Deteriorating road infrastructure, the need for greater opportunities for young people and stronger community-based approaches to crime prevention topped rural backbench MP Dwight Sutherland’s laundry list of issues for the Appropriations Bill before Parliament on Wednesday.
Residents across St George South continued to raise concerns about the condition of roads and drainage systems, he said, noting that rural districts faced unique challenges because of their geographic layout.
“One of the issues constantly raised by the residents is the condition of the roads, drainage and infrastructure in the communities,” he said. “Many of these roads have served St George South for decades but years of wear and tear and increased traffic, weather patterns and drainage challenges have taken their toll on the roads. Residents all over this country speak about potholes, deteriorating surfaces and drainage issues.”
The situation was compounded by the rural nature of the parish, where long road networks and wider distances between communities required more extensive infrastructure work than in urban areas, he said.
“Because of the wide geographic spread, we have to focus on a lot more roads in rural Barbados than in the urban corridor.”
Sutherland pointed to Drax Hall Woods as an example serious access problems for decades, including difficulties with waste collection and emergency services, he said.
“They have to bring their garbage 200 metres so the sanitation truck can pick it up,” he said, adding that the road had remained in poor condition for more than 40 years.
“But I want the people of Drax Hall Woods to know that this government, after over 40 years, will fix the road.”
Turning to economic opportunities, Sutherland said young people in St George South were not seeking handouts but pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
“They are not asking for handouts. They are asking for opportunities, fairness and responsible leadership,” he said.
He pointed to initiatives outlined in the Budget aimed at supporting training, entrepreneurship and emerging industries as critical avenues for young Barbadians seeking to contribute to national development.
On the issue of crime, the MP said even relatively small numbers of incidents could create fear within communities.
“Crime, even when it occurs in a small number, can create fear and uncertainty among residents,” he said.
He argued that crime prevention required a balanced approach that went beyond policing.
“Addressing crime requires effective policing, yes. But we have to go further. It requires strong communities, youth engagement, education and opportunities that steer young people away from negative influence.”
As part of that approach, he highlighted the success of a youth initiative launched in his constituency called the Best Man Project.
The programme, which began in 2024, mentors young men through life-skills training, cultural activities and counselling.
“They are exposed to life skills sessions, cultural training, stilt walking, counselling, boxing and partnerships with the Barbados Defence Force, juvenile liaison scheme and prison services,” Sutherland said. “This is what we need to do.”
(SZB)
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