分类： society

At the 2025 Youth Speak-Off Finals, held on Saturday night at Golden Square Freedom Park, Tykairi Sargeant of the Men’s Empowerment Network delivered a powerful plea for unity in addressing Barbados’ rising crime rates. Sargeant questioned the future of society if current trends persist, emphasizing the collective responsibility of citizens to foster safer communities. He highlighted emotional intelligence as a cornerstone for positive behavioral change and underscored the critical need for mental health awareness, particularly among young men, who often face societal pressures leading to unresolved trauma and unhealthy coping mechanisms. The event, themed ‘From Fear to Citizen Empowerment: Safer Streets, Stronger Communities,’ was organized by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU) in collaboration with the National Peace Programme. Lumiere Clarke of King’s Trust International secured second place, while Romarr Corbin of the Barbados National Youth Parliament took third, both advocating for empowerment and community-driven action. The eight finalists, including Roshauna Clarke, Ashriel Bernabé, Peter Sandiford-Scott, Relissa Mitchum, and Dequan Thompson, presented compelling arguments on crime prevention and citizen responsibility. CJRPU Director Cheryl Willoughby praised the participants for their courage and contributions to research-informed crime prevention strategies. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey lauded the youth as future leaders, emphasizing their resilience and leadership. The competition awarded $2,000 to the first-place winner, $1,000 for second, $500 for third, and $200 to each remaining finalist.

The Barbados Police Service (BPS) held a highly successful recruitment fair on Saturday at the Police Sports Club in Weymouth, St Michael, to tackle a critical shortage of approximately 250 officers. The event attracted a steady flow of attendees throughout the day, with many arriving early to register and participate in on-the-spot preliminary interviews. Acting Senior Superintendent Stephen Herbert and Public Affairs and Communications Officer Ryan Brathwaite, who spoke at the opening ceremony, emphasized the growing staffing gap caused by retirements, illnesses, and career transitions. Brathwaite highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate numbers to ensure effective service to the nation, stating, ‘This is about building capacity. We have more people leaving the service than entering, so it is crucial to keep our numbers up.’ He also stressed that the fair aimed to showcase the diverse roles within policing, beyond just street-level enforcement. When questioned about a potential link to the recent rise in criminal activity, Brathwaite clarified that the event was part of ongoing efforts to maintain staffing levels rather than a direct response to recent incidents. Acting Sergeant Wendell Foster of the Special Operations Management Services echoed this sentiment, noting that many Barbadians only see a limited aspect of policing. He encouraged attendees to explore the various specialized units, such as forensics, cybercrime, and drone operations, which were showcased through live demonstrations. The fair also aimed to inspire a new generation of officers and help the public appreciate the complexity and high standards of modern policing. Brathwaite urged families to attend with young relatives, emphasizing the role of parents and guardians in career guidance. He added that the event provided an opportunity for individuals who had never considered policing to discover new possibilities.

Hundreds of Barbadians gathered in the streets of Bridgetown on Saturday to show solidarity with Ronnie De Announcer Clarke, a renowned broadcaster and entertainer recently dismissed by Starcom Network. The march, which began at Kensington Mall and concluded at Independence Square, saw participants from diverse backgrounds unite under the theme of artistic freedom and national unity. Clarke’s iconic calypso songs, including the controversial National Carol Festival piece, echoed through the air as demonstrators carried placards with messages like ‘Sing Ronnie, Sing!’ and ‘When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.’ The event highlighted broader concerns about transparency, creative expression, and equitable treatment within the artistic community. Sean ‘Apache’ Carter, President of the Barbados Association of Creatives and Artistes (BACA), expressed disappointment at the low turnout of fellow artists but reaffirmed the association’s unwavering support for Clarke. Carter emphasized that artistic expression is integral to national identity and warned against the suppression of creators, which could jeopardize the entire industry. However, he clarified that the call for artistic freedom does not advocate for unchecked license but rather opposes unjust suppression and victimization. Clarke, addressing the crowd, reflected on his distinguished career and maintained that his dismissal was unrelated to his performance as a broadcaster or calypsonian. He highlighted his unblemished record and recent recognition for outstanding service, countering claims of poor performance. Organizers of the march stressed that the issue transcends Clarke’s individual case, raising critical questions about freedom of speech and fairness in the creative sector. Starcom Network has denied allegations that Clarke’s dismissal was linked to his calypso performance, citing an internal disciplinary process as the basis for their decision.