The Caribbean Disability Conference commenced on Sunday evening with a powerful appeal for inclusion and decisive action from Kirk Humphrey, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs. Addressing attendees at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort, Humphrey emphasized the need to transcend policy frameworks and drive transformative changes for people with disabilities (PWD). ‘We have the opportunity over the next few days to achieve something truly transformative,’ he stated, highlighting the presence of policymakers and advocates at the event. The conference, hosted by Kerry-Ann Ifill, a prominent PWD advocate, gathered regional experts, activists, and government officials to discuss pressing issues. Humphrey underscored recent milestones, including the enactment of the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act and increased funding for the Special Needs Grant, which aim to enhance the quality of life for PWD. However, he cautioned against complacency, urging accelerated efforts amid economic challenges. ‘Social services are often the first to face cuts during economic downturns, directly impacting PWD,’ he lamented, pointing to resource constraints in building facilities and acquiring assistive technologies. Humphrey also highlighted the persistent societal barriers of prejudice and discrimination, calling for inclusive education systems that treat PWD equitably. ‘Equality is not an aspiration; it is an obligation,’ he asserted, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues for future generations.
分类： society
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Overnight fire destroys two bars on Frigate Bay Strip
A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, October 21, 2025, on the Frigate Bay Strip in Basseterre, St. Kitts, completely destroying two well-known bars, Cathy’s and Zanzi Bar. The blaze, which reportedly started around 12:30 a.m., rapidly consumed the establishments despite the efforts of firefighters who battled the flames for several hours. The incident has left several employees without jobs and created a void in the Strip, a vibrant entertainment hub frequented by tourists, locals, and students. Social media was quickly flooded with videos and photos of the fire, sparking widespread concern and sympathy from the public. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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In the work and legacy of Martí, roots of national culture
The José Martí Cultural Society celebrated its 30th anniversary with a grand event at the José Martí Memorial in Havana, attended by prominent Cuban leaders and cultural figures. Lizette Martínez Luzardo, Deputy Minister of Culture, described the Society as a dynamic platform that transforms the legacy of José Martí into a tool for civic engagement. She emphasized its global influence in fostering unity and ethical values, both within Cuba and internationally. The celebration also honored the centenary of Fidel Castro and the 95th birthday of intellectual Armando Hart Dávalos, both pivotal in shaping Cuba’s cultural policies. Víctor Hernández Torres, Vice President of the Society, recounted its founding during the challenging ‘Special Period’ of the 1990s, highlighting its growth to over 20,000 members nationwide. The event paid tribute to the late historian Eduardo Torres Cuevas, with his widow receiving the Order Félix Varela. Additionally, the Society’s founders and provincial branches were recognized for their contributions to promoting Martí’s ideals. The festivities extended to Bayamo, where the ‘La Patria en mi Voz’ gala celebrated Cuban culture and independence, underscoring the enduring significance of the National Anthem as a symbol of resilience and identity.
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CDB on a mission to promote inclusivity
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has pledged unwavering support for the 2025 Caribbean Disability Conference, reinforcing its dedication to fostering equitable access to quality education for individuals with disabilities. Themed ‘Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Education for All Abilities,’ the conference aims to drive sustainable development and social transformation across the region. Dr. Isaac Solomon, CDB’s Vice-President of Operations, emphasized the bank’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity during his address at the second annual conference. He asserted that the CDB is determined to leverage its influence to create more inclusive societies and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Dr. Solomon highlighted the importance of collaboration and genuine inclusion, stating that progress hinges on building a Caribbean society where individuals with disabilities are fully integrated and empowered. Reflecting on the momentum from the inaugural conference in Grenada and the recent Global Disability Summit in Berlin, he underscored the significance of these events in advancing equity. However, Dr. Solomon acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the region, including social barriers, legislative gaps, and limited access to digital technologies. He pointed to the CDB’s investments in education, training, and capacity building as evidence of its long-term commitment to inclusive development. Dr. Solomon also praised Caribbean governments for their legislative and policy efforts to create an enabling environment for persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, Barbados’ Minister of Educational Transformation, Chad Blackman, emphasized the importance of quality education for all, noting Barbados’ ambitious goal to develop the world’s leading educational system within seven years. He highlighted the government’s investments in teacher resources and innovative teaching methods, including the introduction of chess in schools to enhance critical thinking skills.
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STVS-directeur Abisoina ontkracht miskenning Frits Pengel
Raoul Abisoina, the director of the Surinamese Television Foundation (STVS), has responded to claims that Frits Pengel, the founder of STVS, was not invited to the 60th anniversary celebration of television in Suriname. Abisoina expressed surprise at the allegations, emphasizing that the organization deliberately chose not to hold a festive event due to current challenges. ‘From the beginning, it was clear that we would keep it modest. There was no celebration at all. That’s why I didn’t invite any former directors or retirees, including Mr. Pengel,’ Abisoina told Starnieuws.
Abisoina clarified that all retirees, including Pengel, were financially acknowledged. ‘An amount was deposited into his account in recognition of 60 years of STVS. He was personally informed by the secretariat that there would be no celebration.’ The director also highlighted that he had increased Pengel’s pension twice out of respect since taking office. ‘The son who wrote this article knows this personally. I met him along with his father. That contact has paused in recent months for other reasons—out of decency, I’ll leave it at that for now.’
Abisoina noted that during the previous major celebration—the 55th anniversary—Pengel was officially invited and honored with a Grantangi Award. ‘At that time, there was a festive celebration, and it was appropriate. Now, that’s not the case.’ He concluded, ‘I find it misplaced that my name is being dragged into a false narrative. Anyone who knows the full story understands that this is not about disrespect but a deliberate choice for modesty.’
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Social Empowerment Agency to launch next month
Barbados is poised to launch its newly established Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) next month, with nearly all staff from the four merging social service departments voluntarily joining the initiative. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, confirmed the development on Monday, dispelling concerns about delays caused by union negotiations. The SEA consolidates the Child Care Board, National Assistance Board, National Disabilities Unit, and the Welfare Department into a single entity aimed at providing comprehensive support to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Minister Humphrey emphasized that the agency’s mission is to transition from traditional welfare models to empowerment-focused strategies, fostering independence and reducing poverty through targeted programs and services. The government plans to establish empowerment centers across the island to enhance accessibility, ensuring that all communities benefit from the agency’s offerings. While specific figures on staff participation were not disclosed, Humphrey expressed confidence in the overwhelming positive response, stating that the agency is on track for a successful launch. The SEA will focus on skills development, capacity building, and tailored support services, marking a significant shift in Barbados’ approach to social welfare.
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Dozens injured as route taxi overturns outside Lester Vaughan
A harrowing incident unfolded on Monday morning outside Lester Vaughan School in St Thomas, Barbados, when a route taxi overturned, injuring 26 individuals, including 25 schoolchildren and the driver. The accident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. on Cane Garden Road, as the vehicle was en route to Bridgetown. According to police reports, the driver lost control, causing the taxi to flip just outside the school compound.
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Agriculture : More than 70% of farmers in Haiti are women
In a groundbreaking revelation, Haiti’s Minister of Agriculture, Vernet Joseph, alongside Pierre Vauthier, the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO – Haiti), disclosed that more than 70% of the nation’s farmers are women. These women, who form the backbone of Haiti’s agrifood production, continue to face substantial challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and quality supply chains. Their critical role in sustaining the country’s food systems cannot be overstated. The recent International Day of Rural Women underscored the necessity of concrete actions to fully integrate this female workforce into the agricultural sector, particularly by empowering the ‘Madan Sara,’ the unsung heroes of Haiti’s food distribution networks. The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development (MARNDR), in collaboration with FAO – Haiti, is actively working to transform this potential into a driving force for economic and social development. In 2025, FAO initiatives, supported by MARNDR, directly assisted nearly 70,000 individuals dependent on agriculture, helping to preserve and revitalize production in regions like Artibonite, the Central Bas-Plateau, and the West, even amidst security challenges. Additionally, the National School Feeding Program (PNCS), backed by the Ministry and the World Food Program (WFP), has engaged over 82,500 small producers across 219 agricultural organizations. These efforts ensure that 70% of meals served daily to 600,000 schoolchildren supported by WFP are sourced from Haitian agriculture, enhancing children’s nutrition and stimulating the local economy. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of reaching 1.4 million students by 2025 and achieving 100% local procurement for school canteens by 2030. Furthermore, the Integrated Nutrition and Local Purchasing Program, initially funded with US$10 million, is expanding to other departments with an additional US$13 million, enabling more producers to contribute to the promotion of national production.
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French national caught at AILA after swallowing over 1 Kg of cocaine
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – A 19-year-old French national was apprehended at Las Américas International Airport (AILA-JFPG) following the discovery of ingested cocaine. The arrest was executed by the National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD) and the Specialized Airport Security Corps (CESAC) during a coordinated inspection with the Public Ministry. After standard immigration protocols, anomalies were detected in his digestive system. He was subsequently transported to the Central Hospital of the Armed Forces, where he expelled 141 small latex-wrapped packets of cocaine, weighing a total of 1.06 kilograms, as confirmed by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF). The individual is now under the custody of the Santo Domingo Public Prosecutor’s Office and will be prosecuted under Law 50-88, which governs drugs and controlled substances. Authorities are delving deeper into the case, suspecting it to be part of an extensive international drug trafficking network that employs ‘mules’ from various countries to transport narcotics to the United States and Europe.
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Man slain in highway gun attack, second killing in 24 hours
Barbados has been shaken by two fatal shootings within 24 hours, pushing the island’s annual murder count to 38. The most recent incident occurred on the ABC Highway at St Barnabas, St Michael, where a man was fatally shot during an altercation near the pedestrian crossing at the junction with Mount Friendship Road. Police reported that the shooting took place around 10:45 am, and the victim, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The deceased has been identified as 20-year-old Shaquan Renaldo Chandler-Wray, a resident of Mount Friendship, St Michael.
This tragedy follows another fatal altercation on Sunday afternoon in Graeme Hall, Christ Church, where a man died after a violent confrontation. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the latest incident, with Acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite urging witnesses or anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers or the local police. At the scene, law enforcement officers and members of the Barbados Defence Force were seen securing the area, which lies near St Barnabas Anglican Church.
The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about public safety and escalating violence on the island. Inspector Brathwaite emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving these crimes, calling on residents to come forward with any relevant details.