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In response to health and safety concerns arising from nearby construction activities, the Ministry of Educational Transformation has temporarily relocated staff and students of Wesley Hall Infant School to Lawrence T Gay Memorial Primary School. The decision, announced by Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles, aims to ensure uninterrupted teaching and learning while repairs continue at the Wesley Hall Junior School site on King Street, St Michael. Initially, the ministry considered keeping the infant school on-site, but unforeseen risks associated with the construction necessitated the move. Parents were informed of the relocation during an online meeting a week prior, where they were also asked to indicate transportation needs. While the ministry planned to transport 113 students via the Transport Board, approximately 150 students showed up on the day of the move, causing delays due to limited resources. Despite initial logistical challenges, the 34 staff members and 234 students have now settled into their new location. The ministry expressed gratitude to the Transport Board for their assistance and reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth experience for all stakeholders. The relocation follows similar moves for the junior school, which was previously shifted to Westbury Primary School and St Leonard’s Anglican Church due to parental and teacher concerns. The ministry emphasized that safety and uninterrupted learning remain its top priorities during this transitional period.

Barbados has taken a significant leap in enhancing its emergency response capabilities with the launch of a $1 million upgrade, including the introduction of its first dedicated ambulance as part of a new national ambulance system. The initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to reduce response times and improve efficiency in handling urban fires and flood-related emergencies. The upgraded fleet features two high-capacity trash pumps, a fully equipped ambulance, and two compact fire tenders designed to navigate narrow city streets often obstructed by parked vehicles. Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams announced that the new headquarters at The Pine, initially planned solely for the Fire Service, will now also house the National Ambulance Service. This joint facility is expected to strengthen coordination between the two services, as they often respond to similar emergencies. Abrahams emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the upgrades, noting that the entire fleet, including the two fire tenders, two trash pumps, and the ambulance, cost less than $800,000. The new trash pumps, the first of their kind in Barbados, are designed to dewater flooded areas swiftly, reducing flood damage and mosquito breeding. Additionally, all new fire officers are being trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to provide immediate medical assistance while awaiting ambulance transport. Abrahams praised the Barbados Fire Service for its vision and dedication, describing the upgrades as ‘cutting-edge technology’ that propels the service into the modern era. The new systems are expected to significantly improve public safety and save lives by enabling faster and more efficient responses to emergencies.

The ongoing dispute at Barbados Community College over a critical job vacancy intensified on Friday as negotiations with the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) broke down, leaving staff in a state of uncertainty and raising concerns about the institution’s hiring practices. The discussions, which spanned several weeks, were initially characterized by the college as being conducted in an atmosphere of “mutual respect and cooperation.” However, despite significant progress, the parties failed to reach a final agreement, as confirmed in a statement issued late Friday. Principal Annette Alleyne expressed appreciation for the NUPW’s constructive engagement but lamented the inability to finalize a resolution. She emphasized the college’s commitment to maintaining open communication and working toward a fair and sustainable outcome. NUPW General Secretary Richard Green voiced dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating that the union would take further steps to ensure fairness and equity for the affected employee. When questioned about potential escalation to the Labour Department, Green affirmed that all necessary actions would be pursued. The dispute, which follows a staff strike on September 30, underscores ongoing tensions regarding recruitment processes. Employees have accused management of sidelining long-serving staff in recent hiring decisions, prompting urgent union intervention. The most recent meeting between the parties occurred earlier on Friday, but no resolution was achieved.