The St Michael parish celebrated the exceptional contributions of 100 dedicated residents during the Pride of Barbados Awards ceremony at State House on Friday. Hosted by President Sandra Mason, the event honored individuals who have made significant impacts in various community initiatives. Among the awardees were Julene Kellman, recognized for her work in education and support for breast cancer patients through the Olive Branch of Hope Foundation; Dean Squires, applauded for using sports to engage youth; and Calisa Wilson, one of the youngest honorees, acknowledged for her efforts in educating children in underserved areas. The ceremony, part of the We Gatherin’ programme, highlighted the importance of community service and its role in fostering societal growth. St Michael North West MP Neil Rowe and St Michael West Central MP Ian Gooding-Edghill praised the recipients for their unwavering commitment, urging others to follow their example. The event concluded with a call to continue uplifting community development across Barbados.
分类： society
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Temporary road closure: Mt Royal public road, Carriacou
The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has authorized temporary road closures along the Mt Royal public road to support the G-CREWS pipeline installation project by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa). The closures will be in effect from Sunday, November 23, 2025, to Saturday, November 29, 2025, with specific timings to be announced. These measures are essential to ensure the safety of both road users and the construction crew as they work on upgrading Carriacou’s critical water infrastructure. While the project is expected to cause delays, Nawasa has expressed gratitude for the patience and cooperation of motorists, residents, and business owners during this period. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving essential services for the community. NOW Grenada has clarified that it is not responsible for the opinions or statements made by contributors and encourages reporting any misuse of its platform.
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New digital tools at school ‘tackle pandemic learning loss’
In a significant step to address the educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary School has received a set of cutting-edge digital learning kits. The donation, part of a nationwide initiative, was facilitated by the Massy Foundation (Barbados) Inc., in collaboration with Kingdom Life Ministries and Caribbean eBook Ltd. The Learnit ‘Teachnology’ Solution kits were officially handed over during a ceremony held on Friday. Natalie McDowald, Massy’s marketing manager and a member of the Massy Foundation advisory panel, emphasized that the donation symbolizes more than just the transfer of equipment. ‘This moment is a declaration of belief in the power of education, the resilience of our youth, and our shared responsibility to ensure no child is left behind,’ she stated. McDowald highlighted the profound impact of the pandemic on the education system, particularly at schools like Grantley Adams Memorial, where issues such as absenteeism, learning loss, and environmental challenges persist. Despite these obstacles, she praised the school’s leadership for choosing hope and innovation by adopting the Learnit Solution. The Massy Foundation has already donated similar kits to several other schools, including Selah Primary, Lifelong School Skills Training, Ellerton Primary, St Mark’s Primary, and Hilda Skeene Primary, with plans to extend the initiative to Half Moon Fort Primary. To date, the foundation has invested over $424,000 in the program, with Kingdom Life Ministries contributing an additional $155,000, bringing the total donation to nearly $580,000. McDowald described the Learnit Solution as a lifeline for struggling learners, offering over 190 offline, interactive applications designed to enhance learning through touch, sound, and action. Principal Andrew Skeete welcomed the donation, noting its potential to bolster the school’s remedial program and deliver more responsive, flexible, and engaging instruction.
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Students spark bright ideas for energy independence
At the Barbados Sustainable Energy Youth Forum, held on Thursday at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, students from across the island shared their insights on how young people can contribute to Barbados’ energy independence. As the nation nears its 59th anniversary of Independence, these young voices highlighted the importance of knowledge, innovation, and behavioral change in achieving true energy sovereignty.
Nikhyl Burnett from Christ Church Foundation School emphasized the need for education in schools to help students understand and innovate energy-efficient solutions. Elijah Gamble and Tre-Nisha Simpson from the Alleyne School suggested educating children through workshops and exposing them to experts in the field. Shavier Mayers of Grantley Adams Memorial School advocated for energy conservation by prioritizing essential usage.
Nykira Pryme from Springer Memorial School proposed reducing phone usage and unplugging chargers to save energy. Charles Waithe of Harrison College highlighted the potential of solar panels and wind turbines for energy storage and grid independence. Roshida Hamilton and Akeelah McDonald from Combermere School encouraged collaborative projects like mini ovens and turbines, spreading awareness and involving teachers and peers.
These youthful perspectives underscored the critical role of education, innovation, and community engagement in driving Barbados toward a sustainable energy future.
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Youth Talent from the CGLF Programme Makes a Powerful Mark at Ocean Fest
The 2025 Ocean Fest celebration was significantly enhanced by the active participation of students from Sir McChesney George Secondary School’s Culinary Arts Program and the Media Apprenticeship Programme, both initiatives supported by the CGLF (Civil Society and Local Governance Framework). Funded by the European Union, CGLF focuses on fostering stronger ties between civil society and local governance through community engagement and advanced technical vocational training. Their involvement in Ocean Fest vividly demonstrated the initiative’s real-world impact. In the culinary domain, students collaborated with renowned executive chefs to prepare and present four signature dishes, highlighting sustainable seafood, local flavors, and innovative ocean-inspired cuisine. Their responsibilities spanned prep work, cooking, garnishing, and serving samples, offering them invaluable professional exposure and hands-on experience. Executive chefs praised their professionalism and eagerness to learn, underscoring the quality of CGLF’s culinary training. Meanwhile, the Media Apprenticeship Programme participants provided comprehensive coverage of the festival, capturing its essence through interviews, photography, and video documentation. Their work highlighted the event’s themes of ocean conservation, sustainable seafood, cultural pride, and community unity. Ocean Fest 2025 served as a powerful platform for youth empowerment, showcasing how practical skills and mentorship can strengthen community-driven initiatives. The contributions of these young participants not only enriched the festival but also set a precedent for future community engagement across the island.
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Men Unite for Health and Personal Growth at ABWU International Men’s Day Event
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) marked International Men’s Day with a transformative conference on Wednesday, gathering nearly 100 men from diverse workplaces at the Union’s Freedom Hall Headquarters. Centered on the theme “Healthy Men, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Communities,” the event aimed to enhance men’s holistic well-being, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. ABWU General Secretary Sen. David Massiah opened the conference with a powerful call to action, urging men to play an active role in fortifying families and societal institutions. He emphasized the Union’s unwavering support for its male members, stating, “The union that represents you, that negotiates for you, is here to stand with you,” and highlighting the pivotal role of empowered men in fostering stronger communities. The first session, led by Clinical Psychologist Feona Charles Richards, focused on mental wellness as a cornerstone for stable families and thriving societies. Richards encouraged men to prioritize self-awareness and self-care, asserting, “In order for you to really love anyone else, you have to love yourself.” Urologist Dr. Dwayne Thwaites followed with an interactive discussion on prevalent health risks among men of African descent, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and prostate cancer. He underscored the importance of early detection and understanding family medical history, noting, “These diseases are treatable once we pick them up early.” The final session, facilitated by esthetician Octavia Nicholas, explored the role of personal grooming and self-care in boosting confidence and overall well-being. Nicholas challenged societal stigmas around personal care treatments, encouraging men to embrace self-care practices. The conference was widely praised by attendees, with one participant likening the atmosphere to “a day on the block,” highlighting the camaraderie and shared learning. Another expressed gratitude, stating, “I really want to thank the Union for putting on this conference just for us, because sometimes men are overlooked.” In closing, the ABWU reaffirmed its commitment to developing programs that empower men to contribute meaningfully to society at all levels.
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Uruguayan workers express job dissatisfaction
A comprehensive report on the Workplace Happiness Index, jointly presented by consulting firm SSOL, the Montevideo Institute of Business Studies, and professional services firm CPA Ferrere, sheds light on employee satisfaction levels across various industries. Conducted between June and July this year, the study surveyed 3,284 professionals and examined multiple dimensions of workplace well-being. The findings reveal that 42% of workers report moderate happiness, while only 5% achieve optimal job satisfaction. Alarmingly, 47% of employees are actively seeking new job opportunities. The research identifies critical factors influencing employee happiness, including work flexibility, adequate days off, workplace infrastructure, camaraderie, and effective teamwork. These insights underscore the importance of fostering a supportive and adaptable work environment to enhance employee retention and productivity.
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They fell into the river 23 Haitians injured after bus crashes and catches fire in Valverde
A severe accident in the community of El Maizal, Valverde province, left 23 Haitian nationals injured after the minibus they were traveling in lost control, plunged into a river, and subsequently caught fire. The incident occurred last Friday night, prompting a swift and coordinated response from the National Emergency and Security System 9-1-1. Among the injured were four minors, three women, and 16 men, all of whom received immediate pre-hospital care and initial medical evaluations. Emergency services, including 13 ambulances from the Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Care Services (DAEH), two units from the General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transport (Digesett), and teams from the National Police, Fire Department, and Military and Police Commission (Comipol), converged on the scene. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and secure the area, while medical personnel conducted victim triage, stabilization, and transport to nearby health centers. Simultaneously, Digesett, Comipol, and the National Police managed traffic flow and ensured perimeter safety during the rescue operations. The identities and immigration statuses of the victims remain undisclosed, with authorities expected to release a detailed report on the incident shortly.
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Regering geeft SRD 1000 aan ambtenaren en kwetsbare groepen
In a significant move to support vulnerable populations, the Surinamese government has announced a one-time, tax-free payment of SRD 1000 for civil servants, individuals with disabilities, low-income households, and pensioners in December 2025. The decision, unveiled by the Cabinet of the President, underscores the administration’s commitment to social responsibility. While the total cost of this initiative remains undisclosed, the government emphasizes its focus on aiding the working class, which plays a pivotal role in societal functioning, as long as financial conditions permit. The payment is intended as a gesture of gratitude for the contributions of these groups throughout 2025. Additionally, the government highlights the need to prioritize vulnerable households, according to the Suriname Communication Service. Despite the country’s ongoing financial challenges, the administration deems it essential to provide such support. Since taking office, the government has implemented measures to reduce income tax on overtime, holiday allowances, bonuses, and gratuities to bolster purchasing power. Efforts are also underway to keep the prices of essential goods affordable. Furthermore, the administration is working to increase state revenues, ease interest and repayment obligations, control inflation, and stabilize the exchange rate. The government stresses the importance of collective motivation to build a more prosperous Suriname, ensuring well-being for all.
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Somoharjdo over intrekken perceel: De steiger is van het volk
The Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in Suriname has officially revoked the allocated land parcel near the public pier in Leonsberg, previously granted to Sandiep Seemangal. The decision, signed by Minister Stanley Soeropawiro, emphasizes that the revocation was made in the interest of the public. ‘The pier does not belong to an individual but to the people. Minister Soeropawiro has taken the necessary action,’ stated Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the GBB Standing Committee, in an interview with Starnieuws. Somohardjo further stressed that the government, with parliamentary support, is committed to reclaiming unlawfully allocated public resources and ensuring that public facilities remain accessible. ‘We will no longer tolerate the privatization of public amenities. Wrongs must be righted. Boat operators will be protected, and the people’s access to the pier will be guaranteed,’ he added. The investigation revealed several critical issues: the parcel borders a public walkway to the pier, which has been in use for decades; its allocation obstructed access to the pier, disregarding existing infrastructure; the Maritime Authority Suriname raised navigational concerns; the land was largely overgrown with weeds and lacked any construction; and no compensation is due to the beneficiary as the revocation serves the public interest. A map confirms the 1,018 m² parcel’s location along the road to the pier, underscoring its role as a vital public access point.