分类： society

The Kensington Oval in Barbados was alive with energy and vibrancy on Friday evening as the National Youth Parade showcased the talents and spirit of the nation’s youth. Featuring dynamic performances from the Barbados Fire Cadets, Barbados YouthAdvance Corps, Girl Guides, and other organizations, the event celebrated the resilience and determination of young Barbadians. Amid the festivities, Caleb Brathwaite, President of the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC), delivered a poignant address, urging leaders and stakeholders to deepen their commitment to supporting the younger generation.

The Kiwanis Club of Barbados is amplifying its initiatives to encourage more young men to participate in its service and leadership programs. This move comes in response to growing concerns about the declining interest among boys in assuming leadership roles. Karen Bascombe, the outgoing president of the Kiwanis Club of Barbados Benevolence, highlighted this strategic focus during the installation ceremony of 29 new members of the revitalized Key Club at St George Secondary School last Friday. Bascombe emphasized the organization’s deliberate efforts to inspire boys to take on leadership positions, citing the influence of young leaders like Jaheim Carter, the current governor of the Key Club Caribbean Atlantic District. Carter, a 17-year-old sixth-form student at Combermere School, has become a role model for his peers, demonstrating the impact of effective leadership and mentorship. Bascombe noted that Carter’s involvement has already led to an increase in male participation in Kiwanis programs, marking a significant step forward. Carter himself shared insights into the challenges young male leaders face today, pointing out the scarcity of male role models in leadership positions across Barbados. He stressed the importance of self-reliance and personal growth in leadership, urging young men to strive to be the best versions of themselves. Carter’s recent participation in the Key Club International Convention in Orlando, Florida, further fueled his commitment to recruiting more young men into the organization. He expressed his vision for a future where Barbados sees a more balanced representation of male and female leaders, starting with the youth. Carter’s efforts underscore the Kiwanis Club’s broader mission to foster leadership and community service among young people, with a particular focus on addressing the gender gap in leadership roles.

On September 27, 2025, Barbados enthusiastically marked World Tourism Day 2025, embracing the theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’ This year’s focus underscores tourism’s role not merely as an economic engine but as a catalyst for societal progress, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability. For Barbados, tourism is the lifeblood of its economy, generating foreign exchange, creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and offering opportunities across generations. It also serves as a cultural ambassador, showcasing the island’s heritage, creativity, and hospitality to the world. However, realizing tourism’s transformative potential demands more than growth—it requires vision, discipline, and sustainability. Key priorities include strategic governance, environmental conservation, human capital development, resilience against climate change, and equitable distribution of benefits. Javon Griffith, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to these principles, emphasizing collaboration among government, private sector, and communities. Despite challenges like rising global costs and climate pressures, Barbados aims to remain a premier, resilient destination. On this World Tourism Day, the nation recommits to leveraging tourism as a force for national transformation, community upliftment, and environmental protection, ensuring prosperity for future generations.

A transformative $262,200 scholarship initiative has been unveiled by the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) in partnership with the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank. This groundbreaking program aims to provide financial support to nearly 100 students pursuing careers in the automotive and energy industries. The initiative is part of the Youth Empowerment Programme and will fund SJPI certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma programs in refrigeration and air conditioning.

A transformative $262,200 scholarship initiative has been unveiled by the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) in partnership with the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank. This groundbreaking program aims to provide financial support to nearly 100 students pursuing careers in the automotive and energy industries. The initiative is part of the Youth Empowerment Programme and will fund SJPI certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma programs in refrigeration and air conditioning.

Tourism transcends mere travel—it is the lifeblood of cultures, communities, and connections. On World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27, the global community reflects on the journeys that unite the world. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” emphasizes not only the economic significance of tourism but also its potential to foster enduring benefits for communities, economies, and the environment. In Barbados, the focus often centers on international visitors and foreign reserves. However, tourism also thrives at home, where locals explore, support, and sustain the island’s treasures. This philosophy underpins Barbados Today’s campaign, “We Vacation Where We Live,” which encourages Barbadians to rediscover their homeland through immersive tours, authentic cuisine, and cozy staycations. The message is clear: the attractions that draw global travelers can also inspire locals to explore and take pride in their own backyard. One such initiative is The Off Road Experience (TORE) Barbados, founded by Zeko Springer. Born during the COVID-19 pandemic, TORE began as a local venture but has since evolved into a unique offering for both residents and visitors. Springer’s vision was to demystify the outdoors while creating an exhilarating experience. “We wanted to add something fresh and unique to Barbados’ tourism landscape,” he explained. TORE’s success underscores the importance of locals understanding and appreciating their own country. “Home drums beat first,” Springer remarked, emphasizing the value of sharing authentic experiences with visitors. Culinary tourism also plays a pivotal role in Barbados’ sustainable transformation. Yelluh Meat, a restaurant in Black Rock, St. Michael, celebrates Bajan heritage through its signature breadfruit bowls. Co-owner Kim Hamblin highlighted the importance of authenticity. “Visitors seek experiences they can’t find elsewhere,” she said. Yelluh Meat’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its sourcing practices, as it exclusively uses locally grown breadfruit. The restaurant also collaborates with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) to offer immersive tours, teaching visitors the art of roasting breadfruit over wood fires. For those seeking a place to unwind, Paradise Point Apartments in Maxwell, Christ Church, offers an affordable, art-inspired retreat. Founder Shona Catlin designed the apartments to showcase local artistry, with each room featuring murals of iconic Bajan symbols. “I wanted to create a unique yet budget-friendly experience,” Catlin explained. By employing a DIY approach and upcycling materials, she kept costs low while maintaining high occupancy rates. Paradise Point’s success demonstrates that luxury need not be extravagant. As Barbados celebrates World Tourism Day, the island’s initiatives highlight the dual role of tourism: attracting global visitors while empowering locals to explore and cherish their homeland. By embracing local adventures, cuisine, and staycations, Barbadians not only bolster their economy but also deepen their pride in the island’s rich offerings.

Tourism transcends mere travel—it is the lifeblood of cultures, communities, and connections. On World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27, the global community reflects on the journeys that unite the world. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” emphasizes not only the economic significance of tourism but also its potential to foster enduring benefits for communities, economies, and the environment. In Barbados, the focus often centers on international visitors and foreign reserves. However, tourism also thrives at home, where locals explore, support, and sustain the island’s treasures. This philosophy underpins Barbados Today’s campaign, “We Vacation Where We Live,” which encourages Barbadians to rediscover their homeland through immersive tours, authentic cuisine, and cozy staycations. The message is clear: the attractions that draw global travelers can also inspire locals to explore and take pride in their own backyard. One such initiative is The Off Road Experience (TORE) Barbados, founded by Zeko Springer. Born during the COVID-19 pandemic, TORE began as a local venture but has since evolved into a unique offering for both residents and visitors. Springer’s vision was to demystify the outdoors while creating an exhilarating experience. “We wanted to add something fresh and unique to Barbados’ tourism landscape,” he explained. TORE’s success underscores the importance of locals understanding and appreciating their own country. “Home drums beat first,” Springer remarked, emphasizing the value of sharing authentic experiences with visitors. Culinary tourism also plays a pivotal role in Barbados’ sustainable transformation. Yelluh Meat, a restaurant in Black Rock, St. Michael, celebrates Bajan heritage through its signature breadfruit bowls. Co-owner Kim Hamblin highlighted the importance of authenticity. “Visitors seek experiences they can’t find elsewhere,” she said. Yelluh Meat’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its sourcing practices, as it exclusively uses locally grown breadfruit. The restaurant also collaborates with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) to offer immersive tours, teaching visitors the art of roasting breadfruit over wood fires. For those seeking a place to unwind, Paradise Point Apartments in Maxwell, Christ Church, offers an affordable, art-inspired retreat. Founder Shona Catlin designed the apartments to showcase local artistry, with each room featuring murals of iconic Bajan symbols. “I wanted to create a unique yet budget-friendly experience,” Catlin explained. By employing a DIY approach and upcycling materials, she kept costs low while maintaining high occupancy rates. Paradise Point’s success demonstrates that luxury need not be extravagant. As Barbados celebrates World Tourism Day, the island’s initiatives highlight the dual role of tourism: attracting global visitors while empowering locals to explore and cherish their homeland. By embracing local adventures, cuisine, and staycations, Barbadians not only bolster their economy but also deepen their pride in the island’s rich offerings.