In a groundbreaking announcement, Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation, unveiled plans to introduce mandatory community service for all secondary school students in Barbados. Speaking at a UNICEF-organized graduation ceremony for student ambassadors at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), Blackman emphasized that the initiative aims to transform national development by equipping young people with essential life skills beyond academic achievement.
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Parker Returns to UPP, Citing ‘Moral Crossroad’ and Deepening Political Divide
Former senator Malaka Parker has made a dramatic return to Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape after a two-year hiatus, emphasizing the nation’s critical need for ethical and stable governance. Reaffiliating with the United Progressive Party (UPP), the organization that initially propelled her into national politics, Parker declared that the country stands at a “moral and political crossroad.” Her decision to re-enter the political fray follows extensive reflection and encouragement from citizens, community leaders, and supporters who expressed a collective desire for better leadership and governance.
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Residents Urged to Maintain Cleanliness After Villa/Yorks Cleanup
The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) launched its ‘Love Where You Live!’ National Clean-up initiative in October, marking a significant step toward community revitalization. Spanning three weeks, the campaign focused on the Villa Area, covering Dickenson Bay Street, Anchorage Road, and Fort James Drive. The effort aimed to transform the neighborhood into a cleaner, healthier environment for residents. During the campaign, NSWMA crews collected an astounding 13 tons of bulk waste from public spaces and vacant lots. Additionally, 75 vacant plots were cleared of debris, overgrown trees, and bushes, restoring them to safe and hygienic conditions. The removal of 31 abandoned vehicles further contributed to the area’s improved appearance. The initiative also addressed infrastructure concerns, identifying 13 damaged or blocked gutters and recommending repairs to prevent future flooding. Power washing of drains, tree cutting, and vegetation control were carried out to enhance visibility, public safety, and the neighborhood’s overall aesthetic. The campaign’s impact has been profound, with once-cluttered streets now cleared and residents expressing appreciation for the transformation. Building on this success, NSWMA has extended its efforts to the Yorks community, urging residents to dispose of waste responsibly and maintain the improved environment. The Authority will conclude its work in Yorks on November 21, 2025. This initiative highlights the power of organized waste management and community collaboration in reclaiming and preserving shared spaces. NSWMA encourages residents to report additional bulk waste for collection rather than leaving it on curbsides or outside homes.
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Cooperation in tourism, aviation and maritime discussed with China
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, welcomed the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, for a high-level discussion at the ministry’s headquarters in Warrens. The meeting underscored the deepening bilateral relationship between the two nations, particularly in the realms of tourism and international transportation. Both parties explored avenues for enhanced collaboration, with a focus on technical assistance, training in aviation and maritime sectors, and infrastructure development at Barbados’ air and seaports. Minister Gooding-Edghill highlighted the enduring partnership with China, expressing gratitude for its unwavering support over the past 48 years. Key topics on the agenda included strategies to boost Chinese tourist arrivals, the implementation of an Air Services Agreement, advancements in data analytics, and the integration of electric buses into Barbados’ transport system. Ambassador Zheng emphasized the critical role of the tourism and transport sectors in driving economic growth and reaffirmed China’s commitment to fostering mutual interests. The dialogue marked another milestone in the diplomatic relations established between Barbados and China on May 30, 1977, paving the way for continued cooperation and shared prosperity.
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68-Pound Wahoo Tops Weigh-In at Barbuda Ocean Festival
The Barbuda Ocean Festival and Fishing Tournament, held on November 15th, was a vibrant celebration of the island’s deep connection to the sea. The event kicked off with a serene journey across calm waters to Codrington Lagoon, where the Barbuda Fisheries Complex was already buzzing with energy. Decorated docks and lively music set the tone for a day filled with community, education, and competition. By mid-morning, the festival grounds were alive with activity. Vendors were setting up stalls, old friends were reconnecting, and the DJ’s beats kept the atmosphere festive from sunrise to sunset. The Ocean Conservation Tent emerged as a highlight, offering interactive displays and games to educate young visitors about marine ecosystems. Food stalls showcased an array of seafood delicacies, from lobster to octopus, alongside comforting classics like burgers. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes drew visitors from booth to booth. As the afternoon progressed, the crowd enjoyed dominoes, music, and quizzes while eagerly awaiting the return of the fishing vessels. The cooking competition was a major draw, with five teams racing against the clock to prepare dishes from mystery meats. The winning team took home a $2,500 ECD prize. The fishing tournament results were equally thrilling, with awards for the biggest barracuda, kingfish, and wahoo. The day’s largest catch—a 68-pound wahoo—drew cheers and applause as it was hoisted onto the scale. Amid the celebrations, the community paused to honor those lost at sea, and a donation of VHF radios to local fishermen underscored the importance of maritime safety. The festival was a testament to Barbuda’s culture, creativity, and enduring bond with the ocean, blending education, culinary artistry, and friendly competition into a memorable day by the water.
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Just rain? We still ain’t ready yet
Barbados faced a sobering reality this past weekend as intense rainfall wreaked havoc across the island, exposing critical vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness. The downpour, concentrated on one side of the island, overwhelmed roads, trapped residents, and tragically claimed the life of one man. Despite not being a named storm or hurricane, the event stretched emergency services to their limits, highlighting the island’s fragility in the face of extreme weather.
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Paula Lee: Education Must Remain Open to All, Even Those Behind Bars
Paula Lee, Head of the UWI Five Islands Lifelong Learning Unit, has emphasized the importance of providing education to incarcerated individuals, despite public backlash over prisoners graduating from the program. Lee articulated a multifaceted perspective, highlighting the legal, emotional, and academic dimensions of the issue. She underscored that imprisonment itself constitutes the punishment, stating, “We must never forget that families grieve, but these residents of the prison… their freedom has been restricted. That’s the punishment.”
Lee acknowledged the profound pain experienced by victims’ families, citing tragic examples such as murder and sexual assault. “My baby daddy died tragically when you stabbed him… Somebody was raped… we must never, ever forget that what happened to them will impact them for the rest of their lives,” she said. However, she also stressed the transformative power of education, arguing that it should not be denied to prisoners.
Lee warned that excluding inmates from educational opportunities would violate fundamental principles of access and equality. “The United Nations speaks about education being a right… If we do otherwise, we’re discriminating and that’s a flaw in the realm of universities,” she asserted. Her remarks come amid growing public debate over the role of education in the rehabilitation of prisoners and its broader societal implications.
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Antigua Hosts High-Level Meeting on Accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals
In a significant move to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Antigua and Barbuda hosted a high-profile National Consultation on November 17–18, 2025, at the Royalton Resort and Spa, Five Islands. The event brought together senior government officials, including Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Department Heads, alongside private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and technical experts. Organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the consultation aimed to craft actionable strategies to meet the 2030 SDG deadline. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions focused on priority areas such as climate resilience, food security, digital transformation, and social protection. Key outcomes included a review of SDG implementation progress, alignment of national priorities with global commitments, and the development of a practical roadmap for accelerated action from 2026 to 2030. The event concluded with a unified pledge to enhance multi-stakeholder collaboration, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development for all.
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APUA Apologises as Barbuda Faces Continued Outages, Temporary Relief Incoming
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has issued an update on the ongoing power restoration efforts in Barbuda, following a generator failure at the Barbuda Power Plant. Mechanical technicians are actively working to repair the damaged generator, but the process remains incomplete, necessitating continued load shedding measures. The load shedding will persist tonight, operating in four-hour intervals to manage the limited power generation capacity.
To alleviate the situation, a temporary generator is currently being transported to Barbuda and will be installed immediately upon arrival. This interim solution aims to support the power system until the primary generator is fully restored. In a significant development, APUA has also acquired a new generator for the Green Barbuda Solar Hybrid System, the island’s main power plant. Once integrated, this addition is expected to restore full generation capacity and enhance the stability of Barbuda’s power supply.
APUA acknowledges the inconvenience caused by these outages and extends its sincere apologies to affected customers. The utility authority reassures the public that its teams are working tirelessly to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible. APUA urges residents to remain patient and understanding during this challenging period.
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Progress Update on the New Sickle Cell Unit
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has announced notable advancements in the establishment of the new Sickle Cell Unit. A recent site inspection was led by Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, accompanied by Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Director of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, Dr. Edda Hadeed, Head of the Sickle Cell Association, and other key officials. The delegation observed that the infrastructure is nearly complete, with primary preparatory tasks approaching finalization. The facility has been thoroughly cleaned, rooms freshly painted, and beds installed, resulting in a functional five-bed unit at this stage. The Sickle Cell Unit aims to offer comprehensive support for individuals with sickle cell disease, including acute clinical care, patient education, and family counseling services. During the visit, officials discussed the remaining steps needed for the unit’s operational launch, such as finalizing essential equipment, completing staffing arrangements, and conducting specialized training to ensure the clinical team is fully prepared to deliver high-quality care. The Ministry remains on schedule to hand over the unit by the end of the year, with ongoing preparations to ensure staff are equipped to provide optimal and holistic care to sickle cell patients. Minister Joseph emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed and reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing care for those affected by chronic and inherited blood disorders.