The Government of Barbados and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have signed a $40 million loan, which is expected to drive climate resiliency and water security in the island.
The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and President of the IDB, Ilan Goldfajn, during a recent ceremony at Ilaro Court, St Michael.
“The real work begins now in being able to make sure we can reconstruct the South Coast Sewage Treatment Plant by allowing it to have treated water as opposed to separating liquids from solids,” Prime Minister Mottley stated.
The Prime Minister said that flooding, drought-like conditions, climate change, pests, and pathogens will continue to impact the agricultural sector, and these upcoming enhancements were “critical”. She noted that wars and supply chain issues could also impact Barbados’ food security.
“We have recognised that it is going to be compounded by the continued wars and conflicts. The disruption in the supply chain will lead to increased pricing and the return of migrant labour will lead to compromised capacity with respect to growing crops, where labour is a key component of growing vegetables and fruit we depend on.”
“We have to become more resilient, self-sufficient, self-reliant, and we can’t do that unless we transform how we produce,” she added.
Prime Minister Mottley and President Goldfajan also held a bilateral meeting, where they discussed a number of issues of mutual interest to both parties.