Medium Term Development Strategy of Barbados 2010-2014 (MTDS) sets out a broad framework of policies and programmes, which the government will seek to pursue over the period 2010 – 2014. The MTDS gives support to the country’s long-term vision of becoming “A Fully Developed and People-centered Society, through New Development Pathways”. The plan will serve as an important recovery tool that will be used to guide the country as it emerges from the current global recession. In this respect, the theme “Recovery, Adjustment and Sustainable Development” adequately speaks to the policy framework that has to be put in place if Barbados is to remain on an upward growth and development path.
An important feature of the plan is its focus on maintaining macroeconomic stability through sustainable fiscal and debt management. The plan also promotes the need for new areas of growth using foreign and domestic savings. These new areas will most likely be found in services such as health, education, sports, culture etc.
On economic sectoral matters, in the area of tourism, the plan outlines measures to further develop and expand the tourism product with focus on the development of special areas, market expansion and airlift will be critical. In agriculture, emphasis will be placed on greater use of technology and ensuring food security. In terms of energy, this sector will be targeted for the advancement of alternative forms of energy such as wind, waste to energy and solar.
On environmental matters, the water mains replacement programme and sanitation, development of special waste management projects, and coastal zone management and climate change adaptation, will be key projects. As it relates to infrastructure development, roads enhancement and the expansion of the Bridgetown port will be part of the main priorities going forward.