A prominent member of the Rotary Club of Barbados has called on policymakers to prioritize the needs of the country’s youngest and most vulnerable mothers as the government implements expanded parental leave and other initiatives to support working women. Arlene Ross, a former president of the club, emphasized that while the government’s efforts are commendable, more must be done to address the unique challenges faced by underage mothers, a group she described as often overlooked and stigmatized.
作者： admin
-
PSV owners seek urgent meeting with Uber amid launch concerns
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) owners in Barbados are calling for immediate discussions with Uber, the global ride-hailing giant, following its recent entry into the local transportation market. The AOPT (Alliance Owners of Public Transport), led by Chairman Roy Raphael, is concerned that Uber’s presence could destabilize traditional taxi businesses, particularly those operating at key hubs like the airport and seaport. Uber officially launched its services in Barbados on Tuesday, positioning itself as a partner rather than a competitor to the taxi industry. Already, 400 licensed taxi operators have joined the Uber Taxi platform, which is exclusively for registered taxis. However, Raphael emphasized the need for clarity on Uber’s mission and its potential impact on local operators. He warned that the recent increase in taxi fares might drive customers toward cheaper alternatives like Uber, further squeezing traditional taxi drivers. Raphael also raised concerns about the misuse of ‘C’ plate commercial vehicles, which are not registered taxis but could potentially join Uber’s platform, exacerbating competition. In response, the AOPT is exploring a partnership with a local ‘book-a-ride’ app to create opportunities for its members and safeguard their livelihoods. The association plans to launch this app soon, encouraging locals to support homegrown taxi services. Raphael assured that the AOPT will closely monitor Uber’s activities and advocate for fair practices in the evolving transportation landscape.
-
Police Probe Reported Break-In at Baptist Academy
Authorities are currently probing an alleged break-in at Baptist Academy School, which occurred late Wednesday night. The incident came to light after the school’s superintendent observed unusual activity on the premises and promptly alerted Police Headquarters. In response, a team from the Special Services Unit (SSU), alongside additional police units and constables, was swiftly deployed to the site. Upon conducting a comprehensive search of the school grounds, officers found no individuals of concern and no evidence of forced entry. Despite the absence of immediate threats, police have emphasized that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the validity of the report and to reinforce the school’s security measures. The incident has raised concerns among the local community, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and improved safety protocols in educational institutions.
-
Cable & Wireless St. Kitts & Nevis Ltd Dividend Payment
Basseterre, 24 October 2025 – Cable & Wireless St. Kitts & Nevis Ltd has announced a dividend payout of EC$0.70 per share, approved by its Board of Directors. This payment covers the fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and will be distributed to shareholders recorded as of 19 September 2025. The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) will facilitate the disbursement, effective from 24 October 2025. Additionally, the company has indicated that further details regarding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be communicated soon. The AGM will focus on reviewing the financial performance of the company over the aforementioned years. This announcement underscores the company’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders amidst its financial operations.
-
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Monitoring Tropical Storm Melissa
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa is forecasted to escalate into a major hurricane over the weekend. Authorities are actively coordinating with students in Jamaica, the Embassy in Cuba, and CARICOM partners in Haiti to mitigate the potential impacts of the storm. The government has reassured its citizens abroad that their safety is a paramount concern, with emergency teams prepared to provide assistance as necessary. Students at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica have been informed about designated shelters and are urged to register their details with the St. Kitts-Nevis Student Association for timely updates. Nationals in Cuba can contact the Embassy for consular support. The government is also assessing the status of commercial flights in the region, advising travelers to stay updated with airline advisories. All citizens in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain communication with official contacts. The government emphasizes its commitment to supporting its citizens during this uncertain time, with teams ready to mobilize assistance as needed.
-
5 Televisions Stolen from Potters Primary School
Authorities are currently probing a burglary at Potters Primary School, where five televisions were reported stolen earlier this week. The incident is believed to have taken place between 4:30 p.m. on October 21 and 4:30 a.m. on October 22, 2025. School principal Ms. Athill alerted the Criminal Investigations Department (C.I.D) upon discovering the theft. Preliminary investigations reveal that unidentified intruders used a hard object to force open doors to multiple classrooms located on the western side of the school premises. The stolen televisions were then removed, and the suspects are thought to have exited through the same point of entry. Despite a thorough search of the surrounding area, the stolen items remain unrecovered. Police have interviewed several individuals but have yet to gather any significant leads. The Forensic Evidence and Recovery Unit (F.E.R.U) has been notified, and the investigation is ongoing.
-
Officials remind that smoking in public remains illegal in St. Kitts and Nevis
In a recent public address, senior government and law enforcement officials in Saint Kitts and Nevis reiterated the strict prohibition of smoking in public spaces, emphasizing the legal consequences for violators. Under Section 3 of the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023, smoking outside designated areas is illegal, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. The law defines smoking broadly, encompassing cigarettes, cannabis, cigars, vaping, and other inhalation devices. During a recent episode of the radio and television program *InFocus*, members of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP) highlighted the health risks posed by public smoking, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Travis Rogers, Chair of the NCDAP and Assistant Commissioner of Police, clarified that while cannabis use has been decriminalized, it remains illegal to smoke it in public. Violators face a $500 fine, 20 hours of community service, or up to five days in prison for non-compliance. Karimu Byron-Caines, Director of the NCDAP Secretariat, emphasized the importance of balancing individual rights with public health and safety. She urged citizens to visit www.cannabisclarityskn.com for detailed information on the law. The NCDAP, alongside government agencies and law enforcement, continues to educate the public as full enforcement of the law approaches.
-
Education chief pushes new literacy strategy at BIBA Symposium
Barbados is embarking on a transformative journey to revive its once-celebrated literacy rate and establish centers of excellence across its educational system. Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, the island’s Chief Education Officer, unveiled these ambitious plans during the annual Global Business Week Secondary Schools Symposium, hosted by the Barbados International Business Association (BIBA) at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. Addressing senior secondary school students, teachers, and Barbados Community College peers, Dr. Archer-Bradshaw expressed concern over the decline in literacy rates, which had previously stood at an impressive 98%. She highlighted alarming trends, noting that children at both primary and secondary levels are struggling with reading proficiency. ‘As a nation, we cannot afford to regress from our near-perfect literacy rate,’ she stated, emphasizing the urgency of reform. Central to the government’s strategy is a data-driven approach aimed at ensuring all students can read by age seven by December 2024. This initiative is part of a broader effort to align Barbados’ education system with global standards, preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market. Dr. Archer-Bradshaw referenced the Future of Jobs Report, which predicts that 65% of primary school students will work in roles that do not yet exist, underscoring the need for forward-thinking education. The Ministry of Education has already launched a pilot ‘Centres of Excellence’ program at the Maria Holder Gall Hill Early Childhood Development Centre, integrating STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics) through play-based learning. To support these efforts, Dr. Archer-Bradshaw called on the local business community to contribute through sponsorships, donations, and expertise. BIBA’s Executive Director, Carmel Haynes, echoed the importance of adaptability and resilience, urging students to embrace continuous learning and prepare for a global workforce. Haynes highlighted key growth areas, including financial literacy, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship, aligning with the symposium’s theme of resilience and transformation.
-
Barbados Steps up push for inclusive education
Barbados is taking significant strides to create a more inclusive education and training system, with government officials vowing to dismantle barriers that hinder access for persons with disabilities. At the Caribbean Disability Conference, held from October 17 to 22 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Permanent Secretary Patrick McCaskie of the Ministry of Training and Tertiary Education emphasized that inclusive education is a fundamental human right and a global public good. He underscored the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities, to contribute to national development. McCaskie highlighted key initiatives such as the National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons with Disabilities (2023–2030) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, which aim to guarantee equal access to education, employment, and public participation. Educational institutions like the Barbados Community College (BCC) are implementing tailored learning plans, assistive technologies, and peer tutoring to support students with disabilities. Additionally, the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) has enhanced its online platform to accommodate learners with dyslexia, autism, and other learning differences. Through a partnership with Coursera, over 100 international courses now focus on disability inclusion and accessibility design. With support from the Latin American Development Bank (CAF), Barbados is also upgrading infrastructure at key institutions, including the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, to improve accessibility. Shakir Daisley, second vice-president of the National Student Council, stressed the role of students in advocating for inclusion, noting ongoing challenges such as inadequate facilities and limited teacher training. Mark Franklin, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, called for actionable strategies to address systemic barriers, emphasizing the need for disability-friendly vehicles, better data collection, and inclusive classroom designs. Franklin urged collective action to build a Caribbean where inclusive education is a lived reality for all.
-
Smith Pledges to Stay Accessible as He Seeks to Represent All Saints West
ALL SAINTS WEST, Antigua — Anthony Smith, the newly endorsed candidate for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in All Saints West, has made a resolute promise to remain deeply connected with the community he aspires to represent. During a town hall meeting held on Tuesday evening, Smith emphasized his unwavering dedication to fostering community engagement. He outlined plans to maintain consistent communication with residents through regular interactions and targeted outreach programs. Smith, who recently transitioned from the United Progressive Party (UPP) to the ABLP, explained that his decision was driven by a thorough evaluation of how he could most effectively serve his constituents and contribute to the nation’s advancement. The event drew a diverse crowd of residents and supporters, who voiced their concerns on pressing issues such as healthcare accessibility, crime prevention strategies, and food security measures. Smith’s commitment to addressing these challenges resonated strongly with attendees, signaling a promising start to his campaign.