分类： society

Barbados is confronting a growing issue of lewd and disruptive behavior among schoolchildren on public buses, prompting urgent calls for intervention from government officials, union leaders, and parent advocates. Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith, Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) General Secretary Dennis Depeiza, and Paula-Ann Moore, spokesperson for the Group of Concerned Parents, have all emphasized the need for immediate action, though their perspectives on the root causes and solutions differ. Griffith attributes the problem to a breakdown in parenting and community mentorship, advocating for enhanced parental training, peer support networks, and intergenerational guidance. He stressed the importance of strong Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and the involvement of retired elders as mentors to instill positive values. Depeiza, however, points to a lack of enforcement and adult accountability as key factors, warning that without decisive action, the situation will worsen. He highlighted longstanding issues on ZR minibuses that have now affected the broader Transport Board system. Moore described the behavior as deeply concerning and urged both children and adults to take responsibility. She emphasized the need for societal unity in modeling appropriate behavior and enforcing zero tolerance for misconduct. A female student commuter shared firsthand accounts of disruptive behavior, including instances where bus drivers had to intervene. All stakeholders agree that a comprehensive, community-driven approach is essential to address this pressing issue.

The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has issued a stern warning to employers, vowing to escalate unresolved health and safety violations to the Labour Department. This comes amid growing concerns over the hazardous working conditions faced by many Barbadian employees across various sectors.

The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has observed a significant increase in employees seeking to join the union anonymously, citing fears of victimization if their union affiliation is revealed. This trend was disclosed by BWU General Secretary Toni Moore during a speech at the Frank Walcott Labour College, following a tour of 12 companies as part of the union’s 84th anniversary celebrations. Moore highlighted that some employers are resorting to intimidation tactics to undermine union representation, with a recent case at a hardware store exemplifying such behavior. In this instance, management allegedly pressured workers to abandon the union, promising benefits in return. Moore condemned these actions as union-busting, noting that the employer further attempted to divide workers by offering wage increases only to those believed to be non-unionized. Despite these challenges, the BWU has seen a notable rise in membership through discreet payment methods, such as First Pay and direct bank transfers, allowing workers to keep their union affiliation private. Moore emphasized that even shop stewards are often unaware of the true extent of union membership within their workplaces, as many workers choose to join anonymously. The union has identified wages, lack of upward mobility, unpredictable schedules, and health and safety concerns as key issues affecting workers. To address these challenges, the BWU continues to prioritize education, offering classes to help workers understand their rights and navigate workplace difficulties.

The passing of Thomas ‘Tom’ Grant, a celebrated Barbadian entrepreneur, has left a profound sense of loss, yet his remarkable journey from modest beginnings to building a multifaceted business empire continues to inspire. Born into humble circumstances, Tom’s relentless drive, determination, and hard work enabled him to establish a diverse portfolio of businesses, including automotive spare parts, hair care and beauty supplies, transportation, construction, pharmacies, and hospitality. His ventures not only spurred economic growth but also created numerous employment opportunities for Barbadians.

The Barbados Bar Association has issued a reminder to regional attorneys emphasizing that while it supports the newly implemented free movement arrangement among four CARICOM states, legal professionals seeking to practice in Barbados must still meet local Bar admission requirements. In a statement released this week, the association reaffirmed its commitment to regional freedom of movement but underscored that all attorneys, regardless of nationality, must comply with existing legislative mandates to establish a practice in Barbados. This clarification follows the October 1 launch of the free movement agreement between Barbados, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize, which allows nationals of these countries to live, work, and study across jurisdictions without permits. The Bar Association also referenced Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s September 30 address, in which she clarified that freedom of movement does not supersede laws governing professional practice in Barbados. The association stressed that standard admission requirements for the Bar remain unchanged and apply not only to attorneys but to all regulated professions, including doctors, architects, engineers, accountants, and land surveyors. Under the Profession Trade and Business Registration Act, professionals must register and pay annual license fees to the Registrar of the Supreme Court to operate legally in Barbados.