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  • ILO launches first official Haiti mission under Caribbean office’s expanded role

    ILO launches first official Haiti mission under Caribbean office’s expanded role

    Six months after the International Labour Organization (ILO) shifted oversight of its Haiti engagement to the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, a senior ILO delegation has arrived in Haiti for the body’s first official visit to the Caribbean nation under the new regional mandate.

    Led by Joni Musabayana, director of the Caribbean-based ILO office, and joined by Senior Programming Officer Ingerlyn Caines-Francis, the five-day mission kicked off on June 30, 2026. This visit ushers in a new chapter of collaboration between the ILO and Haiti’s tripartite stakeholders — the national government, employer associations, and labor union representatives — following months of preliminary consultations and joint planning to align on shared national priorities.

    The on-the-ground mission comes just over one month after the ILO and Haitian partners signed the landmark 2026-2027 ILO Country Programme for Haiti during a May 14 ceremony in Port of Spain. The two-year framework formalizes the ILO’s technical cooperation commitments to Haiti, and the organization notes the early launch of implementation activities demonstrates its dedication to turning agreed plans into tangible progress alongside Haitian stakeholders. The agreement was signed by all key parties: Haiti’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Marc Elie Nelson signed on behalf of the Haitian government; Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) President Maulik Radia represented national employers; Yvel Admettre, Secretary General of the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers, and Louis Fignole St Cyr, General Secretary of the Autonomous Central of Haitian Workers, signed for Haitian labor organizations; and Musabayana executed the agreement for the ILO.

    The country programme outlines five core focus areas for ILO support in Haiti: strengthening inclusive social dialogue and upholding fundamental workers’ rights, building the capacity of national labor institutions and improving governance of the employment sector, expanding productive employment opportunities to drive national economic recovery, bolstering vulnerable household livelihoods, and expanding access to social protection while advancing safer working conditions across all industries.

    In remarks ahead of the mission, Musabayana emphasized that the ILO’s top priority is immediate implementation of the commitments laid out in the May programme agreement. “This mission is about moving quickly from agreement to action. Haiti’s tripartite partners have worked with commitment and clarity to define shared priorities for decent work,” Musabayana said. “Today’s discussions confirmed the importance of staying close to workers, employers and institutions on the ground as we support implementation of the country programme. The ILO Caribbean Office is committed to working with Haiti’s constituents through practical technical assistance, social dialogue and partnership.”

    Beyond launching new development projects, Musabayana noted that the visit is also intended to deepen long-term collaborative ties between the regional ILO office and national partners across Haiti. “It is important for us to be here, so that the ILO Caribbean Office can deepen its understanding of the realities facing constituents and give effect to our commitment to work with our Haitian partners in a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility,” he added.

    According to the ILO’s official updates, during the first two days of the mission, the delegation held working meetings with government officials, private sector leaders, and trade union representatives in northern Haiti. Core discussion topics included mapping the country’s most pressing decent work priorities, identifying pathways to strengthen cross-stakeholder cooperation, and outlining practical steps to expand effective social dialogue in industries that serve as the backbone of Haiti’s employment, economic activity, and household livelihoods.

    The delegation also conducted site visits to a number of active work places across northern Haiti, allowing ILO officials to gather first-hand insight into the current challenges and opportunities facing Haiti’s industrial and employment sectors. During these on-the-ground visits, the team reviewed existing development initiatives, and explored how enhanced tripartite dialogue between employers, workers, and public institutions can improve workplace relations, build mutual trust, and foster greater economic and labor stability across the country.

    The transfer of Haiti oversight to the ILO Caribbean Office took effect in January 2026, expanding the office’s mandate to cover 14 ILO member states and nine non-metropolitan territories across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The ILO notes that the broader mandate is designed to streamline regional coordination and deliver more timely, responsive technical support to Haiti and other Caribbean partner nations.

    The Haiti mission is scheduled to conclude on July 4, 2026, and will include additional working meetings with tripartite stakeholders and visits to ongoing ILO-supported development projects across the country. Citing ongoing national security concerns, the ILO has declined to disclose specific locations of mission activities to protect the safety of delegates and local partners.

    Moving forward, the ILO reaffirmed that its work in Haiti will remain rooted in its core global mandate: advancing decent work and social justice through tripartite cooperation between governments, employers, and workers. Under the new country programme, the organization will continue to support Haiti’s national efforts to strengthen labor institutions, expand social protection coverage, create inclusive employment opportunities, boost livelihoods, and advance productive social dialogue aligned with Haiti’s long-term national development priorities.

  • OECS advances community-based tourism strategy with regional policy workshop

    OECS advances community-based tourism strategy with regional policy workshop

    Earlier this June, senior tourism stakeholders from all 11 member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) convened in St. Lucia for a landmark three-day workshop focused on scaling up community-centered tourism across the region. Held from June 9 to 11 under the official theme “From Assessment to Action: CBT Policy Development and National Action Planning,” the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Capacity Building Workshop brought together public officials, tourism strategists, and community development practitioners to craft actionable, region-aligned policies and national implementation roadmaps for expanding locally rooted tourism.

    Unlike traditional mass tourism models that often channel most revenue away from local populations, CBT is rooted in a core principle: local communities must lead tourism development, and they deserve to capture the direct economic benefits of a growing sector. The workshop was designed to equip attendees with evidence-based frameworks, practical tools, and collaborative networks to build strategies that center local communities as the primary architects of tourism experiences, rather than passive participants in outside-led development.

    This regional initiative is backed by funding from the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), delivered through the Regional Integration Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) Programme. The funding supports long-standing regional efforts to shift Eastern Caribbean tourism toward more sustainable, inclusive models that address systemic economic gaps. Proponents of CBT note that the approach creates targeted entrepreneurship opportunities for groups that are often excluded from mainstream tourism benefits: young people, women, rural residents, and members of marginalized, underserved communities.

    Beyond expanding inclusive economic growth, keeping a larger share of tourism revenue within local borders strengthens household livelihoods while creating direct incentives for communities to protect the region’s one-of-a-kind cultural traditions, irreplaceable historical heritage, and fragile natural ecosystems that draw millions of visitors each year. OECS officials emphasized that the St. Lucia workshop marks a critical milestone in the region’s transition to sustainable tourism, enabling member states to update national policy frameworks that embed community benefit at the core of tourism growth strategies. Moving forward, participating states will work to implement the national action plans developed during the workshop, with ongoing regional coordination to share best practices and measure progress toward inclusive, sustainable development goals.

  • ECAB Ends Aspiring Leaders Scholarship After UWI Tuition Made Free

    ECAB Ends Aspiring Leaders Scholarship After UWI Tuition Made Free

    One year ago, the Eastern Caribbean Asset Holdings Limited (ECAB) launched a transformative initiative designed to cultivate emerging leadership talent across Antigua & Barbuda: the ECAB Aspiring Leaders Scholarship. This program was created to remove financial barriers for young people seeking higher education, offering a full tuition waiver covering the entire three-year period of an undergraduate degree at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus.

    To qualify, candidates had to be between the ages of 17 and 25, and they had to be pursuing their first undergraduate degree in either the School of Business & Management or the School of Science & Artificial Intelligence, two fast-growing fields aligned with the nation’s economic and technological development goals. After a rigorous and highly competitive selection process that drew dozens of qualified applicants, Tajhere Browne was selected as the program’s first and only recipient. Since beginning his studies, Browne has already distinguished himself academically, earning a spot on the UWI Five Islands Campus Honour Roll during his first semester – an achievement ECAB has highlighted with particular pride.

    When the scholarship program was first designed, ECAB leaders planned to expand the initiative to support more young scholars over the coming years, building a pipeline of homegrown leadership talent for Antigua & Barbuda. However, a recent policy announcement from the Government of Antigua & Barbuda has fundamentally shifted the landscape for undergraduate higher education at the UWI Five Islands Campus. The government has confirmed that tuition for most first-degree programs at the campus, including the specific fields of study the ECAB scholarship supported, will now be fully covered by the state for eligible students, eliminating out-of-pocket tuition costs for first-time undergraduate learners.

    ECAB has publicly welcomed this landmark policy shift, noting that the organization shares the government’s core belief that education is a powerful, transformative force that should be accessible to all young people regardless of their financial background. But the policy change has also rendered the original ECAB scholarship’s core purpose obsolete. With tuition already provided for free by the government, the full tuition coverage that was the centerpiece of the ECAB initiative no longer serves a unique function. In response, ECAB has announced that it will officially discontinue the ECAB Aspiring Leaders Scholarship program moving forward.

    Despite ending the scholarship initiative, ECAB emphasized that its long-term commitment to youth development, educational access, and community investment in Antigua & Barbuda remains completely unwavering. The organization confirmed that it will continue to fulfill all existing commitments to Browne, supporting the remaining components of his scholarship agreement as planned. Looking ahead, ECAB is continuing its other community programming: this year marks the third consecutive year the organization will sponsor the popular Mr. and Miss Teenage Pageant, a core part of Antigua & Barbuda’s annual Carnival celebrations. The organization also confirmed that it is developing new, targeted youth initiatives that will fill new gaps in support for aspiring young leaders across the country, with more details expected to be announced in the coming months.

  • Dominica to return to revived ANOECS athletics championships with nine-member team

    Dominica to return to revived ANOECS athletics championships with nine-member team

    After nearly a decade away from one of the Caribbean’s most prominent regional track and field competitions, Dominica is gearing up to mark its long-awaited return. The country’s Olympic Committee (DOC) and Athletics Association (DAA) made a joint official announcement confirming Dominica’s participation in the 2026 ANOECS Track and Field Championships, which will be hosted from July 4 to 5, 2026, in St. Kitts and Nevis.

    The regional championships were put on hold following the 2017 edition – the same year Dominica last took part in the event – making the 2026 gathering the official revival of the competition after a nine-year suspension.

    Dominica will send a compact, competitive delegation of nine total members to the upcoming meet: eight rising and established athletes, accompanied by one head coach. Leading the contingent is Joel Hamilton, a seasoned coaching professional who currently holds the role of Club Representative for the DAA. The selected roster features athletes with prior international experience representing Dominica at the CARIFTA Games, and many of the competitors are also using the 2026 ANOECS Championships as a key preparation step for this year’s upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games and Youth Olympic Games.

    The full list of competitors includes: Jamical Titre, who will compete in the shot put event; Khaarim John Baptiste and Khumar John Baptiste, both set to contest the triple jump and high jump; Nycarl Williams, who will compete in the javelin throw; Keyoni Esprit, who will race the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints; Akiesha Luke, who is entered in the 400-meter and 800-meter middle-distance events; and Jeriah Lewis and Jaden Joseph, who will both compete in the long jump.

    Billy Doctrove, who holds dual roles as President of the Dominica Olympic Committee and Board Member of ANOECS, shared his enthusiasm for the revival of the championships and Dominica’s return. “I am very pleased ANOECS have taken steps to revive high level competition within the OECS, as is testament to the revival of this Track and Field Championships,” Doctrove said. He also extended gratitude to PANAM Sports for its critical funding and support that has made the 2026 championships and other ANOECS events this year possible. “I am confident Dominica will represent well, not just in athletic talent but also as young sports ambassadors and implore all members of the team to view this as a critical step in their athletic career,” he added.

    Brendan Williams, President of the Dominica Athletics Association, echoed that confidence in the selected national team. “On behalf of the Dominica Athletics Association, I am proud to see a team of talented local athletes representing our nation at the ANOECS Championships,” Williams said. “This group possesses tremendous promise, dedication, and the potential to make a significant mark on the regional stage. We have every confidence that they will compete with pride, determination, and the spirit that defines Dominican athletics. We wish them every success as they carry our flag with honor.”

    Per the DAA’s official statement, the 2026 ANOECS Championships serves a key developmental purpose for Dominica’s athletes: it will give rising competitors the chance to gain high-stakes regional competition experience while continuing their targeted preparations for the major international games on the 2026 calendar.

  • ILO begins first high-level mission to Haiti following new country programme agreement

    ILO begins first high-level mission to Haiti following new country programme agreement

    June 30 marked a key milestone in international labor engagement with Haiti, as a senior delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) kicked off its first official visit to the Caribbean nation. This mission comes after responsibility for ILO programming in Haiti was recently transferred to the organization’s Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, which is headquartered in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

    Heading the delegation is Joni Musabayana, the director of the Port of Spain-based ILO Caribbean office, joined by Ingerlyn Caines-Francis, a senior programming officer. The visit is not a sudden outreach effort: it is the culmination of months of preparatory work, including remote meetings, targeted consultations, and collaborative planning with Haiti’s tripartite core stakeholders — the national government, representative employers’ organizations, and formal workers’ associations. Together, these parties have already worked to align on shared priority goals for Haiti’s labor sector, making this on-the-ground mission a critical next step in deepening cooperation.

    A central focus of the visit will be advancing the development and rollout of the ILO Country Programme for Haiti, covering the 2026–2027 cycle. The launch of on-site work for this framework signals the Caribbean ILO office’s commitment to rapid progress, sustained close coordination with local Haitian partners, and the delivery of tangible technical cooperation support to turn agreed priorities into actionable, on-the-ground results for the country’s labor force and economy.

  • COMMENTARY: A Journey Between Two Shores

    COMMENTARY: A Journey Between Two Shores

    Two evocative photographs hold layers of meaning that extend far beyond simple portraiture, weaving together the personal journey, cultural legacy, and generational experience of Antiguan author William Henry. His recently released memoir *Betwixt 2 Shores* chronicles the fateful journey Henry took in February 1970, when he left his home in Antigua as an unaccompanied 10-year-old minor to build a new life in London.

    At the core of the first photograph sits a well-worn, vintage grip — a small, sturdy suitcase that carries far more cultural weight than its size suggests. For generations of Antiguan travelers, a grip was more than luggage; it was a steady companion for every journey, big or small. In this image, the scuffed, lived-in grip transforms into a potent symbol: it stands for the pain of separation from home, the displacement of moving across oceans, the quiet resilience of young migrants, and the persistent hope that drives people to seek better futures. It mirrors Henry’s own transatlantic journey, and through him, it represents the experience of an entire generation of Caribbean children whose lives were permanently reshaped by migration, early separation from family, and the dream of opportunity abroad.

    The second central image element is no less meaningful: the vibrant, traditional national dress Henry wears with obvious pride. Woven from iconic Madras fabric, the garment carries the distinct cultural heritage of Antigua and Barbuda. The fabric’s own journey mirrors the complex history of the region: it originated in Madras, now Chennai, India, before traveling to the Caribbean via colonial trade routes. Over centuries, it became an integral part of daily life for people of African descent across the Caribbean, eventually evolving into a lasting emblem of Antiguan and Barbudan national identity.

    Today, this traditional national dress means far more than colorful cultural attire. It stands as a reminder that Antigua and Barbuda’s national character is shaped not only by its stunning natural landscapes, but also by a powerful history of resilience, perseverance, and unyielding cultural pride. It honors generations of Antiguans who turned hardship into hope, whose determination built the nation, and whose legacy continues to shape its identity today.

    As a long-respected Antiguan writer, Henry has dedicated much of his career to preserving this cultural heritage for future generations. Much of his body of work explores interconnected themes of personal identity, transnational migration, family separation, belonging, and collective memory, ensuring that stories rooted in Antigua’s unique history are not lost to time and are passed down to new audiences.

    The complementary symbolism of the grip and the national dress comes together seamlessly in the pages of *Betwixt 2 Shores*. The dress anchors Henry to the cultural heritage that stayed with him across decades and continents, enduring despite distance and change. The grip represents the life-altering journey that pulled a young boy away from his homeland and permanently altered the trajectory of his life. Combined, the two symbols tell a story shared by thousands of Antiguan and broader Caribbean families, whose collective histories have been shaped by migration, sacrifice, and the unwavering hope for a better life for coming generations.

    These photographs are far more than static portraits. They are living visual narratives that celebrate the enduring resilience of the Antiguan people, the fundamental importance of preserving cultural identity, and the unbreakable bond between the homeland and its global diaspora.

    At its core, *Betwixt 2 Shores* carries a universal message that resonates with migrants and diaspora communities across the world: no matter how far life carries people between distant shores, they remain forever anchored by their history, their culture, and the stories that make them who they are. Copies of the memoir are currently available for purchase on Amazon.

  • Police Urge Public to Be Vigilant After Jewellery and Phone Thefts

    Police Urge Public to Be Vigilant After Jewellery and Phone Thefts

    St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – July 2, 2026 – The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued an urgent advisory to local residents, calling for heightened awareness and proactive security measures after a pair of recently reported theft incidents targeting personal valuables including jewellery and mobile phones.

    The first incident under active investigation is a residential burglary that took place in the Green Bay neighborhood just before midnight on Monday, June 29. Preliminary law enforcement findings outline that three unidentified males forced entry into a home occupied by a single woman. Before making their escape from the property, the suspects stole a range of personal items: multiple pieces of gold jewellery, silver chains, a mobile phone, a handbag, and a full jewellery box holding additional valuables.

    A second, separate theft is also being probed by police. In this case, a Samsung Galaxy A22 smartphone – valued at around 650 Eastern Caribbean dollars – was stolen between 4:30 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, while its owner was in the Joseph Lane area of the island.

    In an official media release published through the force’s Office of Strategic Communications, police administration emphasized a key observation: criminal actors routinely target high-value, portable items that are left easily accessible or unattended in both private and public spaces. To help residents reduce their risk of falling victim to similar thefts, law enforcement has outlined a series of practical security steps for the public to adopt:

    First, homeowners should confirm all entry points including doors and windows are securely locked, particularly after dark and when no one is home. Second, properties should be outfitted with sufficient exterior lighting, and where feasible, security camera systems or intrusion alarms should be installed to deter intruders and aid investigations if a crime does occur. Third, the public is advised to avoid openly wearing or displaying expensive jewellery in public settings unless absolutely necessary. Fourth, mobile phones and other small valuables should be kept secured at all times, and never left unsupervised in public places. Fifth, residents should remain alert to their surroundings in crowded or public areas, and contact police immediately to report any unfamiliar individuals or activity that seems suspicious. Finally, law enforcement recommends that all residents record serial numbers and document unique identifying marks for all high-value personal items, a step that greatly improves the chance of recovery if property is stolen.

    Investigations into both the Green Bay burglary and the Joseph Lane smartphone theft remain ongoing. Police are asking any member of the public who may have information related to either incident – regardless of how small it may seem – to come forward to assist the investigation. Tips can be submitted directly to the Royal Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, dropped off at the closest local police station, or submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).

  • ‘The work paid off’: Montessori Centre celebrates five students in CPEA top ten

    ‘The work paid off’: Montessori Centre celebrates five students in CPEA top ten

    St. Lucia’s The Montessori Centre has once again lived up to its founding motto “We strive to be the best we can be,” turning in a historic performance on the 2026 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) that cements its reputation as one of the region’s leading primary education institutions. Five students from the school secured spots in Saint Lucia’s overall top ten rankings, with 12-year-old Emerald Alfred claiming the highest score across the entire Caribbean region.

    Alfred posted a staggering 99.2 percent on the high-stakes exit exam, outperforming thousands of test-takers across multiple island nations to claim the top regional and national title. Behind her, fellow Montessori student Angelina Chreiki earned third place nationally with a score of 98.8 percent, while Zuri Boodhoo, Danielle Farida and Newt Leonce tied for ninth place nationwide, each scoring 97.8 percent. In a remarkable coincidence, Alfred sat for her final exam on her birthday. Rather than distracting her from the test, she says the special occasion gave her an unexpected sense of calm. In an interview with St Lucia Times following the release of results, Alfred shared that she plans to build on this success as she pursues her long-term career goal: becoming a member of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

    For school principal Myrtle Murray, the extraordinary results were far from a surprise. Murray credits the institution’s long-standing, progressive approach to CPEA preparation, which introduces core test-aligned concepts to students as early as first and second grade, rather than cramming instruction in the final year of primary school. The school was an early adopter of this integrated preparation model, launching it years before the COVID-19 pandemic. “We do not start CPEA in Grade Six. We start at the Grade One and Grade Two levels with simple components of the CPEA, and as the children get older, we include all the components,” Murray explained, adding that she was overjoyed by the cohort’s performance. “The children were very prepared.”

    Grade Six lead teacher Ivan echoed the principal’s excitement, emphasizing that the results reflect the school’s commitment to personalized, student-centric learning. “Words can’t describe it. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel elated… I feel super, super proud of my students,” Peters said. He explained that the teaching team tailored instruction to match each of the 19 students in the cohort, recognizing that every learner has unique strengths, weaknesses, and preferred learning styles, and adapting instruction to nurture each student accordingly.

    Parents of the high-performing students shared in the celebration. Jodi Boodhoo, father of ninth-place finisher Zuri Boodhoo, said he always expected his daughter would earn a spot at her chosen secondary school after two years of consistent hard work. “I was not nervous. She put in the work over the past two years and the averages held up. Based on the marks she was getting throughout the term, I expected her to get into the school of her choice. Tying for ninth overall, I’m excited, but there’s still a lot of work to be done when she gets to SJC,” he said.

    Beyond the standout success of its five top-ranked students, the entire Grade Six cohort at The Montessori Centre outperformed the national average on the 2026 CPEA, and every student earned a placement at their first-choice secondary school. This most recent high-profile win adds to a long track record of academic excellence for the institution, which has repeatedly produced top-performing students across Saint Lucia and the broader Caribbean region. For Murray and her team, the 2026 results serve as further validation that early, consistent preparation and tailored, student-first education deliver meaningful, long-lasting results.

  • 16-Year-Old Critical After Christian Street Shooting; Teenager Also Wounded

    16-Year-Old Critical After Christian Street Shooting; Teenager Also Wounded

    On the evening of July 1, a brazen daylight shooting sent two teenage boys to area hospitals, leaving one in life-threatening condition and triggering a manhunt for a lone suspect still at large, local law enforcement confirmed Wednesday.

    First emergency dispatchers received calls about the shooting just after 5:30 p.m., with officers rushing to the Christian Street neighborhood in response to the active incident report. Preliminary law enforcement findings have outlined the sequence of events: the two young victims were out walking along Armstrong Road when an unidentified attacker stepped forward to confront them. The suspect, described by investigators as wearing all-black clothing with a covering concealing his face, opened fire immediately before running away from the scene on foot.

    Emergency medical teams quickly transported both teenagers to local medical facilities for urgent care. The younger of the two victims, aged 16, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest that required immediate intervention. As of the latest police update, he remains hospitalized in critical condition, with medical teams monitoring his condition closely. The second victim, a 17-year-old, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to both of his legs. While his injuries require ongoing medical care, doctors have confirmed his condition is stable and not considered to be life-threatening.

    Investigators have released a physical description of the suspect to aid public tips: the attacker is believed to stand roughly 5 feet 6 inches tall and has a slim build. The Criminal Investigations Department has taken the lead on the ongoing probe, and law enforcement is urging members of the local community with any relevant information – no matter how small it may seem – to come forward to assist the investigation.

    Members of the public have multiple channels to share information: they can reach the Criminal Investigations Department directly at 462-3913 or 462-3914, submit an anonymous tip through the national Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477), or contact emergency services at 911 with any immediate details about the suspect or the shooting.

  • Transplant law success hinges on cultural shift – senator

    Transplant law success hinges on cultural shift – senator

    As Barbados’ long-awaited Human Tissue Transplant Bill undergoes debate in the country’s Senate, a leading independent senator and medical specialist has issued a stark warning: the groundbreaking legislation will only deliver on its life-saving promise if the nation confronts long-held religious and cultural objections to organ donation, backs it with sufficient public investment and upgrades care standards at its main public hospital. Dr. Kenneth Connell, an internal medicine expert and medical educator at the University of the West Indies (UWI), laid out his vision for rolling out the new framework during senate deliberations, emphasizing that shifting public mindsets is the most critical first step to expanding access to life-saving transplants for Barbadians.

    In remarks to fellow lawmakers, Connell argued that the island nation must undergo a widespread cultural shift around organ donation, moving past deeply ingrained religious beliefs that frame removing organs after death as a violation of divine will. He shared a personal anecdote to illustrate the scope of the cultural barrier: a dying relative once told him she wanted to return to her creator in the same physical state she was born in. “This speaks to our religious background,” Connell noted, adding that it is past time for Barbadian society to evolve beyond this limiting perspective. “We now have to change our entire culture. How do we change that culture so that the average Barbadian citizen doesn’t see this as an act against God, but sees this as the ultimate act of giving?” he asked.

    While Connell is a vocal supporter of the new transplant legislation, he backed the decision to launch the program with an opt-in consent model, which requires citizens to actively agree to have their organs donated after death, rather than adopting an opt-out system like the one used in the United Kingdom. He explained that the island needs years of sustained public education to build public trust and understanding before it can make the jump to a default consent framework. “You can’t bring a new legislation… and say, oh, by the way, from tomorrow, by default, every single Barbadian citizen must opt out,” he said. “Many of us will rush and say: ‘Well, I ain’t ready for this yet.’”

    The senator also highlighted the deep resource gaps that threaten the success of the new law, even after it passes. Connell, who has decades of experience as a medical educator, praised UWI’s critical contributions to Barbados’ healthcare system, revealing that nearly 20 percent of consultant physicians at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) – the country’s main public care facility – are full-time UWI faculty. But he stressed that the nation currently has only one fully qualified transplant surgeon, and faces a critical shortage of kidney specialists, at a time when chronic lifestyle diseases have driven soaring demand for kidney transplants and dialysis care across the island.

    Beyond staff shortages, Connell called for urgent reforms to improve patient dignity and care standards at the QEH, calling out the lack of privacy for patients waiting for dialysis treatment. “Think about the impact that has on the 27-year-old who must sit on the bench waiting to enter the dialysis unit with all of his friends seeing him,” he said, pushing for the creation of a private, air-conditioned waiting lounge specifically for these patients. He also criticized a glaring public health misstep at the facility: vending machines stocked full of sugary carbonated drinks are placed directly adjacent to the dialysis unit, a contradiction of the hospital’s mission as a space for health and healing. “The hospital is a health space,” Dr Connell stated. “And if we can’t get this one space right, then how do we speak to the wider environment?”

    Connell acknowledged that the proposed bill has a number of gaps that will need to be addressed over time, including the need for stronger cybersecurity protections for the national organ donor registry and streamlined legal processes to speed up organ retrieval after a donor’s death. Even with these shortcomings, he urged his fellow medical professionals across the country to back the legislation, framing it as a critical first step toward building a fully functional organ transplant program that saves hundreds of lives in the years to come. “See this bill as a starting point and not the end or destination,” he urged.