A government move to install bilingual road signs has drawn support while prompting calls for a national push to make Spanish widely spoken in Barbados, including changes in schools, media and public life.

Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong welcomed the Ministry of Transport and Works’ installation of bilingual road signs across the island, describing the move as “a positive step in the right direction” that should “be congratulated and encouraged”.

Transport minister Kirk Humphrey said the new signs are part of a broader upgrade of signage throughout the country. But he stopped short of saying how many bilingual signs will be installed and where.