The escalating involvement of young men in serious criminal activities has been labeled a moral and social crisis by Shawn Clarke, CEO of Supreme Counselling Services. Recent police data reveals a troubling spike in violent and major offenses, prompting Clarke to describe the situation as “a national cry for help.” While overall crime in Barbados has decreased by approximately two percent, serious crimes against individuals have doubled compared to last year, with robberies more than doubling and major crimes rising by 13 percent. Clarke emphasized that these figures are not mere statistics but represent lives once filled with potential, mothers’ silent tears, and communities on the brink of collapse. Despite the grim outlook, Clarke remains optimistic, asserting that the situation is not beyond redemption. He called for a shift from blame to collective responsibility, urging government, parents, schools, churches, and community organizations to unite in prevention and outreach efforts. Clarke advocated for meaningful interventions, such as youth mentorship programs and community-based behavioral support, to address the root causes of crime. He stressed that solving this crisis requires more than police action; it demands a collaborative, solution-focused approach. Clarke concluded with a message of hope, stating that Barbados’ young men are not lost causes but lost children in need of guidance and support.
分类： society
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Gender Affairs Directorate Promotes Respect and Equality at Five Islands Primary
The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) has reinforced its commitment to combating gender-based violence through its ongoing awareness initiative, recently engaging Grade 4 and 5 students at Five Islands Primary School. The program, designed to educate and empower young minds, focuses on equipping students with the tools to recognize, resist, and respond to gender-based violence while fostering values of respect, equality, and kindness.
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Training Boosts Antigua and Barbuda’s Capacity in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
In a strategic move to enhance disaster response capabilities, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) of Antigua and Barbuda has joined forces with an international humanitarian organization to strengthen the nation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. This collaboration, initiated after a comprehensive consultation with local stakeholders in August, culminated in a three-day intensive training program earlier this month. The training focused on critical areas such as freshwater treatment and water quality testing, equipping participants with essential skills to address public health and disaster management challenges. The program saw the participation of 32 representatives from key institutions, including the Central Board of Health (CBH), Department of Analytical Services, Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, National Solid Waste Management Authority, and Department of Environment. As part of the practical training, attendees visited vital facilities such as Caribbean Water Treatment, the APUA Water Testing Lab, the Ivan Rodrigues Reverse Osmosis Plant, and Potworks Dam. Additionally, they engaged in field water testing exercises at Lightfoot Pond. This initiative underscores NODS’s commitment to bolstering national preparedness and resilience in disaster response and public health management, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda is better equipped to handle future crises.
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The UWI Global Campus to Celebrate Class of 2025 in Virtual Graduation Ceremony
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus is poised to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its Class of 2025 in a virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm Eastern Caribbean Time. The event will be broadcast live on UWItv.global, Flow EVO channels, and the Flow’s Bluu mobile app, allowing graduates and their loved ones to participate from across the Caribbean and beyond. This year’s theme, “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” reflects the resilience and forward-thinking mindset of the graduates, who began their academic journeys during a period of rapid digital transformation. The Class of 2025 comprises 1,268 graduands, including 219 postgraduates and 1,046 undergraduates, marking the largest graduating class in the Campus’s history. Among them is the first-ever PhD graduand, a testament to the institution’s growing academic excellence. The ceremony will honor graduates from diverse disciplines, including Doctorates, Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate degrees, as well as Certificates and Diplomas. Distinguished attendees, including Heads of State, the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and senior university officials, will join families and friends in celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments. A highlight of the event will be the conferral of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree upon Sir Calixte George, a renowned Saint Lucian agronomist, educator, and statesman, for his exceptional contributions to science, governance, and regional development. The valedictorian, Mr. Alex Anderson, a Jamaican educator graduating with First Class Honours in Educational Leadership and Management, will deliver the valedictory speech, embodying the spirit of academic excellence and leadership. Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasized the significance of the ceremony as a representation of the university’s mission to empower individuals across the Caribbean. The event will conclude with the graduates reciting the UWI Alumni Pledge and a musical rendition of the university song, “There is a Light.” UWI, a cornerstone of Caribbean development for 75 years, continues to lead in education, innovation, and regional progress, with a global presence and a commitment to addressing critical global challenges through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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New York All Saints Reunion Team Sponsors T-Shirts for All Saints Secondary School Pan Team
In a heartwarming gesture of community support, the New York All Saints Reunion Team has stepped forward to sponsor T-shirts for the All Saints Secondary School Pan Team. This initiative aims to bolster the school’s cultural and musical endeavors, particularly in the realm of steelpan music, which holds significant cultural importance in the Caribbean community. The sponsorship not only provides the team with a sense of unity and identity but also highlights the enduring connection between the diaspora and their roots. The reunion team, composed of former students now residing in New York, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving back to their alma mater. This latest effort underscores their dedication to fostering talent and preserving cultural heritage among the younger generation. The All Saints Secondary School Pan Team, known for its vibrant performances, is expected to benefit greatly from this support, enabling them to participate in upcoming events with renewed vigor and pride.
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Reigniting the Singapore dream: Barbados at the crossroads
Three decades ago, inspired by a visit to Singapore, the vision of ‘Barbados: The Singapore of the Caribbean’ was born. Today, this vision is revisited not out of nostalgia but out of necessity. Post-COVID-19, Barbados’ socioeconomic engine is faltering, with sluggish growth compounded by domestic inefficiencies and global challenges. The question now is whether Barbados possesses the political will to pivot strategically for future prosperity while managing its current predicaments. Singapore’s transformation from a poor, overcrowded colonial outpost to a global economic powerhouse offers a masterclass in strategic nation-building. Under Lee Kuan Yew and the People’s Action Party, Singapore expanded its landmass, quadrupled its population through managed immigration, and skyrocketed its GDP per capita from US$500 to nearly US$93,000. In contrast, Barbados has seen modest growth, moving from US$367 in 1960 to around US$25,000 in 2024, yet remains stagnant relative to its potential. To transition from stagnation to sustainability, Barbados must unclog its economic engine by shifting skillsets, mindsets, and embracing cross-cultural communication. This involves learning from successful models, sharpening strategic vision, strengthening governance, eradicating corruption, investing in innovation, enhancing education and health, expanding the population base, modernizing infrastructure, reducing food import bills, and tackling the high cost of living. Singapore demonstrated that discipline and imagination can overcome limitations. Barbados, too, can rise if it steers with purpose. Establishing a Strategic Singapore Model Think Tank, staffed by experienced professionals to work alongside the government and recommend transformative actions, could be a pivotal step. It’s not too late to reignite the Singapore dream—if Barbados acts boldly, inclusively, and with disciplined intent.
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‘Smells bilgy’: Families in St Peter struggle for clean water
Residents in the northern parishes of St Lucy and St Peter in Barbados have been grappling with a persistent and alarming issue: brown, rusty water flowing from their taps. This problem, which has plagued communities like Collins in St Peter for over a decade, has become a distressing part of daily life for many. Despite the presence of permanent water tanks provided by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), the situation remains unresolved, leaving residents to rely on these tanks for their basic needs. Raheem Hurley, a resident of Collins, shared his experience of carrying water for his household and elderly neighbors, a routine he has grown accustomed to over the years. While the water quality has slightly improved, it still carries a noticeable brown hue and a distinct rusty taste, making it unsuitable for drinking or even brushing teeth. Another resident lamented that the issue has persisted since his son was born ten years ago, forcing the family to use bottled water for cooking and cleaning. The problem extends to Six Mens in St Peter, where residents have reported brown water in their pipes, particularly in the early morning hours. This issue emerged after their water source was switched from Speightstown to St Lucy. Although authorities have promised a resolution by next year, skepticism remains high among residents who have endured years of substandard water quality. The lack of direct intervention from BWA officials or government representatives has only added to their frustration, with only a local political candidate addressing their concerns. As the brown water crisis continues to affect multiple communities across Barbados, residents are left hoping for a swift and effective solution.
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LETTER: Are our representatives sleeping or failing?
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a concerned resident of the All Saints East and St. Luke community has voiced growing frustration over the apparent neglect by local representatives. Amidst an ongoing vehicle scandal, the resident questions whether elected officials are failing in their duties or simply turning a blind eye to the pressing issues faced by the community. The letter specifically calls out Parliamentary Representative Mr. Jamale Pringle, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and ABLP Caretaker Mr. Lamin Newton, urging them to address the deteriorating conditions in the area. The resident highlights the lack of progress in the Government’s clean-up and beautification initiative, pointing to overgrown grass in Folley’s and nearly impassable roads within the Folley’s Housing Development. The letter also criticizes the Ministry of Works for its failure to repair the community’s crumbling infrastructure. The resident expresses exhaustion over unfulfilled promises and calls for leaders to prioritize the needs of their constituents over political agendas. The plea underscores a broader demand for accountability and action from both the Government and the Opposition.
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Youth crime surge sparks appeal to social workers
In response to alarming police data revealing a surge in serious youth-related crimes, social workers, counselors, and psychologists in Barbados are being urged to intensify their efforts to deter young people from criminal and antisocial behaviors. The call to action came during the closing ceremony of a two-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) training program, organized by the Ministry of Educational Transformation and the MultiCare Youth Foundation. Held at Pelican House, the event highlighted the critical role of mental health professionals in addressing the growing crisis.
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Mia zoekt Antony Loswijk, verdachte in drive-by shooting Emielaan
Authorities are intensifying their search for Antony Loswijk and a second individual identified as A.L., both suspected of involvement in a deadly drive-by shooting on Emielaan. The incident, which occurred last Friday, claimed the life of Karan Chablani. Surveillance footage revealed that the assailants were traveling in a gray Toyota Ractis, rented from a car rental service in Paramaribo, bearing the license plate PJ 01-65. The Meldpunt Informatie Anoniem (MIA) has issued a public appeal for information regarding the suspects or other occupants of the vehicle. The MIA RED Alert initiative aims to engage the community in locating fugitive suspects. Anonymous tips can be submitted 24/7 via report@meldpunt.sr.