After years of delays and public scrutiny, the Government officially received the reconstructed St Jude Hospital on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s journey toward full operational readiness. Although the hospital is not yet prepared to admit patients, the handover ceremony symbolized the completion of extensive reconstruction efforts and the commencement of the final phase of preparation. The event was attended by government officials, hospital staff, contractors, and community supporters, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project. Paul Hilaire, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economic Development, highlighted the hospital’s advanced features, including modern diagnostic capabilities, energy-efficient systems, and enhanced clinical workflows, designed to serve future generations. Hilaire emphasized that the handover signifies the start of critical tasks such as commissioning, staffing, and regulatory alignment to ensure a safe and efficient opening. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre reiterated that the reconstruction was guided by technical expertise rather than political considerations, addressing public skepticism and the challenges faced over the years. The hospital’s staff had operated from the George Odlum Stadium for 15 years following a fire that destroyed the original facility. Outgoing Vieux Fort South MP Kenny Anthony expressed relief, stating that the project’s completion marks the end of a long period of uncertainty and the beginning of a more confident future.
分类： society
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Column: Borrelpraat no. 898
In a recent discussion on education reform and teacher salaries, concerns were raised about the inflationary effects of salary increases and the broader implications for the education system. Marcelino N. der Kus, in an article published on Sterrennieuws, argued that while salary adjustments might provide temporary relief, they would not address the systemic issues plaguing the education sector. Instead, he emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms starting from the training of the next generation of teachers, as highlighted in Ivan Fernald’s latest book. The conversation also touched on the inefficacy of past educational conferences, which have often resulted in confusion, wasted time, and unused reports. To truly transform the education system, bold actions are required, such as reintroducing school fees, starting with higher education and gradually extending to lower levels. This measure, though politically unpopular, could ensure sustainable funding. Additionally, students enrolling in teacher training programs should receive substantial monthly allowances to focus solely on their studies, with the condition of repayment upon graduation. The discussion also highlighted the necessity of rigorous entrance exams for aspiring teachers, including proficiency in Dutch and English, and the ability to articulate current issues clearly. Experienced retired teachers and overseas specialists could play a crucial role in mentoring new educators. However, these reforms would require significant financial investment, new infrastructure, and a long-term commitment of 15 to 20 years. The government must explore new revenue streams, such as property taxes, and reduce subsidies to loss-making state enterprises to fund these initiatives. The conversation concluded with a call for decisive action rather than mere rhetoric, as the future of the education system hangs in the balance.
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Pro Consumidor to monitor Bad Bunny concert ticket sales
Santo Domingo – In a significant move to protect consumer rights, the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) has initiated a large-scale monitoring operation for ticket sales to Bad Bunny’s upcoming concerts. The highly anticipated events are set to take place on November 21 and 22 at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium. Pro Consumidor’s initiative seeks to ensure fair practices and safeguard the economic interests of concertgoers. Executive Director Eddy Alcántara emphasized that the operation will involve teams from the Inspection, Surveillance, Advertising, and Prices departments, who will oversee the entire sales process from Friday through the concert dates. The monitoring effort aims to identify and prevent any practices that could violate consumer rights, as outlined in Law 358-05, which grants Pro Consumidor authority over national market surveillance. Alcántara revealed that the institution has already engaged with all stakeholders to preempt potential violations. Additionally, Pro Consumidor inspectors will be stationed at stadium entrances during the concerts to supervise ticket verification and ensure a smooth, transparent entry process for attendees.
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OM stelt hoger beroep in tegen beslissing Rechter-Commissaris over inverzekeringstelling Torilal
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has filed an appeal against the decision of the examining magistrate (Rechter-Commissaris, RC) that deemed the detention of businessman Ryan Torilal on November 14, 2025, unlawful. This appeal has delayed Torilal’s release by three days, adhering to legal procedures. The case will now proceed to a higher court, with a date yet to be determined. Torilal is suspected of involvement in attempted fraud and forgery, allegedly using falsified documents in 2023 to persuade the government to pay SRD 86 million for a cattle delivery that never occurred. The scheme was uncovered by the Central Government Accounting Service (CLAD), which detected irregularities and halted the payment. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) initiated an internal investigation, revealing that cattle from the ministry had been sold without the proceeds reaching the state treasury. Additionally, the LVV director reportedly leased parts of the state farm to Torilal without formal approval since 2022 and signed documents falsely claiming entitlement to the SRD 86 million payment. The OM awaits further proceedings in the higher court.
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MP champions love and community spirit in crime fight
In response to escalating violent incidents across Barbados, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey has issued a heartfelt appeal for Barbadians to prioritize love and unity in their communities. Speaking during a ‘Love Walk’ in his St Michael South constituency on Saturday, Humphrey emphasized the need to reshape the narrative surrounding local neighborhoods.
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Suspected cattle rustler among several arrested
In a series of coordinated operations on Sunday morning, the Guyana Police Force apprehended four individuals in the areas of Plaisance and Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Among those arrested was a 32-year-old taxi driver from North Sparendaam, who is suspected of cattle rustling. Authorities have yet to release extensive details about his alleged activities.
In a separate incident, a 33-year-old construction worker from Vryheid’s Lust was detained for allegedly discharging a loaded firearm. Additionally, two other individuals were arrested during a raid on a property in Better Hope South, where suspected marijuana was discovered. One of these individuals is a 26-year-old gold miner from Britton Street, Plaisance, while the other is a 48-year-old construction worker from Better Hope South.
Police reported that 248 grams of suspected narcotics were found on the gold miner, while 63.5 grams were discovered in a wardrobe belonging to the construction worker. Both were taken to the Sparendaam Police Station, where the substances were weighed and logged as evidence. Furthermore, 1,411 grams of suspected marijuana were found concealed in a black plastic bag hidden among vegetation in a yard on Britton Street, Plaisance.
The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address various criminal activities in the region, including theft, illegal firearm use, and drug-related offenses.
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Taxi fare dispute leads to seizure of illegal gun
A heated dispute over a taxi fare escalated into a serious criminal incident in Mabaruma, Guyana, leading to the seizure of an illegal firearm and the arrest of two suspects. According to the Guyana Police Force, the incident unfolded on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when a 50-year-old taxi driver was allegedly assaulted and threatened by a passenger who brandished a handgun during a disagreement over the fare. The driver promptly reported the incident to the authorities. In response, police launched an early morning operation on Sunday, November 16, 2025, resulting in the detention of two construction workers, aged 21 and 23, from Parika, East Bank Essequibo. During subsequent investigations, one of the suspects guided officers to a bushy area in Mabaruma, where a .22 caliber pistol, believed to have been used in the altercation, was recovered. The firearm has been secured as evidence, and both individuals remain in custody while the investigation continues. This incident highlights the dangers faced by taxi drivers and the ongoing challenges of illegal firearms in the region.
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Youth voices rise against crime at speak-off finals
At the 2025 Youth Speak-Off Finals, held on Saturday night at Golden Square Freedom Park, Tykairi Sargeant of the Men’s Empowerment Network delivered a powerful plea for unity in addressing Barbados’ rising crime rates. Sargeant questioned the future of society if current trends persist, emphasizing the collective responsibility of citizens to foster safer communities. He highlighted emotional intelligence as a cornerstone for positive behavioral change and underscored the critical need for mental health awareness, particularly among young men, who often face societal pressures leading to unresolved trauma and unhealthy coping mechanisms. The event, themed ‘From Fear to Citizen Empowerment: Safer Streets, Stronger Communities,’ was organized by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU) in collaboration with the National Peace Programme. Lumiere Clarke of King’s Trust International secured second place, while Romarr Corbin of the Barbados National Youth Parliament took third, both advocating for empowerment and community-driven action. The eight finalists, including Roshauna Clarke, Ashriel Bernabé, Peter Sandiford-Scott, Relissa Mitchum, and Dequan Thompson, presented compelling arguments on crime prevention and citizen responsibility. CJRPU Director Cheryl Willoughby praised the participants for their courage and contributions to research-informed crime prevention strategies. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey lauded the youth as future leaders, emphasizing their resilience and leadership. The competition awarded $2,000 to the first-place winner, $1,000 for second, $500 for third, and $200 to each remaining finalist.
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Notice of Night Works at Bike Plus and Bendals
The Ministry of Works has issued a public advisory regarding the commencement of night-time road works in specific areas, starting at 6:00 pm tonight. The affected locations include Bike Plus and Bendals Road. Residents and road users are urged to exercise heightened caution during this period, as heavy-duty machinery will be operational. To ensure safety and minimize disruptions, motorists are advised to follow designated detours and comply with instructions from traffic control personnel. Additionally, vehicle owners are encouraged to remove their cars from the work zones prior to the start of operations. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of public cooperation to facilitate a smooth and efficient execution of these essential infrastructure activities.
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Encouraging turnout at police recruitment fair
The Barbados Police Service (BPS) held a highly successful recruitment fair on Saturday at the Police Sports Club in Weymouth, St Michael, to tackle a critical shortage of approximately 250 officers. The event attracted a steady flow of attendees throughout the day, with many arriving early to register and participate in on-the-spot preliminary interviews. Acting Senior Superintendent Stephen Herbert and Public Affairs and Communications Officer Ryan Brathwaite, who spoke at the opening ceremony, emphasized the growing staffing gap caused by retirements, illnesses, and career transitions. Brathwaite highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate numbers to ensure effective service to the nation, stating, ‘This is about building capacity. We have more people leaving the service than entering, so it is crucial to keep our numbers up.’ He also stressed that the fair aimed to showcase the diverse roles within policing, beyond just street-level enforcement. When questioned about a potential link to the recent rise in criminal activity, Brathwaite clarified that the event was part of ongoing efforts to maintain staffing levels rather than a direct response to recent incidents. Acting Sergeant Wendell Foster of the Special Operations Management Services echoed this sentiment, noting that many Barbadians only see a limited aspect of policing. He encouraged attendees to explore the various specialized units, such as forensics, cybercrime, and drone operations, which were showcased through live demonstrations. The fair also aimed to inspire a new generation of officers and help the public appreciate the complexity and high standards of modern policing. Brathwaite urged families to attend with young relatives, emphasizing the role of parents and guardians in career guidance. He added that the event provided an opportunity for individuals who had never considered policing to discover new possibilities.