The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has issued a compelling call to regional governments, urging them to prioritize disability inclusion in their development agendas. Speaking at the Caribbean Disability Conference held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados in St Philip, CDB President Daniel Best emphasized that systemic barriers continue to marginalize people with disabilities, despite increasing public awareness. The four-day conference, attended by policymakers, advocates, and individuals with disabilities, aims to bolster inclusion efforts across the Caribbean. Best highlighted the findings of a 2025 regional disability assessment report, which underscored the pressing need to dismantle these barriers and ensure full societal participation for the disabled community. He pointed out that individuals with disabilities often face voicelessness, invisibility, neglect, isolation, prejudice, and abuse, while their families and caregivers grapple with emotional strain and mental health challenges. Best stressed that disability is not a distant reality but a possibility for anyone, urging collective action to address these issues. During the event, the CDB presented a cheque to the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD) to fund initiatives such as assistive technologies, training, and projects aimed at improving accessibility. BCD President Patricia Padmore-Blackman lauded the support, noting its potential to drive innovation and technical advancements for people with disabilities. The CDB also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development, following the April Global Disability Summit in Berlin. Vice President of Operations Isaac Solomon emphasized the bank’s dedication to ensuring that at least 15% of national development programs incorporate disability inclusion. Best highlighted the CDB’s Special Education Needs and Inclusive Education Policy and Strategy (SEND Policy), designed to transform traditional education systems into inclusive ones. He reiterated that inclusion is not charity but justice, and the CDB will continue to provide financing for early identification, curriculum adaptation, and infrastructure to support individuals with special needs.
分类： society
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High Court grants bail to GECOM accountant on larceny charge
In a significant legal development, the High Court of Guyana has granted bail to Dikimbie Gittens, a 30-year-old assistant accountant at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), who faces charges of embezzling GY$5 million from the election management authority. Gittens, who had been in custody since his initial court appearance on September 25, was released on October 6 after his attorney, Brenden Glasford, successfully petitioned High Court Judge Jacqueline Josiah-Graham for bail. The bail was set at GY$500,000, with specific conditions attached. Gittens is scheduled to reappear in the Magistrates’ Court on November 5. Glasford argued that the magistrate’s earlier decision to deny bail was inconsistent with the provisions of the Bail Act 2022. Gittens, a resident of Onderneeming, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, is accused of larceny by a clerk or servant under the Criminal Law Offences Act. The alleged theft occurred between September 15 and 16, 2025, at the GECOM Secretariat in Georgetown. Police were alerted after discrepancies in funds intended for polling day workers were discovered. A total of 13 individuals were initially detained but were later released on station bail. The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the missing funds.
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Beekeepers unite to build national brand through “Buzz to Brand” workshop
The Copper and Lumber Event Centre in Nelson’s Dockyard buzzed with activity on October 16th as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property & Commerce Office (ABIPCO), and the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. (ABBC) inaugurated a two-day workshop titled ‘Buzz to Brand: Celebrating Identity and Empowering the Beekeeping Community.’ This event marked a pivotal moment for the local beekeeping industry, showcasing how intellectual property (IP) can bolster community-based enterprises and transform national products into enduring legacies.
In her opening address, Ms. Ricki Camacho, Registrar of ABIPCO, hailed the initiative as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and transformation. She lauded the dedication of all partners and expressed gratitude to WIPO for their technical expertise and to her ABIPCO colleagues for their steadfast support. Ms. Jess Honculada, Senior Counsellor at WIPO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive development through IP. She highlighted the workshop’s alignment with WIPO’s mission to empower local industries by leveraging IP tools to promote identity, innovation, and sustainability.
Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the indispensable role of bees in sustainable agriculture and food security. He described beekeeping as more than an economic activity—it is a philosophy of environmental stewardship. ‘Sustainability,’ he remarked, ‘entails producing in ways that safeguard our environment, nurture our communities, and secure our future.’ He also noted that pollination is critical to over 75% of flowering plants and nearly 35% of global food production, underscoring the vital contributions of beekeepers to agriculture and biodiversity.
The workshop also featured an Entrepreneurial Exhibition, curated by Mr. John Mussington, Chairman of the Barbuda Council and a Barbudan beekeeper, and Ms. Taril Walker Bowen, Vice President of the ABBC. The exhibition showcased a variety of locally crafted products, including honey-based goods, handmade candles, and artisan creations, highlighting the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs and the versatility of beekeeping by-products. The day concluded with a honey tasting session, allowing attendees to savor the distinct flavors of Antigua and Barbuda’s locally produced honey.
Due to adverse weather conditions, the first day of the workshop ended at 12:30 p.m. and was set to resume on October 17th, continuing the dialogue on empowering the beekeeping sector through innovation, collaboration, and identity.
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BWA grapples with $100m owed as disconnections rise, some stay off water grid
The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal water connections as it grapples with a staggering debt exceeding $100 million, largely attributed to unpaid bills. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp disclosed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY that the authority is investigating suspected cases of unauthorized water access by both residential and commercial users who were previously disconnected for non-payment.
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National Thanksgiving Service on November 23
The Government of Barbados, under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and the Third Sector, is set to host the annual National Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 23. The event will take place at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, commencing at 10 a.m. This year’s ceremony is themed ‘Transforming Our Nation Through Faith, Hope, and Love,’ emphasizing the values that underpin national unity and progress. Among the distinguished attendees will be Her Excellency the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; and Chief Justice The Most Honourable Leslie Haynes. They will be joined by a host of government officials and dignitaries, reflecting the significance of the occasion. The service, organized by the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), aims to foster a sense of collective gratitude and shared purpose among citizens.
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Eighty People Trapped in Cerro de Maimón Mine Collapse
Maimón, Dominican Republic – A significant incident unfolded at the Cerro de Maimón mine on Tuesday afternoon, where 80 workers were trapped following a structural collapse. The mine, operated by the Dominican Mining Corporation (Cormidom), is located in Monseñor Nouel province. As of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, no injuries had been reported, and rescue operations were swiftly initiated to ensure the safety of those affected. Cormidom confirmed that communication had been established with the trapped workers, who were reported to be in good health and safe. Specialized technical and rescue teams are currently focused on stabilizing the affected area to facilitate the safe extraction of the workers. The company emphasized its collaboration with relevant authorities and adherence to established emergency protocols. Cormidom also pledged to maintain transparent communication, providing regular updates as the situation progresses.
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OPINION: In Defence Of Private Property Rights
In Antigua and Barbuda, the sanctity of private property rights is under threat, raising concerns among citizens about governmental overreach and economic inequality. Yves Ephraim, a concerned citizen, highlights the alarming trend of property acquisitions by the government, which disproportionately affects the poor and middle class. Historically, such acquisitions targeted the wealthy, but recent amendments to the Tax Administration Act have lowered the threshold for government seizures, making it easier to acquire private property with minimal recourse for owners. This shift has sparked fears of widespread displacement and economic instability.
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Bewolking, zon en lokale buien
The day began with warm and humid conditions across much of Suriname, particularly in coastal regions such as Paramaribo, Wanica, and Commewijne. Early morning temperatures hovered around 24 degrees Celsius, accompanied by light cloud cover and a stifling atmosphere due to high humidity and weak winds. As the morning progressed, cumulus clouds began to form, and by midday, temperatures rose to 32-33 degrees Celsius, with inland areas like Brokopondo and Sipaliwini feeling even warmer. Despite regular sunshine, the oppressive air persisted. In the afternoon, the likelihood of rain and thunderstorms increased, particularly in Para, Saramacca, Marowijne, and later Nickerie. These showers, though brief, could be intense, potentially bringing wind gusts and temporary flooding in low-lying areas. Coastal regions may clear up by early evening. The night into Wednesday remained warm and muggy, with temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius and light easterly winds.
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Government prepares preventive measures as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches
Santo Domingo – In a proactive move to address the looming threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday with the Emergency Operations Center (COE) and other key government agencies. The session aimed to synchronize preventive strategies and ensure a cohesive response to the storm’s potential impacts, which are already affecting weather patterns across the Dominican Republic. The meeting underscored the importance of reviewing contingency plans and maintaining readiness for any escalation in the storm’s intensity. Paliza emphasized that while the storm’s trajectory remains uncertain, the government must prepare for all eventualities. The coordinated plans from each institution are set to be presented to President Luis Abinader later in the day, who may implement special measures based on the storm’s progression. Following the discussions, the COE elevated the alert level to yellow for 14 provinces, including Santo Domingo, the National District, La Vega, San Cristóbal, and Barahona, while eight others remain on green alert. The National Meteorology Institute (INDOMET) has predicted up to 300 millimeters of rainfall in the coming hours, raising concerns about potential flooding and landslides. Authorities have urged residents, particularly those in southern coastal areas, to stay updated through official channels and adhere to safety guidelines. Government institutions remain on high alert to protect lives and property as the situation unfolds.
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Kinderen in Gaza keren terug ‘naar school’ te midden van ruïne en trauma
After more than two years of suspended education in Gaza due to war and destruction, thousands of children have begun returning to classrooms—or what remains of them. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), approximately 300,000 students and 8,000 teaching teams are resuming education. However, the situation remains precarious, with over 85% of school buildings reportedly damaged or destroyed. Many children are returning to makeshift learning spaces, such as tents, remote shelters, or emergency government facilities, transforming the traditional classroom setting into improvised environments. For many, this return marks the beginning of recovery—restoring routine, hope, and a sense of childhood that was stripped away. Yet, the scars of war persist, with widespread trauma, hunger, malnutrition, and the loss of parents or educators. The resumption of schooling is seen as an act of resilience and a critical step toward rebuilding. Education is not merely about lessons; it represents safety, normalcy, and the promise of a future.