As Barbados focuses on driving growth, work is ongoing to ensure its economy is more resilient. According to Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Ryan Straughn it involves several measures, including renewable energy to mitigate against shocks related to fossil fuel prices. He says the country has been running primary surpluses over the last few years, with the exception of the COVID period. Minister Straughn further revealed that as Barbados closes out this financial year, it is on track to have a 3.5% primary surplus. He says the efforts will enhance the island's profile. Minister Straughn was at the time participating virtually in the 24th Parliamentary Session of the World Teen Parliament. Subscribe to CBC News: http://www.youtube.com/cbcbarbados Connect with the CBC News Barbados Website: https://www.cbc.bb/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBCNews.bb/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbcnewsbarbados Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBCBARBADOS #CBCTV8 #CBCNewsNight

Former Minister of Health, Lieutenant Colonel the Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic is opening up about his experience as Minister as the country faced COVID-19, detailing the story of the multi-sectoral responses. He has done so through a new book "No Retreat. No Surrender. The COVID-19 Experience of a Small Island Developing State." Kishmar St. Juste reports. Subscribe to CBC News: http://www.youtube.com/cbcbarbados Connect with the CBC News Barbados Website: https://www.cbc.bb/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBCNews.bb/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbcnewsbarbados Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBCBARBADOS #CBCTV8 #CBCNewsNight