To many, this ‘little rock’ called Barbados is one of the most advanced countries in the Caribbean.

Barbados is a beautiful & progressive country, a popular tourist destination, has a compelling and rich history, great culture, music & artists, quality healthcare and an impressive education system from primary to tertiary level. These, among other factors, made and make Barbados what it is today.

Now, national attention turns to the initiatives our leaders can implement to increase economic growth and social wellness while creating a safer tomorrow.

Barbados Weekly toured the island to speak with people across different communities to get their views on the changes they want to see implemented for a better and safer Barbados. Here are Barbadians views on the question, “What changes would you like to see implemented in Barbados for a better, more developed, and safer country?”.

Andre Cadogon

I would like persons to stop littering. Constantly when driving you see persons tossing garbage out of car and van windows into the road and on persons lawns creating litter. This is a habit that needs to stop. When the Barbadian public travel to countries like Canada they admire how clean, litter free and beautiful those countries are yet they fail to follow the rules of proper garbage disposal which is necessary to keep Barbados clean.

Duane Boucher

Improving the judiciary system where some matters can be expedited.

Let minor matters be settled by a Justice of the Peace freeing up space for the magistrates and judges to deal with more serious cases hence freeing up the backlog that is ongoing.

Shennell Burke

I would like for them to implement hanging of persons who are killing people. If hanging comes back as a punishment persons would deter from taking the lives of others. Too often persons are being killed and the accusers are sent to jail where they spend a few years and when they come out of prison they are celebrated like a celebrity and that should not be the case. Taking a life is not something to be celebrated.

Malcom Edwards

I would like to see the country more financially stable by helping small business, reduce the amount of paperwork and requirements required to receive assistance to grow and develop the business. 

George

Job creation, loans to start small businesses because there are many persons who are ready to be entrepreneurs just need backing and someone to push them. Less red tape.  

Financial capital and development of business ideas to better assist young people like us. Something positive for us to do. We just need the assistance.

Jamal Payne

I would like to see a significant decrease in gun violence and the fighting between the school children by creating educational programmes catered to effecting change in the mindset of the individuals.

Keila

Less taxes persons needs to be addressed.

We would have more money in our pockets, work and less crime. Persons working and nothing can’t save because everything going up except our pay so I think an increase in salary and less bills would help the country and help reduce crime.

Timmy

I would like more money when you work and jobs for us to do. Something needs to be done to improve cost of living in Barbados and that it will decrease crime. 

Yvette Roberts

Parliament needs to have greater control, insight and ongoings at The Barbados Port. That is one of the main ways that drugs and ammunition are smuggled into the country illegally hence contributing to gun warfare. There is also a need for better programmmes created to encourage young persons to teach them useful skills. 

Not everyone would want to go to the O’Level Institute or skills training. Smaller developmental programmes need to be created and catered to boosting positive development of the youth. Also programmes for persons who are getting pregnant. Programmes catered to educating young mothers on parenting, child raising and lastly a Senior Centre catered for the older generation to relax, participate in arts and craft and activities designed to keep their mind and body going. 

Elaine John

Find a solution as to where the guns that are coming on the block are coming from. Find out the ones responsible for the importation of these guns so once they are apprehended there will be a visible reduction of gun violence in the country.