BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, February 7, 2026 - The Mia Mottley-led Barbados Labour Party says it is securing the future of the next generation of Barbadians through the establishment of the Barbados Republic Child Wealth Fund, where every child born on or after November 30, 2021, will receive a $5,000 Birth Right Investment.

"Held in trust until adulthood, this fund will grow over time to help our children buy homes, fund their education, or handle health emergencies," Mottley said in the party's 2026 manifesto. "It's a head start for every Bajan child."

Program Details

Under the "Barbados Republic Child Wealth Fund Birth Right Dividend," the Government of Barbados would provide a one-time $5,000 birth right investment for each eligible child.

The funds will be held in trust until beneficiaries reach between 18 and 25 years old.

The investments will be compounded over time, and according to the manifesto, anyone can make additional contributions to top up a child's investment, potentially growing the initial government seed capital substantially over the years.

Upon reaching the eligible age range, beneficiaries could access the funds to assist in wealth-building activities including housing acquisition, education expenses, and in exceptional circumstances, health support.

Implementation Questions

The manifesto does not specify the exact age within the 18-25 range when access would be granted, details on the investment vehicle or compounding strategy, parameters for additional contributions, or what would constitute "exceptional circumstances" for health-related withdrawals.

Program funding mechanisms and long-term fiscal sustainability details were also not outlined in the available manifesto excerpt.

The child wealth fund proposal represents a significant social policy commitment aimed at reducing intergenerational wealth gaps and providing every Barbadian child with guaranteed seed capital regardless of family economic circumstances.

Ambassador David Comission describes the fund as "the jewel in the crown of the manifesto which gives true life and meaning to our new republic"

-30-