Economist urges scrutiny of debt swap risks
Finance
Legal
November 13, 2026
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Barbados’ planned $1.2bn debt swap could free up about $320m for healthcare, but economist Jeremy Stephen has cautioned that the arrangement remains a loan and carries risks ranging from the misuse of funds to weak economic growth.
His comments came as Parliament approved legislation to double the special loans limit to $5bn and clear the way for a debt-for-social swap aimed at strengthening healthcare services.
The Special Loans (Amendment) Bill raises the special loans ceiling from $2.5bn specifically to support targeted swaps designed to address national priorities, including chronic non-communicable diseases and healthcare infrastructure.
Finance
Legal
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