ON SCHEDULE

Work to amend the Physical Development Plan (PDP), which is costing Government some $3.5 million, is within budget and the consultants engaged in the work are said to be on time with the delivery of that document.

Word of this has come from Chief Town Planner, Mark Cummins, who told those attending the opening ceremony of the launch of the Draft Physical Development Plan Amendment (2017) Community Meetings and Stakeholder Consultation Workshop at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, that Barbados is considered the beacon for planning in the region, being the only country that amends its PDP as is required by the law.

Delivering the keynote address moments later, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, who holds responsibility within the Cabinet for town planning, sought to outline the way forward for the PDP, giving the assurance that it will not take years to be approved by Parliament as was the case with the current Plan, which while finalised in 2003 did not get parliamentary approval until 2008.

“I intend that, this time around, the process will be shortened considerably. So we have in mind the time frame to be followed before the revised Plan is submitted to Parliament for its final approval,” he said.

With that in mind, PM Stuart said he is expected to have the draft final PDP on his desk by the middle of the year, to commence his review of the document. He explained that once he is satisfied that it is a fair and accurate reflection of the interests of all Barbadians he will give the “green light” for the formal public enquiry to ensue. He said the public will be notified through publication in the Official Gazette and at least one local newspaper that a draft PDP has been prepared, inviting them also to inspect the document at specific locations or to purchase one.

“You will then have 28 days to submit objections and representations. Once these have been received, I shall then appoint a Commissioner under the Commissions of Enquiry Act to hold a public enquiry and to submit a report to me. I will be disposed to open dialogue with any individual or organisation, as necessary, prior to my approval. Such consultation may also include my Cabinet colleagues,” he indicated.

PM Stuart disclosed that he expects the Commissioner to be appointed no later than July this year and after Cabinet approves the draft plan, it will be laid in Parliament. He went on to say that when parliamentary approval is given, the date for the operationalisation of the plan will also be published in the Official Gazette and at least one daily newspaper.

Stuart further noted that final document should answer a number of questions pertinent to the country’s continued existence, including whether balance growth is possible with the plan; should urban growth patterns change; how will the nation be housed in the future; as well as if through the PDP, can Barbadians be encouraged to make the necessary adjustments and improvements to their lifestyles. With all that in mind, he urged persons to take full advantage of the opportunities to let their voices be heard on the PDP, to ensure the best document for the future development of the country is produced. (JRT)