A significant cultural transformation is underway within Barbados’ public sector as workers demonstrate heightened awareness of both physical and mental wellbeing, according to National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) President Kimberley Agard. Speaking during the union’s Health and Wellness Day at NUPW headquarters on Dalkeith Road, Agard highlighted this positive evolution in workplace attitudes as part of Public Workers Week celebrations.
Agard observed that public officers increasingly recognize the importance of holistic health management, blending scientific approaches with traditional Bajan remedies. ‘We are living longer, but the goal is to ensure those additional years are healthy ones,’ she told reporters. ‘Persons have been paying greater attention to their health in a holistic way—not only relying on science but also the natural remedies that we as Bajans would have come up learning and understanding throughout the years.’
The union president particularly emphasized the growing attention to mental wellness, noting: ‘I find even in general conversations that persons are paying attention to their health, with special emphasis on mental health because if the head is bad, then the whole body is bad.’
Agard also reported progress in workplace safety structures, revealing that several departments have established functional health and safety committees as mandated. These committees actively monitor working conditions and report concerns to the union, though their implementation remains inconsistent across departments. ‘While not as widespread as we would like, these committees are performing their vital role in maintaining workplace vigilance,’ Agard acknowledged.
The Health and Wellness Day featured participation from multiple health organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority, Barbados Nurses’ Association, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the Emergency Ambulance Service. The event formed part of the NUPW’s annual recognition of public workers’ contributions, particularly honoring those who have demonstrated exceptional service dedication.