Disability rights advocate Felicia Inniss has called for significant reforms to support parents raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Speaking at the St James Ideas Forum town hall meeting at Frederick Smith Secondary School, Inniss emphasized the need for extended maternity and paternity leave, as well as enhanced community-based support systems. She argued that traditional leave policies are inadequate for parents of children with complex needs, who often face psychological and financial challenges. Inniss highlighted the lack of daycare facilities willing to accommodate children with disabilities, making it nearly impossible for parents to return to work within the standard leave period. She also pointed out the scarcity of developmental pediatricians in Barbados, with only one currently serving the island, and urged the government to improve access to assessments and therapeutic services. Drawing from her personal experience as a parent of a child with a disability, Inniss stressed the importance of creating supervised housing for adults with disabilities to ensure their well-being after their parents pass away. She proposed community-based respite programs, likening them to foster care, to provide temporary relief for families. Inniss concluded by emphasizing the need for compassionate, people-centered solutions rather than focusing solely on infrastructure.
分类： society
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Union urges CARICOM protocol to safeguard migrant workers
With the imminent implementation of full free movement between Barbados and three other CARICOM states, the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) is advocating for a binding regional protocol to safeguard the rights of migrant workers. CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips emphasized the urgent need for enforceable standards to prevent wage suppression and exploitation, stating, “The freedom of movement within the Caribbean must be addressed with clarity and resolve. While the region benefits from shared human capital and collective growth, coherent integration policies, proper labour documentation, and enforcement of social protections are essential.” Phillips made these remarks during CTUSAB’s mid-term delegates’ conference, titled *A Shared Vision for a Stronger Tomorrow: Through Change and Increased Dialogue*, held at the Seventh-Day Adventist Conference Centre. He also highlighted unresolved issues in the public sector, including the non-payment of overtime to nurses, uniform allowances, and the reinstatement of leave for teachers. Phillips called on the government to honor its commitments comprehensively, stressing that these benefits are crucial to workers’ dignity and productivity. Additionally, he criticized CTUSAB’s exclusion from key decision-making bodies, such as those overseeing immigration, education reform, and climate transition, urging for substantial labor representation in shaping Barbados’ future.
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ABWU Shines Spotlight on Workplace Stress and Mental Health
The Antigua & Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) is set to tackle the pressing issue of workplace stress and its impact on mental health during its 58th Annual Delegates Conference. A special panel discussion, scheduled for September 22, will bring together experts to explore strategies for managing stress, reducing stigma, and fostering a supportive work environment. The panel will feature notable speakers, including clinical psychologist Feona Charles-Richards, counsellor Harriet Warner, and Edgar Diaz, Regional Secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).
Workplace stress has emerged as a significant concern, with many employees grappling with burnout, anxiety, depression, and declining productivity due to the demands of modern work environments. ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, ‘Stress on the job is not just a personal matter—it’s a workplace issue. Employers and unions must collaborate to create healthier environments where employees feel supported, respected, and valued. Mental health must be treated with the same urgency as physical safety.’
The discussion is part of the ABWU’s broader initiative to prioritize mental health support and stress management in collective bargaining, workplace policies, and employer practices. The forum will take place during the conference’s business session on September 22 at 2:00 p.m., aiming to equip stakeholders with practical tools to address this growing challenge.
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Antigua Girls’ High School Graduate Named Top Matriculant at UWI Five Islands
Nelisha Mirage, a distinguished graduate of Antigua Girls’ High School, has been honored as the top matriculant for 2025 at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. This prestigious recognition was bestowed upon her during the university’s matriculation ceremony, where she signed the register on behalf of the incoming class—a tradition reserved for the student with the highest academic performance.
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UWI Five Islands Welcomes 443 New Students at Matriculation Ceremony
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus marked a historic milestone as it welcomed its largest-ever cohort of students during the 2025 Matriculation and Welcome Ceremony in St. John’s, Antigua. Despite inclement weather, over 400 new students, accompanied by their families and university staff, gathered to celebrate their formal induction into the UWI community. This year’s intake saw 443 students admitted from a record 750 applicants, pushing the campus’s total enrolment beyond 1,300. The diverse cohort includes students from Antigua and Barbuda, as well as virtual participants from across the Eastern Caribbean, such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia. Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson emphasized the institution’s rapid growth and urged students to view themselves as catalysts for Caribbean transformation. The ceremony featured symbolic traditions, including the signing of the matriculation register, the recitation of the academic vow, and the lighting of the ‘Flame of Excellence,’ which symbolizes knowledge, truth, and shared responsibility. Dr. Camille Samuel, Campus Registrar, reminded students of their lifelong commitment to the UWI community, while Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, joining virtually, highlighted UWI’s global standing and the pivotal role students play in regional development. The event concluded with the university song, performed by the Five Islands Chorale, marking the beginning of the students’ academic journey. This matriculation ceremony not only celebrated a significant milestone but also underscored the institution’s mission to nurture future leaders and change-makers for the Caribbean.
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Crash claims life of St George motorcyclist
Authorities are currently investigating a devastating road accident that resulted in the death of 25-year-old motorcyclist Reon Dottin from Drax Hall Tenantry, St. George. The incident took place on Wednesday evening at approximately 6:48 p.m. along Haggatt Hall Road in St. Michael, involving a bus, a van, and Dottin’s motorcycle.
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The tribute became a solemn, simple, and moving moment.
Cuba bid a heartfelt farewell to Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz in a solemn and moving ceremony held at the Colón Necropolis. The event, presided over by President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, was marked by military honors and floral tributes from prominent leaders, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz. Cabrisas, a revered figure in Cuban politics, was remembered for his unwavering dedication to the nation and his pivotal role in shaping its economic and diplomatic strategies. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz delivered a poignant eulogy, highlighting Cabrisas’ lifelong commitment to the Revolution, his leadership in key government roles, and his profound impact on Cuba’s international relations. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, family members, and colleagues, who gathered to honor a man whose legacy of integrity, loyalty, and service will endure.
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Independence 42nd Ceremonial Parade introduces new features with evening start time
The 42nd Independence Ceremonial Parade in Saint Kitts and Nevis is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium. This year’s event introduces a significant change with an evening start time, aimed at enhancing the experience for both participants and spectators. The decision, influenced by Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, was made to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the comfort of the troops and attendees during the parade. Dr. Marcus Natta, Cabinet Secretary and Co-Chair of the Independence 42 Organising Committee, emphasized the importance of this adjustment, noting that it allows for additional creative elements and special surprises for the audience. Captain Kenish Garnett of the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard Unit will lead the parade for the fourth time, expressing his pride in commanding the event. The ceremony, which will be livestreamed on SKNIS’ and ZIZ’s platforms, promises a blend of patriotism and precision drills, celebrating the nation’s independence from Great Britain on September 19, 1983.
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COMMENTARY: Caribbean Criminal Responsibility – Suffer Little Children
The age of criminal responsibility across the Caribbean reveals a stark disparity, ranging from as low as seven years in Grenada to thirteen years in Haiti. This inconsistency highlights the region’s struggle with juvenile justice reform, a topic that has long been debated globally. While modern criminal justice systems advocate for a minimum age of twelve, many Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda (8 years), the Bahamas (10 years), and Trinidad (7 years), have yet to align with this standard. The United Kingdom, despite expert recommendations, maintains a ten-year minimum, influencing its Caribbean territories like the Cayman Islands, which recently considered but did not adopt a twelve-year threshold. This reluctance to modernize has been criticized, particularly in light of rising juvenile crime rates. For instance, Jamaica has seen twelve-year-olds charged with murder, and the Cayman Islands faced a high-profile case involving a twelve-year-old accused of a gun-related offense. Critics argue that law reform bodies in the region should include not only prosecutors but also criminal defense attorneys, who bring firsthand experience and insight into the challenges faced by at-risk youth. The lack of progress in this area mirrors broader societal issues, such as the Cayman Islands’ failure to implement a comprehensive plan for youth violence prevention despite a significant budget allocation. As the region grapples with these challenges, the question remains: should resources be directed toward building more prisons or investing in alternative solutions to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency?
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Taxi Drivers Threaten Action Over Illegal Operators at Antigua Airport
Licensed taxi drivers at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda have issued an ultimatum to authorities, demanding a crackdown on illegal operators by 1 October. The United Taxi Company, representing the drivers, has expressed growing frustration over the government’s inaction, warning of potential disruptions as the winter tourist season approaches. Vice President Gregory Ail emphasized that unlicensed drivers are operating without background checks, fees, or insurance, posing significant risks to passenger safety and undermining the livelihoods of lawful operators. Despite a fee increase last year, enforcement against illegal taxis remains inadequate, further exacerbating the issue. The drivers are calling for urgent talks with the police and Transport Minister Max Fernandez to address the situation. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has acknowledged the concerns but has yet to take decisive action. With visitor arrivals expected to peak soon, the standoff threatens to escalate into a public clash, potentially tarnishing the country’s tourism reputation.