Skip to main content

Barbados - Tackling Water Theft: A Collaborative Victory for Barbados Water Authority

 Introduction

Water theft has been a persistent challenge for the Barbados Water Authority (BWA). However, recent developments indicate that significant strides are being made in the fight against this illicit practice. In a joint operation with the police, two plumbers, one a former BWA employee and the other currently employed by the state-owned entity, were apprehended while attempting an illegal water connection at a farm in Sanford, St. Philip. This operation marks a crucial breakthrough in the ongoing battle against water theft. Let's explore the details of this success and ways to prevent a recurrence.

A Long-standing Predicament

The problem of water theft has plagued Barbados for years, with illegal connections frequently detected on crop farms and private properties. This ongoing issue has placed considerable strain on the BWA's resources and finances. Notably, in 2014, it came to light that a gated community in St. James had been enjoying free water for over a decade, revealing the audacity and magnitude of the problem.

The Persistent Struggle

In 2019, Keithroy Halliday, the BWA's general manager, acknowledged that some individuals were illicitly using water without being registered in the BWA's database. To address this, the agency initiated surveys and cross-referenced data to identify water thieves, intending to send them bills for their unaccounted water usage. Concerns were raised within the BWA's management, suggesting that these illegal connections may have internal involvement. These suspicions stemmed from the fact that the pipes used for these connections were exclusive to the BWA.

The Recent Coordinated Operation

The recent successful operation, which led to the arrest of two plumbers, offers a glimmer of hope in the battle against water theft. The joint effort of the police and the BWA demonstrates a commitment to eradicating the problem at its core. These individuals engaged in illegal connections were allegedly promised substantial sums of money for their actions, underscoring the financial impact of such activities.

BWA's Cautious Approach and Ongoing Investigations

While the BWA refrained from making public statements about the recent developments, citing an active police investigation, the apprehension of the individuals involved signifies a potential turning point. Notably, one of the accused had been on the BWA's radar for some time and was previously suspended under suspicion of involvement in water theft, although conclusive evidence had been elusive. The recent operation represents a significant breakthrough, demonstrating that authorities are actively pursuing and apprehending those responsible for water theft.

Addressing the Root Causes

The ongoing battle against water theft underscores the need for sustained vigilance and a comprehensive approach to the issue. It is essential for the BWA to not only focus on individual culprits but also to explore any potential internal complicity. Identifying the root causes of this problem, enhancing oversight, and implementing robust security measures are vital to prevent future instances of water theft.

Conclusion: Learning from Success

In conclusion, the recent crackdown on water theft in Barbados signifies a promising development in the ongoing struggle to safeguard the resources and financial stability of the BWA. By collaborating with law enforcement, investigating potential internal involvement, and fortifying security measures, the BWA can take substantial steps towards eradicating this long-standing issue and ensuring the ethical and sustainable use of water resources.

Preventing a Recurrence

To minimize the risk of a recurrence, the BWA should consider the following steps:

  1. Enhanced Internal Monitoring: Implement a rigorous internal monitoring system to detect unauthorized connections and irregular water usage promptly.
  2. Staff Training: Provide training to employees to recognize and report suspicious activities related to water theft.
  3. Anonymous Reporting: Establish a confidential reporting mechanism that encourages both employees and the public to report any potential water theft or irregularities.
  4. Technological Solutions: Invest in advanced technology for monitoring water flow and detecting unauthorized connections in real-time.
  5. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with the community and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the consequences of water theft and encourage responsible water usage.

By taking these measures, the BWA can significantly reduce the risk of future water theft incidents and ensure the sustainable use of this precious resource.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Employee Goes Berserk and Explodes at the Rubis Coverley Service Station Pump in Barbados: Was This a Preventable Workplace Breakdown?

Image
A Workplace Commentary on the Rubis Coverley Incident By  Peter MacD Earle BSc, LLM, Employment Law Consultant On Friday, May 17, 2025, Barbadians awoke to disturbing news involving the aftermath of a workplace conflict that escalated dramatically. Daniel Arnold Vincent Belle, 38, a former employee of the Rubis Coverley gas station in Christ Church, appeared in the District “B” Magistrates’ Court and admitted to causing extensive damage to the station—an estimated $7,000 worth—just days after his dismissal from the company. The incident involved the smashing of a glass door, breaking two windows, damaging a display unit, and tearing off seven fuel pump nozzles. Surveillance footage led to Belle’s arrest in Oistins. While this act of destruction was clearly criminal, the context in which it occurred raises serious concerns about workplace conflict, employer responsibilities, and the role of mental health in employment relations. . Let me be clear from the outset: I do not have any a...
Read more

Barbados' Minimum Wage Time Bomb: Are Businesses Being Set Up to Fail?

Image
   Peter MacD Earle BSc, LLM Employment Law Leicester De Montfort Law School Effective June 1, 2025, Barbados will implement a new minimum wage of $420 per week, a 23.5% increase from the current $340. In addition, legislation proposes an automatic 2% annual wage increase starting in January 2026. But beneath this progressive façade lies a stark, structural truth: Barbados has neither the machinery to enforce the law nor the political will to protect the most vulnerable. While this policy signals social justice on paper, in practice it could collapse under its own contradictions—and set workers, employers, and the economy up for failure. ________________________________________ The Illusion of Legal Protection While the government trumpets the wage hike as a win for working-class families, Barbados remains woefully unequipped to enforce the new standard. Consider: • Thousands of workers never received the current $340 minimum wage. • Many will not receive the new $420 rate...
Read more

Former BWA Boss in Barbados Fired from WASA After $13.4M Plan Collapses

Image
  By Peter MacD Earle BSc. LLM | Employment Law Consultant | June 2025 From BWA to WASA: The Rise and Fall of Keithroy Halliday St. Kitts-born Keithroy Halliday was appointed General Manager of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) on February 15, 2017, bringing a strong track record in strategic leadership and regional public sector reform. Over the next seven years, he would become a defining figure in the BWA’s modernization efforts—managing national emergencies such as the South Coast sewage crisis and spearheading an island-wide mains replacement initiative. By 2020, Halliday had risen to Acting Chief Executive Officer, a role he held during a period of deep organizational restructuring. His resignation in August 2024 marked the end of a significant chapter in the BWA’s evolution—and the beginning of a controversial new role abroad as CEO of Trinidad and Tobago’s Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), from which he would be abruptly dismissed less than a year later amid sweeping po...
Read more