分类： society

As Barbados prepares for its peak tourist season, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has reintroduced its ‘Dine with a Bajan’ initiative, a community-based tourism program that invites visitors to enjoy authentic Bajan meals in the homes of local hosts. The relaunch event took place on Wednesday evening at the Cricket Legends of Barbados in Fontabelle, St. Michael, where attendees learned about the program’s details and its cultural significance. Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, highlighted the initiative’s role in showcasing Barbados’ culture and hospitality while fostering local entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism practices. He emphasized that the program strengthens the Barbados brand by highlighting the island’s most valuable asset—its people. Visitors who participate in ‘Dine with a Bajan’ will experience genuine connections with their hosts, enjoying traditional dishes and stories that reflect the true spirit of Barbadian hospitality. BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin explained that hosts underwent a rigorous application process and participated in a two-day workshop covering health and safety, service excellence, storytelling, and culinary skills. The evening also featured a preview of the dishes prepared by Chef Creig Greenidge, offering a taste of what guests can expect. The first cohort of hosts includes Maria Joseph, Patricia Mash, Marie Alleyne, and others, alongside the Cricket Legends of Barbados. Hosts like Juliette Jeffers shared their motivations for joining the program, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome they received upon relocating to Barbados. Julia Caine, General Manager of Cricket Legends of Barbados, added that guests dining at their venue will also enjoy insights into the island’s cricketing history. For updates, interested individuals can follow BTMI on social media platforms.

The Barbados Road Safety Association (BRSA) has called on the Barbados Police Service to urgently establish specialized motorcycle squads in response to a surge in violent incidents involving illegal scrambler bikes. These bikes are increasingly associated with serious crimes and high-speed escapes, posing a significant threat to public safety. BRSA President Roland Lowe, a former police officer, emphasized the need for a trained and well-equipped team to tackle the issue effectively. Lowe highlighted the inadequacy of broad statements and stressed the necessity of officers skilled in handling dirt bikes and navigating tight, off-road spaces where illegal riders often operate. His remarks followed a recent shootout between police and armed men on motorcycles, which occurred during an attempted apprehension of off-road bikers near Westbury Cemetery. Police Commissioner Richard Boyce has announced intensified efforts to curb the use of illegal scramblers and face coverings, citing their role in facilitating quick getaways and evading detection. However, Lowe expressed skepticism, noting that similar promises in the past have yielded little tangible progress due to the lack of specialized units. He also pointed to broader recruitment challenges within the police force, arguing that attracting qualified personnel is essential for creating effective specialized teams. Lowe concluded that without addressing these underlying issues, the police will remain ill-equipped to combat the growing menace of illegal scrambler bikes and related crimes.

The St Michael parish celebrated the exceptional contributions of 100 dedicated residents during the Pride of Barbados Awards ceremony at State House on Friday. Hosted by President Sandra Mason, the event honored individuals who have made significant impacts in various community initiatives. Among the awardees were Julene Kellman, recognized for her work in education and support for breast cancer patients through the Olive Branch of Hope Foundation; Dean Squires, applauded for using sports to engage youth; and Calisa Wilson, one of the youngest honorees, acknowledged for her efforts in educating children in underserved areas. The ceremony, part of the We Gatherin’ programme, highlighted the importance of community service and its role in fostering societal growth. St Michael North West MP Neil Rowe and St Michael West Central MP Ian Gooding-Edghill praised the recipients for their unwavering commitment, urging others to follow their example. The event concluded with a call to continue uplifting community development across Barbados.

In a significant step to address the educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary School has received a set of cutting-edge digital learning kits. The donation, part of a nationwide initiative, was facilitated by the Massy Foundation (Barbados) Inc., in collaboration with Kingdom Life Ministries and Caribbean eBook Ltd. The Learnit ‘Teachnology’ Solution kits were officially handed over during a ceremony held on Friday. Natalie McDowald, Massy’s marketing manager and a member of the Massy Foundation advisory panel, emphasized that the donation symbolizes more than just the transfer of equipment. ‘This moment is a declaration of belief in the power of education, the resilience of our youth, and our shared responsibility to ensure no child is left behind,’ she stated. McDowald highlighted the profound impact of the pandemic on the education system, particularly at schools like Grantley Adams Memorial, where issues such as absenteeism, learning loss, and environmental challenges persist. Despite these obstacles, she praised the school’s leadership for choosing hope and innovation by adopting the Learnit Solution. The Massy Foundation has already donated similar kits to several other schools, including Selah Primary, Lifelong School Skills Training, Ellerton Primary, St Mark’s Primary, and Hilda Skeene Primary, with plans to extend the initiative to Half Moon Fort Primary. To date, the foundation has invested over $424,000 in the program, with Kingdom Life Ministries contributing an additional $155,000, bringing the total donation to nearly $580,000. McDowald described the Learnit Solution as a lifeline for struggling learners, offering over 190 offline, interactive applications designed to enhance learning through touch, sound, and action. Principal Andrew Skeete welcomed the donation, noting its potential to bolster the school’s remedial program and deliver more responsive, flexible, and engaging instruction.

At the Barbados Sustainable Energy Youth Forum, held on Thursday at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, students from across the island shared their insights on how young people can contribute to Barbados’ energy independence. As the nation nears its 59th anniversary of Independence, these young voices highlighted the importance of knowledge, innovation, and behavioral change in achieving true energy sovereignty.

Nikhyl Burnett from Christ Church Foundation School emphasized the need for education in schools to help students understand and innovate energy-efficient solutions. Elijah Gamble and Tre-Nisha Simpson from the Alleyne School suggested educating children through workshops and exposing them to experts in the field. Shavier Mayers of Grantley Adams Memorial School advocated for energy conservation by prioritizing essential usage.

Nykira Pryme from Springer Memorial School proposed reducing phone usage and unplugging chargers to save energy. Charles Waithe of Harrison College highlighted the potential of solar panels and wind turbines for energy storage and grid independence. Roshida Hamilton and Akeelah McDonald from Combermere School encouraged collaborative projects like mini ovens and turbines, spreading awareness and involving teachers and peers.

These youthful perspectives underscored the critical role of education, innovation, and community engagement in driving Barbados toward a sustainable energy future.