More than 20,000 Barbadians took to the streets this week to march against the austerity measures imposed by the Freundel Stuart administration.

The protestors highlighted frustration at the deteriorating relationship with the private sector and the trade unions as well as the surge in the cost of living due to significant increase in taxes, particularly the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL).

Although without specific reference to the protests, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) stressed the need to have constant communication and keep the population engaged for effective reform.