分类： society

The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has voiced strong disapproval over a recent court decision that imposed a mere $400 fine on a man who assaulted a nurse while she was on duty. The association described the ruling as a ‘slap in the face’ to nurses and a failure to address the gravity of the offense. The incident involved 22-year-old Josiah Lovell, who physically assaulted 64-year-old nurse Hyacinth Green at the Randall Phillips Polyclinic last month. Lovell pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was ordered to pay the fine as compensation. He had been remanded for 28 days and released on $2,500 bail after paying the fine. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris emphasized that the penalty does not reflect the seriousness of the crime or the trauma experienced by the victim. ‘This decision sends a troubling message that violence against nurses may result in minimal consequences,’ Parris stated. ‘The penalty must act as a deterrent, not just a token response.’ The BNA has called for stronger legal protections for healthcare workers, a review of existing legislation, and the introduction of insurance coverage and support systems for nurses affected by workplace trauma. The association also urged public education to promote a zero-tolerance approach to violence in healthcare settings. ‘Nurses are essential to our healthcare system. Reducing such assaults to nominal fines undervalues their contributions and dignity,’ Parris added. The BNA is rallying policymakers, legal authorities, and the public to support nurses in demanding stronger protections and respect across all sectors.

Motorists in St Lucy, Barbados, are being alerted to significant traffic adjustments as the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) commences essential water mains installation work along Highway 1C, Hope Road. The road will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic from Wednesday, October 22, to Friday, October 24, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. This closure is necessary to facilitate the safe operation of heavy excavation equipment on the narrow roadway. Southbound travelers from River Bay and the St Lucy District Hospital are advised to proceed along Highway 1C to Northumberland, then detour via Hope Bridge Road to access Spring Hall. Conversely, northbound motorists from Spring Hall should use Hope Bridge Road through Northumberland to reach destinations north of the work zone, including the District Hospital, River Bay, and Animal Flower Cave Road. The BWA has emphasized its commitment to minimizing disruptions and restoring normal traffic flow swiftly. The Authority expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this critical infrastructure upgrade. Updates on the project will be shared through the BWA’s official communication channels.

The Government of Barbados has announced a comprehensive suite of legislative and policy reforms aimed at bolstering the island’s creative industries. Spearheaded by Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, the initiative includes the modernization of the Cultural Industries Development Act, the introduction of new film incentive legislation, and the development of a National Cultural Policy. These measures are designed to unlock the economic potential of the creative sector and provide robust support for filmmakers and cultural practitioners. Senator Munro-Knight revealed these plans during the launch of The Space, a new creative production hub by On Brand Global, in Christ Church. She emphasized that the reforms aim to modernize the legislative framework and align it with the current needs of the industry. The minister highlighted that consultations are ongoing to finalize the film incentive legislation, which will include provisions for local and regional productions, as well as the establishment of a special endowment fund. Additionally, the National Cultural Policy, developed after months of consultations, underscores the creative industry’s inclusivity, particularly in employing women and young people. Senator Munro-Knight also noted the sector’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a 14% growth. She stressed the need to fully recognize and harness the untapped potential of the creative sector, stating, ‘We need to do better to recognize the power that lies within.’ The launch of The Space coincides with the implementation of full freedom of movement provisions under the CARICOM Single Market, further enhancing regional collaboration in the creative industries.

Barbados’ creative industry has taken a significant leap forward with the inauguration of The Space, a state-of-the-art production hub designed to empower local talent. Located in Landsdown, Christ Church, and developed by On Brand Global, this innovative facility offers production studios, podcast rooms, and collaborative workspaces tailored to the needs of content creators, filmmakers, and artists. Co-founder and Managing Director Dana Best emphasized that The Space aims to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by providing access to professional resources that are often financially out of reach for many creatives. ‘Talent is everywhere, but opportunity needs infrastructure,’ Best remarked. ‘The Space exists to be that infrastructure—practical, professional, and proudly Barbadian.’ Beyond its physical offerings, the hub will focus on fostering community partnerships, delivering skills training, and providing mentorship opportunities for emerging creatives. Best envisions The Space becoming a thriving ecosystem where ideas are transformed into professional outputs. ‘We want to help people move from concept to completion,’ she explained. Over the next year, The Space plans to host workshops on digital storytelling, sound engineering, and brand strategy, alongside networking events to connect local talent with regional and international partners. Additionally, a digital platform will be launched to showcase the work produced at The Space, amplifying its global reach. Senator Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for culture, praised the initiative as a ‘timely and transformational’ investment in Barbados’ creative economy. ‘This is not just a building; it is a platform for possibility,’ she said. ‘It validates the contributions of creatives to national development.’ The Space represents a new chapter for Barbados’ creative sector, with Best hoping it will inspire a wave of collaboration and excellence. ‘We have the talent, the ideas, and the drive,’ she concluded. ‘Now, we finally have a home to bring it all together.’

The second edition of the Level Up Concert, organized by the Pleion Foundation in partnership with the National Peace Programme, took place last weekend at Freedom Square in The City. This event provided a vibrant platform for talented youth to showcase their skills while promoting a message of peace and positivity. The concert, themed ‘Be You,’ encouraged young attendees to embrace their individuality, self-worth, and positive values through various creative expressions, including instrumental performances, dance, and vocal acts spanning multiple genres. Participants, aged 11 to 19, took center stage, demonstrating the transformative impact of the Foundation’s initiatives. Sheldon Jones, Director of the Pleion Foundation, emphasized the event’s mission to create a positive space for youth development. ‘We aim to inspire young people to live lives of love, positivity, and devotion to higher principles,’ Jones stated. The Foundation, headquartered on Roebuck Street, offers a range of free programmes such as Boys to Men, Girls to Women, Youth Excel, and Children of Destiny, catering to participants as young as five years old. These initiatives focus on mentorship, leadership, and life skills, helping youth navigate life’s challenges. During a live interview segment, participants shared how the programmes have positively influenced their lives. Jones also encouraged parents to enrol their children, highlighting the accessibility and benefits of the programmes. ‘It’s absolutely free, and participants leave with a full mind and a full stomach,’ he added. The Level Up Concert continues to serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the younger generation.

Since 2009, the Small Business Association (SBA) of Barbados has been instrumental in training fifth-form students through its schools’ programme, a commendable initiative that has now reached new heights with the introduction of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Small Business Entrepreneurship Level 2. This qualification, developed in collaboration with industry partners, was recently rolled out to 75 secondary school students, with 68 successfully completing the programme and earning their certification. This marks a significant milestone in the local education system, as it provides students with a nationally recognised credential in entrepreneurship for the first time.

The NVQ is designed to address the practical demands of running a business in Barbados today. Its eight mandatory units cover essential areas such as retail products and services, small business planning, financial management, business technology, sustainable operations, workplace communication, health and safety, and cultural diversity. For students like Maria, a 17-year-old from Speightstown who sells handmade jewellery online, the NVQ offers a structured pathway to refine her business skills and gain formal recognition for her entrepreneurial efforts.

This initiative is particularly impactful given the dominance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Barbados’ private sector. Research indicates that MSMEs account for 92.2% of formal enterprises and nearly 48% of private-sector employment. The NVQ bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world business practices, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in the economy. It shifts the narrative from theoretical knowledge to demonstrated competency, empowering students to confidently pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Barbados’ approach stands out regionally. While countries like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago offer vocational qualifications in entrepreneurship, these are typically targeted at post-secondary or adult learners. The Barbados NVQ, however, engages secondary school students directly, fostering entrepreneurial thinking at an early age. This early intervention model positions Barbados as a regional leader in youth-focused entrepreneurship education.

The NVQ is more than just a credential; it is a launch pad for the next generation of business leaders. It equips students with tangible skills, real-world relevance, and regional mobility, enabling them to create businesses, drive innovation, and build prosperous futures. For policymakers and business partners, the NVQ is a call to action to provide the necessary resources, investment, mentorship, and opportunities to support these young entrepreneurs. This initiative underscores Barbados’ commitment to youth, innovation, and economic growth.