The ongoing debate surrounding the Age of Civil Responsibility (ACR) Bill has brought to light critical issues concerning adolescent sexual health in the Caribbean. Recent findings reveal that only 5% of parents engage in conversations with their children about puberty and responsible sexual behavior. Alarmingly, some parents fail to cooperate with legal authorities in cases involving sexual predators, and in extreme instances, even exploit their children for financial gain. The Caribbean region holds the dubious distinction of having the second-highest adolescent fertility rate globally, the second-earliest sexual debut, and three countries ranking among the top ten for gender-based violence. While the ACR Bill alone cannot resolve these deep-seated issues, it serves as a catalyst for broader initiatives. These include promoting abstinence, overcoming parental reluctance to discuss sex, enhancing sexuality education in schools and churches, and improving access to contraceptives and counseling for sexually active individuals of all ages. Studies indicate that 99% of women visiting public health clinics are aware of at least one contraceptive method. However, 80% report that their most recent or current pregnancy was unplanned. The primary reasons for not using contraceptives include fear of side effects (55%), partner objection (22%), and cost (8%). Addressing these challenges requires dispelling myths about modern contraceptives, combating patriarchal attitudes, and implementing policies that eliminate legal and economic barriers to contraceptive access. World Contraception Day serves as a poignant reminder of these ongoing struggles. Sincerely, Tonia Frame, President, Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) and Fred Nunes, Consultant, Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE). NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements, or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.
分类： society
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Sudden Appearance of Giant Statue on All Saints Road Raises Questions
A towering statue has unexpectedly appeared along All Saints Road in Antigua, leaving residents both intrigued and puzzled. The imposing figure, which rises above the treetops, features a helmet-like headpiece, a skirted lower half, and folded arms, exuding an air of authority. Positioned on a high platform with scaffolding still visible, the structure has become a dominant feature of the local landscape, visible from afar.
Inquiries have revealed that the installation is the work of Elder Claude Weaver of the nearby Glorious Hope Church. While Weaver has yet to disclose the purpose of the monument, he has promised to share more details soon. The statue’s sudden appearance has sparked a wave of reactions. Some residents draw parallels to biblical visions, while others remain skeptical about its significance.
Bishop Charles Browne has expressed concern, questioning the timing of the monument’s unveiling amidst global and national challenges. “With all that’s going on in the country and the world, I don’t know why it is necessary,” Browne remarked, referencing the biblical story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.
Until Elder Weaver provides an explanation, the statue remains a subject of intense speculation. Some view it as a profound work of devotion or art, while others dismiss it as an ill-timed or misplaced symbol. The mystery surrounding the statue continues to captivate the community, making it a focal point of local conversation.
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BLA rolls out online services, boosts staff to improve service
The Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) has unveiled a comprehensive upgrade to its service delivery system, aiming to streamline processes and improve efficiency for the public. Chief Licensing Officer Treca McCarthy-Broomes announced the launch of a new online platform, effective immediately, which will allow citizens to access a range of services digitally. These include scheduling and paying for regulation exams, registering for new Public Service Vehicle (PSV) examinations, renewing learners’ permits, and processing payments for new or renewed driver’s licenses. This initiative is part of the Authority’s broader strategy to modernize its operations and enhance user convenience. Additionally, McCarthy-Broomes highlighted ongoing efforts to address staffing shortages in the driving test section. The recruitment of additional testing officers is underway and is expected to be finalized within the coming months, ensuring smoother and more timely service delivery. This dual approach of digital innovation and workforce expansion underscores the BLA’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Barbados’ citizens.
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Barbados to host major disability conference in October
Barbados is set to host the second Caribbean Global Disability Conference from October 17 to 22, 2023, under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Education for All Abilities.” Organized by the Caribbean Disability Network (CDN) in partnership with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs and the Barbados Council for the Disabled, the event will convene hundreds of stakeholders in Bridgetown to craft a unified regional action plan aimed at enhancing educational access for individuals with disabilities. Attendees will include government officials, educators, researchers, disability advocates, and civil society leaders from across the Caribbean and its diaspora. Andrew Sharpe, President and Founder of CDN, emphasized the conference’s role as a critical platform for Caribbean nations to collaborate on shared objectives. “We are excited to focus on inclusive education as the cornerstone of genuine community inclusion,” he stated. The conference will culminate in the drafting of a Regional Declaration on Inclusive Education, intended to guide future legislative and institutional reforms across the region. Over six days, sessions will address key topics such as inclusive education policy and legislation, curriculum development, teacher training, assistive technology, and social inclusion, particularly where disability intersects with poverty and gender. Local voices, including students, teachers, and disability advocates, will play a pivotal role in shaping discussions and outcomes. Barbados is expected to reap significant benefits from hosting the event, including heightened awareness of local disability issues, strengthened regional partnerships, and increased visibility for its inclusive education initiatives. Sharpe highlighted the broader goal of fostering a robust Caribbean-wide network of advocates and policymakers dedicated to inclusive development. “This is more than a conference; it’s the foundation of a movement,” he remarked. Anticipated outcomes include the regional declaration, policy recommendations, and the publication of resources to support the implementation of inclusive education practices throughout the Caribbean.
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Collective progress continues to be stymied by global inequalities, reports Int’l Labour Organization
Despite significant strides in education, poverty reduction, and productivity over the past three decades, entrenched inequalities, eroding trust in institutions, and sluggish advancements in key areas continue to impede global social justice, according to a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Titled ‘The State of Social Justice: A Work in Progress,’ the report reveals that 71 percent of an individual’s income is still heavily determined by factors such as their country of birth and gender. Published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha and marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development, the study acknowledges that while global wealth, health, and education levels have improved since 1995, these benefits have not been equitably distributed, and progress in reducing inequality has stagnated. The report highlights a steady decline in public trust in institutions since 1982, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with perceived unfair rewards for effort. The ILO warns that without urgent efforts to strengthen the social contract, this erosion of trust could undermine democratic governance and international cooperation. On a positive note, the report points to notable achievements, including a 50 percent reduction in child labor among children aged 5 to 14, a drop in extreme poverty from 39 to 10 percent, a ten percentage point increase in primary education completion rates, and social protection coverage for over half of the global population. However, persistent challenges remain: 58 percent of workers are still in informal employment, the gender participation gap in the workforce has only slightly decreased since 2005, and closing the global gender wage gap could take a century at current rates. These issues are exacerbated by rapid environmental, digital, and demographic changes reshaping labor markets at an unprecedented pace. The ILO emphasizes that without targeted policies, disparities will deepen, but strategic interventions—such as investing in skills development, social safety nets, equitable wage policies, and active labor market programs—can foster inclusion and resilience. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo stressed, ‘Social justice is not only a moral imperative—it is essential for economic security, social cohesion, and peace.’ The report calls for immediate action to address unequal access to opportunities, promote fairer economic benefits distribution, and manage global shifts in a way that leaves no one behind. It also advocates for embedding social justice at the core of all policy frameworks and enhancing collaboration among governments, international agencies, and social partners. The findings are expected to shape discussions at the upcoming World Social Summit in November and support the initiatives of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, led by the ILO, which unites stakeholders committed to building fairer and more inclusive societies.
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UK nursery worker jailed for abusing 21 babies
A London nursery worker has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of brutal and sadistic attacks on babies under her care. Roksana Lecka, 22, admitted to seven counts of cruelty to children under 16 and was convicted of an additional 14 counts following a trial. The shocking details of her crimes, described as “gratuitous” and “sadistic” by Judge Sarah Plaschkes, included pinching, slapping, punching, and even kicking infants. In one particularly egregious incident, Lecka repeatedly kicked a young boy in the face. The judge noted that Lecka often targeted children who were quietly minding their own business, inflicting pain deliberately and without provocation. Her actions were captured on nursery CCTV, leading to her arrest in June 2024. During the sentencing at Kingston Crown Court, victim impact statements from parents revealed the profound emotional toll of her actions. One mother described the children as “innocent and vulnerable,” emphasizing their inability to defend themselves or communicate the abuse. Lecka, who blamed her behavior on cannabis addiction, apologized in a letter to the court, claiming the drug had altered her personality. However, she was found not guilty of three additional counts of child cruelty. The case has sparked outrage and raised questions about safeguarding measures in childcare facilities.
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Caribbean initiates first shelter coordination team to enhance disaster readiness
As the Atlantic Hurricane Season enters its most critical phase, over 47 disaster management experts from the Caribbean and surrounding regions have united to form the Caribbean’s first Shelter Technical Working Group. Spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this groundbreaking initiative seeks to improve emergency shelter operations, ensure equitable aid distribution, and promote safer, more inclusive disaster response strategies for affected communities. Tamara Lovell, a Community Resilience Specialist with CDEMA, highlighted the group’s mission, stating, ‘This marks the beginning of a shelter management community for the Caribbean, with the goal of advancing shelter management practices in the future.’ Since its establishment, weekly meetings have fostered a collaborative network ready to address urgent shelter needs. Both CDEMA and IOM have committed to involving local organizations and communities in all planning and response efforts, recognizing their crucial role in creating inclusive shelters for vulnerable populations. The initiative includes national disaster agencies, civil society groups, and non-governmental organizations from across the region. To enhance coordination, a WhatsApp platform for real-time updates and a dedicated website for resource sharing have been launched. Future sessions will focus on critical topics such as relief supply quality, gender-based violence prevention, cash assistance programs, and sustainable shelter solutions. The group will also provide technical aid, conduct training, and mobilize relief supplies for rapid deployment during disasters. Emergency supplies, including plastic sheeting, toolkits, solar lamps, tents, generators, and hygiene products, have already been stockpiled at CDEMA’s Logistics Hub in Barbados by organizations like IOM, ShelterBox, GSD, UNICEF, and the Red Cross. Jan-Willem Wegdam, IOM’s Emergency Coordinator for the Caribbean, urged participants to collaborate, stating, ‘Let’s shape this agenda together and create a welcoming community where our collective efforts drive impact.’ This initiative is part of the RESILIENT CARIBBEAN Project, funded by the European Union and launched virtually by IOM on September 16.
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CTUSAB joins call for action to address ongoing nurse violence
The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has issued a stern call for immediate and coordinated measures to combat the escalating violence against nurses and healthcare workers in the country. This appeal follows yet another reported assault at a public health facility, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change. In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, CTUSAB General Secretary Dennis De Peiza condemned the repeated attacks as “disgusting and intolerable,” urging the Ministry of Health and Wellness and public healthcare management to take decisive action. De Peiza emphasized that such violence demands a robust response from authorities to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. CTUSAB has thrown its full support behind the Barbados Nurses Association (BNA), which has been advocating for comprehensive security enhancements across the healthcare system. These include improved security screening, the installation of surveillance cameras, and a reevaluation of the roles of Government Security Officers at polyclinics to ensure they protect employees as well as government property. Additionally, CTUSAB is pushing for the establishment of a standardized security policy applicable to all public healthcare institutions, complete with uniform protocols and systems. De Peiza also called for unity among nurses, urging them to rally behind the BNA’s campaign for stronger protections, regardless of their union affiliations. “We urge all nurses, irrespective of their individual trade union or staff association affiliation, to join the BNA in its fight to address these long-standing security shortcomings,” he stated. The union’s demands underscore the growing concern over the safety of healthcare workers and the need for immediate, systemic reforms to prevent further incidents of violence.
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Rotary Club Installs Peace Pole at Clare Hall Secondary
The Rotary Club of Antigua has unveiled a Peace Pole at Clare Hall Secondary School, marking a significant step in promoting peace and unity within the community. The installation, which took place recently, serves as a powerful symbol of hope, compassion, and the collective aspiration for a harmonious society. The Peace Pole carries a profound message: ‘Peace begins within—through thought, word, and action.’ It is designed to inspire students to embody peace in their daily lives, whether at home, in the classroom, or in their broader interactions. Rotary officials emphasized that the project aligns with the organization’s core principle of ‘Service Above Self,’ reflecting their commitment to fostering positive change. In a statement, the club expressed their vision for the monument: ‘Our mission shines brightest when rooted in hope. May this Peace Pole inspire a generation to lead with kindness and create a future filled with peace.’ The Rotary Club of Antigua has a long-standing history of contributing to education, health, and community development initiatives across the island, and this latest project underscores their dedication to nurturing a culture of peace among the youth.
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Antigua and Barbuda Government Pushes Ahead With Removal of Derelict Vehicles
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is ramping up its efforts to tackle the long-standing issue of abandoned vehicles littering roadsides and communities. Despite the initiative’s slow and complex progress, officials remain committed to the cause. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed during a recent Cabinet press briefing that a dedicated team has been formed to systematically map the country by zones, identifying and marking derelict vehicles. Owners are given a 14-day notice to remove their vehicles; failure to comply results in the state taking control and disposing of them at designated dumpsites. Merchant emphasized the growing impatience of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Cabinet members, who have repeatedly expressed frustration over the sluggish pace of the cleanup. The prime minister has consistently linked the initiative to broader beautification and greening projects, urging for accelerated action. Legal complexities, particularly regarding vehicles located on property boundaries, have further hindered progress. Officials are treading carefully to avoid disputes with property owners. The derelict vehicle cleanup is part of a larger national beautification campaign, which includes tree-planting along highways and a nationwide cleanup drive led by the Defence Force next month. These initiatives aim to enhance the country’s aesthetics, boost its tourism appeal, and foster community pride. Despite the challenges, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming Antigua and Barbuda’s landscape.