Jonathan Garratt

What is REALLY behind the demands for reparations by the likes of Barbados? Why was The Queen replaced as its head of state by a President in 2021? CHINA. The Chinese are buying influence to manipulate and undermine the Commonwealth. It's warfare against the West. And China's weapon is its wealth. Since 2019 China has invested heavily in Barbados infrastructure, and trade partnerships, formalized under the Belt and Road Initiative Caribbean nations (like many in Africa) are now indebted and under China's control. China has invested approximately US$66 million into major development initiatives focused on water and food production. This includes the South Coast Water Reclamation Project (implemented by China Railway Shanghai Engineering Group) to modernize wastewater treatment and reuse water for irrigation, as well as the rehabilitation of local pump stations by the Barbados Water Authority and water treatment projects in the Scotland District. Scotland District Road Infrastructure With a US$115 million loan/assistance package from the Exim Bank of China, Barbados is undertaking a major road and bridge resilience project improving over 224 kilometers of roads and eight bridges in the Scotland District. Agricultural and Food Security Parks: China has gifted key agricultural infrastructure, including the Dukes Agri-Industrial Park in St. Thomas and the Barbados Institute of Food and Agriculture in St. Lucy, aimed at modernizing farming and combatting an aging agricultural workforce. Historical and Public Infrastructure: Past and ongoing Chinese-backed or constructed projects include the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, the Cheapside Market, and ongoing work on the National Stadium. Trade and Electric Vehicles: Bilateral trade reached roughly US$163 million to US$188 million in recent years, with China primarily exporting electric vehicles, accessories, and furniture to Barbados while importing goods like rum and medical equipment.