Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called on residents of St Lucy to remain patient as the government addresses persistent water supply challenges in the parish and surrounding areas. For years, districts in St Lucy and St Peter have grappled with water discolouration, a problem that has significantly impacted daily life. Speaking at the launch of the Lamberts and Castle wind farm project at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Mottley acknowledged the issue and assured residents that measures are underway to alleviate their concerns. She highlighted that financial relief has been provided to affected households, with residents of St Lucy and eastern St Peter exempt from basic water rates since April. This initiative, announced in March, is part of a 12-month commitment to support communities while infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of ageing water mains and improvements to filtration systems, are completed. Mottley emphasized the complexity of the process, stating, ‘As much as I would like to wiggle my nose and say, ‘let there be pipe,’ it takes time for us to lay pipe.’ She reassured residents that the government remains committed to resolving the issue and will provide further updates in due course.
分类： society
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Flood claims mount as insurers count losses after Sunday deluge
Barbados is grappling with the aftermath of the most severe flooding in a decade, which has left one man dead and caused extensive damage to vehicles across the island. The record-breaking floods, which occurred on Sunday, have led to a surge in motor insurance claims, with insurers estimating payouts in the tens of thousands of dollars.
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Kwaliteitsverbeteringen Kwatta Landbouwmarkt, duidelijkheid over terreinstatus
The recently completed fish hall at the Kwatta Agricultural Market marks the beginning of a new era in quality improvement for the market. The board of the S. Kisoensingh Foundation, which oversees the Kwatta Agricultural Market, presented this development during an introductory meeting with Mike Noersalim, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV). During the meeting, the foundation shared detailed financial data, including income and expenditure reports. It was previously reported that the market generates approximately SRD 500,000 in monthly revenue, which, according to the foundation, nearly covers its operational costs. Currently, around 700 vendors utilize the market, primarily on Sundays and Wednesdays. These vendors pay a fixed fee per sales day for access to facilities such as tables, seating, roofing, and sanitation. A key topic of discussion was the legal status of the land on which the market operates. Minister Noersalim clarified the ministry’s policy: the land will remain dedicated to market activities, with other forms of business explicitly excluded. The foundation retains the authority to manage the market and continue operations on the LVV-owned land. Both parties agreed that the meeting resolved uncertainties and emphasized the need for continued collaboration to ensure the market’s orderly and transparent management.
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Boy, 9, undergoes brain surgery after beating by schoolmate
A mother has expressed her profound distress after her 9-year-old son was severely injured by an older student at Kingstown Preparatory School on October 22. The incident led to the child developing meningitis, necessitating emergency brain surgery. The boy, now in the Paediatric Critical Care Unit of Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), is battling seizures and enduring immense physical and emotional pain. His mother, who requested anonymity, revealed that her son’s condition is critical, with doctors describing him as the sickest child in the ward. The boy, who initially kept the assault a secret, began experiencing severe headaches and pain days after the incident. His family later discovered that he had been slammed into a door and concrete by another student. Medical examinations revealed significant inflammation and pus in his brain, requiring the removal of 100 ml of pus during surgery on November 12. The mother, who lives overseas, returned to St. Vincent to authorize the life-saving procedure. She expressed frustration over the lack of accountability from the school and the Ministry of Education, as well as the absence of remorse from the family of the alleged perpetrator. The mother plans to pursue legal action, citing the emotional trauma her son now endures, including feelings of insecurity about his appearance due to surgical scars. She remains by her son’s side at the hospital, grappling with the emotional and financial burdens of his recovery.
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GTA strengthens strategic focus on Carriacou and Petite Martinique
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) recently wrapped up a comprehensive three-day strategic session aimed at bolstering the tourism infrastructure of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada’s sister islands. Spearheaded by CEO Stacey Liburd, Chief Marketing Officer Tornia Charles, and Quality Assurance Manager Keron Moore, the initiative underscored GTA’s dedication to fostering inclusive development across the tri-island state. The event featured a series of interactive presentations and stakeholder meetings, focusing on sustainable growth, product enhancement, and market readiness. Key highlights included a Strategic Presentation outlining GTA’s vision for integrating the islands into the national tourism strategy, a Social Media Workshop on digital marketing best practices, a Quality Assurance session emphasizing service standards, and a Marketing 101 module designed to boost local businesses’ promotional capabilities. A pivotal component of the program was a stakeholder engagement tour in Petite Martinique, which provided the delegation with firsthand insights into the island’s tourism assets and the needs of local operators. This visit facilitated open discussions on service delivery, training, and investment opportunities, aimed at enhancing the resilience and visibility of the sister islands. Liburd emphasized the importance of Carriacou and Petite Martinique to Grenada’s overall tourism growth, stating, ‘These sessions are about listening, sharing practical tools, and creating sustainable pathways that empower our industry partners on every island to thrive. Our goal is one cohesive tri-island product that celebrates diversity while delivering excellence.’ A Carriacou service provider praised the initiative, noting the high quality of presentations and the opportunity to engage directly with GTA representatives. The GTA remains committed to ongoing collaboration with tourism partners across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, focusing on capacity building, innovation, and sustainable tourism growth.
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Barbados must act decisively in clean energy transition, says PM
The Mia Mottley administration has taken a bold step towards Barbados’ clean energy future by launching a request for qualifications for the proposed Lamberts and Castle Wind Project. Prime Minister Mottley, speaking at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, emphasized the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy, stating that the country’s resilience and energy independence hinge on swift, decisive action. She warned that Barbados can no longer afford delays in addressing climate change and securing its energy future.
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Antiguan Educator Dr. Anthony Donaldson Earns Ph.D., Pledging Deeper Commitment to National Education
Dr. Anthony S. Donaldson, a distinguished educator from Antigua, has recently achieved a monumental academic milestone by earning his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education from The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). This accomplishment not only highlights his dedication to the field of education but also sets the stage for his continued influence on national educational practices. Over a career spanning more than twenty years, Dr. Donaldson has served in various capacities at several prestigious institutions, including Holy Trinity School in Barbuda, Clare Hall Secondary School, Boys Training School, and St. Mary’s Secondary School. His doctoral research delved into the leadership strategies employed by secondary school principals in Antigua to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into curriculum delivery. Utilizing a convergent mixed-methods approach, his study explored the successes, challenges, and potential of ICT integration in schools, offering valuable insights that could inform future educational policies. Dr. Donaldson’s findings are expected to be a cornerstone for developing strategies that align with the needs of a digital society. Beyond his research, Dr. Donaldson is actively involved in higher education as a faculty member at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies and as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus. His teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered, transformative learning that encourages critical thinking and practical application. Dr. Donaldson is committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment that accommodates diverse learning styles and backgrounds. He extends his heartfelt thanks to his family, friends, and the PM scholarship program for their unwavering support throughout his academic journey.
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PM Says Management Plan for Booby Alley Housing Already in Place
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the government has established a comprehensive management structure for the Booby Alley housing complex, which is set to open soon. During an appearance on the Browne and Browne show, the Prime Minister addressed concerns about the long-term oversight of the multimillion-dollar development, emphasizing that the management plan was carefully considered and not an afterthought.
Browne highlighted that the scale of the new complex necessitates multiple administrators for day-to-day operations. “Two or three property managers will be required,” he stated, drawing on his personal experience living in apartment developments in the United States. He assured that similar management principles would be applied to ensure the smooth operation of the Booby Alley complex.
The Prime Minister also underscored the strategic importance of the project, located at the gateway to St. John’s and visible to cruise visitors entering through the Newgate Street home-porting area. He described the development as a key component of the government’s broader initiative to modernize the capital’s waterfront.
Co-host Donna Shire echoed the need for structured oversight, emphasizing the importance of clear rules, management processes, and thorough vetting for residents. “You need to have a property manager… You need to have an application and a vetting process,” she remarked.
The Booby Alley project, years in the making, is nearing completion and is expected to open alongside other upgrades in the Point community. While the full management framework has not yet been publicly released, Browne confirmed that the essential elements have already been determined.
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US$12.5M Early Warning System Moves Toward Full Rollout in Antigua and Barbuda
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has initiated a groundbreaking $12.5 million Early Warning for All Project (EW4ALL) in Antigua and Barbuda, aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience. Funded by the Green Climate Fund, the project seeks to establish a robust system to educate, warn, and protect communities from climate and weather-related hazards. Last week, key stakeholders were briefed on their roles and the critical aspects of the initiative, which is set to be fully implemented by February 2026. Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, Cluster Lead for Prevention, Resilience, and Recovery at UNDP, emphasized that the project stems from the understanding that advanced weather observation and hazard information can significantly reduce damage and safeguard lives and livelihoods. The project comprises four key components: Disaster Risk Coordination and Governance; Knowledge, Detection, Observation, Monitoring, Analysis, and Forecasting; Warning Dissemination and Communication; and Preparedness and Response Capabilities. It is being executed in collaboration with several UN agencies, including the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Antigua and Barbuda is one of seven countries benefiting from this global initiative. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services (ABMS) and the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) are the primary beneficiaries, with participation required across various government sectors, including the Ministries of Finance and Environment, the Development Control Authority (DCA), and the Private and Civil Society Sectors. Critical to the project’s success are the review of the Disaster Management Act, the Met Services Bill, Planning Regulations, Sector Disaster Risk Reduction Plans, and the establishment of a Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Fund. A Project Inception meeting in February 2026 will mark the official start of the project, bringing together donors, UN agencies, and stakeholders.
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Pension security is a three-way commitment
Barbados is confronting a critical juncture in its retirement planning, necessitating candid discussions about the sustainability of its pension system. The National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS), which has long served as the cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net, is under increasing strain due to demographic shifts. According to actuary Lisa Wade of Eckler, Barbados’ ageing population is the primary driver of this pressure. With longer life expectancies, declining birth rates, and a shrinking workforce, the number of contributors to the NISSS is dwindling while the number of pensioners is rising. This imbalance threatens the financial stability of the National Insurance Fund, even as the economy shows signs of improvement. Wade emphasized at the recent Eckler annual Pension Investment Conference that economic growth alone cannot counteract the challenges posed by an ageing society. To address this, the government has already implemented reforms, such as raising the pensionable age and increasing the required number of contributions. However, Wade argues that these measures are insufficient on their own. She advocates for mandatory participation in employer pension plans, highlighting the risks of employees opting out for short-term financial gains. Additionally, she calls for policy changes to eliminate double taxation on private pensions, which could incentivize personal savings and reduce reliance on the NISSS. Wade’s recommendations underscore the need for a collaborative approach to retirement security, involving the government, employers, and individuals. Only through shared responsibility can Barbados ensure a sustainable and resilient pension system for future generations.