The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is questioning the government’s decision to convert approximately 80 acres of farmland at Vineyard, St Philip, into one of Barbados’ largest affordable housing developments, arguing that the project undermines the island’s food security goals.

The criticism comes just days after the government and private developers officially launched the Vineyard Housing Development, a joint venture between the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and Vineyard Development Inc. that will deliver about 1 100 homes over the next five to six years. House-and-land packages are expected to start at $170 000.

In a statement issued Thursday, Amoy Gilding-Bourne, the DLP spokesperson on agriculture and food security, said the project represented “yet another disheartening setback for agriculture in Barbados”.