As the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) unfolds in Basseterre, St. Kitts, Acting Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley has emphasized the urgent need to transition from traditional farming practices to modern, climate-resilient methods. Addressing regional and international stakeholders, Hanley highlighted the pivotal role of technology and innovation in transforming the agricultural sector, particularly in St. Kitts and Nevis. He stressed that traditional farming alone is insufficient to meet contemporary challenges, advocating for the adoption of advanced techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, climate-smart farming, improved irrigation, and renewable energy to power farms. Hanley acknowledged the sector’s inherent difficulties, including hurricanes, droughts, pest outbreaks, rising costs, and market access issues, but expressed confidence in the resilience of Caribbean people. He called for strengthened regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and a renewed commitment to making agriculture a sector of pride and prosperity. Food security and the development of the next generation of farmers remain central to the region’s agenda, with new initiatives supporting aquaculture, agri-parks, livestock production, and access to financing and training. Hanley also urged young people to view agriculture as a viable and innovative career path, dispelling outdated perceptions of the sector. Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins echoed these sentiments, describing agriculture as the lifeblood of the Caribbean people and a critical component of the region’s future.
分类： society
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Community college tutors walk out, disputing hiring process
Tutors at the Barbados Community College (BCC) took to the streets on Tuesday, staging a protest against what they perceive as an unjust recruitment process. The industrial action, marked by chants of “enough is enough” and “good work deserves promotion,” saw staff members walking out of classrooms and gathering at the main gate with placards demanding fairness in hiring practices. The protest was sparked by the controversial appointment of a new head of department, with staff alleging that long-serving and highly qualified internal candidates were overlooked in favor of external applicants. Richard Green, General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), described the situation as “untenable” and called for urgent talks with BCC management to resolve the issue. NUPW President Kimberley Agard emphasized that this incident was “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” citing years of unresolved grievances among staff. Approximately 60 workers participated in the protest, which is set to continue until management agrees to engage in dialogue. BCC Principal Annette Alleyne acknowledged the protest but assured that classes continued with minimal disruption. She reiterated the college’s commitment to addressing staff concerns through open dialogue and clarified that the partnership with the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) was part of a broader institutional strategy, not imposed by the board chair. Alleyne also denied claims that the NUPW intervened in the interview process for the disputed position. A meeting between BCC management and the NUPW has been scheduled for Wednesday morning to discuss a resolution.
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Minister: ‘End certification obsession’ in education
Caribbean education systems must move beyond their traditional focus on academic certificates and grades, instead fostering a culture that emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and a strong sense of regional identity, according to Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation. Speaking at the opening of the Second Regional Transforming Education Symposium and Policy Dialogue (TESPD 2025) held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, Blackman highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in how success is measured in the region.
For decades, Caribbean societies have placed immense value on academic achievements, often equating high marks with success. However, Blackman argued that this approach has limited the region’s potential. ‘While certification opens doors to higher education or better jobs, it has not prepared us to be innovators or critical thinkers rooted in Caribbean confidence and philosophy,’ he stated.
The minister also addressed the entrenched culture of school pride and the informal hierarchies associated with schools across the Caribbean. He noted that in small societies like Barbados, the question ‘Where did you go to school?’ often leads to immediate judgments about a person’s capabilities. Blackman called for the dismantling of such attitudes as part of the broader ‘decolonisation’ of the education system. ‘Every school must be a school of excellence, and the process of accessing these schools should not be burdensome but should reflect the inherent potential of every child,’ he emphasized.
Blackman’s remarks aimed to set the stage for the symposium, which brought together policymakers, educators, and development partners to explore how Caribbean education systems can be restructured to meet 21st-century challenges. He stressed that the transformation must go beyond structural reforms, advocating for a cultural shift in how learning and success are valued across the region.
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Six remanded on robbery, burglary charges
In a significant court hearing at the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court in Barbados, six individuals, including four teenagers, faced a total of 44 charges, primarily related to robbery and burglary. The accused—Deroy Leroy Holder, Serrian Jamali Scott-Fagen, Dakari Deshawn Carmichael, Runako Jeremiah Nurse, Tyreall Jamar Kidd, and Damon Hayden Cummins—appeared before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on Tuesday afternoon. The charges, all indictable, were read without pleas being taken.
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WASCO announces 48-Hour emergency shutdown of northern water network
The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has declared an ’emergency shutdown’ of its Northern Network, set to commence at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. This drastic measure is essential to address a rupture in the raw water transmission line, with repair operations anticipated to span 48 hours. During this period, residents from Millet to Cap Estate will experience significant disruptions in water pressure and supply. WASCO has further warned that even after the repairs are completed, customers residing in elevated areas or at the extremities of the distribution network may encounter prolonged delays in water restoration. In light of these challenges, the company has urged consumers to proactively collect and conserve water wherever feasible. This announcement has exacerbated existing grievances among customers, who have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with WASCO’s monopoly over water treatment services on the island. For assistance, the public is encouraged to contact the North Control Room at 457-3958, 457-3960, 451-9812, or 482-0052 for water trucking support.
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Antiguan Youth are being forced into criminality, U.S Trafficking Report says
Children in Antigua and Barbuda are increasingly vulnerable to forced labor, exploitation, and trafficking, according to the 2025 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report. The report highlights alarming trends, including the exploitation of minors in farms, mechanic shops, domestic service, and even forced criminal activities linked to rising gang-related crime. Youth working in construction, agriculture, and family-owned businesses are particularly at risk, while girls, especially those from Guyana and Jamaica, face heightened dangers of sex trafficking in bars, taverns, and brothels. Despite efforts by the government to combat trafficking through public awareness campaigns and training for officials, significant gaps remain in victim identification, protection, and prosecution. Notably, no trafficking victims were confirmed in 2024, and no convictions have been secured under the 2010 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act. Civil society groups have raised concerns about limited victim-witness protections and weak investigative capacities, which deter victims from coming forward. The report underscores the urgent need for improved screening mechanisms, enhanced protections for vulnerable youth, and stronger legal measures to bring traffickers to justice. Until these issues are addressed, children in Antigua and Barbuda will remain at risk of exploitation and forced labor.
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Senate approves first reading of Labor Code reform
The Dominican Republic Senate has taken a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s labor laws by approving the first reading of an organic bill to reform Law 16-92, the Labor Code. The initiative, backed by 29 senators, aims to align the legal framework with contemporary technological advancements and the evolving labor market. Senator Rafael Barón Duluc, who led the Special Commission overseeing the bill, highlighted that the reform signifies a structural transformation in labor legislation, incorporating language that meets international standards.
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Dr. Charlene Reid extends generosity to Jack Hayward Junior High for a second year
In a remarkable display of community spirit, Dr. Charlene Elizabeth Reid, a prominent Grand Bahama dentist and local entrepreneur, has once again extended her support to Jack Hayward Junior High School. Her latest initiative addresses a pressing need among students: access to hot meals and improved classroom conditions. Dr. Reid’s contributions, which began in 2024, have already made a significant impact on the school’s daily operations and student morale. During a special assembly on September 25, Dr. Reid not only donated essential supplies but also shared valuable oral health tips, urging students to strive for excellence. Her efforts have filled a critical gap, as the school is not part of the government’s breakfast program. Last year, Dr. Reid provided Cup of Noodles to ensure students could start their day with a hot meal. This year, she expanded her generosity by donating fans for classrooms and committing to fund the school’s first air conditioning unit. She also called on the local business community to join her in equipping more classrooms with necessary amenities. Principal Janice Pinder expressed profound gratitude, noting the tangible benefits of Dr. Reid’s contributions. Dr. Reid emphasized her desire to make her support an ongoing initiative, aiming to provide students with healthy breakfasts and lunches. Inspired by Whitney Houston’s famous words, Dr. Reid believes that nurturing children is key to building a brighter future. She also praised the school’s staff for their unwavering dedication and commitment to student success.
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SPARK Raises Alarm Over Repeated Horse Abuse in Belize
The animal welfare organization SPARK has issued an urgent call for action following yet another harrowing case of horse abuse reported this week on Marine Parade. Disturbing photos and accounts shared with the group reveal children repeatedly mistreating horses, forcing them to ride on scorching cement streets, and then abandoning them in desolate lots without access to food or water. In the most recent incident, a horse was discovered lying on the ground, unable to stand, while children were seen beating it. Local residents have voiced their frustration, stating that numerous complaints have been lodged, yet no effective measures have been implemented to curb the abuse. This latest occurrence follows a series of severe cases earlier this year. In April, a severely malnourished and dehydrated horse was found abandoned in a drain after being left without sustenance or assistance for over 24 hours. Despite the efforts of concerned citizens and SPARK volunteers, the horse succumbed to its condition before help could arrive. Around the same time, three teenagers—aged 19, 16, and 17—were detained as police investigated the theft of 15 horses from an area north of Ladyville and the brutal treatment of at least one horse. A video depicting a horse being repeatedly struck in the head went viral, leading to charges of animal cruelty against the teens. SPARK emphasizes that these recurring incidents underscore the inadequate enforcement of animal welfare laws in Belize and reflect a broader issue of societal neglect toward animals. The organization is advocating for stricter penalties for abusers and immediate government intervention to safeguard vulnerable animals and prevent further suffering.
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Grenada to host PISLM Headquarters
The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) has officially designated Grenada as its new headquarters, reinforcing the island nation’s pivotal role in advancing sustainable land and soil management across the Caribbean. This strategic move positions Grenada as a central hub for regional collaboration, funding, and technical support, particularly within the frameworks of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Dr. Ronen Francis, PISLM’s Executive Director, emphasized that Grenada’s dual membership in both CARICOM and OECS makes it an ideal location to bridge efforts between these agencies. He highlighted that hosting the region’s sole land and soil-focused intergovernmental organization will elevate Grenada’s influence in addressing environmental challenges. Trevor Thompson, CSIDS-SOILCARE Project Manager, noted that this development will attract high-level meetings and enhance Grenada’s prestige as a leader in sustainable land management. The SOILCARE Project, PISLM’s flagship initiative, will continue to play a critical role in the region’s efforts to combat land degradation. Phase II of the project, set to launch in early 2026, will focus on transformative actions, including updated soil mapping, advanced soil laboratories, and the implementation of innovative technologies. Community involvement remains a cornerstone of the initiative, with farmers, agricultural officers, and local groups actively participating in consultations, workshops, and field assessments. Dr. Francis underscored the importance of Caribbean-led solutions, with PISLM’s Regional Advocacy and Capacity Building Facility for New Adaptation Technologies (RAC/NAT Facility) driving research and training. Additionally, PISLM is establishing the Caribbean’s first soil archive repository, which will support long-term environmental planning and decision-making. The initiative also aligns with global frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), ensuring that the Caribbean remains at the forefront of sustainable land management practices. Thompson highlighted early successes, including increased awareness of deforestation’s impacts and improved soil analysis capabilities. As the project scales, other Caribbean and Pacific nations are seeking similar support, further solidifying PISLM’s regional and global impact.