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Opposition Senator Andre Worrell has reiterated his call for mandatory DNA testing at the commencement of child maintenance and paternity proceedings, emphasizing that such a measure would promote fairness and prevent future emotional and financial turmoil. During Wednesday’s Senate debate on the Family Leave Bill, Sen. Worrell aligned his stance with that of acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna, who last month advocated for automatic DNA testing to bring greater clarity and equity to family legal matters. McKenna, speaking at a panel discussion on financial child support delinquency, suggested that Barbados should adopt a system where DNA testing is automatically conducted when a man is brought before the court for maintenance. She argued that this approach would eliminate uncertainty and ensure that maintenance obligations are based on verified paternity. Sen. Worrell, while supporting the Family Leave Bill, which extends maternity leave and introduces paid paternity leave, highlighted the need for the legal system to ensure fairness for men by making paternity testing accessible and affordable. He pointed out that many men face significant emotional and financial distress when they later discover they are not the biological fathers of children they were ordered to support. Worrell proposed that introducing DNA testing at the outset of maintenance proceedings would mitigate these issues, benefiting all parties involved. He suggested that early paternity testing should be integrated into the legal process to prevent prolonged disputes and ensure that maintenance decisions are grounded in scientific evidence.

Barbados has made history by becoming the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation to introduce paid paternity leave, marking a significant milestone in supporting working families. Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy and Business, announced this landmark achievement during the Senate’s deliberation on the Family Leave Bill, which had already passed the House of Assembly. The legislation extends maternity leave from 12 to 14 weeks for single births and 17 weeks for multiple births, while granting fathers three weeks of paid paternity leave—a first in the region. Senator Cummins emphasized that Barbados is now “proudly leading the way” in parental support, outpacing its regional counterparts. While countries like the Dominican Republic offer two days of paid paternity leave and Suriname provides eight days, Barbados stands alone in CARICOM with its comprehensive paid paternity leave policy. Senator Cummins highlighted the contrast with developed nations such as Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway, which offer significantly longer parental leave periods. However, she underscored the importance of contextualizing Barbados’ progress within its economic realities as a small developing nation. The Minister also shared data on Barbados’ investment in maternity benefits, noting a decline in beneficiaries from 1,300 in 2015 to 842 in 2025, with corresponding payouts decreasing from $6.9 million to $5.4 million. She stressed that the new legislation is not merely a financial measure but a profound social investment in family well-being. Senator Cummins emphasized the irreplaceable value of the early weeks and years in a child’s life, stating that this policy reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing social care and promoting equal parenting roles. Describing the initiative as “critical” and “groundbreaking,” she affirmed its role in fostering stronger families and a more equitable society.

The Caribbean and the global Anglican community are united in mourning the passing of Archbishop Drexel Gomez, a revered figure in the Anglican Church, who died on Tuesday at the age of 88. Born in the Bahamas, Gomez was a trailblazer in the Church, becoming the first Caribbean-born Bishop of Barbados in 1972 at just 36 years old. His leadership spanned two decades, marking a historic chapter in the diocese’s 200-year history. In 1998, he ascended to the role of Archbishop of the Church in the Province of the West Indies, further cementing his legacy. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados paid heartfelt tribute to Gomez, recalling his gentle demeanor, unwavering authority, and profound impact on both the Church and society. She highlighted his ability to connect with people of all ages and his fearless engagement with social and political issues. Bishop Michael Maxwell of Barbados also honored Gomez’s life, emphasizing his dedication to the Church and his contributions to the Anglican Communion. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis remembered Gomez as a spiritual guide and a steadfast servant of the Bahamian people, whose moral clarity and quiet courage left an indelible mark. Archbishop Gomez’s life and work continue to inspire generations, leaving a legacy of faith, leadership, and compassion.

A United Nations climate advisor has raised alarms over the unchecked expansion of hotels and high-rise condominiums along Barbados’ coastline, warning that such development is eroding the island’s natural beauty and ecological integrity. Speaking at the Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit and Expo, Ashley Lashley, a prominent environmental advocate, criticized the prioritization of profit over sustainability, calling for a fundamental shift in how progress is measured.

Lashley, who also heads the Ashley Lashley Foundation, highlighted the visible consequences of coastal development. “When you drive around Barbados, you see hotels and condos growing taller by the week, restaurants creeping closer to the beach, and this is labeled as progress. But progress for whom?” she questioned. She expressed deep concern over the loss of natural spaces, particularly beaches, which are vital to the island’s identity and future generations.

Lashley argued that Barbados’ economic model rewards resource extraction rather than environmental protection. “We celebrate every new building, every ribbon cutting, but where’s the recognition for the reef that died last year or the mangrove that protects us from floods?” she asked. She likened current development practices to “capitalism dressed up as progress,” emphasizing that the true cost of this approach is already evident in the form of droughts, heatwaves, and increasingly severe hurricanes.

Joining Lashley at the summit, Selwin Hart, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action, echoed her concerns, noting that the Caribbean is disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing minimally to its causes. “The region is paying the highest price for a crisis it did not create,” he said. However, Hart praised the Caribbean’s resilience and innovation, citing initiatives such as solar microgrids, mangrove restoration, and climate-smart farming as examples of regional leadership.

Both speakers called for urgent action and unity, urging young people to continue advocating for sustainable solutions and amplifying the Caribbean’s voice on the global stage. “The world is watching the Caribbean,” Hart said. “Let us transform vulnerability into leadership and injustice into momentum for change.”