分类： society

The Ministry of Educational Transformation in Barbados has unveiled the finalists for its annual Pontifications and Poetry Competition, a cornerstone initiative in the nation’s literacy drive. The announcement was made during a ceremony on Friday, where Deputy Chief Education Officer, Reverend Stephen Scott, lauded the participants and reiterated the ministry’s dedication to fostering literacy and self-expression through the arts.

Rev. Scott emphasized the historical significance of pontification — the art of eloquent speech — and poetry in Barbados, tracing their roots to the island’s rich tradition of storytelling, resilience, and social commentary. ‘These art forms are not merely cultural relics; they are dynamic tools for articulating ideas, challenging perspectives, and inspiring societal change,’ he remarked. He further highlighted the transformative potential of these skills, stating that they empower students to embark on journeys of self-discovery, critical thinking, and confidence building.

The competition is a key component of the ministry’s broader educational transformation agenda, which seeks to integrate literacy, communication, and creative expression into the core of the learning experience. ‘By embedding pontification and poetry into our curriculum, we are not only enriching our cultural heritage but also equipping our youth with essential skills for leadership and innovation,’ Rev. Scott added.

Education Officer Gloria Haynes praised the competition’s evolution, now in its third year, as a vital platform for student engagement. ‘This event provides students with a unique opportunity to voice their perspectives on pressing national, regional, and global issues while refining their public speaking and creative writing abilities,’ she said. This year’s theme, ‘Speak Up, Speak Out,’ encourages participants to use their voices to advocate for change, share personal narratives, and inspire their communities.

The competition, slated for late November, aims to cultivate articulate, confident communicators who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and civic responsibility, the initiative aligns with the ministry’s mission to ensure that every child leaves school with the ability to read, comprehend, and communicate effectively, regardless of socioeconomic background.

A protracted conflict between the residents of Joe’s River, St Joseph, and a private developer over access to one of the area’s most cherished natural landmarks is poised to be resolved in the High Court next month. The trial, scheduled for three days starting November 10, will address the ongoing dispute that has persisted for several years. At the heart of the controversy is Ullswater Investments Limited’s construction of concrete columns, which locals argue will obstruct their access to essential community areas, including Joe’s River and the iconic Teacup and Saucer lookout point. The trial will feature testimonies from both the residents and the developer, Richard Hains. Over 20 residents and individuals from Bathsheba have submitted witness statements asserting their prescriptive right-of-way to these locations, further intensifying the legal battle.

Dr. Delisle Worrell, former Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, has urged the government to facilitate unrestricted access to foreign currency for cultural practitioners, asserting that this policy could significantly enhance the growth of the Caribbean’s cultural industries. In his October Economic Letter, Dr. Worrell emphasized that such a measure would be the most impactful way to support the sector, particularly in light of the economic challenges faced by regional governments. He argued that domestic restrictions on foreign currency availability often incentivize cultural professionals to relocate abroad, thereby diminishing local talent pools. While concessions on importing specialized equipment could also aid the industry, Dr. Worrell noted that these are harder to implement effectively. He highlighted the limitations of financial support for cultural initiatives in countries where essential public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure remain underfunded. Despite these challenges, Dr. Worrell acknowledged the global success of Caribbean cultural industries, which span sports, music, literature, and the arts, providing livelihoods for thousands of talented individuals. However, he pointed out that the economic benefits of these industries are largely realized abroad, with minimal spillover into local economies. Dr. Worrell also addressed the challenges faced by Cricket West Indies and other cultural events like Trinidad Carnival and Barbados’ Crop Over, which only generate significant domestic economic impact when they attract international tourists. He called for greater awareness of the region’s cultural achievements, suggesting that civil society organizations and the Caribbean diaspora could play a pivotal role in bridging the information gap left by the decline of regional media outlets.