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In a significant move to bolster educational resources, the non-profit organization I Am A Girl has contributed $5,000 worth of essential equipment to Springer Memorial School. The donation, which includes a printer, ink, and 20 boxes of paper, aims to enhance the school’s printing and learning capabilities. The handover ceremony occurred during the school’s morning assembly on Friday, where Samsha Payne, the Community Engagement and Programming Assistant at I Am A Girl, addressed the students. Payne highlighted the organization’s mission to empower young women through education and leadership development. She emphasized the significance of the week, which coincided with World Mental Health Day, the International Day of the Girl Child, and the organization’s 11th anniversary. ‘It felt right to give back to the school that has nurtured some of our DisruptHer mentees,’ Payne remarked. The DisruptHer Programme, a flagship initiative of I Am A Girl, recently concluded at Springer Memorial. This program is designed to cultivate leadership, confidence, and community among young women across the Caribbean. In an interview, Raeann Flatts, the communications and engagement coordinator, and Joy Drayton, the DisruptHer facilitator, shared insights into the program’s impact. Over the past three years, DisruptHer has reached schools in Barbados, Trinidad, Dominica, and Saint Lucia. ‘DisruptHer teaches girls to become positive disruptors, to use their voices, lead with purpose, and influence change,’ Flatts explained. ‘Many of our mentees go on to mentor others, perpetuating the cycle of empowerment.’ Springer Memorial Principal Sonja Goodridge expressed profound gratitude for the donation, noting that the new equipment will significantly benefit students, especially as they prepare for school-based assessments.

The Ministry of Educational Transformation in Barbados has unveiled the finalists for its annual Pontifications and Poetry Competition, a cornerstone initiative in the nation’s literacy drive. The announcement was made during a ceremony on Friday, where Deputy Chief Education Officer, Reverend Stephen Scott, lauded the participants and reiterated the ministry’s dedication to fostering literacy and self-expression through the arts.

Rev. Scott emphasized the historical significance of pontification — the art of eloquent speech — and poetry in Barbados, tracing their roots to the island’s rich tradition of storytelling, resilience, and social commentary. ‘These art forms are not merely cultural relics; they are dynamic tools for articulating ideas, challenging perspectives, and inspiring societal change,’ he remarked. He further highlighted the transformative potential of these skills, stating that they empower students to embark on journeys of self-discovery, critical thinking, and confidence building.

The competition is a key component of the ministry’s broader educational transformation agenda, which seeks to integrate literacy, communication, and creative expression into the core of the learning experience. ‘By embedding pontification and poetry into our curriculum, we are not only enriching our cultural heritage but also equipping our youth with essential skills for leadership and innovation,’ Rev. Scott added.

Education Officer Gloria Haynes praised the competition’s evolution, now in its third year, as a vital platform for student engagement. ‘This event provides students with a unique opportunity to voice their perspectives on pressing national, regional, and global issues while refining their public speaking and creative writing abilities,’ she said. This year’s theme, ‘Speak Up, Speak Out,’ encourages participants to use their voices to advocate for change, share personal narratives, and inspire their communities.

The competition, slated for late November, aims to cultivate articulate, confident communicators who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and civic responsibility, the initiative aligns with the ministry’s mission to ensure that every child leaves school with the ability to read, comprehend, and communicate effectively, regardless of socioeconomic background.

A protracted conflict between the residents of Joe’s River, St Joseph, and a private developer over access to one of the area’s most cherished natural landmarks is poised to be resolved in the High Court next month. The trial, scheduled for three days starting November 10, will address the ongoing dispute that has persisted for several years. At the heart of the controversy is Ullswater Investments Limited’s construction of concrete columns, which locals argue will obstruct their access to essential community areas, including Joe’s River and the iconic Teacup and Saucer lookout point. The trial will feature testimonies from both the residents and the developer, Richard Hains. Over 20 residents and individuals from Bathsheba have submitted witness statements asserting their prescriptive right-of-way to these locations, further intensifying the legal battle.