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Have a question about Barbados’ economy and how it works? Watch “What it Means; Why It Matters,” the series that breaks down key economic concepts and shows how they’re relevant to your life.
What do droughts, wars, and people wanting to party have to do with what you pay at the cashier? This video will tell you.
Just because someone isn’t working doesn’t mean they’re unemployed. Watch this week’s “What It Means; Why It Matters” to find out who counts as unemployed and how the unemployment rate is calculated.
What's the big deal about international reserves? This video will tell you.
Why do governments borrow? How much is too much? What do they do with the money? How do they pay it back? Watch this video to get the answer to those questions.
Have you heard about GDP but aren't sure what it is? Watch this video to find out.
Does a country's size matter when it comes to economics? Yes. Watch this video to find out why.
Why do we pay taxes? And what does Government do with the money? Watch this video to find out.
Have you ever heard of the fiscal balance? How about the primary balance? Watch this video to find out what they both are.
What's the point of Barbados' dollar being tied to the US dollar? Watch this video to find out.
What is “market conduct”? And why has the Central Bank of Barbados issued guidelines related to it? It's about setting baseline standards for how commercial banks and finance companies interact with current and potential customers.
Have you ever heard the acronym AML/CFT? How about KYC, PEP, or PF? Learn what they refer to and how they influence how financial institutions conduct their business.
How do investors decide whether to lend to a country? And if they do lend, how do they determine much interest they should charge? It’s all about credit ratings. But what determines a country’s credit worthiness?
What do economists mean when they talk about traded and non-traded sectors? The Explainer breaks down the difference between the two and reveals why separating economic activity into these categories matters.
Every quarter, the Central Bank publishes a report that both reviews Barbados’ current economic performance and gives a forecast for the remainder of the year. Watch this video to find out what goes into preparing the Bank’s outlook for the economy.
Did you know that when prices go up in foreign countries, prices in Barbados also increase? Watch this video to find out why. You’ll also find out why prices don’t decrease even when the inflation rate slows down.
If you’re planning to take or send foreign currency out of Barbados, you’ll need permission. Find out why, and how to go about getting it.
Did you know that not only do government securities provide investment opportunities for citizens, they are also a source of financing for important projects that benefit the country and everyone who lives there?
How do the Central Bank and the Financial Services Commission, Barbados' two main financial regulators, ensure that our financial system remains stable? Watch this episode of "What It Means; Why It Matters" to learn more about what they do to protect your savings.
There’s no question that investment is good for Barbados’ economy, and for Barbadians. But where does this investment come from?
If you’ve ever wondered why policymakers monitor the performance of Barbados’ tourism sector so closely, it’s because of the critical role it plays in the economy. How critical? Watch this video to find out.
What is the balance of payments survey? What does it measure? And why is that information so important?
After 12 weeks of breaking down how Barbados’ economy works, what’s left for The Explainer to say? Watch this special bonus episode of “What It Means; Why It Matters” to find out.
Wondering what BiMPay is all about? Our new video breaks down how it works and the benefits for individuals and businesses alike. Watch now to see how instant payments will make everyday transactions faster, easier, and more convenient for everyone.
When it comes to understanding a country’s level of indebtedness, it’s more about division than it is addition.
They say that the past is a good predictor of the future. That’s why financial institutions and other businesses look at your past behaviour to determine whether to lend to you and at what rate. Watch this video to understand more about credit reporting in Barbados.
From manufacturing to tourism to the cost of items in stores and supermarkets, tariffs and other geopolitical events affect both our everyday lives and the broader Barbadian economy. Find out how.
It’s easy to track how much supermarkets and manufacturing companies contribute to the economy, but what about hair braiders, car washers… or vendors? Watch this episode of “What It Means; Why It Matters” to learn about the informal economy.
What is “debt service”? And what is “amortisation”? Find out the meaning these terms, and, critically, how Governments ensure they are able to manage both.
What is a debt-for-nature swap? Why would a foreign lender agree to one? And how does Barbados benefit? Watch this episode of “What It Means; Why It Matters” to find out.
The Central Bank of Barbados and the Financial Services Commission work together to keep Barbados’ financial system stable. Here’s how they do it.