Barbados

Barbados seems to be slowly recovering from the negative impacts of the recent global financial crisis. According to estimates released by the Central Bank of Barbados, the economy picked up in 2010, with 0.3% real GDP growth, after two years of negative economic performance. Tourism was the main contributor to this upturn, with value added growing by 3%, and this sector now accounts for 14.7% of GDP. Although the fiscal deficit remained high by historical standards, there was a slight improvement as it measured 8.5% of GDP. The government remains concerned about the public debt stock, which reached 102% of GDP in 2010, and fiscal consolidation remains a top government priority. Growth in tourism will remain vital to the economy, but the sector’s performance is expected to be modest with revenue below the pre-crisis levels. Nevertheless, supported by a recovery in the financial services sector and increased private capital flows to fund a number of projects, the Barbados economy is projected to grow by 2% in 2011.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions