The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) is urgently seeking clarity on the future of the restructured sugar industry and the fate of long-promised benefits for workers who have been the backbone of the sector. According to exclusive reports from Barbados TODAY, years of assurances that former and current sugar workers, particularly those in the cane fields, would become part-owners in a new cooperative regime have yet to materialize.
分类： society
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VIDEO: Roadworks Continue in All Saints, Lightfoot, and Cedar Grove
The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda has announced the commencement of extensive road maintenance projects in several key areas, including All Saints, Lightfoot, and Cedar Grove. The initiative aims to enhance road safety and infrastructure quality, addressing long-standing concerns from residents and commuters. While the upgrades are expected to bring long-term benefits, the Ministry has advised the public to anticipate potential delays and plan their travel accordingly. Visual documentation, including photos and videos, has been shared by the Ministry to keep the community informed about the progress. This proactive approach underscores the government’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and ensuring smoother transportation networks across the region. Additionally, the Ministry has encouraged local businesses to leverage digital marketing opportunities through the nation’s most visited news platform, highlighting the intersection of public works and economic development.
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Dominican postal service and city hall issue commemorative stamp honoring Salomé Ureña on 175th birthday
The Dominican Postal Institute (Inposdom) and the National District Mayor’s Office jointly unveiled a limited-edition postage stamp on Tuesday, commemorating the 175th anniversary of Salomé Ureña de Henríquez, a revered poet and educator who revolutionized higher education for Dominican women. The unveiling ceremony, held at the Fray Antonio de Montesinos monument, was attended by prominent cultural figures, education leaders, philatelists, Inposdom Director Erick Guzmán Núñez, and Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía. Guzmán Núñez emphasized that the stamp is not merely a collectible but a tribute to Ureña’s enduring legacy as a symbol of national identity and a testament to the state’s commitment to gender-inclusive education. Mayor Mejía praised Ureña for her role in dismantling social barriers and laying the groundwork for the nation’s educational system. The commemorative stamp, designed by architect Alejandro Vignieri and printed by Litografía Ferrúa, features a square format (40 × 40 mm) on tropicalized gummed paper with perforation 13½. Limited to 10,000 copies, each stamp carries a face value of RD$75.00. The launch included the first-day cancellation and signed first-day covers, marking the official introduction of the stamps into national circulation. Salomé Ureña, who founded the Instituto de Señoritas in 1881, trained the country’s first generation of female teachers and significantly influenced Dominican literature and pedagogy. Her maxim, ‘To educate a woman is to prepare, with her, a family; and to educate families is to build the nation,’ continues to resonate. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between Inposdom and the National District Mayor’s Office to preserve Dominican cultural heritage and promote philately as a tool for collective memory and civic education.
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Shooting death investigation underway in Bayville
Authorities in Bayville, St. Michael, are actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Monday night, claiming the life of 36-year-old Akil Hinds. The incident unfolded around 10:10 p.m. when Hinds, seated on the bonnet of a vehicle, was approached by a masked assailant who opened fire, striking him multiple times. Despite being rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in a private vehicle, Hinds succumbed to his injuries. This tragic event marks the second shooting in Bayville within a week, following an attempted murder last Thursday where a taxi driver was shot in front of his young child. The police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-8477, Police Emergency at 211, or Hastings-Worthing Police Station at 430-7614 or 430-7615. Investigations are ongoing as the community grapples with escalating violence.
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Grow, Unite, Build, Africa — GUBA diaspora awards to make historic Caribbean debut here
In a groundbreaking move, Barbados has been selected as the host for the prestigious GUBA Awards and Trade & Investment Conference in 2024. This marks the first time the event, which celebrates African excellence and fosters diaspora connections, will be held in the Caribbean. Organized by the GUBA Foundation, the initiative underscores a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean. The event’s founder, Lady Dentaa Amoateng, emphasized the symbolic and strategic importance of this decision, highlighting its role in reclaiming shared heritage and fostering collaboration. The GUBA Awards, which stand for Grow, Unite, Build, Africa, were established 16 years ago in the UK to honor African achievements and reconnect the diaspora. This year’s edition aims to celebrate excellence while promoting trade, culture, and investment opportunities between the two regions. During a visit to Shirley Chisholm Primary School as part of World Teachers’ Day celebrations, Lady Amoateng spoke passionately about the need to restore historical connections disrupted by slavery and migration. She also announced a chartered flight from Ghana and Nigeria to Barbados on November 9, a historic step toward improving direct travel links. Lady Amoateng’s visit to the school was equally significant, as she shared her personal journey to inspire students, reminding them that ‘nothing is impossible’ with determination and dreams.
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Hydrate Caribbean expands school water station project to The Lodge
Students at The Lodge School in Barbados are ushering in a new era of health and sustainability as Hydrate Caribbean launches Phase Two of its nationwide water station project. Supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Barbados Diabetes Foundation, the initiative aims to provide students with daily access to chilled, purified water while promoting the use of reusable stainless steel bottles over disposable plastics. Although a shipment delay has postponed the arrival of the bottles until late November, Hydrate Caribbean spokesperson Sheridan Greaves has assured that every student will receive one before the school term concludes. Greaves emphasized the broader mission of the project: ‘This is about more than hydration — it’s about fostering healthy habits and reducing plastic waste for future generations.’ The campaign’s symbolic launch was marked by the newly appointed senior prefects, Head Girl Makeena Clark and Head Boy Daniel Griffith, who were the first to test the system. Phase Two will extend to St George Secondary, Princess Margaret Secondary, and Christ Church Foundation, with long-term plans to include primary schools facing significant infrastructure challenges. Each advanced water station, valued at approximately $15,000 with annual maintenance, is designed for high-demand school environments and is serviced by Newport Water Barbados within eight hours if issues arise. Greaves highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, ‘This programme addresses the neglect of water stations, ensuring students no longer resort to unsanitary alternatives.’ Sister Wendy Beaman of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described the project as a humanitarian effort with lasting community benefits, emphasizing health, sustainability, and the reduction of plastic waste. The initiative aligns with the Barbados Diabetes Foundation’s health drive, which educates students on the importance of water consumption and active living to mitigate future health risks. As students celebrated the launch, Greaves encouraged them to take ownership of the water stations, reminding them that small habit changes can lead to a healthier lifestyle.
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Homeless Man Charged for Building Breaking and Larceny on Market Street
In a recent development in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, a 38-year-old homeless man, Tony Bright, has been arrested and charged in connection with a building break-in and larceny incident that occurred on October 2, 2025, at Market Street. According to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Bright allegedly broke into a local business establishment, stealing an undisclosed amount of cash and several electronic items, including an iPhone 13 Pro, two Amazon Tablets, a Samsung A7 Tablet, and two Selfie Ring Lights. The total value of the stolen property is estimated at $9,070. Following a thorough investigation, Bright was taken into custody and formally charged. He is expected to appear in court to face the charges. The Police Administration has seized this opportunity to remind business owners and residents to bolster their security measures by installing surveillance systems, securing their properties, and reporting any suspicious activities promptly. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about property crimes and the importance of community vigilance in preventing such offenses.
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Police Search for Suspect in Attempted Robbery
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an attempted robbery at a convenience store in St. John’s. The incident occurred on the morning of October 7, 2025, at approximately 9:54 a.m., when a lone male entered the store located at the junction of Temple and New Streets, allegedly armed with a firearm. The store owner’s quick response in raising the alarm forced the suspect to flee the scene on foot. According to police reports, the suspect is described as a dark-complexioned male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, short blue jeans, a black and red tam, black rubber slippers with white stripes, and an orange mask covering his face. Additionally, he was carrying a black knapsack. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913, 911, or the nearest police station. The public is also reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring public safety and underscores the importance of community cooperation in combating crime.
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Teachers remain fuel for any educational advancement, says minister
In a heartfelt address following World Teachers Day on October 3, Education Minister Octavia Alfred underscored the indispensable role of teachers in the success of educational reform and technological advancement. She emphasized that no matter how ambitious policies or modern infrastructure may be, the true catalysts of change are the educators who stand at the forefront of classrooms every day. ‘It is you, our teachers, who turn policy into practice, transform curriculum into life experiences, and shape students into not just future workers but responsible citizens today,’ Alfred stated. She acknowledged the evolving global education landscape, driven by digital learning, the demand for new skills, and pressing social and environmental challenges. Despite these complexities, teachers worldwide are adapting to new technologies, addressing diverse learning needs, and tackling social issues, often with limited resources. Alfred praised their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment, calling them role models of dedication and sacrifice. She also highlighted the distinction between technology and human connection, noting that while AI can process data, only teachers can inspire understanding, instill values, and nurture empathy. Alfred reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to supporting teachers through enhanced training, professional development, and fair recognition, stating that true educational transformation begins with the human touch of educators.
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UWI biosecurity centre proposes national waste-energy revamp
The Centre for Biosecurity Studies (CBS) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) has urged the Mia Mottley administration to implement a robust policy action plan aimed at overhauling Barbados’ waste, energy, and environmental legislation. This recommendation comes as the island nation grapples with mounting challenges posed by climate change, tourism, and trade vulnerabilities.