development. The limited land area and resources for safe disposal, growing population, unsustainable consumption patterns and increasing imports of polluting and hazardous substances combine to make pollution prevention and the management of waste a critical issue for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Traditionally, in Barbados Solid Waste Management had been the responsibility of various agencies in the public sector. Most of these agencies fall under the Ministry of Health, but there are agencies under other Ministries that hold responsibility for some solid waste management issues. This led to a lack of integration and co-ordination, duplication of tasks, overlapping responsibilities, and inconsistent policy recommendations with respect to solid waste management. For this reason, the Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme (ISWMP) was conceived. The ISWMP is a comprehensive project, and provides for the preparation of a long-term (20-year) vision for managing solid waste on the island. The main objective of the programme is based on sustainable practices that encourage waste reduction, re-use and recycling. 3.3.2 Description of Barbados’ Solid Waste Status In an island context Solid Waste Management can be divided in two sectors:

i. Locally generated waste ii. Internationally generated waste off-loaded at the Ports (air and sea)

• Internationally Generated Waste:

Waste disposed of by vessels calling at the Bridgetown Port is incinerated on-site to eliminate health risks, and then the resulting ash is transported to the landfill for disposal. Most ships handle their own waste by on board incinerators and/or by storing it until it is disposed of at the relevant homeport so the waste handled at the port is low. In the near future, waste offloaded at the International airport will also be incinerated with the recent installation of an incinerator.

• Locally Generated Waste:

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In the context of the Barbados Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme (ISWMP), solid waste focuses heavily on all locally generated waste and include all refuse, bulky waste, special waste and yard waste generated on the island. It is estimated that waste generated in 1997 was approximately 0.90 kg per person per day, which is equivalent to approximately 450 tonnes per day. The sources of solid waste generated are given in Table 1.

Table 1: Sources of Solid waste generated during 1997.

Description of Solid Waste Waste Distribution (%) Organic (non-yard) waste 33 Yard Waste 26 Paper 20 Plastic 9 Bulky & Special Waste 12 Source: ISWMP, 1997.

Of the total amount of solid waste generated, approximately 62% is attributable to the commercial sector collected by both the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) and private collectors, and the remaining 38% to households. Government, through the SSA, provides a free solid waste collection system for households, whilst commercial contracts incur a cost. However, for sanitary reasons, some businesses, located in Bridgetown receive free collection service. The SSA covers all households island-wide, providing daily service in the city and along main roads twice weekly. Some districts receive services 3 times per week while rural areas are served once per week. In some cases, commercial wastes are collected by the municipal collection service from businesses operating in residential areas. Solid waste generated on the island is currently handled by specialised disposal facilities, which include:

• Municipal Solid Waste, • Bulky waste, • Special wastes (Blood, grease, asbestos and fibreglass)

The principle method of waste disposal in Barbados is by sanitary land filling. As with most Small Island States, however, land availability for landfill sites is becoming more problematic since the chosen site must also meet certain criteria. Some of the main criteria are as follows:

• The area must be physically separated by distance and/or natural buffer (trees, hills) from human settlement;

• The area must be located outside those areas zoned as critical to the underground water supply;

• The area must be large enough; • There must be appropriate quantities of material to be used as cover fill.

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3.3.3 National Actions Implemented to Manage Solid Waste

• The Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme In early 1993, recognising the need for comprehensive Solid Waste Management in Barbados the GOB entered into an agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank to undertake an integrated Solid Waste Management Programme, using an independent consultant. The key issues that were identified were:

i. Lack of an integrated approach to collection and disposal of solid waste, ii. Littering, iii. Illegal dumping, iv. Handling and disposal of special waste, v. The need for organisational change, vi. The need for a cost recovery mechanism.

As a result of the study conducted, the following two-component programme was prescribed. Physical Component The physical component includes:

i. A national sanitary landfill (designed to also handle septage and sludge), ii. A waste transfer station, iii. A national composting facility, iv. A disposal facility for non-combustible non-biodegradable ‘bulky’ waste, v. A chemical waste storage facility vi. Road and other infrastructural upgrades.

The Non- Physical Component The second, non-physical component includes:

i. Institutional Strengthening of key Government agencies, ii. Public Education /Awareness Programme, iii. Development of cost recovery measures, iv. Policy development to provide mechanisms for the implementation of the

Programme, v. Drafting of solid waste management legislation.

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• Resourcing (Financial Mechanisms) The programme is being funded jointly by the GOB and the IDB. Additional funding has also been accessed through regional and international funding organisations.

• Institutional Structure & Capacity Several Government agencies share responsibility for the management of wastes in Barbados: a) The Sewerage and Solid Waste Project Unit (SSWPU) of the Ministry of Health is

responsible for establishing the framework for and the initial overall implementation of the ISWMP. The Unit continues to implement the programme and will hand over the various components to the appropriate Government Agencies that will carry out the long-term implementation/management of these components.

Under the ISWMP, the SSWPU is charged with the development of solid waste management legislation and environmental education with respect to solid waste management. The Division of Economic Affairs, of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MFEA) administers international financing associated with the Programme and offers advice and guidance in respect of economic instruments and research in solid waste management.

b) The Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) of the Ministry of Health has responsibility for

the collection and disposal of Solid Waste. Under the ISWMP, this agency will be less involved in the disposal of waste, but will manage the private sector agency that will operate the disposal facilities. The SSA will retain responsibility for the collection of municipal solid waste.

c) The Environmental Engineering Division (EED) is responsible for monitoring and enforcement issues that pertain to solid waste management. The Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) of the Ministry of Health would assist with the monitoring and enforcement in respect of solid waste management.

d) The Office of the Attorney General drafts and revises solid waste management legislation

and provides advice to Government with respect to legal issues in solid waste management. In addition, a number of agencies such as the Royal Barbados Police Force, Customs and Excise Department and the Barbados Defense Force, as well as the Judiciary, play critical roles in the enforcement of solid waste management legislation.

e) The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has responsibility for road construction and

maintenance of roads that lead to the disposal facilities.

• Legislative Support A number of existing pieces of legislation exist to address the various issues of solid waste

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management. These include:

i. The Health Services Act (Cap 44) and its associated collection and disposal of refuse regulations. The Act defines the regulatory framework for solid waste management in Barbados while the regulations address landfill siting, littering and dumping, waste containment and waste collection and transportation. Importantly, penalties are set for contravention of the Act. The Nuisance Regulation, The Rodent Control Regulation and the Disposal of Offensive Matter Regulation provide control over littering and dumping.

ii. The Underground Water Control Act regulates disposal of sewerage or waste

into the ground via water wells. iii. The Returnable Containers Act (1987) creates a system for recycling beverage

containers. iv. The Environmental Levy Act (1996-8) which provides for the imposition and

collection of a levy on specific goods to assist in defraying disposal costs, and to encourage Barbadians to recycle.

v. The Marine Pollution Control Act (1999) address pollution of the marine

environment from all sources. vi. The Sanitation Service Authority Act-Sanitation Service Authority (fees,

Amendments ) Regulations (1996) which allows for the charge of $25.00 per tonne for the deposit and disposal of refuse at any refuse disposal site.

vii. The Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act now being promulgated

will cover issues currently being addressed by Health Services and Marine Pollution Acts.

viii. The proposed Environmental Management Act will empower the present and

proposed departments of the restructured MEE and establish regulatory frameworks for environmental management issues, which are not presently embodied in legislation.

• Private Sector Recycling Initiatives

Generally, recycling is done for two major reasons either as a means of saving ‘virgin’ resources and/or as a solid waste management option. For Barbados, like other SIDS, recycling is considered to be very critical to ensuring sustainable development. In Barbados, recycling is a private sector initiative that concentrates on the collection of recyclables for export and for limited local re-use. Little processing is done and few value-added products are currently being produced. However, by diverting recyclable material from the solid waste stream, valuable landfill space has been saved and could increase the life-span of the national sanitary landfill.

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While Government does not intend to be directly involved in recycling in Barbados, support for existing recycling initiatives has been established and will be continued, in order to alleviate some aspects of the solid waste problem. Apart from extending the life-span of the landfill, these initiatives generate employment and foreign exchange to the benefit of the island. The main recycling initiatives include:

• Dice-a-bed: shreds, dices and compacts newsprints for bedding and supplies local and regional poultry and horse markets;

• Grorganic Soil Conditioner: re-uses shredded newsprint from the poultry and

horse beddings in order to produce organic fertilisers; • Envirotech: Glass is the main commodity collected, but PET plastics, cooking oil,

batteries and small quantities of paper are also taken. The glass, batteries and paper are exported while the cooking oil is sold to a local company for re-use. Usually, PET plastics are stockpiled until an economically feasible market for export is identified.

• Recycling Preparations Inc.: recycles non-ferrous metals except for lead. All

material prepared by RPI is exported. • Tropical Batteries: spent lead acid batteries are collected and exported to be

recycled. They also re-use 2-litre PET bottles in which they supply de-ionised water to their clients

Partnerships between recyclers and various private sector entities have helped to divert approximately 13,500 tonnes, or 8%, of waste from the Municipal waste stream from entering the landfill, in 1994. Individual residents also contributed to the recycling initiatives facilitated through the Returnable Containers Act (1987) that provides for a redeemable deposit to be paid on specific containers. 3.3.4 Commitments to the Earth Summit Under Agenda 21 the major programme areas that are being implemented include:

$ Wastes minimisation $ Encouraging environmentally sound practices such as waste reuse and

recycling $ Promoting environmentally sound waste disposal and treatment $ Extending waste service coverage.

As can be seen from the National Actions described, the government of Barbados is taking steps to address the actions described in Chapter 21 of Agenda 21 on Environmentally sound management of solid waste.

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3.3.5 Constraints and Challenges i. Tipping fees are not being collected at the landfill because fees are calculated based

on weight and there is no scale with which to weigh the garbage being taken to the landfill. However, legislation is in place and collection of fees is expected to start during 2001 with the installation of the scale.

ii. Promotion of recycling has not been wholly effective due to the low price being

offered for recyclables such as PET plastics on the international market negatively impacting on the economic viability of local recycling initiatives. An Economics Study is to be done this year to determine its viability.

iii. The progress of implementation of solid waste management measures has been slow

for a number of reasons, which include:

• Access to funds is not always timely, • Changing technology makes for delayed implementation, • Lack of a full staff complement, • Lack of timely compliance of other agencies for their input into project

implementation, • Transfer of components of the programme from one Government agency to

another, • Changes in project personnel

3.3.6 Mitigatory Measures A Solid Waste Management policy paper has been presented by the Ministry of Health to address some of the inadequacies in the legislation. The policy paper is aimed at developing comprehensive solid waste management legislation that will:

i. Seek to ensure that waste generators have a ‘cradle to grave’ responsibility for their waste.

ii. Separate operational and regulatory functions. 3.3.7 The Way Forward The SSWPU has begun work to educate the general public, and firmly establish the policy of waste minimisation at the national level based on the principles of the 3R’s: Reduce -Reuse and Recycle. This involves a behavioural and attitudinal change of the general public, and the SSWPU intends to implement measures to encourage the public and private sectors to become responsible for their own waste management. Initial and subsequent periodic waste audits will be conducted to characterise the various waste streams, and this baseline data will be used as the basis to set target for a waste reduction programme. This approach will also be used to address hazardous waste management. The SSWPU’s education programme is vital to the success of the entire programme.

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a) Implementation of the physical components: This involves the completion of construction of all the listed physical facilities and necessary attendant infrastructure such as roads. In the interim, a cost-effective disposal mechanism, which is socially and culturally acceptable, needs to be implemented. b) Institutional Strengthening: It is recognised that new skills are needed by both private and public sectors to effectively implement the ISWMP for Barbados. A training programme is being conducted for personnel in the government agencies involved in solid waste management, as well as for private sector individuals. c) Public -Private Sector Partnerships: Government encourages private sector to become more involved in solid waste management, even outside of their current spheres of activities i.e. waste collection and recycling. Activities for inclusion might involve construction and operation of physical facilities, and assistance in the implementation of non-physical components of the programme. The Government encourages joint venture relationships between local and international firms with respect to transfer of skills and technology to locals. d) Public Education and Access: A multi-media, multi-disciplinary approach that disseminates information and materials is being implemented. This will involve promotion of environmental stewardship and the feeling of individual responsibility to solid waste management. Formation of community watch groups and provision of services such as drop- off centres for recyclables and an improvement of collection and disposal equipment are also envisioned. e) Public Health and Environmental Protection: This involves development of legislation and operating standards accompanied by monitoring and mitigation programmes to ensure a high standard of environmental protection. Training workshops and educational materials will be used to sensitise the judiciary, law enforcement personnel and the public at large on environmental impacts and legislation. f) Economic Policy: An independent study is being commissioned to determine details of

what is needed for effective implementation. An incentive programme is also being developed to encourage compliance. Solid waste should be considered as a resource and the best economic use should be appropriated to it so that it can be presented as an attractive investment to private sector entities.

g) Public Education and Awareness: The ISWMP has an extensive education component,

which is pivotal to the efficacy of implementing the programme. A number of programmes and incentives have been established including the ‘Bring Your Own Bag Programme’ and home composting pilot projects.

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The ''Bring Your Own Bag" programme encourages shoppers to provide their own re-usable shopping bags instead of accepting plastic shopping bags. The Home Composting project involves combining kitchen scraps and yard waste in a composting container, which upon completion is a useful and valuable product. Both projects seek to promote the reduction of the amount of waste taken to the landfill; therefore, extending time it will be able to receive waste.

Public awareness and education materials have been developed, such as physical and computer models, brochures and videos as well as steps have been taken to integrate solid waste management into the curricula and activities at schools. It is recognised that the education programme needs to be improved and will be more effective when the overall framework for the ISWMP is established, and the necessary infrastructure and institutional arrangements are in place. 3.3.8 Lessons Learnt a. The approach to waste management needs to be more proactive and less reactive for example, national standards should be developed for the management of solid waste and targets by which to reduce the amount of waste generated should be set. This would necessarily highlight whether the solid waste management practices are sustainable. b. With the establishment of the sanitary landfill at Greenland, all existing equipment and technologies need to be reviewed periodically with an aim to upgrading them. At all stages, the BATEA- Best Available Technology Economically Achievable Approach will be utilised. c. In order to prevent any of the proposed activities falling by the wayside, a timeline should be developed, indicating when particular tasks should be completed and prudent management should be in place to ensure that the project is on schedule. d. Community support, through promotion at summer camps and private sector workshops, has been established and seeks to encourage greater public responsibility with respect to solid waste management. 3.4 Vulnerability of Barbados to Natural Disasters 3.4.1 Background Small Island Developing States are prone to extremely damaging natural disasters, primarily, as in the case of Barbados, in the form of cyclones. Other disasters include storm surges, landslides, extended droughts and extensive floods. As a result of climate change, such events, including drought are perceived to be occurring with increasing frequency and intensity. Natural disaster management is, therefore, a critical component of overall development strategy. Damage done to important and expensive infrastructure such as utility and transportation links, housing stock and business entities result in loss of life, lower

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foreign exchange earnings from reduced production and lower exports as well as loss of insurance coverage. The natural hazards of relevance to Barbados include:

• meteorological hazards (including tropical cyclones and resultant features such as strong winds, storm surges and floods, drought),

• coastal vulnerability, • soil erosion and landslides, and, to a lesser extent, • seismic hazards such as volcanoes and earthquakes.

These hazards have the potential to cause severe impacts to our physical infrastructure as well as economic and social development (Box 3). Also, the impacts may be exacerbated with the onset of sea level rise due to climate change (Box 4). However, no comprehensive vulnerability study has been done from a management aspect. Currently, the efforts of disaster management are being discharged by a number of government agencies. Plans are underway to develop a comprehensive integrated disaster management plan by the Central Emergency Relief Organisation (CERO). Notwithstanding the lack of integrative efforts, an indication of the level of vulnerability posed to Barbados can still be derived using data collected from various agencies involved in disaster monitoring. 3.4.2 Vulnerability to Meteorological Events

• Tropical Cyclones Barbados has a relatively high vulnerability to Tropical Cyclones because of its geographic location, 13o 10’N and 59o 35’W (Figure 1). The major characteristics of tropical cyclones that are likely to affect Barbados are wind, increased rainfall and its concomitant flooding, and storm surge. Interestingly, Barbados has not experienced an extreme impact from a major storm since the eye of Hurricane Janet passed 20 miles south of the Island in 1955. Winds from Tropical Cyclones: One of the main damaging effects of a tropical cyclone is wind and any structural defect in a building, even though it may appear to be solid, can eventually be revealed by gusty winds. Tropical cyclones expose both natural and man-made features to continuous and strong winds. Increased Rainfall from Tropical Cyclones: The increased rainfall from tropical cyclones can also be devastating. At any one station the total rainfall during the passage of a tropical cyclone may exceed 250 mm, all of which may fall in a period as short as 12 hours or may spread over a period of 48 hours. In either case, such large quantities of rainfall inevitably lead to high risks of flooding.

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Box 3: Vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure and Key Economic Sectors At present, in excess of 25% of the island’s population (approximately 67,000) live within 2.0 km of the coast. This population is concentrated in a continuous linear coastal urban corridor extending the entire length of the west and south coasts (Figure 1). In addition, key infrastructure and economic sectors, which are primarily at risk, are: Utilities: Infrastructure such as roadways, bridges, and culverts are subjected to physical damage as a result of inland flooding or storm surges. Utilities (telephone lines, electricity and water pipes), especially those underground, are subjected to physical damage from flooding and strong winds. Housing: Traditional Barbadian dwellings – chattel houses – are highly vulnerable to strong winds. Chattel houses are wooden houses that are not connected to a permanent foundation, but are placed on concrete blocks and are effectively mobile. It is estimated that between 30 - 35% of the low- and middle-income earners now occupy chattel houses (Ministry of Housing and Lands, 1990). It is anticipated that 60% of this group will experience significant damage due to sustained winds in excess of 60 miles per hour (mph), which is below Hurricane Category 1 intensity. There also are implications for houses constructed on elevated terrain since significant wind speeds increase in the zone 200 to 500 feet above sea level. Medical Facilities: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), built in 1967, is the only public hospital in Barbados and is located in a flood prone area. The Constitution River, which flows parallel to the hospital, is a primary outflow of inland water but also acts as a channel for storm surge from the Bridgetown Careenage. Tourism Sector: The tourism sector consists of approximately 6,000 hotel rooms (1998), which are distributed across 135 hotel accommodation properties. Of these properties, all except 12 are either located on, or proximal to beaches. Coastal towns such as Holetown and Speightstown are heritage centres and cannot be accessed when flooded. Properties themselves could suffer direct damage resulting in loss of direct revenue and higher insurance costs. Damage from natural disasters may result in reductions in repeat visitors and may dissuade others from visiting the island. Other Services and Sectors at Risk: Government offices, particularly along Bay Street, the essential services including the Barbados Defence Force, the main Police and Fire Stations and the main Post Office are highly susceptible since they are located within 500 m of the coastline. The agriculture sector may be affected by flooding due to the loss of valuable topsoil. Drought conditions may also affect this sector, as was realised after the onset of the worst drought conditions in 1994. Comparison of agricultural production (See Table below) for non-drought periods and drought periods shows an apparent correlation.

Agricultural production for drought and non-drought periods. Crop Production (tonnes) Year Sugar Root Crop Vegetables

1994 50,700 3,750.4 4,351.5 1995 38,500 10,711.2 12,417.9 Source: Compiled using data from Planning Unit – MARD, 2000. The effects of the drought were manifested immediately for root crops and vegetables, while effects on sugar cane are reflected in the 1995 harvest because the sugar cane was harvested before the onset of the drought. The drought conditions were not conducive to ratoon development. Thus, there are implications for the already diminishing emphasis being placed on cultivation.

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• Inland Flooding The frequency of flooding in the areas susceptible to flooding is generally 1 in 15 years for the inland areas and between 1 in 15 and 1 in 20 for the coastal areas. In the Graeme Hall area the frequency of flooding is about 1 in 10 years. On average the ponding time is about 3 days and extends to heights of a half metre (1/2 m) with the cost of damage estimated at $3 - $4 million. In flood prone areas such as Headley Land, Woodbourne, Wotton, New Orleans and Goodland (Figure 6), convergent flows of surface water pose a direct and immediate threat from rainfall of even lesser quantities within small time periods. Inappropriate location of development activities has also been a contributing factor to flooding. This was demonstrated during the Weston Floods in 1995, where settlements built in natural waterways were swept away as the streams reclaimed their natural courses. As a result, these areas were given priority when engineering works began (Figure 6). Similar mitigatory actions are earmarked for other areas where flooding has occurred (Figure 6).

• Control and Prevention of Inland Flooding a) Policy Development: To address the vulnerability posed by flooding a comprehensive

study was commissioned in 1995 to build on the 1973 Drainage Study. The resulting Barbados Stormwater Drainage Study led to the creation of a Drainage Unit within the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, to implement its recommendations. The overall intent of the study was to allow rectification of the present flooding problems and to prevent future development in flood hazard areas. The Study indicated that storm water accounted for 1% of the total precipitation. Consequently, some of the practical actions taken included:

• customised design and construction of drainage structures to allow recharge • use of retention ponds to accommodate the powder-like silt after rain events.

b) Institutional Arrangements: Prior to the 1995 Study it was the jurisdiction of the Town

and Country Planning Office (TCPO) to request drainage impact studies for developments within or near watercourses. Since the creation of a separate Drainage Unit, approval for projects of a particular type and scale are not granted unless the Drainage Unit reviews the applications made to the TCPO. Some of the projects include golf course developments, land subdivision and other developmental projects costing more than $100, 000. In order to honour existing drainage conditions developers are required to provide:

• drainage reserves as a pre-condition for development • detailed drainage plan and a topographical map of the area to be developed, especially

if the development is within a water course. c) Capacity Building: The measures available to the Drainage Unit for carrying out

rectification of the present flooding problems and to prevent future development in flood

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hazard areas need to be done by qualified staff. Extensive training has been provided for staff in areas such as:

• research and development • improvements in stormwater management guidelines and criteria • use of standardised methods and procedures as applied to operations and

maintenance, • Floodplain mapping, • Data collection.

d) Financial Support and Sources: Funding to facilitate rectification of the present flooding

problems and to prevent future development in flood hazard areas is provided totally by the Government of Barbados. On a macroeconomic level, the amount allocated to the Drainage Unit is considered to be adequate and covers cost, time and quality of operation and maintenance measures. The cost and time are factors that can be controlled to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Unit; however, the quality of non-structural measures poses a dilemma in that staff members do not readily adapt to the introduction of new technologies or methodologies.

e) Legislation: Implementation of the drainage policy document hinged not only on

approval and political support, but on how effectively the measures could be enforced. For effective enforcement the Flood Prevention and Highway Acts were amended, primarily to allow mandatory implementation of structures on private land. Effectively, the definition of a 'Highway' was expanded to include watercourses; thus government officials could enter and erect structures on private lands within watercourses.

• Constraints to Preventing and Controlling Inland Flooding

Public Awareness: In effecting prevention and control of inland flooding, the greatest constraint is the lack of awareness by the public, who periodically cover drainage grilles thus preventing water from being drained from surfaces. Another practice that increases the risk of flooding is the illegal dumping of solid waste in drains and gullies, which leads to blocked drains.

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Source: Metadata File – Bird and Hale, 1998.

Figure 6: Map showing inland areas that are prone to flooding. Engineering works have been done in the most vulnerable areas, while other observed flooded areas are earmarked

for engineering works.

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• Vulnerability to Drought Severe droughts may be experienced if rainfall, for a consecutive 8-week period, is less than 20% of the historical rainfall level. Extreme droughts occur if, for an 8-week period, rainfall is 21 - 40% of the historical rainfall level, while moderate droughts occur when rainfall is 41 – 60%. If this shortfall is sustained beyond 8 weeks then ground water levels may become depleted. The frequency of droughts is about 3 in 10 years and has been related to El Nino occurrences. Droughts have been recorded for 1982, 1986, 1993, 1994 and 1997. Barbados experienced its worst drought situation for 50 years (period for which data is available), in 1994, when the shortfall of rainfall was 42 - 45%. In Barbados, domestic fresh water, which is pumped from underground aquifers, is dependent on rainfall to re-charge those aquifers. Rainfall from one rainy season becomes available for abstraction in the following year. Normal amounts of rainfall only barely meet the demand from domestic and commercial users. Prolonged over-abstraction reduces the amount carried over to the next year, thus the chance of saline intrusion increases and may result in serious water shortages for the following year.

• Actions Taken to Alleviate Drought Conditions Domestic users, as seen in Figure 3, account for more than 60% of the total water abstracted in Barbados. Droughts, therefore impact firstly on these users. The BWA has sought to implement public awareness campaigns promoting the value of water restriction measures. These measures include, but are not limited to:

• Re-use of household water for watering gardens, washing cars and outdoor patios, • Minimising the amount of water used around the house, including swimming pools, • Checking for and reporting leaks.

In severe cases, scheduled water lock offs have been implemented. The major issue relating to the management of water resources in respect to agriculture relates to the need for an adoption of good agricultural practices, which, includes appropriate irrigation practices. These irrigation practices include utilisation of irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and water use scheduling has been encouraged. In terms of the short and long-term security of supply for domestic/public use, agricultural use and general economic development, dialogue continues as to whether to acquire additional wells for public supply in areas where there is no significant risk of saline intrusion, for example Porey Springs, St. Thomas.

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3.4.3 Coastal Vulnerability a) Beach Erosion: Beach erosion can be defined as the carrying away of beach material

by wave action, tidal currents, littoral currents or by deflation (removal of loose material from beach or other land surface by wind action).

b) Storm Surge: Storm surge can be defined as the abnormal rise in water level caused

by wind and pressure forces of a hurricane. It can be extremely devastating, and is in fact a major cause of damage from hurricanes primarily due to the inundation of the coastline. The storm surge itself is caused by the wind and pressure "pushing" the water into the continental shelf and onto the coastline. The height of a surge is basically measured as a deviation from the mean sea level in the area. The information in Table 2 represents the maximum storm surge likely to occur along the west coast of Barbados, from a given category of hurricane.

Table 2: Maximum Storm Surge for the West Coast of Barbados. Hurricane Category Maximum Storm Surge (metres) 1 0.5 2 0.75 3 1.0 4 1.25 5 1.75 Source: Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, 1999. A storm passing over this area would not only inundate the central city area but could also move the surge far inland. The situation could become even more threatening when the storm surge meets floodwaters moving towards the sea.

• Causes of Coastal Vulnerabilities Beach erosion and storm surges occur in Barbados as a result of the island’s exposure to tropical cyclones including tropical storms, tropical depressions and hurricanes. The island is also exposed to long period swell waves generated by distant extra-tropical storms, generally occurring off the East Coast of the USA and North Atlantic. Hurricanes generally pass north of Barbados, causing damage on the east and west coasts, however, when these storms pass to the south, substantial coastal changes can occur on the south coast. It is useful to note that tsunamis caused by volcanic activities and earthquakes can also increase the vulnerability of Barbadian coasts. Tsunamis are long high sea waves caused by underwater earth movements. The likely threat of a tsunami exists in activities resulting from the underground volcano, Kick ‘em Jenny, in Grenada.

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• Control and Prevention of Coastal Vulnerability The Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) was set up in 1983. Conceived, as a specialised governmental unit the CZMU is specifically concerned with issues relating to coastal erosion and the application of management strategies for dealing with this threat. The long-term objective of the Unit is to design and implement an effective, comprehensive Coastal Zone Management Plan for the island and to ensure that the coast retains its vital and pivotal role in the economic, social and physical development of Barbados. a) Organisational Structure The Unit’s work currently includes the following: Oceanographic Assessment

A. Beach Profiling B. Wave Climate analysis C. Tide level monitoring D. Fringing and bank reef surveys E. Longshore sediment movement

Coastal Research

A. Monitoring effects of submerged breakwaters on coastal segments B. Coastal legislation C. Lagoon monitoring and improvement D. Beach access E. Ocean data management F. Revegetation and dune management G. Artificial seaweed as means of erosion control H. Seagrass transplantation

Consultation on Coastal Engineering The unit advises governmental and non-governmental agencies on shoreline protection methods:

A. Management strategies B. Design criteria C. Implementation D. Monitoring and impact assessment

Development Control

A. The Unit participates in the decision making process vis-a-vis development

control by evaluating all proposed developments in the littoral and marine zone. This work is done in association with the Town Planning Department.

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Education Outreach

A. The education programme, which seeks to sensitise the public about coastal problems, involves active participation in exhibits, media programmes and lectures. Library information is also made available to both university and secondary school students.

b) Legislative Support Legislative support is in the form of a Coastal Zone Management Act and a Marine Pollution Control Act. These are supported by the Integrated Coastal Management Plan for the West and South Coasts of Barbados and Integrated Coastal Management Plan for the South East, East and North West Coasts of Barbados. The Coastal Zone Management Act is in its infancy in terms of its implementation. This hinders its effectiveness to some extent, as all the necessary instruments it needs to function optimally are not yet in place (e.g. the field inspectors). In addition to these Acts, Barbados is involved in ongoing activities of the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change project. c) Political Support Since its inception in 1983, the Coastal Zone Management Unit has had full political support for all its projects and research from the Government of Barbados. The continued support is attributable to the economic and recreational importance of the coastal zone of Barbados. d) Resourcing (Technology and Training) To address the growing threats to the coastline of Barbados, in 1983 the Government of Barbados (GOB) embarked on a programme to prepare Barbados for coastal zone management. Between 1983-84, a Diagnostic and Pre-Feasibility study was conducted by the GOB with financial support of the IDB. The Coastal Zone Management Unit (then the Coastal Conservation Project Unit) executed the project, which was established specifically for this purpose. Two further projects were subsequently supported through pre-investment loans: the Coastal Conservation Pre-investment Programme and the technical co-operation Coastal Conservation Program Phase I. As a result of these two programmes transfer of technology and training was effected.

• Constraints to Coastal Protection Generally, institutional capacity, political and legislative supports have received boosts and are adequate. However, the Unit has recognised a deficiency in the availability of sustainable storm hazard prediction models for the Island. Training in the use of such models is, therefore, lacking. The problem may be alleviated with the implementation of a Regional Global Ocean Observing System (IOCARIBE-GOOS).

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Box 4: Vulnerability to Climate Change Barbados’ vulnerability to meteorological events will be further exacerbated by the longer-term phenomenon of climate change. The latter refers to that change which can be ascribed to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and is to be distinguished from natural climate variability. Increase in Global Temperatures With the anticipated increase in global temperatures key changes in climate and natural processes expected in the Caribbean are sea level rise, increased frequency and severity of storms and hurricanes and decreased annual rainfall with a resultant decrease in river flows and aquifer recharge. Climate change can also result in increased ocean temperatures that result in destruction of coral reefs with consequent loss of fish habitat, shoreline protection, beach nourishment, and prime tourist attractions. The predicted reduction in precipitation can result in drought conditions that will severely impact on the agricultural sector and place further stress on the national water supply system. Sea Level Rise Sea level rise can directly intensify the impacts of some of the above-mentioned factors. Based on known mean rates of tectonic uplift, derived from global evidence for Barbados as well as global and regional projections, a medium sea level rise scenario of 5 mm per year is anticipated with the resulting principal impacts; coastal erosion, inundation and salt water intrusion into aquifers. Inundation will severely damage coastal infrastructure, tourism plant and human settlements and disrupt essential services like electricity, emergency response systems, water, sewerage and health. Sea level rise related damage would also increase the costs of sea defence works, engineering design and construction of protective structures as well as increasing insurance for coastal properties. Whilst Barbados tends not to be directly hit by storms and hurricanes, damage from storm surges and excessive rain and flooding are not unheard of from passing systems. These storm-related impacts would be grossly amplified by sea level rise. For any coastal site there are two major factors affecting changes in long term mean sea level. The first is the global change in sea level rise due to increasing volume of water and is known as eustatic change. The volume of seawater can increase due to thermal expansion of the ocean water or due to the melting of land bound ice. The second factor is due to local change in land levels and is known as isostatic change. Adapting to Climate Change The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) and the Caribbean Planning for the Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC) project suggest that an allowance for sea level rise should be made in coastal planning.

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3.4.4 Vulnerability to Soil Erosion and Landslides Within the last decade soil erosion has become very conspicuous across the island’s entire landscape and is proceeding at alarming rates (Figure 7). The most highly erodable soils are clearly located in the Scotland District. The Scotland District area is naturally prone to land slippage due to its geologic and topographic characteristics. The area is characterised by:

• soft bedrock, • soft and incompetent soils, • steep and moderate slopes.

The flow of groundwater at the interface of the limestone cliff, which underlies oceanic series, emerges as surface water in this region and also contributes to instability. In the past, land degradation resulting from land slippage and soil erosion was an issue only associated with the Scotland District of Barbados. Within the fragile Scotland District, however, the GOB, through the Soil Conservation Unit (SCU), which has full jurisdiction in the Scotland District, has, over a 40-year period, invested tens of millions of dollars in rehabilitation works (Figure 8). The work includes abatement of soil erosion as well as to ensure that the existence of a conducive environment for settlement, commercial and economic activities. The Ministry of Housing and Lands has also assisted with the disaster recovery in the Scotland District. For example, in the White Hill community, St. Andrew 160 households reported that their houses were being undermined as result of land slippage. The Ministry conducted a needs assessment and 39 households were relocated to Farmers, St. Thomas, approximately 2 km away. Another 43 households have been identified for relocation. Periodic reviews have been done to determine, among other things, the economic feasibility of relocating the other households. In the limestone regions soil erosion is due mainly to human activity, rather than to natural physical conditions as is the case in the Scotland District. The major causes of accelerated soil erosion on limestone regions are attributable to the clearing of land for construction and application of inappropriate agricultural practices. In these areas, except for the planting of a few trees, shrubs and grasses, (mainly for beautification) no other conservation techniques or resources are being utilised to address this issue.

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Source: Metadata File, Bird and Hale, 1998.

Figure 7: Showing the Level of Soil Erosion Experienced throughout the Island.

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N

Source: Metadata File, Bird and Hale, 1998. Figure 8: Showing Slope Stability Works in the Scotland District (1957 - 1997)

• Control and Prevention of Soil Erosion and Landslides Soil rehabilitation works (Figure 8) in the Scotland District encompass engineering and biological practices, legislation and some research. a) Engineering The engineering component is employed to control surface erosion and any major earth movement such as landslides. This involves bench terracing, slope reduction, installation of both solid and perforated pipes at various depths beneath the soil surface, construction of gabion structures, excavation of silt dams at strategic locations and the stabilisation and maintenance of both natural and artificial river courses. Each engineering technique mentioned above has a specific function. However, they work concomitantly to achieve the same goal. b) Biological Practices The biological aspect is introduced immediately after engineering works; the area is reforested, where reforestation in this context refers to the use of both fruit (agroforestry) and forest species. Different tree species and different spacing techniques are used at different locations. c) Legislation The third component implemented to prevent and control soil erosion is legislation. The Scotland District Act is currently the only piece of legislation that is being used to ensure that accomplishments resulting from engineering and biological programmes are not lost. This Act addresses:

• stray livestock, and their contribution to soil erosion • settlement, by regulating the number of houses being constructed on each slope and

monitoring methods employed to dispose domestic water, • the types of agricultural practices and techniques used by farmers.

d) Research Recently (1999-2000), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) conducted a research programme that looked at soil erosion and associated problems within the Scotland District but the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is still awaiting the recommendations of the study.

• Steps to Strengthen Soil Conservation Programmes The SCU has had remarkable success in controlling soil erosion, but there are still several issues that need to be addressed, some of which include:

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i. Stronger political support, to acquire equipment, technology and training to deal with some of the chronic soil problems;

ii. Community participation to regulate anti-erosion activities, such as illegal and uncontrolled settlement, overgrazing and poor agricultural practices.

iii. Updating existing legislation; iv. More co-operation and collaboration between different governmental and non-

governmental agencies. 3.4.5 Volcanoes There are no volcanoes in Barbados. However, the active Soufriére volcano in the neighbouring island of St Vincent (90 miles to the west) exposes the island to some of the effects of this phenomenon. Volcanic gas emissions and ash falls are some of the features to which Barbados is most vulnerable. During the volcano’s most recent activity in 1979, the large amount of ash fall experienced in Barbados could be directly linked to the sharp rise in respiratory problems reported. Effects such as tsunamis can also result from the neighbouring underground volcano, kick ‘em Jenny. 3.4.6 Disaster Management Operations The Central Emergency Relief Organisation (CERO) was established as a full Government Department in 1978 as a hurricane preparedness organisation. Over the years, it became imperative for the organisation to expand its scope of responsibility as it became necessary to respond to other emergencies such as flooding and landslides, as well as man-made disasters such as hazardous-material events and industrial fires. In the course of the country’s economic, physical and social development it became evident that Barbados is more vulnerable to natural and man-made hazards. a) Organisational Structure The mechanism for Disaster Management in Barbados presently includes:

(a) The Co-ordinating Advisory Council (b) Twelve (12) specialised Sectoral Standing Committees (c) The CERO Secretariat, which manages the National Disaster Management

Programme. (d) Parish Emergency Response Teams (PERTs) (e) Voluntary District Emergency Organisations (DEOs) (f) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) (g) 24-hour Emergency Management Teams.

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b) Resourcing: Accommodation: The CERO Secretariat comprises fully computerised and networked administrative offices, kitchen, bathroom, and storage facilities. It is equipped with a generator as well as sleeping facilities in the event that the emergency mechanism is activated. The Secretariat is also equipped with VHF communication links to agencies such as the Royal Barbados Police Force, Barbados Defence Force and Barbados Fire Service, Ministry of Public Works, Barbados Citizens Band Radio Association, Amateur Radio Society of Barbados and the Barbados Light and Power. There is also HF links to external regional and international agencies/organisations. Training: Training is a vital element of any organisation’s programme to maintain efficiency and progress. It is the goal of the CERO Secretariat to strengthen the capacity in all sectors of the organisation to ensure that all personnel are equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge to be able to function in a disaster situation. As part of CERO’s 2001-2002 Work Programme, training workshops/seminars covering the following areas, will be conducted:

• Shelters and Shelter Management • Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) • Radio Operation • Basic Disaster Management • Stress Management in Disasters (SMID) • Incident Command System (ICS) • Hazard Resistant Construction • Contingency Planning • Community Preparedness

Public Education and Awareness: Linked to training is the key element of Public Education and Awareness. The various activities are designed to ensure that the general public is kept aware of the hazards, their characteristics, dangers, elements of preparedness and the response mechanisms and policies. To ensure that the widest possible cross section of the population is exposed to the information, all possible media and strategies will be utilised. The Public Education and Awareness Programme is crucial to the success of disaster management and includes lectures/discussions and presentations to the Public and Private Sectors, community groups and churches. Issues addressed include the following:

• The characteristics of Natural and Man-made hazards • Waste Water Management and its effect on the physical environment with regard

to Flooding and Landslides • Hurricane Resistant construction • Maintenance of Drainage Systems • Community Preparedness and its link to National Preparedness • Storage, disposal and handling of Hazardous Materials.

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• Challenges of Disaster Prediction Within recent times, it has become evident that vulnerabilities to hurricanes can be greatly reduced by the use of modern and effective building standards, in conjunction with risk zoning based on predictive scientific and technical knowledge. However, a number of constraints exist relative to initiating and effecting proper studies on the island. a) Resourcing (Training and Financial Mechanisms) Development of vulnerability indices can help to highlight the impact of disasters on various sectors. However, these are absent and there are no adequately trained personnel with the capacity to perform scientific predictive tasks. b) Institutional Capacity Studies of the impact of natural hazards on various sectors need to be initiated. Programmes designed to counter the impacts of natural disasters can be rendered ineffective as long as they are not being implemented with an integrated effort.

• Challenges of Disaster Management The annual programme for the CERO Secretariat over the next decade takes sustainable development into consideration, as well as the Secretariat’s own mission of making Barbados a more hazard resistant environment in which not only development successes can be achieved, but also effectively maintained. There are, however, several major challenges, and constraints to this goal:

• Limited financial resources for a comprehensive Disaster Management programme that will include an increase in staff and the upgrading of posts and emergency response equipment.

• Low level of acceptance at the policy-making and senior administrative levels to ensure that a consultative process is institutionalised through legislation.

• Lack of Disaster Management Legislation, to ensure legal authority and institutional framework for comprehensive and integrated Disaster Management.

• Inadequate promotion of the use of the Building Code and the enforcement of Zoning and Land Use regulations as they relate to flood prone areas.

• Inadequate public awareness about the need to take responsibility for securing properties. For example, homeowners need to recognise and accept their roles in planning at the individual and family levels. The commercial sectors need to recognise their roles in the economic aspects of Disaster Management. Furthermore, civic agencies need to be less protective about information that will be used in the best interest of the country.

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3.4.7 The Way Forward While natural disasters cannot be prevented, measures can be implemented to mitigate their effects as well as prepare the society so that the severity of any impact maybe reduced. Usually standardised methods help to facilitate the process. Barbados has initiated the process by developing building codes as well as using a single entity to co-ordinate disaster management efforts.

• Building Codes Decisions governing the technical/engineering aspects of construction are generally left to the discretion of the owner/builder, in consultation with the architect. Adequate regulatory mechanisms need to be put in place to enforce the recently approved Building Codes.

• National Multi-Hazard Disaster Management Plan In keeping with the growing trend and international best practice, CERO has moved beyond its emphasis on relief/response after hurricanes. This is being done by developing a more comprehensive integrated disaster management system and programmes to address the issues of prevention and mitigation. The concept of Comprehensive Disaster Management emphasises that Disaster Management planning embodies the full range of hazards to which a country is vulnerable and encompasses Plans for all phases of the Disaster Management Cycle which include: Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Reconstruction. The concept also emphasises that activities directed towards the attainment of Sustainable Development should be inextricably linked to land use, physical development, environmental management and financial planning. A first draft of a National Disaster Plan was prepared and circulated to the various agencies. However significant changes in the regional and international Disaster Management environment, as well as the lessons learnt from the countries impacted have forced a further review of the structure and content of the plan and the procedures to be put in place. The Plan will consist of four sections:

1. Administration, Mobilisation and General Policy 2. Hazard Specific Plans 3. Sectoral Response Plans 4. Departmental Plans

3.4.8 Lessons Learnt The major lesson learnt is that uncoordinated approaches to disaster management do not bring focus to the challenges that must be overcome. This is especially important since at the Regional level, Barbados is the focal point for the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), Eastern Caribbean sub-region.

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3.5 Economic Vulnerability 3.5.1 Background Barbados and other SIDS are also extremely vulnerable to economic disasters, which are exacerbated by processes of globalisation and trade liberalisation. It is very difficult for SIDS to remain internationally competitive within the framework of the new world-trading regime, which developed in the 20th century. 3.5.2 Economic Performance The economy of Barbados has performed creditably during the period 1993 to 2000. The period has been characterised by significant growth and expansion of output, which has enabled a rise in the level of employment and an improved fiscal and monetary performance. Whilst Barbados has specific economic advantages and disadvantages (Box 5), the economy of Barbados has recorded seven consecutive years of positive growth at an annual rate of approximately 3.0 percent. Inflation has been low to moderate and the exchange rate been stable at US$1=Bds$2. Unemployment has declined from 24.3 percent in 1993 to 9.3 percent in 2000. The solid performance of the Barbados economy has been based on a solid framework of reforms in the fiscal and monetary arenas and the social contract between the Government, private sector and labour union, in the Prices and Incomes Protocol I and II, the Social Partnership Protocol III and the Fair Trading Commission (Box 6). In Barbados, the focus has, therefore, been on the maintenance of political stability, which combined with the appropriate economic and social policies can facilitate sustainable development and foster the right environment for the relevant private sector activities. The GOB, has always insisted that it is in the best interest of the island to maintain at least a minimum amount of primary agricultural production along with the necessary intersectoral linkages to the vital tourism sector, to lessen the risk associated with an over-dependence on external forces. 3.5.3 Market Related Shocks The economies of SIDS are often fragile and susceptible not only to markets or economic shocks (higher prices for imports and declining prices for exports). Market Related Shocks often encompass sudden changes in the price of commodities, trade liberalisation and globalisation.

• Sudden Changes in International Prices Sudden changes in international prices speak to any decline/increase in international commodity prices (oil, sugar, bananas), or recession in major export markets. These changes could result in unfavourable changes in terms of trade and balance of payments.

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Box 5: Advantages and Disadvantages of Barbados’ Economic Performance Advantages i. Natural Attributes: Include large-size of marine resources in regard to the exclusive economic zone, quality of the environment and a highly educated labour force. ii. Socio-political stability: Facilitates the development of a stable environment, which encourages investment in areas such as tourism, and offshore finance services. Good governance has ensured that the developmental focus remains squarely on the basic needs of the populace. iii. Physical Infrastructure: Barbados has a highly developed infrastructural framework, which encompasses roads, air and seaports, telecommunications, electricity and water. Services such as water, electricity and telephones are available to more than 90% of the population on a daily basis. iv. Social Infrastructure: The Government of Barbados has embarked on a process of Poverty alleviation and Eradication, which will serve to boost the already high level of social services available to the population of the island. Disadvantages i. Difficulty in maintaining the competitiveness of existing activities in light of external competition from developed countries. ii. Limitations in ability to meet new trading opportunities in respect to competitiveness and reliability of supply. iii. Inability to develop sizeable manufacturing activities leading to difficulties in maintaining market shares in preference giving countries. iv. Preferential agreements lock in developing countries to markets, which show declining returns for the investment over time. v. Preferential agreements lock in developing countries to markets which show declining returns for the investment over time. vi. The areas in which the developing countries such as Barbados are competitive such as agriculture or textiles are usually excluded from multilateral trade agreements. Where markets are open there are non-tariff and technical barriers to trade.

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Box 6: Actions Taken to Enhance Barbados’ Economic Performance Some of the measures that Barbados has put in place that seek to ensure and enhance positive economic performance include: i. The Prices and Incomes Protocol I and II The Prices and Incomes Protocol is a tripartite agreement primarily between the private sector, Government and the trade unions. Through its tripartite approach to industrial relations during its period of operation from 1993 to 1997 it was considered to be a vital component of Barbados’ macroeconomic programme for the realisation of sustained economic growth and development. The Protocol sought to safeguard the country's exchange rate, slow the growth of inflation, restrict the demand for imports, encourage dialogue among the social partners, and improve industrial relations. The economy has recorded seven consecutive years of positive growth at an annual rate of approximately 3.0 percent. Inflation has been low to moderate and the exchange rate has been stable at US$1=Bds$2 and unemployment has declined from 24.3 percent in 1993 to 9.3 percent in 2000. ii. Social Partnership – Protocol III Protocol III For The Implementation of a Social Partnership 1998-2000, the successor of the Prices and Incomes Protocol, was a broad framework for tripartite consultation on all matters affecting the macroeconomic performance of Barbados; its ultimate aim was to be the creation of a genuine participatory democracy. This Protocol broadens the scope of matters addressed in Protocols I and II beyond prices and incomes, economic stability and competitiveness. It encompassed, among other things, a national employment policy; a framework for industrial harmony and cohesiveness; a charter for our productive sectors; a charter for the reduction of social disparities; a new dispensation for training; and discrimination in all facets. iii. Fair Trading Commission In order to align itself with standards within the international financial arena the Government has established a Fair Trading Commission to regulate issues relating to utilities and other matters of trade in Barbados. The Fair Trading Commission replaces the Public Utilities Board to examine all the options, including the entry of other telecom providers.

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• Trade Liberalisation

The process of trade liberalisation is now institutionalised in the framework of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). One of the stated aims of the WTO is to reduce obstacles to trade in an equitably regulated and disciplined manner. Special provisions that were supposed to be made to developing countries on signing on as members of the WTO include:

• longer time periods for implementing agreements and commitments, • measures to increase trading opportunities for these countries, • provisions requiring all WTO members to safeguard the trade interests of developing

countries, • support to help developing countries build the infrastructure for WTO work, handle

disputes, and implement technical standards. These provisions were expected to compensate for benefits, which were previously derived from preferential trade schemes. The major challenges of trade liberalisation include the erosion of trade preferences, the restructuring of domestic industries with their associated higher unemployment and the problem of maintaining economic competitiveness in the face of competition from external producers. Changes in the multilateral trade environment have severely curtailed the benefits once derived from preferential trade agreements such as that between the European Union and the African Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP). i. The Lomé Conventions

The Lomé Conventions between the European Union and ACP countries. The European Union and 71 ACP countries – which comprise the former colonies of EU members - re-negotiated a successor arrangement for the Lomé Conventions. The Conventions had allowed a major trade and aid pact whose preferential trade arrangements are allowed under a waiver of WTO rules until the current treaty expired in the year 2000. These trade agreements permitted the ACP States free access for their exports into EU member countries and provision was also made for aid and investment to be supplied by these countries.

ii. The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act 1983 (CBERA)

The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act 1983 (CBERA) provided for 12 years of duty-free treatment of most goods produced from designated Caribbean Basin countries and territories. Duty-free treatment became effective January 1, 1984. The primary goal of the CBERA was to promote export-oriented growth in the Caribbean Basin countries and to diversify the economies away from traditional agricultural products and raw materials as well as non-traditional products such as textiles that are not fully assembled. The Initiative was extended permanently (CBI II), by the Customs and Trade Act of August 1990.

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iii. CARIBCAN

In June 1986 CARIBCAN came into effect after the Canadian Parliament adopted the required legislation. The principal provisions of the Programme included duty-free access to the Canadian market for imports from Commonwealth Caribbean Countries, including Barbados. Duty-free access covered a wide range of goods, which were not previously exported from, or manufactured in the Commonwealth Caribbean. For example, in order to qualify for duty free entry under CARIBCAN, goods produced in Barbados had to be certified as being the growth or manufacture of the island, i.e. a minimum of 60% of the ex-factory price of the exported goods (which includes factory overheads and reasonable profits).

iv. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Many benefits also existed in the form of individual generalised systems of preferences granted by other countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). However, recent listing of Barbados as a ‘tax-haven’ for financial institutions demonstrates the increasingly strained relations in the international arena.

• Constraints to Overcoming Trade Liberalisation

Disadvantages of policy action and economic specialisation necessarily include:

i. Difficulty in sustaining viable specialisation in “globally competitive” activities; ii. Some economic activities based on investment on globally competitive

merchandise trade can have undesirable environmental effects. iii. “Niche” export opportunities are often times difficult to identify and have limited

impact on local employment and foreign exchange earnings.

• Actions Taken to Counter Trade Liberalisation Some of the measures, which Barbados has sought to implement include:

i. Policy Action: Improvement in the present patterns of specialisation and funding new models of re-specialisation to counter-act the marginalisation of domestic producers.

ii. Economic Specialisation: This has been sought by creating competitive advantages in the

Island to attract foreign economic partners or further developing trade relationships with a small number of outside partners. The development of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy within CARICOM is a good example of the second type of strategy. It seeks to bolster the linkages whether in the product and factor markets among CARICOM member states to provide some protection against the negative impacts from globalisation.

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iii. Niche Markets: Another scenario known as “niche” market approach has the advantage of giving some protection to local producers from competition internationally. “Niche” markets are narrow and may be “non-global” in terms of competition. However, it is “global” in the sense that the local producer has foreign partner(s) who may be leading actors in the global economic sphere. In order for these partnerships to be competitive, “niche” trading requires the use of “global” methodologies and processes backed up by sophisticated communications technology. The Government of Barbados has initiated a process of telecommunications reform, which is to become an integral part of its economic restructuring policy.

• Globalisation

Globalisation involves the increasing inter-relationships between national economies in factor and product markets with respect to trade in goods and services, investment, financial flows and movements of persons. It implies reduced barriers to trade and wider competition, lower obstacles to foreign investment and movements of nationals, and more transparent rules and disciplines in international trade relations. Barbados does not have a sufficiently developed resource base, infrastructure or capacity to find a slot in the global economy and faces the risk of becoming marginalised as a result of global trends. Thus, there are few direct or indirect benefits from the process of globalisation.

• Constraints to Overcoming Globalisation Factors that can preclude the competitive participation of Barbados and other SIDS in the international arena include:

i. Small Size: A narrow natural and human resource base and small domestic market create little diversity in economic structure. In our archipelago situation, there is lack of development of intra-regional trade, which could provide the basis for increased economies of scale. Many of the other regional economies often produce the same commodity.

As a result of the small size, the Island is a small open economy and has no influence on external markets due to a lack of opportunities to enjoy economies of scale.

ii. Geographical Location: This has implications for diversifying agricultural production,

higher shipping costs and low frequency of deliveries leading to further marginalisation. With respect to tourism, however, remoteness is not necessarily a disadvantage. In the international financial services sector location is not a barrier to growth if there is a sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure.

iii. Transport and Communications: International transport is costly and there is an

imbalance between inbound and outbound movements of goods. Barbados imports more

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goods and services than it exports. This causes an under utilisation of transport capacities in outbound transport with consequently high unit costs in outbound flows.

iv. Weak Institutional Capacity: This has always been a critical issue in SIDS like Barbados,

which has limited natural and human resources. In Barbados’ experience it has been the aim of all governments since independence to focus on maximising the benefits from a sound educational system. This goal has remained paramount and is seen as the only way to counter the loss of vital manpower to more developed countries which exacerbates the impact of limited availability of qualified and experienced staff in vital areas of the economy.

• Actions to Counter Globalisation

Barbados is actively seeking to have the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) implemented. This would greatly enhance the negotiating and trading powers of the region as a whole and Barbados in particular as the island seeks the promote high priced goods and services. Barbados has concretised its membership within the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and expects, over time, to enjoy unrestricted access for its goods and services to this large hemispheric market. It also expects to benefit from a much greater inward flow of investment and technology. The FTAA should also provide expanded opportunities for local investors and businesspersons who currently are restricted by existence of national barriers. Given the fact that Barbados is a small island developing economy, with the vulnerability that this entails, the country may not be able to readily benefit from the integration arrangement unless the other partners make special consideration and concessions. This is critical to the equitable distribution of the expected benefits. For example, there are sensitive areas of economic activity that the island will need to protect, in particular, the agricultural and dairy sectors. 3.5.4 The Way Forward In Barbados, development of policies to mitigate economic vulnerability has been influenced by the forces of trade liberalisation and globalisation and is aimed at adapting to the erosion of trade preferences, increasing international competitiveness and encouraging foreign direct investment. For example to address:

1. Small Size, the country is: a. looking for “niche” trading opportunities that escape “global competitive

pressure” b. seeking external funding for necessary public infrastructure and

investments c. promoting the creation of trading blocs such as the CARICOM Single

Market and Economy (CSME).

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d. joining with others to negotiate as a trade bloc in international negotiations such as that for the FTAA and ACP-EU.

2. Geographical location, the country is:

a. developing policies to facilitate foreign direct investment and/or technology transfer;

b. enhancing trade efficiency for example through e-commerce c. encouraging specialisation in international services e.g. tourism and

offshore banking by improving telecommunications infrastructure. d. utilising human resources to provide higher value-added services in

sectors such as informatics and information technology; e. encouraging improved air and seaports to promote the island as a point of

transhipment for cargo into the rest of CARICOM, Latin America and European Union.

3. Specialisation Policies: This forms part of a framework involving human

resource development and emphasises competitive export products (goods and services) and /or “niche” market products. The aim is to move towards higher value added services in fields such as informatics and information technology development.

4. Trade Efficiency Policies: These relate to areas of trade information, trade

facilitation (involving transport and customs procedures) and improving access to appropriate banking and insurance services. The aim is to create and environment in which the best practices in particular fields is transferred and utilised in Barbados.

5. National Sustainable Development Policy: This is to safeguard fragile

ecosystems and natural areas; development objectives have to be pursued in a manner such that there is long-term viability. The NSDP has been drafted and is expected to facilitate and inform government policy, especially in relation to the further development of the National Strategic Plan. The NSDP will be used to create the appropriate framework within which the economic and social development can take place without compromising the viability of the natural environment for future generations.

6. Trade and Related Economic Policies: These focus on maintaining a stable

macroeconomic environment which sends favourable signals to existing and possible trading operators and their foreign associates. Encouragement of economic specialisation in higher value added industries. Trade policies seek to protect local producers as much as possible within the framework of new international trading environment.

7. Investment Policies: These are designed to attract foreign investment by

developing:

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a. Tax incentives such as tax holidays for investors setting up business in Barbados.

b. A low tax framework c. Absence of unjustified trade-related investment measures d. Protection of intellectual property rights e. Liberalised approach towards movement of persons and capital.

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4. EMERGING CRITICAL ISSUES Other issues that emerge as threats to the long-term goal of sustainable development in Barbados are:

• Crime • Health, with emphasis on the threat of HIV/AIDS • Food Security

4.1 Crime 4.1.1 Background The maintenance of law, order and social stability are essential for the continuation of social, economic and environmental progress. In Barbados, the crime rate (crime per 100,000 persons), showed steady increase during the early 1990s peaking in 1993 and declining over a two year period to 1995. Since then the crime rate has been relatively stable (Figure 9).

R eco rd ed C rim e (1990-1999)

3200

3400

3600

3800

4000

4200

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Y ears

Rat

e pe

r 100

000

popu

latio

n

C rim e R a te

Source: National Task Force on Crime, 1999. Figure 9: Recorded Crime Rate (per 100, 000) for 1990 - 1999. In 1994, the crime rate was 15% lower than in 1993 and since 1996 has varied only by approximately 1 - 2%. The crime rate was lower in 1999 than in 1990 (Table 3) and is a major achievement for the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF). Notwithstanding that, the crime rate is high and is of critical concern to Barbadians, especially because the nature of crime has changed. Over the period 1990 – 1999, there has been an increase in robberies, violent crime and theft of motor vehicles as a percentage of the overall crime rate (Table 3). Of particular concern is the increase in drug related crimes (as

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discussed in Section 4.1.2). The types of crime that are of relevance include drugs, robberies and burglaries. Table 3: The Distribution of Recorded Crimes for 1990 and 1999. Description of Crime Percent (1990) Percent (1999) Burglary of Dwelling House 30.2 25.0 Other Burglary 9.2 9.7 Robbery 3.9 5.3 Violent Crimes (Murder, sex offences) 5.3 7.6 Criminal Damage 5.0 6.8 Theft from Shops 4.0 4.8 Theft from Motor Vehicle 5.5 5.6 Theft of Motor Vehicle 0.4 3.4 Other Theft 26.2 16.3 Other 0 0.5 Source: National Task Force on Crime Prevention, 2000. 4.1.2 Illegal Drugs The sale and consumption of illegal drugs have impacted negatively on Barbados politically, economically and socially. According to the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA, 1998) the drug of choice among users is marijuana, accounting for more than 70%. While Barbados is not the major source of the drug, activities related to its trading has been linked to criminal activities. These activities appear to be responsible for the increase use of guns and other weapons, which are concomitant with serious crimes and injuries. Investigations by the police suggest that there is a link between drugs and other crimes to the extent that 45% of all burglaries and 63% of robberies are linked to either the sale or consumption of drugs (RBPF, 2001). Violent crimes often occur when drug dealers use guns to defend their properties, while drug users commit burglaries and robberies to acquire enough monies to purchase drugs. Illegal drugs and related activities are potential threats to national security. As is seen in many countries, access to large sums of money from the sale of drugs, could challenge that of the national economy, creating opportunities for inducements to public officials and could lead to the commission of crime on an individual and institutional basis. The use of drugs has caused many persons to become institutionalised thus they are economically and socially non-functional. As a result, a strain is placed on the country’s economy. 4.1.3 Robberies Access to guns and other dangerous weapons has become easier and has contributed to the occurrence of robberies. Robberies are committed in the streets and also in homes, business places or places where it is believed that there is access to large sums of money.

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4.1.4 Burglaries Most burglaries are committed by unemployed persons and delinquent youths, who see opportunities to make quick money. It is estimated that millions of dollars are lost annually to this activity. In addition, the quality of life has deteriorated forcing persons to retreat to their homes. Usually these occur as a result of negligence on the part of householders or occupiers when they fail to secure their homes. 4.1.5 Actions Taken to Address Crime a) Capacity Building: A number of measures have been put in place to deal with the

prevailing circumstances. The Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) has approximately 1400 officers on staff, and recruits about 60 trainees annually. However, in an attempt to respond to the changing nature of crime as well as to gain and maintain the public’s trust, confidence and support for various activities, the RBPF has also implemented community policing. Community-based policing recognises the crucial role of the community in keeping crime in check. The ultimate goal is to foster a co-operative partnership between the community and the police in order to achieve security and protection.

Other initiatives being pursued are:

• The Juvenile Liaison Scheme: Permission is sought from victims to allow young

first time offenders (not serious crimes) who acknowledge and are remorseful about their actions to be monitored by the police but they are not taken to court.

• The Rapid Response Unit (RRU): This involves on the ground 24-hour patrols, aimed at providing timely response to criminal activities.

• Redeployment of human resources and continual review of strategies. • Drug Awareness and Resistance Education (DARE) Programme: This

programme is targeted at primary schools where officers visit and provide lectures to students. At the end of the year participants go through a graduation exercise and are presented with tokens.

• Summer Camps: These are organised for youth at risk. b) Legislation: Legislation has been introduced to deal with the rising usage of firearms

namely the Firearms Act 1998. The Larceny Act was repealed and the Theft Act was introduced to deal with the rising use of firearms during burglaries and robberies, by means of increasing penalties. The Drug Act was also introduced to deal with the possession and trafficking of drugs.

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4.1.6 Constraints to Crime Fighting

• Resourcing The RBPF is understaffed and requires greater mobility in order to ‘protect and serve’ in a timely manner. Cruise tourism is particularly vulnerable, as visitors, who fall victim to criminal activities, are not usually able to follow through with reports of crime.

• Lack of Technology Lack of technology in critical areas also hinders crime fighting and crime solving. Computers are needed to replace manual duties carried out by officers; thus more officers would be available for crime fighting.

• Financial Limitations Finance for the RBPF is provided from the national budget and all programmes must be accomplished within the limits of that budget. Improvements in technology and resourcing issues necessarily require more money, thus greater lobbying must be done to increase the budgetary allocation. 4.1.7 The Way Forward The types of crime are changing thus it is imperative that each sector of society participates and co-operates in alerting the relevant authorities in a timely manner. The RBPF is seeking to:

• Actively recruit trainees that can respond to the changing nature of criminal activities;

• Continue to promote community participation and liaison in order to prevent social decay;

• Establish further partnerships between private sector entities, community-based organisations and the police;

• Increase education and awareness programmes; • Perform conscientious follow-ups to assess and evaluate the measures

implemented. 4.1.8 Lesson Learnt To facilitate effective policing all partners need to be aware of measures that can reduce the incidence of crime.

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4.2 Health 4.2.1 Background In keeping with the call made during the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) Conference, to implement projects and programmes that enhance the quality of life in SIDS, health is classified as an emerging critical issue. Health is important and essential for the development of an effective human resource base, since people are integral to the achievement of the goals of sustainable development. In Barbados, the increased incidence and or presence of carriers of a number of diseases over the past ten years has been of concern to the Ministry of Health (MOH). These are:

• The Human Immune-Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS);

• Communicable diseases such as Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR); Yellow Fever and Haemophilus Influenza infection;

• Dengue and food-borne illnesses; and • Chronic non-communicable diseases.

4.2.2 Health Initiatives - Accomplishments and Failures Health initiatives to address these diseases have been taken at two levels. Firstly, at the policy level to improve the health of the Barbadian population and secondly at the community level, which allows specific actions to be put in place.

• Human Immune-deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)

An estimated 2.5% of the adult population in Barbados is currently infected with HIV (AIDS Information Centre, 2000). Since the first reported case of AIDS in 1984 and up to June 2000, the cumulative total of reported cases of AIDS was 1,252, of which 921 were males and 331 females (Figure 10). Seventy-nine percent (79%) of HIV/AIDS cases were reported in the age group 25 – 49 years (Figure 11). The increase in the incidence of HIV/AIDS within the last 10 years continues to pose a serious challenge to resources for treatment, care and prevention. The need for a programme of action for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS cannot be over emphasized. As seen in Trinidad & Tobago as well as in Jamaica, the impact of HIV/AIDS includes a 6% and 4% decrease in their national GDPs (Gross Domestic Products), respectively. This is mainly because the major affected population in both countries is the productive sector, which is 15 – 40 years. Hence, there is great need to curtail HIV/AIDS and safeguard the health and well being of the society.

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921

331

1252

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400N

umbe

r of P

erso

ns

Gender

MaleFemaleTotal

Source: Ministry of Health, 2001.

Figure 10: The cumulative number of AIDS cases by gender for December 1984 – June 2000.

0

50

100

150

200

250

Num

ber o

f Per

sons

<1 15 to 19 35 to 39 55 to 59

Age (Years)

Male

Female

Total

Source: Ministry of Health, 2001. Figure 11: The number of AIDS cases by age and gender for December 1984 – June

2000. One primary initiative that has been undertaken by the Ministry of Health is the prevention and treatment of the Human Immune-deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency

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Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and the impact that is expected on the quality of life on society. The broad goal involves a 5-year programme to decrease the morbidity/mortality of HIV/AIDS, by 50%. It is expected that Bds$130 million will be spent within the 5-year period. The initiative is based on 2 components. The first is targeted at prevention while the second component is targeted at treatment and is called the Highly Active Anti Retro-viral Therapy (HAART). An estimated Bds$10 million is expected to be invested in the HAART in the first year. This was implemented on April 01, 2001 and allows for persons infected with the HIV who satisfy specified criteria to be treated free of charge. The prevention component, formerly administered by the MOH, has been transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister and highlights the priority placed on the HIV/AIDS issue. Implications of the transfer of administration are that all Ministries, which have direct interaction with the public, will have a role in the management of the programme. These include:

• Social Transformation, • Finance and Economic Affairs, • Tourism, • Public Works and Transport, • Home Affairs, and • Labour • Environment, Energy and Natural Resources.

The Prevention Programme addresses both the infected and non-infected persons largely through education and awareness campaigns.

• Immunisation against Communicable Diseases Communicable diseases of concern to the Ministry of Health (MOH) are Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Yellow Fever and Haemophilus Influenza infection. To address these concerns, the MOH currently provides immunisation against these diseases. The immunisation programme, Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), has had great success in children between the ages of 5 - 10 years. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): In 1996, there was an outbreak of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) with seven (7) cases being reported. Consequently, a policy document was developed and in 1999 a major immunisation campaign was launched. This targeted adults. Given that the previous immunisation campaign was launched in 1978, men and women between 21 and 35 years were targeted. By November 1999, more than 23, 700 or 34% of the target population had been immunised. Surveillance systems of the measles eradication programme have reported no confirmed cases of measles.

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Despite the progress of the immunisation programme, misconceptions about perceived adverse effects of MMR meant that many persons refused to participate in the programme thus the MMR immunisation campaign was discontinued. Other diseases for which policy initiatives have been developed include Yellow Fever and the Haemophilus Influenza Infection. Yellow Fever: It is mandatory for countries with both the disease and the vector (Aedes aegypti) to implement an immunisation programme. However, implementation is encouraged for countries that only have the vector, A. aegypti. Barbados contains the A. aegypti vector, which also transmits dengue and has proactively administered the vaccine to persons travelling to countries where yellow fever exists. Currently, the MOH is lobbying for the yellow fever vaccine to be included in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), even though there has not been an outbreak. The importance of its inclusion relates to the close proximity of Barbados to areas such as Guyana, Brazil and Suriname, where the disease has been found. Haemophilus Influenza Infection: Haemophilus Influenza is a very serious communicable infection in children, especially 5 years or younger, and causes meningitis. This has implications of morbidity and mortality. Table 4 shows the number of children that contracted meningitis due to the Haemophilus Influenza Infection. Table 4: The Number of Children (<8 years) with Meningitis due to Haemophilus

Influenza Infection since 1974.

Time Period Number of Cases 1974 – 1979 29 1980 – 1989 34 1991 – 2000 26______ Source: QEH, 2001.

A vaccine, Hib, exists within the private sector and the cost was prohibitive. However, because of the seriousness of the impact a childhood immunisation programme is being developed and implementation is expected to be during 2001 but no specific date has been determined. A pilot project was launched in 2000 where vaccines were supplied to private practising Paediatricians and 6 Polyclinics. The vaccines were administered free of charge and statistical returns indicated 80-90% coverage. As a result of the successful coverage Hib is being considered for inclusion within the EPI for all Barbadian children.

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• Treatment and Control of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever and Food-borne Illnesses

Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) has been a significant cause of morbidity and has become an emerging cause of mortality over the past 6 years (Table 5).

Table 5: Number of Cases and Deaths caused by Dengue (1995 - 2000).

Year No. of Cases Mortality No. 1995 n/a 1

1996 n/a 0 1997 511 5 1998 368 6

1999 237 5 2000 n/a 4 Source: Ministry of Health, 2001. This may be attributed to the failure of householders to be more vigilant in deterring the breeding of vectors and the lack of urgency in seeking adequate medical attention. Policy has been developed to manage the disease, through, inter alia, reducing the presence of the A. aegypti mosquito. The Strengthening Vector Control Programme, developed in 1997, was distilled from this policy and promotes public and environmental management education, where partnering between the MOH, communities and householders was encouraged as a means to reduce the presence of mosquitoes. At the local level, Environmental Health Officers visit households and demonstrate ways in which mosquito breeding can be minimised. The EHOs also target groups: churches, schools, private sector companies and the media (TV and radio). Food-Borne Illnesses: It is important to reduce food-borne illnesses in both local and tourism populations because of implications to the economic sector. Food poisoning and blood-borne diseases both result in high morbidity and some mortality. There is a plethora of causes of food-borne illnesses, but of relevance are:

• Salmonella • Shigenella Bacteria • Other bacteria, such as Erescheria coli (E. coli)

Salmonella is used, as the indicator disease, because it must be diagnosed in a laboratory, therefore, there is greater confidence in the data. Despite the availability of approximately 100 EHOs, more than 300 cases of salmonella cases are reported annually, most occurring in children. It is, therefore, imperative that adequately designed education programmes be introduced for householders as well as the food handling industry. Policy strengthening has focused on the role of Environmental Health Officers to ensure:

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i. That food industry adheres to legislated standards of the Health Services Act 1969;

ii. Licensing requirements for all food handlers; iii. Inspection of food establishments (including storage procedures and storage

temperatures); iv. Training (16 hours) for all food handlers as a prerequisite for obtaining a license.

Training targets good hygiene, food preparation techniques.

• Monitoring of and Research about Chronic Non-communicable Diseases

Chronic non-communicable diseases that are of concern to the MOH are:

• Heart disease • Cancer • Cerebro-vascular disease (stroke) • Diabetes • Hypertension

The MOH and the University of the West Indies, through the Chronic Disease Research Centre (CDRC), are conducting research to determine the nature and extent to which these diseases impact on the local population. Of particular concern is the level of obesity because of its related impact on heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. The CDRC participated in the International Collaborative Study of Hypertension in Blacks, which revealed that approximately 30% of Black women are obese, 30% of adults and half of everyone over 50 years old have high blood pressure (hypertension), more than 20% have diabetes. Additionally, the Barbados Diabetes Intervention Study has indicated that lifestyle contributes to diabetes. This study showed that intervention in adults who are at risk of having diabetes could improve glucose tolerance and promote weight loss. Other chronic diseases that are of concern include arthritis because of the existence of an ageing population, which represents12-15% of the total population. Barbados is participating in a comprehensive study throughout the Caribbean and Latin America on the health of the elderly. These studies are expected to help the Chronic Disease Research Centre (CDRC) in developing policy guidelines for chronic non-communicable diseases. 4.2.3 The Way Forward To ensure success of the programmes there need to be:

• Training across all spectrum of all the programmes • Research to provide framework for improved institutional capacity and strengthening

of health policies; • Planning programmes to improve health care;

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• Greater advocacy for environmental health programmes: those that are already in alliance include Caribbean Counterpart (formerly Future Centre Trust);

• Education and public awareness programmes on healthy living must be incorporated into community activities and this must be done on a continuous basis. Among the major educational needs for sustainable health are:

1. Education at all levels in society on disease prevention, including changes in

lifestyles. 2. The human resources to facilitate educational programs and to continue the

efforts to cure and prevent diseases. 3. Continuous encouragement of healthy living incorporated into education

programs. 4. Creation and maintenance of a healthy environment in public areas and in

homes. Specifically, there is need for:

1. Stricter health guidelines for fast food outlets. 2. A reduction in availability of unhealthy foods. 3. Training for parents in buying healthy foods for their families. 4. Government to put measures in place to ensure the availability and

affordability of healthy foods. 4.2.4 Lesson Learnt/Best Practice Community education is mandatory in order to encourage people to take greater responsibility for their own well being. Groups, such as the church, that interface the most with target populations should be given more information on sustainable health practices. 4.3 Food Security 4.3.1 Background Food security, as agreed on at the Rome Declaration on World Food Security and the World Food Summit Plan of Action, exists when all peoples, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. It cannot be over-emphasised that food security is not synonymous with self-sufficiency, as food security relates to an adequate (imported or not) supply of food, while food self-sufficiency relates to the local production of food to satisfy the domestic market. Barbados is a ‘Net Food Import Country’ (Planning Unit - MARD, 1998). The food and beverage imports in 1992 were $186.8 million and increased to $335.5 million in 1998 (Planning Unit - MARD, 2000), an approximate increase of 80%. During 1997, domestic

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production of non-sugar agriculture and fisheries contributed 25.9% of the total amount of food consumed. The fishing industry remains a key component of national development through the provision of food, and by extension, the enhancement of food security. Local fishery resources are classified as inshore reef, offshore reef and pelagic resources. There are 31 landing sites on the island and these are categorised as primary, secondary and tertiary. During 1993 to 1997, the average catch for the Fishing sub-sector was 3,290,980 kilograms. Of this catch pelagic species, flying fish was the predominant catch accounting for an average 49.8% of the total catch. In Barbados, the importance of food security is recognised at the following two levels:

• National Food Security, • Household Food Security.

The Agricultural Sector plays a critical role in contributing to food security at the national and household levels. At the national level, burgeoning international trade has a growing impact on the food security of national and household levels, and it may be affected by changes to the following domestic trade-related policies

• Liberalisation of international trade policy, • Changes to macroeconomic policies with external consequences; and • Changes to policies on agricultural development (MARD, 2000).

At the household level, rural families may earn a significant portion of total household income from the sale of agricultural commodities which in turn results in an improvement of their household food security through the positive impact on the purchasing capacity of such households. Additionally, small-scale production of livestock and crops for household consumption contributes directly to food security. While recognition is given to the need to ensure adequate domestic food production, there is no formal plan to address food security. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is mandated to support commercial agricultural production, especially for export markets. This apparent conflict of purpose within the MARD has received attention and the GOB has promulgated that efforts should be made to achieve at least the minimum level of self-sufficiency in food production, in order to buffer external forces. This strategy does not attempt to replace food imports with domestic production, but rather to maximise returns from resources invested in the agricultural sector within the context of the national economy. Thus, the total value of agricultural production should be equal to the total value of food imports. 4.3.2 Measures to Improve Availability, Stability and Access to Food Supplies The Planning Unit of the MARD in conjunction with the National Nutrition Centre of the MOH, have the responsibility of ensuring food security in Barbados. While there is no co-

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ordinated programme designed to facilitate food security, a number of initiatives have been undertaken by the GOB to address issues pertaining to agriculture and the availability, stability and access to food supplies.

• Institutional Arrangements Government has established a number of specialised Ministries and departments, which address the agricultural sector. These include: a) Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), which performs a number of functions through, inter alia: Animal and Plant Quarantine Service: The quality of food is important to the continuation of a viable agriculture sector. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Service maintains vigilance at the air and sea ports in order to help ensure the protection of local agriculture as well as the health of the local population. More recently, the domestic livestock industry is being protected from the dreaded 'foot and mouth' disease. Agricultural Marketing Co-ordinating Committee: It is recognised that small farmers can have vital roles in the development of the non-sugar sub-sector. Through recommendations of this committee, steps have been taken to reduce the cost of basic inputs for the agricultural sector. . This institution has been established with the following functions: • Advise the Minister of Agriculture on marketing of agricultural produce; • To co-ordinate activities relating to the marketing of agricultural produce; and • To monitor developments relating to agricultural commodity trade. Support has also been given to non-governmental institutions. Active encouragement and support is given to relevant activities of private sector farmers’ organisations. The MARD provides BD$100,000 each year to the 4H organisation to encourage youth development and participation as well as to operate the national Seed Store. b) Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) The BADMC plays a role in implementing Government’s policy of providing landless farmers with access to land. In this connection, it develops lands by establishing viable agricultural enterprises on them before handing them over to interested farmers on a leasehold basis. It also undertakes developmental work on new agricultural enterprises and farming systems. The Corporation is committed to continue the provision of irrigation services at minimal costs and promoting the establishment of co-operatives among small farmers as a means of improving farm efficiency and increasing farm incomes.

• Research and Development a) Agricultural Extension Services: A vibrant, well-equipped research and extension service is in operation. Delivery of research and extension services is based on farm viability

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rather than on the commodity approach. A major function is to help farmers to maintain or increase their incomes by making optimum use of the resources at their disposal. b) National Food Consumption Survey: This has been undertaken to determine food consumption patterns. The survey is being done through the National Nutrition Centre and should determine the demands and fundamental requirements to ensure food security. c) Laboratory Facilities: Laboratory facilities exist where extension staff carry out research in pathology, entomology, soil science, land and water use, agronomy for the domestic sub-sector.

• Policy and Programme Initiatives a) Balancing Domestic Production with Imports: Government has introduced a policy of balancing domestic food production with selective importation. This is to ensure that local producers have reasonable access to the domestic market, and that food prices are more competitive, while at the same time householders are afforded the opportunity to meet their nutritional requirements. b) Land for the Landless: Government, through the BADMC, has provided land to farmers who have interests in farming but no land. These lands available through lease agreements and are ploughed and serviced with irrigation equipment before being turned over to farmers. The farmers make payments for these provisions after mutually acceptable arrangements are made. c) Agro-processing: Production for the agro-processing industry is encouraged. Since the development of a thriving agro-industrial sector will depend on the availability of an appropriate environment, entrepreneurs are given assistance in setting up and equipping of factory buildings. Additionally, an advisory service is provided through the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) to assist new industries in setting up their own operations, particularly in fine tuning their production procedures and generally, in overcoming ‘teething’ problems.

• Credit and Incentive Schemes a) Credit Schemes: In recognising that restructuring of the agricultural sector requires new investments farmers are encouraged to undertake new investments. This is facilitated with the provision of credit arrangements. Government has and continues to encourage both private and public commercial banks to play a much bigger role in the disbursement of agricultural credit. The agricultural credit system supports the promotion of the agricultural diversification as well as training programmes. These are provided to educate farmers on modern farm management techniques. b) Agricultural Incentive Programmes: A revamped Agricultural Incentives Programme, which seeks to achieve the following, is being implemented:

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• To promote adoption of modern and efficient farming practices; • To promote sustainable agricultural development; • To encourage land-owners to bring lands, which are lying idle back into commercial

agricultural use. Emphasis is to be placed on strengthening the administration of the incentive scheme to provide for greater transparency, accessibility to support efficient delivery of support by the agricultural sector. A support package has been devised to encourage farmers to participate in the programme. Some of the existing incentives will be retained, while others will be added to make the package more effective.

• Expansion of Infrastructure A number of domestic markets are being upgraded or have been earmarked for remodelling. Marketing facilities at Eagle Hall, Six Cross Roads, Weston, Tent Bay, Oistins Fish Fry Bay, Consett Bay, Skeete’s Bay, Palmetto Mall, and Gall Hill Community Centre and Cheapside are being upgraded and will offer a new concept in marketing, whereby agricultural commodities can be presented for retailing under more hygienic conditions and in a more attractive manner.

• Capacity Building The training of farmers as well as professionals and technicians is being given priority. Academic and practical training, up to the level of Associate Degree, is provided through the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic and the Barbados Community College. The Skills Training Programme continues to provide practical training in critical areas of food production and students are also sent to Regional Institutions to be trained to the diploma and degree levels. Training programmes in proper fishing handling techniques have been developed and are being implemented.

• Legislation The Fisheries Act, 1998 [Cap 391], which is an Act to provide for the management and development of fisheries, contains elements that can contribute to food security. In an effort to secure fish for local consumption the Act seeks to address: • Commercial fishing licensing, • The supply of records by persons engaged in fish processing, marketing or distribution, • Fisheries related research, • Controls over sale of fish taken in course of fisheries related research and survey

operations, • Prohibited fishing methods and gear.

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4.3.3 Threats to Food Security There are several problems that serve as a serious disincentive to agriculture at the local level:

• Lack of a Specific Food Security Policy There is no co-ordinated policy/formal plan to address food security. The absence of such a policy can hinder efforts to secure food for all persons at all times.

• Disincentives within the Agricultural Sector

a) Praedial larceny: Praedial larceny results in reduced profits and affects economic viability of agricultural operations at all scales. This has frustrated many farmers and resulted in abandonment of their activities.

b) Straying livestock: Straying livestock often trample crops or interrupt the configuration of plots. In addition, these animals devour entire crops if they are not detected.

c) Monkeys: Monkeys, like straying livestock devour parts of crops or entire crops causing low yields and decreased profits.

d) Pesticide drift: Some pesticides, particularly those containing esters and amines, evaporate rapidly when applied. These later enter crops through rainfall/irrigation, causing leaves to dry out.

• Fisheries Sub-sector Problems

Many problems have plagued the fisheries industry over the years and restricted its development. Some of these problems include:

a. inadequate quality of life of some persons involved in the industry, b. inadequate facilities at some landing sites throughout the island, especially for

handling and storage of fish, c. inefficient practices in the industry, d. inconsistent output of high quality fish, e. inadequate protection of the marine environment, especially from pollution.

• Weak Legislative Framework The only piece of legislation that relates to agricultural food security is the Wartime Food Crop Order, 1939, which is currently not being enforced (but neither has it been repealed).

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• External Threats Despite some of the opportunities to be gained, Barbados as a SIDS is most concerned about impacts of globalisation and trade liberalisation, which can undermine food security. As a result, Barbados is open to influx of imports that are cheaper than local produce. The aggressive competition resulting from imports has been a great deterrent to a sustainable local production. Globalisation and trade liberalisation, therefore, have the potential to threaten food security at the household, and by extension, the national level. 4.3.4 The Way Forward The Agricultural sector must be repositioned and transformed in order to sustain its contribution to food security.

• Data Collection More comprehensive data collection is needed for better planning. For example, information on domestic food production may not be fully indicative. Data need to be collected from farmers who produce for their own subsistence.

• Promotion of Intellectual Property Rights Intellectual property rights for indigenous crops and animals, for example the Black Belly Sheep, should be actively promoted.

• Shift to Value Added Products In order to maintain a competitive edge in the international market, value added production should be encouraged. For example, bulk sugar should be replaced by packaged products with an appropriate Brand assigned.

• Requirements of a Co-ordinated Food Security Policy To overcome the potential challenges Barbados must either resist unbridled liberalisation or manage sensitive commodities in a flexible way to safeguard domestic production. It should be noted that obligations under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) require the removal of quantitative restrictions and the application of tariff equivalents. In keeping with commitments made at the World Food Summit management of local commodities is a more favourable option. However, a co-ordinated programme is needed to capture the concerns of food security. Elements of a desired programme include:

a. An Education dimension that covers management and entrepreneurial skills; b. Concessions for farmers who need to import equipment and other supplies; c. Information on trends and changing technology. In addition programmes

being developed need to be highlighted more frequently;

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d. Policy formulation, reform and programme development. These are pivotal to sustained agricultural production and by extension augmentation of food;

e. Timely access to credit facilities; delays should be keep to a minimum. Requirements to ensure that the impact of liberalisation is minimised include: i. Technical assistance to improve productivity; ii. Financial assistance to improve credit facilities and infrastructure, such as roads,

irrigation, marketing and processing facilities.

• Updated Legislation is required Legislation needs to be strengthened in all aspects. Timely review is needed for the Agricultural Development Act being developed. This Act should enhance the legislative and regulatory frameworks, which are required for the co-ordination of activities that fall under the domain of the MARD. All existing legislation relating to agriculture is expected to be incorporated under the Agricultural Development Act.

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5. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND PUBLIC AWARENESS 5.1 Background Education and public awareness are key cross-cutting themes which are and will continue to be essential components of the national sustainable development strategy. Chapter 36 of Agenda 21 recognizes that formal and informal education are both important mechanisms for the transfer of information on sustainable development. 5.2 Accomplishments in the Formal Education Sector It is generally accepted that a sound philosophy of education aims to provide students with “… a well-rounded education to develop them to their fullest potential, and nurture them into responsible citizens, conscious of their responsibilities to self, family, society and country.” (Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture, 2000) These objectives are in keeping with the goals of education for sustainable development. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture views education as key to bolstering national development. As such, since 1992, the Ministry has continued to address needs in the educational system through a number of policy guidance documents including:

• The White Paper on Education Reform 1995 • The Master Plan for the Integration of Information Technology in the Barbadian

School System (1997). In addition, a number of major projects and initiatives have been undertaken by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture and the Training Administration Division of the Ministry of the Civil Service. These include:

• Edutech 2000 -

• Curriculum 2000 – This encapsulates a vision for Barbados on the prémis that human resources are critical for success in the new knowledge based economy. Specific Areas of focus include:

o Revised curricula at the primary and secondary levels to seek to ensure that all

students receive quality education which will enable them to be productive citizens capable of creative and critical thinking

o Greater focus on the social and emotional learning needs of students in a effort to foster positive self-esteem and greater understanding of self and empathising values, with increasing attention paid to the social sciences;

o Focus on the integration of technology in an effort to prepare students for the global market and electronic commerce

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o Greater degree of student-centred learning, where students are taught in increments, to be responsible for their development and learning at varying intervals;

o Use of more individualised examination processes and other measurement techniques such as oral examinations, performance based tasks and portfolios;

o Integration of some key sustainable development issues into the curricula and activities at schools

5.3 Key Implementation problems These include:

• Resistance to new techniques including the use of technology • Inadequate access to technology • Limited funding for training, particularly for personnel within Government

Departments • Lack of adequately trained human resources to conduct training programmes

5.4 Measures to Overcome Implementation Problems Techniques currently being used to combat these implementation problems include:

i. Psychological strategies: The fostering of positive self-esteem and greater understanding of key sustainable development issues.

ii. Training for trainers: Teachers are encouraged to undertake courses through for example, the Erdiston Training College. During 2001, an ‘Education for Sustainable Development’ course was offered.

iii. Student Internships: These are offered at government departments, statutory corporations and private organisations. Internships promote ethical motivation and encourage functioning within a team framework.

5.5 Accomplishments in the Informal Education Sector In Barbados, informal education on sustainable development has mainly taken the form of public awareness. These campaigns are used both as an information delivery mechanism and as a means of encouraging behavioural change. Public awareness campaigns covering various sustainable development topics have been conducted through both Government Departments, the private sector and Non-Governmental Organisations. These include:

• The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources whose departments carryout public awareness campaigns in various issues –

o Environment Unit – sustainable development, indicators for sustainable

development, climate change, biodiversity, ozone depleting substances, combating desertification

o Energy Division – renewable energy and energy conservation o Coastal Zone Management Unit – coastal conservation, marine pollution

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o Environmental Special Projects Unit – produces inter alia a community newsletter to the community (Sturges, St. Thomas) in which it is located

o National Conservation Commission – through its Arbour Day Committee has produced information leaflets and as a component of its schools programme has donated plant nurseries to a number of educational institutions.

• Ministry of Health

o Education on HIV/AIDS (Section 4.2.2) o Sewerage and Solid Waste Project Unit – public awareness is a key

component of the work of this Unit (Section 3.3) • Central Emergency and Relief Organisation – public awareness has focused on the

importance of hurricane preparedness (Section 3.4.6) • Non-Governmental Organisations – These include Treading Lightly and the Barbados

National Trust • Private Sector Organisations for example: The Nation Group of Companies through

its ‘Greening Barbados Campaign’; Barbados Shipping and Trading through its supermarket chain ‘Super Centre’

Public awareness campaigns utilise inter alia:

• radio and television programmes • brochures • pamphlets • posters • jingles • town-hall meetings.

Other informal methods of information transfer have been through public discussion sessions non-governmental organisations, most notably “Treading Lightly’ which conducts rap sessions on a bi-monthly basis on a number of issues. 5.6 Key Problems Encountered These campaigns have met with varied success. This can be attributed to:

• Public awareness campaigns often being scheduled only for a short period • Difficulty in interpretation of some material distributed • Few attendees at public discussion sessions

5.7 The Way Forward Education remains a key component to the achievement of sustainable development. It is recognised that the integration of sustainable development principles at the national level begins at the level of the individual. As such, the continued utilisation of formal and informal education techniques are essential to the achievement of this goal.

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6. THE WAY FORWARD – VISION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BARBADOS The planning process for sustainable development in Barbados continuously seeks to reconcile inherent differences between traditional development planning and planning which fully incorporates the principles of sustainable development. Whilst progress has been made on a number of issues, a number of cross-cutting themes remain which require further strengthening and further consideration.

i. Public Awareness and education: It has been recognized that a key requirement for the attainment of sustainable development is the need for sustainable development concepts to be accepted and adopted on an individual basis. This can be achieved through effective and ongoing public education and awareness of the issues which are of critical importance to maintenance of the limited resources possessed by small island states.

ii. Community participation and initiatives: It has increasingly been realised that the

achievement of the goals of sustainable development cannot be carried out through the works of Government alone. The role of civil society is critical in the attainment of both bottom up approaches to development as well as the effective execution of projects which may be top down. More importantly however, has been the recognition of the need for ‘buy-in’ by all stakeholders and a recognition of the sense that efforts made affect the populace as a whole and not specific sections of society. In view of this adequate mechanisms must be put in place to strengthen modalities for genuine public participation.

iii. Institutional Strengthening: While significant developments have occurred, there still

exist several areas where institutional capacity can be improved to achieve the goals of sustainable development. This has been demonstrated particularly with reference to freshwater resources management and solid waste management.

iv. The Use of Data for more effective Decision-making: In small islands where

resources are limited, effective use of these resources becomes more critical. While the national Indicators Programme has taken initial steps in the island, it is important, not just that greater data collection be carried out but also that this data is used, that is, as an information source which can guide decision makers. This approach to development planning through indicators is also useful for the incorporation of sustainable development principles into macro level decision making.

v. Capacity Building: The value of human resources to any nation and in particular

nations with limited resource bases cannot be over estimated. However, traditional approaches to capacity building must be modified. At the national level, efforts of the Ministry of Education to effect reforms in the educational system are steps in the right direction since it has been proven that traditional approaches to learning are not fully sustainable. Capacity building must also be viewed from the regional level where greater co-operation amongst national of the CARICOM and Latin American region

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should be fostered. It is imperative that south-south co-operation become a feature within the sustainable development paradigm after 2002. This does not remove the tenet of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ since the co-operation and support at all levels of the international community must be present is such initiatives are to be successful.

vi. Strengthened Legislative Frameworks: Despite progress in the decade since Rio,

many outstanding issues remain to be addressed through legislation. Specific examples in Barbados include the need for a revision of the Agricultural development Act and the need to implement the much needed Environmental Management Act.

vii. Policy Strengthening with respect to Sustainable Development: In the Barbadian

context this is essential. Nationally there is a need for a strong policy framework to guide the process. A policy on sustainable development has been drafted but it must now be taken to the next level, where the policy is not only adopted as a tool for guiding development in the island but further, where an independent body is vested with the authority to monitor developments in lieu of the policy’s guidelines.

Ultimately, the vision of sustainable development for Barbados requires an integrated framework, which promotes the development of the island’s economic and social capital, while ensuring the wise and proper stewardship of its environmental capital.

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for the Period April – June 2000. 2. Barbados Government Information Service. 2000. Protocol Three for the

Implementation of Social Partnership, 1998 – 2000. Available at: http://www.barbados.gov.bb/bgis/government/proto3.htm

3. Barbados Statistical Services. 1990 Population Census. 4. Barbados Water Authority. 1997. Water Resources Management and Water Loss

Studies, Task 2.

5. Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology. 1999. Storm Surge Map of

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