分类： society

The Barbados Bar Association has issued a definitive statement emphasizing that all legal professionals intending to practice in Barbados under the newly implemented CARICOM cross-border initiative must comply with the country’s established legal entry and registration protocols, irrespective of their nationality. This announcement follows the activation of the initiative on Wednesday, which grants citizens of Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize indefinite rights to reside, work, and study in Barbados. Bar President Kaye Williams addressed concerns raised by professionals regarding the initiative’s implementation, reaffirming Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s position on the matter. Williams underscored that while the Bar Association supports regional freedom of movement, all attorneys-at-law and law firms, whether CARICOM nationals or not, must adhere to Barbados’ legislative requirements for professional practice. Quoting Prime Minister Mottley, Williams highlighted that the initiative does not exempt professionals from following the rules governing their respective fields. She specifically referenced the Professional Services Registration Act and the Profession Trade and Business Registration Act, which mandate that lawyers and other regulated professionals obtain valid practicing certificates and register with the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Williams also noted that these requirements apply to a broad spectrum of professions, including medical practitioners, accountants, architects, and journalists, among others. The initiative marks a historic step in regional integration, offering citizens of the four participating states access to social, educational, and health benefits equivalent to those of Barbados’ citizens.

Barbados is confronting a growing issue of lewd and disruptive behavior among schoolchildren on public buses, prompting urgent calls for intervention from government officials, union leaders, and parent advocates. Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith, Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) General Secretary Dennis Depeiza, and Paula-Ann Moore, spokesperson for the Group of Concerned Parents, have all emphasized the need for immediate action, though their perspectives on the root causes and solutions differ. Griffith attributes the problem to a breakdown in parenting and community mentorship, advocating for enhanced parental training, peer support networks, and intergenerational guidance. He stressed the importance of strong Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and the involvement of retired elders as mentors to instill positive values. Depeiza, however, points to a lack of enforcement and adult accountability as key factors, warning that without decisive action, the situation will worsen. He highlighted longstanding issues on ZR minibuses that have now affected the broader Transport Board system. Moore described the behavior as deeply concerning and urged both children and adults to take responsibility. She emphasized the need for societal unity in modeling appropriate behavior and enforcing zero tolerance for misconduct. A female student commuter shared firsthand accounts of disruptive behavior, including instances where bus drivers had to intervene. All stakeholders agree that a comprehensive, community-driven approach is essential to address this pressing issue.

The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has issued a stern warning to employers, vowing to escalate unresolved health and safety violations to the Labour Department. This comes amid growing concerns over the hazardous working conditions faced by many Barbadian employees across various sectors.

The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has observed a significant increase in employees seeking to join the union anonymously, citing fears of victimization if their union affiliation is revealed. This trend was disclosed by BWU General Secretary Toni Moore during a speech at the Frank Walcott Labour College, following a tour of 12 companies as part of the union’s 84th anniversary celebrations. Moore highlighted that some employers are resorting to intimidation tactics to undermine union representation, with a recent case at a hardware store exemplifying such behavior. In this instance, management allegedly pressured workers to abandon the union, promising benefits in return. Moore condemned these actions as union-busting, noting that the employer further attempted to divide workers by offering wage increases only to those believed to be non-unionized. Despite these challenges, the BWU has seen a notable rise in membership through discreet payment methods, such as First Pay and direct bank transfers, allowing workers to keep their union affiliation private. Moore emphasized that even shop stewards are often unaware of the true extent of union membership within their workplaces, as many workers choose to join anonymously. The union has identified wages, lack of upward mobility, unpredictable schedules, and health and safety concerns as key issues affecting workers. To address these challenges, the BWU continues to prioritize education, offering classes to help workers understand their rights and navigate workplace difficulties.