Barbados' fiscal deficits remain high, and its debt burden continues to rise, with limited financing options. We expect GDP growth of about 1% this year and 2% in 2016, still lower than that of peers at a similar stage of economic development. We are affirming our 'B/B' sovereign credit ratings on Barbados. The negative outlook reflects the potential for a downgrade pending additional signs of success in gradually stabilizing the debt burden, if tourism investment projects fail to support a turnaround in growth, or if external pressures mount. On Sept. 14, 2015, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'B' long-term sovereign credit ratings on Barbados. The outlook remains negative. We also affirmed our 'B' short-term sovereign credit ratings. The
