Many BU blogs ago, during what this blogmaster described as the Indo-Guyanese “invasion,” this blogmaster warned that Barbados needed a serious national conversation to levelset on the island’s changing demographics. This change, we were told, was driven by an ageing population and the liberalisation of freedom of movement tied to our commitment to CSME and CARICOM.
With the recent appointment of Khaleel Kothdiwala to the Upper Chamber, following the failed attempt in 2022, concerns about the dilution of the Barbadian identity have resurfaced. Regardless of the level of political praise directed at Mr. Kothdiwala, he appears to be an intelligent and articulate young man, and this blogmaster wishes him every success. However, there remains a broader concern about the growing influence of racial and ethnic interest groups in Barbados and what this may mean for the country’s social cohesion.
It is unfortunate that Barbados, once celebrated as a country punching above its weight, now seems to lack the maturity to decide what kind of nation it is being deliberately shaped to become. We cannot have ethnic groups who are born, educated, and working in Barbados and still expect to exclude them from any part of the running of the country. Or should we?
Against this background, the new Immigration and Citizenship Bill, 2026, currently being debated in Parliament should be of interest to the civic minded. The contribution by Minister Marsha Caddle is noteworthy, as she sought to clarify and simplify what is, as in any country, an emotive debate on immigration matters.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.