分类： society

Nearly 100 enthusiastic students from four primary schools in Christ Church were treated to an extraordinary underwater experience aboard the Atlantis Submarine on Thursday. This unique excursion, part of the parish’s We Gatherin’ initiative, aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation among the young participants. The children, hailing from Milton Lynch, Christ Church Girls’, St Lawrence Primary, and St Bartholomew Primary, were given a rare glimpse of the island’s vibrant marine ecosystem. A total of 96 students participated in the event, which combined education with adventure. Parish committee member Coreen Kennedy-Taitt emphasized the initiative’s goal of inspiring environmental awareness. She encouraged the children to care for the ocean, avoid littering, and actively protect marine life. Roseanne Myers, General Manager of Atlantis Submarines, highlighted the project’s broader mission to give back to the community. She explained that the tour was designed to bring environmental education to life, emphasizing the impact of human actions on marine ecosystems. Myers was impressed by the students’ existing knowledge of marine conservation, noting their awareness of issues like plastic pollution and its effects on turtles. As the children returned from their submarine journey, their laughter and excitement underscored the success of the initiative. The students not only gained unforgettable memories of their deep-sea adventure but also left with a renewed commitment to safeguarding the island’s marine treasures.

Nearly 100 enthusiastic students from four primary schools in Christ Church were treated to an extraordinary underwater experience aboard the Atlantis Submarine on Thursday. This unique excursion, part of the parish’s ‘We Gatherin’’ initiative, aimed to cultivate a profound appreciation for marine conservation among the young participants. The children were granted a rare glimpse into the island’s vibrant undersea ecosystem, fostering both excitement and environmental awareness. Pupils from Milton Lynch, Christ Church Girls’, St Lawrence Primary, and St Bartholomew Primary participated in the tours, totaling 96 students. Parish committee member Coreen Kennedy-Taitt emphasized the initiative’s goal of inspiring environmental stewardship. She urged the children to protect the ocean by avoiding plastic pollution and actively removing harmful debris. Roseanne Myers, General Manager of Atlantis Submarines, highlighted the project’s broader mission to give back to every parish on the island. She stressed the importance of environmental education, encouraging the students to recognize their impact on marine life. Myers was impressed by the children’s existing knowledge of marine protection, such as the dangers plastic poses to turtles and jellyfish. As the students returned, their laughter and chatter reflected the success of the initiative, blending education with adventure. The experience left the children with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of their role in safeguarding the island’s marine treasures.

A prominent member of the Rotary Club of Barbados has called on policymakers to prioritize the needs of the country’s youngest and most vulnerable mothers as the government implements expanded parental leave and other initiatives to support working women. Arlene Ross, a former president of the club, emphasized that while the government’s efforts are commendable, more must be done to address the unique challenges faced by underage mothers, a group she described as often overlooked and stigmatized.

Barbados is embarking on a transformative journey to revive its once-celebrated literacy rate and establish centers of excellence across its educational system. Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, the island’s Chief Education Officer, unveiled these ambitious plans during the annual Global Business Week Secondary Schools Symposium, hosted by the Barbados International Business Association (BIBA) at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. Addressing senior secondary school students, teachers, and Barbados Community College peers, Dr. Archer-Bradshaw expressed concern over the decline in literacy rates, which had previously stood at an impressive 98%. She highlighted alarming trends, noting that children at both primary and secondary levels are struggling with reading proficiency. ‘As a nation, we cannot afford to regress from our near-perfect literacy rate,’ she stated, emphasizing the urgency of reform. Central to the government’s strategy is a data-driven approach aimed at ensuring all students can read by age seven by December 2024. This initiative is part of a broader effort to align Barbados’ education system with global standards, preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market. Dr. Archer-Bradshaw referenced the Future of Jobs Report, which predicts that 65% of primary school students will work in roles that do not yet exist, underscoring the need for forward-thinking education. The Ministry of Education has already launched a pilot ‘Centres of Excellence’ program at the Maria Holder Gall Hill Early Childhood Development Centre, integrating STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics) through play-based learning. To support these efforts, Dr. Archer-Bradshaw called on the local business community to contribute through sponsorships, donations, and expertise. BIBA’s Executive Director, Carmel Haynes, echoed the importance of adaptability and resilience, urging students to embrace continuous learning and prepare for a global workforce. Haynes highlighted key growth areas, including financial literacy, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship, aligning with the symposium’s theme of resilience and transformation.

Barbados is taking significant strides to create a more inclusive education and training system, with government officials vowing to dismantle barriers that hinder access for persons with disabilities. At the Caribbean Disability Conference, held from October 17 to 22 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Permanent Secretary Patrick McCaskie of the Ministry of Training and Tertiary Education emphasized that inclusive education is a fundamental human right and a global public good. He underscored the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities, to contribute to national development. McCaskie highlighted key initiatives such as the National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons with Disabilities (2023–2030) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025, which aim to guarantee equal access to education, employment, and public participation. Educational institutions like the Barbados Community College (BCC) are implementing tailored learning plans, assistive technologies, and peer tutoring to support students with disabilities. Additionally, the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) has enhanced its online platform to accommodate learners with dyslexia, autism, and other learning differences. Through a partnership with Coursera, over 100 international courses now focus on disability inclusion and accessibility design. With support from the Latin American Development Bank (CAF), Barbados is also upgrading infrastructure at key institutions, including the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, to improve accessibility. Shakir Daisley, second vice-president of the National Student Council, stressed the role of students in advocating for inclusion, noting ongoing challenges such as inadequate facilities and limited teacher training. Mark Franklin, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, called for actionable strategies to address systemic barriers, emphasizing the need for disability-friendly vehicles, better data collection, and inclusive classroom designs. Franklin urged collective action to build a Caribbean where inclusive education is a lived reality for all.