Barbados: Government announces layoffs Oct. 15; protests possible

Event

The Barbadian government announced a new wave of layoffs affecting public workers on Monday, October 15, which will begin "over the next few weeks." Although the government did not detail the number of cuts, it estimates that as many as 1500 workers in central government and agency positions will be laid off. As such, anti-government protests are possible in the coming weeks or months, notably in the capital Bridgetown. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near any related demonstrations.

Context

Furloughed workers will receive severance packages and the government has announced efforts to retrain workers in other skill areas, such as farming. The IMF extended a USD 290 million Extended Find Facility (EFF) in early October 2018, and the latest layoffs are an attempt at budget relief on the ailing economy.

Advice

Individuals in Barbados are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid any protests as a precaution.