Barbados: Social Development in a Small Island State with Particular Reference to Health and Education

Abstract

This study examines trends in indicators in primary and secondary education, and in health, in Barbados, particularly in since 1950, and identified periods in which considerable progress had been made in expanding enrolment at primary and secondary levels, and in reducing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). It discussed some of the factors that facilitated the implementation of programmes in education and health, particularly those initiated by the public sector. The study also considered the allocation of funds to the education and health sectors, and examined trends in the ratio of Government expenditure, on these sectors, to normal GDP and per capita Government expenditure in real terms. Some critical areas in these sectors that still needed to be addressed were identified.