分类： society

Recent court appearances of young men accused of multiple robberies have sparked concern, not just for the crimes they are charged with, but for the alarming display of gang-related hand signals both before and after proceedings. These gestures, far from being innocuous, serve as coded messages tied to gang identity, territorial claims, and power dynamics. Their public exhibition, particularly in high-profile settings like courtrooms or on social media, carries grave implications. Rival gangs may interpret these signals as provocations, potentially inciting retaliation, intimidation of informants, or further violence. Even more troubling is the observation of schoolchildren mimicking these gestures on the streets, oblivious to the life-threatening risks of being misidentified as gang affiliates. This underscores the urgent need for intervention. The Royal Barbados Police Force, led by the commissioner of police, must take immediate action to prevent such displays. Measures such as handcuffing individuals behind their backs or restricting their movements during public appearances could mitigate the spread of these dangerous signals. Prison officers must also ensure that detainees cannot communicate these gestures during transportation, court appearances, or processing. The media plays a pivotal role as well. While public awareness is essential, news outlets must exercise restraint in broadcasting images that inadvertently amplify gang messaging. Parents, too, bear responsibility in educating their children about the severe consequences of imitating these gestures, which may appear harmless on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok but can signify gang affiliation. The unchecked proliferation of these signals risks normalizing gang culture and luring young people into destructive lifestyles. Urgent, coordinated efforts from law enforcement, prison authorities, the media, and parents are essential to curb this dangerous trend and safeguard communities.

In a groundbreaking initiative, two Caribbean lexicographers are spearheading the creation of the region’s first general-purpose English dictionary, aiming to bridge linguistic gaps in education and validate Caribbean dialects. This project, led by Dr. Joseph T. Farquharson of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona and Dr. Jason F. Siegel of UWI Cave Hill, marks a significant step forward in linguistic representation, three decades after Richard Allsopp’s specialized *Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage*.

The endeavor is hailed as a landmark effort to ensure Caribbean schoolchildren are not disadvantaged by the lack of accessible linguistic resources. Dr. Siegel, who also heads the Richard and Jeannette Allsopp Centre for Caribbean Lexicography, emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the project. He noted that while the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) recently added 12 Caribbean words, these terms have long been documented in regional lexicons.

Dr. Siegel highlighted the broader implications of the initiative, stating, ‘Having your own dictionary validates your dialect in the public eye. It counters the racist discourse that suggests there’s something wrong with the way Caribbean people speak.’ The project builds on the legacy of Richard Allsopp, whose 1995 *Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage* remains a cornerstone of Caribbean linguistics, and his wife Jeannette Allsopp, who expanded the field with her multilingual dictionary in 2003.

The new dictionary aims to be a comprehensive, all-purpose reference, capturing both regional vocabulary like ‘cou cou’ and ‘walk with’ and the standard English used alongside it. Unlike specialized glossaries, it will serve as a single trusted source for both local and international communication. Dr. Siegel underscored its educational value, stating that Caribbean children should not have to rely on disparate or unreliable sources to understand their own language.

While the project is still in its early stages, with funding and planning yet to be finalized, it is a top priority for the Allsopp Centre. This initiative not only celebrates Caribbean linguistic heritage but also seeks to empower future generations by providing them with the tools to navigate their linguistic identity confidently.

Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism, has reiterated the critical importance of preserving the Caribbean’s globally celebrated tourism brand. Speaking at the opening of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 on October 1, his remarks come against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the southern Caribbean involving Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. These nations have become entangled in a broader geopolitical conflict between the United States and Venezuela. The U.S. has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking networks allegedly linked to Venezuela’s government, particularly the Cartel de los Soles, which Washington claims is supported by high-ranking Venezuelan officials loyal to President Nicolás Maduro. With Maduro resisting U.S. pressure and American warships patrolling Caribbean waters, the region’s longstanding reputation as a peaceful haven is under threat. Gooding-Edghill echoed Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s recent address at the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the Caribbean’s identity as a zone of peace—a cornerstone of its tourism appeal. He stressed that maintaining this peaceful image is vital for nations like Barbados, where tourism is a primary economic driver. The minister highlighted the need to market the Caribbean as a sanctuary of safety and stability, offering visitors not just a vacation but an escape from global instability. Additionally, he advocated for leveraging cultural figures as soft power to amplify the Caribbean brand globally. He argued that the region’s sports heroes, musicians, and artists should serve as ambassadors, sharing authentic narratives that resonate internationally. Gooding-Edghill also underscored tourism’s deeper role in shaping Caribbean identity, describing it as the lifeblood of the region’s culture, creativity, and connection to the world. Reimagining tourism, he concluded, is synonymous with reimagining the Caribbean’s future.

Barbados is currently undergoing a significant transformation in its education system, a shift that is both exhilarating and unsettling for parents and families. Change, especially when it concerns children, often evokes a sense of uncertainty. While some aspects of this transformation are welcomed, others are met with skepticism. However, the key lies in how we respond and guide our children to make the most of these changes. One of the most notable changes is the adoption of project-based learning, which moves away from traditional rote memorization and encourages students to delve into real-world problems, explore creative solutions, and demonstrate their understanding in meaningful ways. This approach not only prepares students for exams but also for life. Additionally, play-based learning has been introduced in early education, fostering curiosity and imagination. The challenge now is to maintain this spirit throughout the entire education system. As children progress, the focus often shifts to achieving the ‘right answer,’ which can stifle curiosity and creativity. The future will present complex problems without clear-cut solutions, making it essential to teach content while avoiding the trap of valuing only correct answers. Parents play a crucial role in this transformation. While it is natural to desire academic success for their children, it is important to recognize that true achievement is driven by curiosity, persistence, and the courage to try. The rise of AI and technology presents both opportunities and challenges. While these tools can enhance access to information and creativity, they also risk diminishing children’s ability to think independently and process deeply. Teachers are grappling with how to make assessments more authentic, ensuring they measure actual understanding rather than computer-generated responses. The home environment is vital in sustaining curiosity. Research indicates that many children lose their natural curiosity around age seven due to systems that reward only correct answers. Parents can counteract this by encouraging questions, engaging in thoughtful dialogue, and supporting home projects that allow children to lead and solve problems. By fostering curiosity, resilience, and empathy, Barbados aims to develop not just better students but better individuals. This transformation may be daunting, but the ultimate goal is to create self-sufficient, fully functional, and thinking human beings. Dr. Zhané Bridgeman-Maxwell, a science educator and researcher, is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for policy shifts and pedagogical innovation to redefine education in Barbados.