分类： society

In a bold call to action, students across Barbados were challenged to spearhead the nation’s transition to sustainable energy during the Barbados Sustainable Energy Youth Forum. Held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre under the theme ‘Lead the charge – Barbados needs your spark’, the event emphasized the critical role of young minds in shaping a greener future. Kevin Hunte, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, urged students to become ‘energy detectives’ by investigating and optimizing energy use in their schools and homes. He highlighted the importance of energy efficiency, stating, ‘Why build a bigger generator when you can just use less energy to do the same thing?’ Hunte encouraged students to start with simple measures, such as replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, adjusting air conditioning settings, and unplugging unused electronics. He also inspired them to embark on innovative projects, including DIY solar ovens, mini wind turbines, and home energy audits. The forum featured two panel discussions: ‘How can energy shape a resilient climate future?’ and ‘Integration of solar, wind, and other renewables with battery storage,’ featuring experts from Barbados Light & Power, the Barbados Renewable Energy Association, and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. Students from schools such as Christ Church Foundation, Combermere, and Barbados Community College actively participated, asking insightful questions to deepen their understanding of the energy sector. Hunte concluded by urging students to trust their abilities, saying, ‘Your perspective is vital. We see energy as empowerment. This forum is just the beginning.’

The President of the Men’s Empowerment Network, Fabian Sargeant, has expressed strong support for a proposal by Barbados’ Minister of Education, Chad Blackman, which mandates all secondary school students to join community-based organizations. Blackman announced on Wednesday his intention to present a paper to Cabinet seeking approval for compulsory participation in such organizations from Year 1 through to graduation. The initiative aims to enhance civic values, leadership skills, and a sense of service among the youth of Barbados. Sargeant, who has a background in community groups, emphasized the transformative impact of such experiences on personal and professional development. He highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and public speaking. Sargeant also pointed out that the program would instill a sense of responsibility and civic pride, encouraging young people to give back to their communities. He argued that community engagement provides practical skills highly valued by employers, such as budget management and communication. Sargeant recalled his own experiences as a parish ambassador in the early 2000s, where he learned the importance of independence and resourcefulness. He believes that the proposed national service model could foster a new culture of youth empowerment and civic engagement across Barbados.

Barbados Police Commissioner Richard Boyce has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the illegal possession, trafficking, and use of firearms, emphasizing that the Barbados Police Service will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to gun violence. His statement comes in the wake of a recent shootout near Westbury Cemetery, where officers were fired upon while responding to a drive-by shooting on President Kennedy Drive. Boyce declared, ‘We are coming for you,’ signaling an intensified crackdown on those who endanger communities with illegal firearms. He stressed that the police will not tolerate any threats to public safety, particularly from individuals who target law enforcement. ‘Anyone who points a firearm at a police officer in the lawful execution of duty is attacking the state itself,’ Boyce asserted, promising a robust and decisive response. He highlighted the reckless behavior of a small but dangerous group of offenders, noting that most firearm-related incidents stem from personal conflicts and criminal activities. Despite these challenges, Boyce reassured the public that Barbados is not ‘under siege,’ crediting the police’s community-focused efforts for a recent month without gun-related homicides. The police service has identified crime hotspots and plans to increase patrols, particularly during upcoming Independence and Christmas celebrations. Enhanced road policing, vehicle checks, and the introduction of new police motorcycles, including electric units, are part of the strategy to improve response times. So far this year, authorities have seized 79 firearms and 2,754 rounds of ammunition, including high-powered weapons like AR-15 and AK-47 assault rifles.

In a landmark ruling, a High Court judge has permanently halted a private developer’s construction project at Joe’s River in Bathsheba, St Joseph, affirming the public’s right to access one of the area’s most treasured natural sites. The decision, delivered by Justice Dr. H. Patrick Wells on Thursday, marks the culmination of a protracted legal battle between developer Richard Hains of Ullswater Investments Limited and local residents over generations of access to the river basin and surrounding areas. The judge’s 42-page judgment ordered the immediate dismantling and removal of all structures erected by the developer, effectively restoring public access to the site. The case, brought by residents Victor Lewis and Christopher Oliver, centered on a prescriptive right of way leading to the Joe’s River basin and the iconic Teacup and Saucer monument, a popular recreational attraction. Justice Wells cited subsection 35(2) of the Limitation and Prescription Act, which grants absolute rights to pathways used continuously for 40 years, as the legal basis for his ruling. The court also declared a permanent public right of way in the area and restrained the developer from erecting any future obstructions. St Joseph MP Dale Marshall, the attorney general, hailed the decision as a victory for the community, emphasizing the importance of preserving public access to the river. While the developer retains the right to appeal, legal representatives for the residents expressed confidence in their case, underscoring the significance of the ruling in safeguarding communal heritage and natural resources.

In Barbados, the aging population is often viewed as a challenge rather than a treasure trove of wisdom and experience. Yet, these elders are living archives, brimming with stories, skills, and memories that predate the digital age. In a world dominated by instant information, the art of meaningful conversation has been overshadowed. While children are adept at navigating social media, they are rarely taught to listen to the voices of those who have lived through the lessons they are still learning.