分类： society

Barbados law enforcement has initiated a public search operation for Livardo Rogelio Hinds, a 35-year-old male known by the alias ‘Shots,’ who remains at large after failing to appear before the No. 3 Supreme Court. The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) confirms Hinds is wanted in connection with multiple serious criminal offenses currently under judicial review.

Authorities have outlined proper surrender protocols, indicating Hinds may present himself voluntarily at either the No. 3 Supreme Court or the Central Police Station, provided he is accompanied by legal representation of his choosing.

The TBPS has established multiple communication channels for information regarding Hinds’ whereabouts, directing citizens to contact the Central Police Station at 430-7676, Police Emergency services at 211, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-8477, or any nearby police precinct.

In a stern warning to the public, the police service emphasized that harboring or providing assistance to wanted individuals constitutes a criminal offense under Barbadian law, with prosecutable consequences for those found aiding fugitives from justice. This development highlights the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and community members in maintaining public safety and judicial accountability.

As Barbados prepares for Monday’s national budget announcement, disability advocates are intensifying calls for substantive government measures to improve accessibility, foster inclusion, and expand support systems for persons with disabilities. This mobilization comes despite the landmark passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2025, which advocates acknowledge as significant progress but emphasize requires robust enforcement mechanisms to realize its full potential.

At a recent Health Fair organized by the Social Empowerment Agency, numerous individuals with disabilities articulated specific challenges and expectations. Christopher Gilkes, living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, highlighted the prohibitive cost and complex processes involved in obtaining essential assistive devices. “The bureaucratic hurdles and financial burden to acquire something as basic as a wheelchair remain overwhelming,” Gilkes stated.

Accessibility in public infrastructure emerged as a recurring concern. Quadriplegic Christopher Rouse noted the partial progress in transportation, acknowledging some wheelchair-accessible buses while criticizing the persistent inadequacy of supporting infrastructure. “From inaccessible bus terminals to sidewalks that force disembarkation onto roads, the challenges remain substantial,” Rouse explained, emphasizing that transportation solutions require comprehensive infrastructure overhaul.

Healthcare accessibility beyond basic services was another priority. Suzanne Haewood, who has Rheumatoid Arthritis, advocated for expanded coverage to include dental and vision care in the upcoming budget. Amputee Meldine Norville brought attention to the critical need for prosthetic support, describing the financial and systemic barriers that prevent individuals from regaining mobility. “Prosthetic legs are prohibitively expensive, and government support for restoring mobility remains insufficient,” Norville asserted.

Norville further detailed systemic employment discrimination and physical barriers in public spaces, noting that many establishments lack adequate facilities, ramps, or even accessible restrooms, effectively excluding disabled individuals from routine activities. This sentiment was echoed by Afeefa Manjra, who is blind and partially deaf, calling for increased braille implementation in public areas and prescription labeling.

Pedro Belgrave emphasized the need for policies promoting independence through improved access to housing, sports, and educational opportunities. Acting Director of the Social Empowerment Agency, Wayne Nurse, acknowledged these concerns while outlining the government’s commitment to healthcare accessibility in new policy frameworks. “Our recently passed policy specifically addresses equitable healthcare access for persons with disabilities, ensuring they receive care equivalent to other citizens,” Nurse stated, though concrete budgetary allocations remain to be seen.

The Barbadian government is executing a comprehensive national strategy to enhance community sports infrastructure through an extensive field lighting initiative. Minister of Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, announced the program’s details during the ongoing Parliamentary Estimates debate on Friday, emphasizing its role in broadening sports participation at the grassroots level.

Minister Griffith, responding to inquiries from government backbencher William Duguid, revealed that the systematic program has already seen several locations retrofitted with new lighting systems and decayed poles replaced. The initiative specifically targets state-owned playing fields, though the government acknowledges the need to extend lighting to certain non-state facilities, such as the YMCA’s dedicated football field.

“Our methodical approach ensures we will systematically reach all fields,” Griffith stated from Parliament. “This lighting initiative represents a fundamental strategy for sports development by enabling greater community involvement. By broadening the base of our sports pyramid, we create opportunities for raw talent to emerge and excel.”

Despite ambitious plans, budget limitations have presented challenges. Nicholas Matthias, Senior Superintendent of Works at the National Sports Council, identified seven locations that require completion outside the original project scope: Ignatius Byer Primary School and Crab Hill (both in St Lucy), YMPC on Beckles Road, Queen’s Park, The Lodge School in St John, Proute in St Thomas, and Gemswick in St Philip.

The government is simultaneously addressing community facility needs beyond lighting infrastructure. In response to concerns raised by St James South MP Sandra Husbands regarding community spaces in St James, officials confirmed several potential venues are under consideration, including the former St John the Baptist School on Holders Hill, though final decisions remain pending.

Chief Community Development Officer John Hollingsworth confirmed budgetary allocations specifically for addressing facility shortages in St James South and St James Central, noting: “We recognize the urgent need for this facility, as the closest community centers currently available are Weston and Eden Lodge, which underscores the significance of this project.”

Minister Griffith further assured Parliament that maintenance structures are being implemented alongside new installations. The National Sports Council is establishing center management committees at all pavilions to create formal channels for community feedback regarding property and playing field conditions, ensuring sustainable upkeep of the enhanced facilities.

As Barbados prepares for its annual budget announcement, the Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has outlined urgent priorities requiring government attention and funding. With Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn set to deliver the financial blueprint on Monday afternoon, healthcare professionals await concrete measures addressing long-standing workforce challenges.

The BNA’s comprehensive agenda centers on three fundamental pillars: finalization of extended leave arrangements, resolution of job evaluation procedures, and expansion of nursing positions across both clinical and educational settings. Association President Dr. Fay Parris confirmed ongoing discussions with government ministries throughout the past year, expressing optimism that budgetary allocations would address these critical needs.

At the forefront of negotiations is the long-awaited long leave agreement, which would establish clear parameters for extended time off for nursing professionals. The association simultaneously anticipates conclusive outcomes from the protracted job evaluation exercise that will determine appropriate salary structures and career progression pathways.

Compensation adjustments form another crucial component, with the BNA advocating for significant elevation of entry-level nursing positions from the current Z23 grade to Z16. This recalibration aims to enhance recruitment prospects and recognize the professional demands placed on nursing staff.

Beyond remuneration concerns, Dr. Parris emphasized the dual need for expanded clinical staffing and reinforced academic capacity. The current shortage of nursing educators threatens the nation’s ability to sustain pipeline development, potentially compromising long-term healthcare delivery. The association seeks budgetary ratification for additional posts that would strengthen both service delivery and educational infrastructure simultaneously.

In a landmark ruling that balanced psychiatric considerations with public safety, the Barbados High Court has sentenced Ramario Antonio Roach to life imprisonment for the brutal killings of three individuals during a five-week period in 2018-2019. The now 24-year-old, who was 18 at the time of the crimes, will serve a minimum of 33 years before becoming eligible for release.

Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell delivered the sentence following Roach’s admission to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The court accepted psychiatric evidence indicating Roach suffers from schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder, though the judge emphasized his retained awareness and responsibility during the commission of the crimes.

The victims included Tyrone Austin, 68, murdered on December 18, 2018; Roach’s own mother, Joanne Roach, killed between January 18-21, 2019; and American national Dr. Sarah Sutrina, 68, slain between January 20-22, 2019. Each killing demonstrated exceptional brutality, with the court detailing unprovoked attacks involving rocks, knives, and mutilation.

In her ruling, Justice Smith-Bovell noted the particular vulnerability of the victims and the calculated nature of the attacks, especially against Dr. Sutrina whom Roach had surveilled and ambushed. The judge referenced psychiatric testimony indicating Roach’s conscious refusal to take medication and his high risk of reoffending.

Despite the defendant’s last-minute apology and plea for mercy, the court prioritized societal protection. After accounting for time served and guilty pleas, the final sentence mandates concurrent life terms with varying tariffs: 16 years for Austin’s death, 23 years for his mother’s killing, and 33 years for Dr. Sutrina’s murder.

The court additionally ordered Roach to participate in rehabilitation programs focusing on academic development, vocational skills, and intensive psychotherapy during his incarceration.

The prosecution was led by Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC, while Senior Counsel Andrew Pilgrim represented the defendant in proceedings that have gripped the Caribbean nation.