Residents in St Lucy, particularly in areas like River Bay, Hope Road, and Crab Hill, are voicing their frustration over the dire state of their roads, which they describe as nearly impassable due to years of neglect and ongoing water main replacement projects. The combination of deep potholes, loose gravel, and eroding road edges has turned daily commutes into hazardous journeys, with many comparing the experience to a ‘daily test of endurance.’ Drivers are forced to navigate a precarious path, often zigzagging to avoid damage to their vehicles. The situation worsens after heavy rains, when water-filled potholes disguise their depth, making travel even more treacherous. Limited street lighting in some areas further compounds the problem, especially at night. Long-time resident Mark Toppin described the roads as ‘beyond ridiculous,’ highlighting the safety risks posed by crumbling infrastructure. Residents are now calling for urgent action from authorities, emphasizing that the issue is not merely an inconvenience but a pressing public safety concern. They urge the government to prioritize long-term road maintenance or, at the very least, provide temporary fixes to ensure safer travel. The plight of St Lucy mirrors broader struggles across Barbados, where many smaller communities continue to wait for road repairs while major highways and urban areas receive attention. For the people of St Lucy, the deteriorating roads are disrupting daily life, affecting vehicle maintenance, and posing significant safety risks, making immediate action imperative.
分类： society
-
Column: Wanneer gaat bij EBS het licht echt aan?
Suriname’s Energybedrijven Suriname (EBS) is currently embroiled in a storm of governance issues, internal tensions, and a growing lack of trust. The situation escalated when the union clashed with the management following the dismissal of union chairman Marciano Hellings. Despite rulings from both the Labor Inspectorate and the Dismissal Commission favoring Hellings, the management refused to accept the decision, leading to a highly charged atmosphere within the company.
-
Charles F. Broome school closure leaves parents seeking answers
Parents of students at Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School were left bewildered by the abrupt closure of the institution on Monday, with officials providing no immediate explanation for the decision. Communication with families was delayed until after a scheduled meeting with teachers, leaving many in the dark about the circumstances. In an evening email, parents were informed that the school would remain closed on Tuesday to facilitate discussions between Ministry of Educational Transformation officials and the teaching staff. Earlier in the day, Principal Paula Toppin had issued a notice advising parents and guardians to collect their children “as soon as possible” due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
When Barbados TODAY visited the Government Hill school, parents expressed frustration over the lack of transparency. Many had received the email or seen the alert in a WhatsApp chat but were given no further details. “We received a notice via email and some of us have class chats, so that notice came probably after 11 a.m. No reason was given; we were just told to collect the kids,” one parent shared. “We would like to know what is the reason. After all, it’s our kids. Up to now, I still don’t know what is happening. This is the first time the school has closed for the term, and we would like some answers.”
The Ministry of Educational Transformation had pledged to release a statement clarifying the closure, but as of the time of publication, no such communication had been issued. Julian Pierre, head of the Barbados Union of Teachers’ health and safety committee, stated that the union would comment on the matter at a later date, further heightening the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
-
Education official urges proactive school safety management
Barbados’ Deputy Chief Education Officer, Julia Beckles, emphasized the critical role of proactive health and safety committees in schools during a recent awareness-building session at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College. Addressing over 130 educators, Beckles highlighted the importance of resolving health and safety issues at the school level before escalating them to the Ministry of Education or unions. This call to action follows last year’s disruptions, where teachers staged walkouts over environmental and safety concerns, leading to temporary school closures and ministry intervention. Beckles stressed that while all schools have established health and safety committees as mandated by law, not all are functioning optimally. She urged schools to foster a culture of collaboration, ensuring that issues like rodent infestations and improper waste disposal are addressed internally through education and preventative measures. Beckles also underscored the ministry’s commitment to supporting these committees as part of Barbados’ broader education transformation efforts, aiming to modernize school environments with a focus on health and safety. The session coincided with Caribbean Safety Week, providing an opportune moment to renew efforts in creating safer school environments. Beckles encouraged participants to re-energize their teams and conduct regular, proactive assessments of school environments. The workshop also outlined key guidelines for workplace safety policies, including the establishment of safety committees, risk assessments, and employee consultation processes.
-
Dominican Congress presents “Let Her Go” Reform to fight violence against women and children
In a landmark session at the National Assembly of the Dominican Republic, Senate President Ricardo de los Santos and Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco introduced the Comprehensive Reform ‘Let Her Go’ (Déjala Ir). This pioneering legislative initiative aims to significantly reduce femicides and filicides by 2030 and eradicate them entirely by 2035. The reform, championed by Representative Kimberly Taveras and supported by over 70 legislators from both chambers, was meticulously crafted over nine months to establish a national agenda focused on safeguarding lives and fostering family peace. Unlike traditional punitive approaches, the reform emphasizes prevention, protection, and the reintegration of victims, signaling a transformative shift in public policy and institutional modernization. Key components of the reform include the criminalization of vicarious violence, the establishment of specialized courts, the integration of emotional education and social workers in schools, and the implementation of a National Care System. Additionally, the initiative advocates for the disarmament of aggressors, the use of technology for monitoring and early warnings, and the coordination of policies across rural and border regions. Hailed as the largest women-led movement in the history of the Dominican Congress, the reform has garnered unanimous support from legislators across all political parties. During the session, participants read a manifesto declaring femicides and filicides a national emergency, urging all sectors of society—from the State and academia to media and civil organizations—to unite in collective action.
-
Govt targets overgrown lots with new fines from November
Barbados is taking a firm stance against neglected properties with the introduction of new regulations under the Health Services (Amendment) Act, set to take effect on November 1. Minister of the Environment Adrian Forde announced that property owners who fail to maintain their land will face financial penalties. The law targets overgrown and disused lots, which have become a growing concern across the island. Once notified, property owners will have 21 days to clean their lots. Failure to comply will result in an initial fine of $300, with an additional $10 charged daily until the property is cleaned. Minister Forde emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in preserving Barbados’ beauty and cleanliness, stating, ‘We cannot have the most beautiful island in the Western Hemisphere unless we equally have all of Barbados working together to achieve this clean and green philosophy.’ He expressed disappointment that legislation was necessary but stressed that the government must act to ensure accountability. Minister in the Ministry of Health Davidson Ishmael highlighted the public health risks posed by overgrown lots, particularly the breeding of mosquitoes, which can spread deadly diseases. He noted that the new law would address long-standing complaints from residents frustrated by neglected properties in their neighborhoods. Project leader Ronald Chapman explained that the new system would streamline the cleanup process and improve cost recovery. Environmental health officers will monitor communities daily, and a dedicated hotline will soon be launched to facilitate public reporting of overgrown properties. The initiative aims to foster a sense of civic duty and protect both the environment and public health.
-
DGP ensures data security in new Electronic Passport system
The Dominican Republic has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding the personal and biometric data of its citizens with the implementation of the new Electronic Passport system. The General Directorate of Passports (DGP) has assured that the system adheres to the highest international standards in identification and cybersecurity, ensuring comprehensive protection of sensitive information.
Lorenzo Ramírez, Director General of the DGP, detailed that the entire process of capturing, processing, and encrypting passport data is conducted exclusively within DGP facilities. This process follows stringent guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Ramírez emphasized that passport booklets arrive in the country blank and are personalized locally using encrypted systems. This ensures that no foreign entity has access to the national passport database, and the Dominican State maintains full control over the system’s source codes.
The Electronic Passport project was awarded to the Franco-American consortium EMT, which includes Entrust (United States), Midas Dominicana, and Thales (France). These companies are globally recognized for their expertise in secure document and digital identity solutions. The DGP highlighted that this initiative represents a historic milestone in the modernization of national travel documents and enhances global trust in Dominican passports.
In accordance with Decree 438-22, the DGP also organized an inter-institutional technical roundtable involving security, civil aviation, and immigration authorities. This collaboration aimed to review the operational and logistical integration of the new system. Additionally, field visits to Las Américas and Punta Cana airports were conducted to validate the infrastructure for biometric passport processing and to ensure more efficient border control operations.
-
Government leads national reforestation effort using native species
The Dominican Republic is spearheading an ambitious nationwide reforestation initiative this October, designated as Reforestation Month. Led by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the campaign is being executed through the Reforestation Directorate of the Vice Ministry of Forest Resources. Over fifty tree-planting events are planned across the country, with the goal of planting more than one million native and endemic seedlings on over 20,000 acres of land impacted by human activities. This effort is supported by a coalition of public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private companies, all united in their mission to safeguard water resources and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
October was strategically chosen for the campaign due to the favorable conditions provided by the rainy season, which enhances seedling growth. Among the diverse species to be planted are Criollo and Caribbean pine, caracolí, white and red cedar, juniper, cabirma, mahogany, almond, and Creole oak. These species are selected for their ecological significance and adaptability to the local environment.
This initiative is a critical component of the National Plan for Reforestation and Restoration of Forest Ecosystems, which was launched by President Luis Abinader in June 2023. Now in its second phase, the plan focuses on restoring degraded forest areas, increasing tree cover, improving water quality, and enhancing carbon sequestration. The provinces most actively involved in the campaign include Dajabón, Santiago Rodríguez, San Juan, Elías Piña, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Peravia, Sánchez Ramírez, Santiago, San Cristóbal, Monte Plata, San Pedro de Macorís, and Hato Mayor.
The large-scale reforestation effort underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. By addressing deforestation and promoting ecosystem restoration, the initiative aims to create a healthier environment for current and future generations.
-
UN celebrates 80 years with free fair in Santo Domingo
The United Nations System is set to mark its 80th anniversary with a vibrant public fair titled “UN Fair: 80 Years Building the Future!” The event will take place on October 17 and 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Publishing Pavilion in the Plaza de la Cultura, Santo Domingo. Open to all, the fair aims to engage citizens, particularly youth and families, in exploring the UN’s global and national contributions through a variety of activities, including exhibitions, interactive spaces, and panel discussions. These will highlight eight decades of collaboration between the UN and the Dominican Republic, emphasizing themes such as peace, equality, sustainability, and human rights. The two-day celebration will feature a diverse program of artistic performances, storytelling, and interactive experiences designed to educate and inspire. The event is supported by key national institutions, including the Presidency of the Republic, the Ministries of Culture and Education, PLERD-MINERD, the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, and the Mayor’s Office of the National District. Additionally, private sector and civil society partners such as Mercasid Group, the Association of Multiple Banks (ABA), KahKow, “El Sistema de Punta Cana,” and FUNDARMONIARTES have joined the initiative. Julia del Carmen Sánchez, UN Resident Coordinator in the Dominican Republic, emphasized that the fair aims to empower citizens, especially young people, as agents of change while celebrating the enduring partnership between the UN and the Dominican Republic in fostering sustainable development and equal opportunities.
-
Houten woning gaat in vlammen op te Balingsula
A devastating fire engulfed a small wooden house in the vicinity of Balingsula, located in the Brokopondo district, on Sunday. The Brokopondo police were alerted to the incident and promptly arrived at the scene for investigation. Upon arrival, they discovered that the single-story wooden residence, along with all its contents, had been completely consumed by flames. Fortunately, the occupants were not present at the time of the fire, as confirmed by the police Public Relations team. The house, which was connected to the local electricity grid, was not insured against fire damage. The Brownsweg fire department, upon reaching the site, could only perform post-fire containment operations. No personal injuries were reported in the incident. The Forensic Investigation Department has since visited the property to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time.