Barbados Minister Calls for Comprehensive Population Policy Addressing Demographic Shifts and Healthcare Challenges

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, is calling for a comprehensive policy in Barbados, focusing on the pressing issues of a declining birth rate and an aging population.

Speaking in Parliament where a resolution on Barbados’ population policy was debated and passed, Humphrey pointed to an urgent need for strategic planning and policy implementation to tackle the demographic challenges and their associated impacts on healthcare and social services.

“We are facing a significant demographic shift in Barbados. Our birth rate is declining and our population is aging at an unprecedented rate. This trend poses serious challenges to our nation’s future, particularly in terms of sustaining economic growth and ensuring the well-being of our citizens,” the St Michael South Member of Paliament stated.

Another key concern was the increasing elderly population and the strain being placed on the healthcare system.

“As the proportion of elderly individuals in our population grows, so does the demand for healthcare services, especially in areas such as eye health. We must be proactive in addressing these needs to ensure that our elderly citizens receive the care they deserve,” the MP asserted, stressing the importance of a well-structured population policy.

“A population policy is not just about numbers; it’s about planning for a future where our resources are used efficiently and our citizens’ needs are met effectively. We need to consider factors such as healthcare, housing, and social support systems to create a sustainable environment for all age groups.

“An aging population can lead to a higher dependency ratio, where fewer working-age individuals support more retirees. This scenario can strain public finances and hinder economic development. Therefore, it is crucial to implement policies that encourage higher birth rates and support young families,” Humphrey noted, while calling for immediate action and collaboration across various sectors.

“Addressing our population issues requires a collective effort from the government, healthcare providers, and the community at large. We must act now to implement a comprehensive population policy that will safeguard the future of Barbados,” the minister urged.

As it relates to the youth population and the dependency ratio, Humphrey suggested a unified approach was necessary to tackle these challenges.

“Our youth are the backbone of our workforce and the future leaders of Barbados. Ensuring their development and integration into the workforce is paramount for our nation’s economic and social stability,” he stated. “A high dependency ratio, where the working-age population supports a larger number of dependents, can strain our economic resources and social services. It is essential to address this imbalance to maintain a sustainable and thriving society.”

He also stressed the need for collective action to address social problems and support youth. “We cannot tackle these issues in isolation. It requires a concerted effort from the government, universities, churches, and the private sector. Each entity has a crucial role to play in fostering a supportive environment for our youth and ensuring they have the opportunities and resources needed to succeed,” Humphrey explained.

The minister noted that, in this regard, there were roles to be played by the varying sectors alongside the government. “The government must implement policies that promote education, employment and social services tailored to the needs of our youth. Universities should focus on providing quality education and vocational training that align with the demands of the job market. Churches and community organisations can offer support and mentorship, while the private sector should create job opportunities and invest in youth development programmes,” Humphrey noted.

He also highlighted the importance of addressing social problems that affect youth, such as crime and substance abuse. “We must tackle the root causes of social problems that hinder the development of our youth. This includes addressing crime, substance abuse, and other societal issues through comprehensive programmes and initiatives,” the minister added.

He also called for immediate and sustained action in order to ensure a sufficient and productive population size, noting that it was not just a matter of policy, but also a matter of collective responsibility. “We must all work together to create an environment where our youth can thrive and contribute to the growth and prosperity of Barbados,” Humphrey urged.