Barbadian women continue to shoulder the majority of caregiving, work, and social responsibilities, despite decades of advancements in gender equality, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey stated on Tuesday. Speaking at the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Beijing Declaration at United Nations House in Christ Church, Humphrey highlighted the enduring gender disparities in Barbados. Between July 1 and September 15, the Welfare Department issued 2,478 back-to-school cheques totaling $1.62 million to assist children, with over 95% of applications submitted by women. These figures underscore not only financial needs but also the persistent imbalance in responsibilities between men and women. “Women bear a disproportionate share of daily burdens, especially during crises,” Humphrey emphasized. He stressed the necessity of data-driven solutions to address these inequities, referencing the ongoing country assessment of living conditions, which will inform a new poverty line by early 2026, and the planned establishment of the Social Empowerment Agency to enhance social service delivery. Humphrey also linked gender inequality to climate challenges, noting that women are disproportionately affected by climate disasters. “Eighty percent of those displaced by climate disasters are women and girls,” he said, warning that the climate crisis exacerbates existing inequities. Isiuwa Iyahen, head of UN Women’s Multi-Country Office for the Caribbean, echoed the call for action, recalling Caribbean women’s historical struggles against systemic barriers. Despite significant progress, disparities persist. Barbadian women earn 86-87% of men’s wages, and up to half of women with partners experience intimate-partner violence. Women also perform two to three times more unpaid care work than men, limiting their economic opportunities. “Laws alone are insufficient—financing, implementation, and cultural change are urgently needed,” Iyahen concluded.
分类： society
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New scholarships to boost youth careers in construction, auto repair
Barbadian youth aspiring to build careers in construction and automotive repair have received a significant boost with the introduction of over $4,000 in new scholarships. This initiative stems from two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and local industry leaders Nirvana Construction Inc. and Automotive Art. The agreements, formalized on Tuesday at SJPI’s Wildey campus, aim to provide targeted financial support to students enrolled in masonry and motor vehicle engineering programmes. Nirvana Construction has pledged a $500 scholarship for students from Parkinson Memorial Secondary School entering the Certificate in Masonry programme. Eligible applicants must be Barbadian citizens aged 16 to 18 and submit a recommendation from a school official or coach. Steven Hinds, Managing Director of Nirvana Construction and an SJPI alumnus, emphasized the company’s dedication to youth development and the skilled trades. “We are big on young people. Being in the construction industry, we decided that we need to advance our skilled artisans,” he stated. Meanwhile, Automotive Art will award ten $400 scholarships to continuing students in the Motor Vehicle Engineering Technology and Vehicle Body Repair programmes. Jamon White, General Manager of Automotive Art, described the initiative as a small yet impactful investment in the nation’s future workforce. SJPI Principal Ian Drakes expressed enthusiasm for the partnerships, highlighting their role in making technical and vocational education more accessible. “These are exciting times, and they continue with corporate Barbados entrusting us to keep our technical vocational education going in a very positive and dynamic way,” Drakes remarked. These scholarships align with broader national efforts to attract and qualify more young Barbadians in skilled trades, particularly in construction and auto care. For further details, interested individuals can visit www.sjpi.edu.bb or contact SJPI Guidance Officer Shawna Carter at 246-836-7687. Applications close on September 30.
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Student found hanging on Mississippi college campus
A tragic incident unfolded at Delta State University (DSU) in Cleveland, Mississippi, when a 21-year-old Black student, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, was found hanging from a tree on campus early Monday morning. The discovery, made by a faculty member near the university’s pickleball courts around 7 AM, prompted the immediate closure of classes and campus activities. Reed, a native of Grenada, Mississippi, was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the campus community in shock and distress. Authorities, including Delta State Police Chief Michael Peeler, have stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play, but investigations are ongoing. The university’s president, Daniel Ennis, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, offering condolences to Reed’s family and arranging counseling services for affected students and staff. Amidst the tragedy, Reed’s family has called for transparency, urging the public to seek the truth and avoid letting the matter be overlooked. They have engaged attorney Vanessa J. Jones to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding Reed’s death. The case has drawn national attention, with the Jackson FBI indicating readiness to intervene if federal misconduct is identified. Meanwhile, the Bolivar County Coroner has ruled the death a suicide, but skepticism persists within the Black community, with organizations like the NAACP highlighting historical context and demanding thorough scrutiny. The incident has reignited conversations about racial justice and safety on college campuses.
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DCOA announces two new wellness events for Month of the Elderly
In a heartwarming initiative to celebrate the Month of the Elderly, the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA) has announced a diverse lineup of activities aimed at honoring and supporting senior citizens. The program, designed to promote health and wellbeing, features two major events: a Health Fair on September 20 and a Sports Day on September 28. These events are part of a broader effort to recognize the contributions of older adults and enhance their quality of life. The Health Fair will offer free health screenings, wellness workshops, and consultations with medical professionals, while the Sports Day will encourage physical activity through fun, age-appropriate games and competitions. The DCOA’s initiative underscores the importance of fostering a community that values and cares for its elderly population. With these events, Dominica continues to set an example in prioritizing the health and happiness of its senior citizens.
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Farmer charged for stabbing woman
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 27-year-old farmer from Falmouth, Trelawny, named Neil Ferril, has been formally charged with wounding with intent after a violent stabbing incident in Port Maria, St Mary, earlier this year. The incident occurred on the evening of February 10, when a heated argument between two women escalated into a physical altercation. Ferril allegedly intervened during the dispute, wielding a knife and stabbing one of the women multiple times. The victim was promptly rushed to the hospital, where she received medical treatment and was later discharged. Following an extensive investigation, Ferril was apprehended in Trelawny on September 15 and subsequently transported to St Mary, where he was officially charged. Authorities are now preparing for his upcoming court appearance as the legal process unfolds.
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St Elizabeth man charged with burglary and larceny
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 30-year-old man from Rocky Hill, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, has been formally charged with burglary and larceny in connection with a series of break-ins in Coral Spring Village, Trelawny. The accused, Jermaine Findley, was charged on September 16 after being implicated in a burglary that occurred in the early hours of the morning.
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Charlie Kirk’s widow takes helm of Turning Point USA
In a poignant turn of events, Erika Kirk, the widow of the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has been appointed as the new CEO and Chair of the Board of Turning Point USA, a prominent youth action campaign group. The announcement came just two days after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on a university campus, allegedly by a 22-year-old gunman. Erika Kirk, addressing supporters, vowed that the movement her husband had passionately built would continue to thrive. ‘The movement my husband built will not die,’ she declared. The organization’s board confirmed her appointment in a unanimous decision, citing Charlie Kirk’s prior wishes that she lead in the event of his death. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through conservative circles, where Charlie Kirk was revered as a staunch advocate for free speech and Christian values. In a rare gesture of official mourning, former President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, and Vice President JD Vance personally traveled to Utah to retrieve Kirk’s body. The shooting has also exacerbated societal divisions, with conservatives mobilizing to penalize those perceived as disrespectful of Kirk’s death. Reports have surfaced of individuals being dismissed from their jobs for making celebratory or mocking social media posts about the tragedy. Notably, late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel faced backlash and suspension of his show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ after comments he made about the alleged shooter’s motives drew ire from conservatives. The federal government’s threat to revoke broadcast licenses from channels that did not condemn Kimmel further intensified the controversy.
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Fifteen-year-old boy charged with murder of 61-y-o farmer
In a tragic incident in Knowles Heights, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, a 15-year-old boy has been formally charged with the murder of 61-year-old Roy Pearson, a local farmer. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 14, around 1:00 pm, when Pearson sustained severe injuries during a physical altercation with the teenager. Despite being rushed to the hospital and receiving medical treatment, Pearson tragically succumbed to his injuries. The young suspect was apprehended by the Mandeville police and officially charged on Wednesday. As of now, the court date for the case remains unannounced, leaving the community in shock and awaiting further developments.
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Rural school bus programme brings peace of mind for students, parents, teachers
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Government’s newly launched rural school bus initiative has been met with widespread approval from students, parents, and educators in Lawrence Tavern, St. Andrew. Described as a safe, reliable, and essential support for education, the program aims to address transportation challenges in rural areas while enhancing student safety and attendance.
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Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre moves closer to reality
The Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre in St Ann, Jamaica, is one step closer to becoming operational, thanks to the success of the recent Issa Trust Foundation charity concert held on May 17 at Couples San Souci. The event, featuring renowned artists such as Shaggy, Lila Ike, and Voice Box, raised significant funds to support the completion of the facility, which aims to serve the residents of Richmond and surrounding communities.
Paul Issa, Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, expressed his deep commitment to the project, emphasizing the importance of securing additional funding to finalize the centre. ‘This facility will provide essential primary care, addressing both physical and mental health needs for young people on the North Coast,’ Issa stated. He also highlighted the foundation’s efforts to engage companies and individuals as Legacy Donors, with contributions of $100,000 or more, to ensure the project’s success.
The annual charity concert is part of the foundation’s long-standing tradition of hosting high-profile events to bolster Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure. Past concerts have featured international stars like Air Supply and Michael Bolton, as well as local talents such as Third World and Koffee, raising millions of dollars for critical initiatives. These funds have supported projects like the paediatric ward at St Ann’s Bay Hospital and the ongoing construction of the Mary Issa Health Centre.
The foundation’s unwavering dedication to improving healthcare access has garnered widespread support, showcasing a collective commitment to enhancing the well-being of Jamaican communities.