Barbados has taken a significant leap in enhancing its emergency response capabilities with the launch of a $1 million upgrade, including the introduction of its first dedicated ambulance as part of a new national ambulance system. The initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to reduce response times and improve efficiency in handling urban fires and flood-related emergencies. The upgraded fleet features two high-capacity trash pumps, a fully equipped ambulance, and two compact fire tenders designed to navigate narrow city streets often obstructed by parked vehicles. Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams announced that the new headquarters at The Pine, initially planned solely for the Fire Service, will now also house the National Ambulance Service. This joint facility is expected to strengthen coordination between the two services, as they often respond to similar emergencies. Abrahams emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the upgrades, noting that the entire fleet, including the two fire tenders, two trash pumps, and the ambulance, cost less than $800,000. The new trash pumps, the first of their kind in Barbados, are designed to dewater flooded areas swiftly, reducing flood damage and mosquito breeding. Additionally, all new fire officers are being trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to provide immediate medical assistance while awaiting ambulance transport. Abrahams praised the Barbados Fire Service for its vision and dedication, describing the upgrades as ‘cutting-edge technology’ that propels the service into the modern era. The new systems are expected to significantly improve public safety and save lives by enabling faster and more efficient responses to emergencies.
分类： society
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Talks collapse in Community College staff dispute
The ongoing dispute at Barbados Community College over a critical job vacancy intensified on Friday as negotiations with the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) broke down, leaving staff in a state of uncertainty and raising concerns about the institution’s hiring practices. The discussions, which spanned several weeks, were initially characterized by the college as being conducted in an atmosphere of “mutual respect and cooperation.” However, despite significant progress, the parties failed to reach a final agreement, as confirmed in a statement issued late Friday. Principal Annette Alleyne expressed appreciation for the NUPW’s constructive engagement but lamented the inability to finalize a resolution. She emphasized the college’s commitment to maintaining open communication and working toward a fair and sustainable outcome. NUPW General Secretary Richard Green voiced dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating that the union would take further steps to ensure fairness and equity for the affected employee. When questioned about potential escalation to the Labour Department, Green affirmed that all necessary actions would be pursued. The dispute, which follows a staff strike on September 30, underscores ongoing tensions regarding recruitment processes. Employees have accused management of sidelining long-serving staff in recent hiring decisions, prompting urgent union intervention. The most recent meeting between the parties occurred earlier on Friday, but no resolution was achieved.
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LETTER: Mary Statue vs Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream Statue
In a heartfelt plea for unity and mutual respect, humanitarian Peetron Thomas addresses the ongoing debate surrounding religious statues in Antigua. Thomas emphasizes that traditions and beliefs, such as the veneration of Mother Mary statues, are deeply rooted in culture and heritage and should be respected rather than dismantled. Drawing parallels to biblical teachings, he highlights the importance of allowing individuals to practice their faith freely without judgment or division. Thomas argues that the focus should shift from tearing down statues to fostering unity, prayer, and understanding among diverse religious communities. He criticizes the infighting among churches, urging them to embody the teachings of Christ through love and compassion rather than condemnation. Thomas also points out the irony of targeting scriptural-based statues while ignoring more pressing issues like satanic practices. His message is clear: Antigua is too small for division, and the path forward lies in embracing love, wisdom, and peace.
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UWI 2025 Graduation Ceremonies Begin Today At With UWI FIC In Antigua
The University of the West Indies (UWI) has officially launched its 2025 graduation season, marking a significant milestone with nearly 9,000 degrees conferred across its five campuses in Mona (Jamaica), St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago), Cave Hill (Barbados), Five Islands (Antigua and Barbuda), and its Global Campus. The first of 15 ceremonies began this weekend at the Five Islands Campus, the youngest in the UWI system, setting the stage for a series of celebrations that will span the region.
This year’s graduation theme, ‘Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,’ encapsulates the transformative journey of the Class of 2025. These graduates embarked on their academic pursuits during a pivotal era marked by the rise of remote learning and artificial intelligence. Emerging as digitally fluent and resilient leaders, they are poised to shape the Caribbean’s future in an increasingly tech-driven global landscape.
Among the graduating class are the inaugural cohorts of the Master of Arts in Teaching Exceptional Children and the Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science. These programs underscore UWI’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and equipping students with cutting-edge skills.
In a longstanding tradition, UWI will also bestow honorary degrees upon 11 distinguished individuals whose contributions span music, agriculture, religion, science, research, and aviation. These honorees exemplify the university’s dedication to celebrating Caribbean excellence and global impact.
The ceremonies will be broadcast live and on-demand via UWItv.global, UWItv’s Facebook Live, Flow EVO channels, and Flow’s Bluu mobile app, allowing family, friends, and well-wishers worldwide to partake in the celebrations.
Founded in 1948 as a university college of London with just 33 medical students, UWI has evolved into a globally respected institution with nearly 50,000 students. It offers over 1,000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate degree options across diverse fields, including Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport.
UWI’s global standing is further validated by its consistent inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018. It is the only English-speaking Caribbean institution featured in four of THE’s prestigious ranking lists: World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings, Latin America Rankings, and Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This recognition has also catalyzed the establishment of UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISD), a global online graduate business school aimed at nurturing future leaders for sustainable development. As an SDG-engaged university, UWI continues to play a pivotal role in Caribbean development and global progress.
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76% of Dominican girls have suffered violence during their childhood and adolescence
In a compelling address in Santo Domingo, UNICEF has urged for the recognition, protection, and empowerment of girls’ leadership in the Dominican Republic. The organization highlighted the critical need to safeguard their emotional well-being and ensure their right to grow up free from violence and discrimination. Under the global slogan ‘I am the girl, I lead change,’ UNICEF’s representative in the country, Anyoli Sanabria, reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to the rights of girls and young women, particularly in environments plagued by gender inequality and structural violence.
Sanabria emphasized, ‘Girls have the right to grow up without fear, to learn without violence, and to dream without limits. Listening to them and supporting their leadership skills is essential for building a more just and resilient future.’
Despite higher school attendance and completion rates among Dominican girls compared to boys, they face significant structural barriers that hinder their overall development and mental health. These challenges include teenage pregnancy, early marriage, unpaid domestic work, and high levels of physical, emotional, and sexual violence.
A UNICEF report on the situation of children and adolescents in the Dominican Republic revealed alarming statistics: 76% of adolescents aged 15 to 17 have been victims of some form of violence, 52.2% report sexual violence, and 45.5% have experienced physical or psychological abuse in the school environment. These figures underscore a normalized reality where violence not only affects girls’ present but also their future opportunities and emotional stability.
‘Every girl faces a double burden: she must survive violence while constantly proving her worth. Her physical and emotional integrity and her leadership skills go hand in hand,’ Sanabria added.
UNICEF also called for increased investment in mental health services tailored to the needs of girls and young women, and for the strengthening of public policies to combat gender-based violence in all its forms.
‘Investing in girls means investing in a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous country. They are not only the future, but also the present of the social change we need,’ Sanabria concluded.
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Traditioneel gezag wil naamswijziging Stoelmanseiland en erkenning grondenrechten
During the celebration of Maroon Day on October 10, the traditional authority of the Marrons, represented by Captain Johannes Niavai, articulated three significant demands. These include renaming Stoelmanseiland, recognizing land rights for Marrons and Indigenous peoples, and establishing a Marron Cultural Center in Paramaribo. Niavai emphasized the need to rename Stoelmanseiland, currently named after Philip Samuel Stoelman, a commander of the Redi Musu who hunted escaped enslaved individuals. He suggested renaming it after Boni or Boston Bendt, the latter being a Jamaican deportee who joined the Marrons and played a pivotal role in the peace treaties of 1760 and 1762 between the colonial administration and the Marrons. Niavai also urged the government to acknowledge the land rights of Marrons and Indigenous peoples, highlighting the importance of unity in this struggle. Additionally, he advocated for a dedicated cultural center for the Marrons in Paramaribo, similar to Sana Budaya for the Javanese community and the Lalla Rookh building for the Hindustani community. The ceremony at the Square of October 10, 1760, included libations and wreath-laying to commemorate the first peace treaty between the Dutch colonial administration and the escaped enslaved individuals. President Jennifer Simons and Vice President Gregory Rusland unveiled a plaque inscribed with the text: ‘Peace concluded with the Marrons behind Auca Dorp Bongodoti between the colonial administration and the runaway slaves. National holiday. Freedom is a right.’
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Edeeste regularizes more than 22,000 customers and dismantles nearly 8,000 illegal connections
In a significant move to bolster electrical infrastructure and promote responsible energy consumption, the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company (Edeeste) executed a comprehensive technical intervention program across its concession area in September. This initiative, part of the 2025 Strategic Plan for Loss Control and Reduction, successfully normalized services for over 22,000 customers, dismantled approximately 8,000 illegal connections, and integrated more than 4,100 new users into the grid.
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Ramdien Sardjoe viert 90e verjaardag: ‘Een grote zoon van het land’
Ramdien Sardjoe, a towering figure in Surinamese politics, marked his 90th birthday with an intimate gathering at his home on Friday. The former Vice President, Speaker of the National Assembly, and ex-chairman of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most influential political leaders. Currently serving as the honorary chairman of the VHP, Sardjoe’s legacy continues to inspire generations. Mahinder Jogi, a current member of the National Assembly, praised Sardjoe as “one of the great sons of the country,” highlighting his lifelong dedication to Suriname and the VHP. Jogi emphasized Sardjoe’s wisdom, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, which have left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Known for his bridge-building approach and advocacy for national unity, Sardjoe remains a revered figure among the VHP’s supporters and the broader Surinamese community. As he celebrates this significant milestone, tributes pour in from across the country, honoring his enduring contributions to Suriname’s development.
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Alexia Moonsam uitgeroepen tot beste VOJ-leerling van 2025
The Rotary Club of Paramaribo has awarded the prestigious VOJ Student Excellence Award 2025 to Alexia Moonsam from St. Louise School, recognizing her exceptional academic performance, dedication, and leadership qualities. The award ceremony was graced by the presence of Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Dirk Currie, who urged students to focus not only on academic knowledge but also on character development. Alongside Alexia, Redjinio van Meulen, Eva Vaseur, Jenaysa Mijnals, and Wayne Doekoe were among the top five finalists. Additionally, Dylan Wijnaldum, Amber Asmowidjojo, Metrisha Darnoud, Mercy-Grace Stedenburg, and Roghim Resosetiko received honorable mentions for their achievements. Rotary Club President Anand Gajapersad delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing that education is the cornerstone of personal growth. He encouraged students to strive for excellence, believe in themselves, and appreciate the support of their parents and teachers. Jury Chair Soraya Nanand praised the high caliber of participants and expressed hope to see them at the VOS Student Excellence Awards in the future. Minister Currie highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, urging students to develop interpersonal skills and resilience. Since 2005, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo has organized the VOJ Student Excellence Award to nurture talent and discipline among youth. This year, the top fifteen students were selected based on their final exam results. During an intensive training weekend, participants received instruction in personal leadership, presentation skills, and artificial intelligence. The ten most promising candidates advanced to the final round, held on October 8, 2025. The Rotary Club aims to continue motivating young talents to excel and realize their full potential through this initiative.
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Deadly Highway Crash Near Hattieville Claims Two Lives
A catastrophic accident unfolded late Thursday night on the George Price Highway near Hattieville, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident occurred just before midnight at mile fourteen, where a Ford F-150 pickup, driven by 40-year-old Osman Pineda, collided with the rear left wheel of a Freightliner truck. The violent impact caused the Ford to lose control, swerve into the opposite lane, and crash head-on into an oncoming Nissan. Tragically, the two occupants of the Nissan, Othoniel Vasquez Moreno, a Mexican Belizean national, and Amisadai Valdez Dominguez, a Mexican national, were pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to extricate the victims from the wreckage, but their efforts were in vain. Pineda sustained minor injuries, while his wife and their two young children—a five-year-old and a nine-month-old baby—were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for urgent medical attention. The bodies of Moreno and Dominguez were transported to the KHMH morgue for post-mortem examinations. The accident has left the community in shock, raising concerns about road safety on this busy highway.