The Barbadian government has secured a BDS$390 million (US$195 million) loan from a Chinese consortium to undertake a significant expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This ambitious project, expected to increase the hospital's capacity by 40%, will introduce new state-of-the-art facilities including an oncology center, burn unit, and additional wards, aiming to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Barbados.
Former Senate President Kerryann Ifill has been appointed as Barbados' inaugural Human Rights Commissioner, with her tenure officially commencing on December 1, 2025. This historic appointment establishes an independent office aimed at strengthening national human rights protections and addressing various forms of discrimination across the island nation.
Independent Senators Monique Taitt, an attorney, and Dr. Crystal Drakes, an economist, have resigned from the Senate of Barbados. Their resignations, effective December 8, 2025, followed the appointment of new President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, as they were initially appointed by former President Dame Sandra Mason.
Barbados has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, addressing recommendations from a recent OECD report. The nation aims to strengthen its legal and regulatory framework, focusing on beneficial ownership information and effective exchange of tax data to maintain its standing as a global financial center.
Barbados is experiencing a significant real estate boom, with U.S. buyers now leading as the largest group of foreign purchasers for second homes, a shift not seen in over three decades. This surge is fueled by the island's political stability, favorable tax policies, residency opportunities, and luxury lifestyle offerings, particularly along the coveted Platinum Coast.
The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has strongly condemned a recent act of violence against a nurse at the Randal Phillips Polyclinic in Oistins, Christ Church, which led to the clinic's temporary closure. The incident, reportedly involving a parent, has prompted renewed calls for improved security measures and stricter penalties for assaults on healthcare workers.
