Small island urbanization in the Caribbean: Balancing urban growth with land constraints in Aruba and Barbados

Abstract

International applications of spatial planning theory often disregard the nuances of ‘place,’ overlooking the significant differences between island and non-island contexts. Yet, in small islands, the challenge of constrained land availability poses a significant obstacle to urban growth. To address this gap in the literature, and by drawing on semi-structured interviews with government decision-makers from Aruba and Barbados, my research reveals the key drivers shaping the relationship between urban growth and land scarcity in these two islands. Located in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean, with land areas of 180 km2 and 430 km2 , respectively, Aruba and Barbados have two of the highest population densities in the region. Despite differing colonial legacies, spatial planning traditions, and expectations for population growth, policymakers in both islands actively advocate for a shift towards a compact urban growth model because of the pressing issue of land scarcity. The challenges to implementing sustainable urban growth policies in both places reveal the critical need to reconsider colonially inherited land management systems, particularly considering their influence on housing policy. This research contributes to literature in island geographies by underscoring the place-specificity of spatial planning in small islands, thereby shedding light on the contrasting facets of Aruba and Barbados and the diverse urbanization experiences evident in the Caribbean.