In 2024, the Government proudly announced a US$34.8 million project, claiming it would address water quality and water scarcity issues, particularly for our farmers. At the time, I cautioned Barbadians to take that announcement with a grain of salt because, based on this administration’s track record, it appeared to be little more than another public relations exercise, high on promises but short on delivery.
Regrettably, two years later, those concerns have been proven correct. We are now in 2026, and many farmers across Barbados continue to struggle with unreliable access to water for irrigation. This ongoing failure undermines agricultural production, threatens farmers’ livelihoods, and jeopardizes our nation’s food security.
The situation at Spencers, Christ Church, is particularly alarming. Farmers there have endured unreliable water supplies for far too long, with periods of extremely low water pressure and, in some instances, no water at all for up to two weeks. These are not isolated inconveniences, they are serious disruptions that result in crop losses, reduced productivity, financial hardship, and growing uncertainty for those who work tirelessly to feed this country.
While the Minister of Agriculture has publicly acknowledged the farmers’ plight, acknowledgment alone is not enough. Farmers need solutions, not sympathy.
The Minister previously advised that the component required to increase water flow through the main pipeline serving the farmers at Spencers had been imported since March of this year. We are now in July, yet farmers continue to experience the very same problems of inadequate water pressure and complete interruptions in supply. Even more concerning is the complete absence of any update from the Minister regarding the installation of this critical component or the steps being taken to resolve the matter.
Government cannot continue to issue statements simply to save face. There must be meaningful action behind every promise and every declaration of support for our farming community. Empty assurances do not irrigate fields, protect crops, or sustain livelihoods. Our farmers deserve transparency, accountability, and results.
Agriculture cannot thrive on promises alone. If this Government is serious about strengthening food security and supporting local farmers, it must move beyond announcements and demonstrate its commitment through decisive action. Our farmers have waited long enough. It is now time for Government to deliver.
I therefore call on the Minister of Agriculture to immediately provide farmers and the wider public with a comprehensive update on the status of the imported component for the Spencers water main. The Minister must also provide a clear and definitive timeline for its installation and explain what interim measures are being implemented to ensure that farmers have reliable access to the water they urgently need.
Amoy Gilding-Bourne, Attorney-at-Law
DLP Spokesperson on Agriculture & Food Security
July-18-2026
