The Fisheries Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy has unveiled its comprehensive plans for World Fisheries Day 2025, observed globally on November 21. This year’s theme, “Small-Scale Fisheries: Building Blue Economies,” highlights the pivotal role of coastal communities and the urgent need for sustainable marine resource management. Honorable Jullan Defoe, Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, will deliver the keynote address, broadcast live on Dominica Broadcasting Station (DBS). The event, scheduled for November 21 at the Roseau Fisheries Complex, will commence at 9:30 AM and feature a recognition ceremony, panel discussions, and award presentations for competitions such as the poster contest and biggest catch contest. The proceedings will be streamed live via Government Information Services (GIS) and Emo News, ensuring nationwide participation. A significant highlight of the ceremony will be the handover of fishing equipment and safety gear to local fisher groups by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as part of the BIOSPACE Project supported by the European Union. The panel discussion, moderated by Chief Fisheries Officer Mr. Derrick Theophille, will include experts Mr. Norman Norris, Mr. Harold Guiste, and Mr. Simon Walsh, addressing critical topics such as marine protected areas, small-scale fisheries, and coral conservation. Preceding the main event, students from Massacre, Roseau, and Goodwill Primary Schools will attend an educational Marine Awareness Session in Soufriere on November 19, where they will explore the Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve (SSMR) and visit the Coral Rescue Centre. The Fisheries Division encourages public participation in the celebrations, urging citizens to support local fisheries and contribute to marine conservation efforts.
分类： society
-
NTI at 5, toasts lifelong learners
Barbados marked a significant milestone in its journey toward digital empowerment as the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a grand awards ceremony at Ilaro Court. The event, titled ‘A Night with the STARRS,’ honored individuals who have embraced lifelong learning through the NTI, showcasing achievements in inclusion, innovation, and personal growth.
-
Community leader named one of world’s most influential Muslims
Suleiman Bulbulia, a prominent community activist from Barbados, has been honored as one of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims in the 2026 edition of *The Muslim 500*. This prestigious recognition underscores Barbados’ growing influence in global faith and leadership spheres. Bulbulia expressed profound humility and gratitude for the accolade, emphasizing that it reflects not only his personal achievements but also the collective pride of Barbados. He joins Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali as one of two new Caribbean entrants in this year’s list.
Produced by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, *The Muslim 500* annually highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the Islamic community worldwide. Bulbulia, a seasoned business and community leader with over three decades of experience in international relations and business management, has been instrumental in advancing Barbados’ socio-economic interests globally. His expertise in fostering cross-cultural cooperation and addressing global political and social issues has earned him widespread respect.
Bulbulia, who is fluent in English and has a working knowledge of Arabic, has held key roles in various organizations, including serving as secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association and chairing the National NCD Commission. His dedication to promoting inclusivity, mutual respect, and bridging societal divides in underprivileged communities earned him the Silver Trident of Excellence award in 2021.
In his remarks, Bulbulia stressed that this recognition reinforces his commitment to serving his community and contributing to national development. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues, and faith community for their unwavering support. Bulbulia’s inclusion in *The Muslim 500* not only celebrates his impactful work but also shines a spotlight on Barbados’ role in global faith and leadership.
-
PM urges St Lucy to be patient over water woes
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.