During a historic first speech made by the President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason has assured citizens of Barbados an improved and inclusive governance structure and prosperity for all the citizens during the Government’s new term in office.
While addressing, Dame Sandra said that, “The Government is intending to pursue with its approach under five values that includes, people-centred leadership, Government delivering for all, pride and industry through active citizenship, Bajan ownership matters and innovation drives opportunity.
“The core values will take along the new policy frameworks which my Government intends to keep in place, supported by drivers of national transformation of Barbados- ownership and financial security, quality of life, benefits from renewable energy, homeownership, community and family life, national identity and active citizenship, education and skills, governance and government operation, jobs and decent work opportunities in new sectors, health & well-being, infrastructure and public spaces, resilience and safety.
“Via using these drivers of national transformation, my Government is focused on creating a new prosperity for all citizens, with an improved governance, and enhanced polity and a more engaged citizenry, ” said Dame Sandra.
Meanwhile, the President has further acknowledged that “good governance is the primary part of maintaining the public’s trust, faith & confidence” and further said that the Government is focusing more on a ‘citizen-centric’ approach now.
She further added that the Government would come up with a Trade Union Recognition & Collective Bargaining Bill to Parliament in the “initial days” of the new term.
While further assuring citizens, she said that a new Education Act would also be considered as the priority that would be more suited to current policies and approaches, teaching and management while focusing more on problem-solving, critical thinking & life-long learning.
Meanwhile, she also mentioned the plans to tap into the cultural, creative & heritage economy via a 52-week event calendar entitled Eventful Barbados, which will turn the nation’s main towns into hubs for entertainment and leisure.
At the same time, Queen’s Park intends to be transformed into the “cultural hub of the island.”
While emphasizing the requirement to boost the island’s health system, community nurses will be introduced to promote more significant healthcare and lower the high incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases. She added that the construction of a new Geriatric Hospital was also considered.
