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  • Students get hands-on with future tech at new sci-tech roadshow

    Students get hands-on with future tech at new sci-tech roadshow

    Barbados has officially launched a groundbreaking national STEM initiative with the debut of the ‘Innovating the Future’ roadshow at Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary School. This ambitious educational program, jointly organized by the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST) and the Ministry of Educational Transformation, represents the culmination of a 15-year vision to transform science education across the island nation.

    The interactive exhibition features cutting-edge technological demonstrations designed to engage students through hands-on learning experiences rather than theoretical instruction. According to Arlene Weekes, Acting Director of the Science, Market Research and Innovation Unit at MIST, the mobile science unit concept originated in 2009 under the working title ‘Driving into the Future’ before evolving into its current form.

    Students explored multiple scientific disciplines through various interactive stations, including live DNA extraction experiments using bananas, electrical circuit demonstrations, flight simulation technology, robotics workshops, and virtual reality experiences. The flight simulator component specifically targeted students with aeronautical interests, while the robotics section encouraged participants to both operate and construct robotic systems.

    Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative within Barbados’s broader national development framework. He connected the STEM roadshow to the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy and the need to develop future innovators capable of addressing global challenges. With Barbados approaching significant milestones including 60 years of independence and five years as a republic, Blackman stressed the imperative to equip the next generation with both technical skills and creative confidence to drive national progress through technological innovation.

  • DRC: OCHA is concerned about civilian deaths and lack of assistance

    DRC: OCHA is concerned about civilian deaths and lack of assistance

    A recent United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) report reveals a severe humanitarian emergency unfolding in the eastern Democratic of Congo. Intensified armed conflict centered around the city of Bule and its environs since early December has precipitated a large-scale crisis characterized by substantial civilian casualties and mass displacement.

    According to the assessment, the persistent violence has directly claimed the lives of at least 25 non-combatants and left 40 others wounded. The instability has forcibly uprooted over 87,000 individuals from their homes, creating a vast displaced population that remains entirely cut off from critical aid supplies for over a month. The precarious security landscape has rendered humanitarian access impossible, preventing any aid organization from operating in the affected zones.

    The consequences of this aid suspension are dire. Displaced families are confronting extreme shortages of essential resources, including food, potable water, and medical services. The report grimly notes that an estimated 17 additional deaths have already been attributed to these harsh conditions, stemming from starvation, disease, and an utter lack of medical care. Many of those affected have been forced to flee multiple times, increasing their vulnerability.

    OCHA’s report underscores a fundamental breach of international humanitarian law, emphasizing that all parties engaged in the conflict are obligated to guarantee the protection of civilians and ensure the safe, unhindered passage of humanitarian personnel and assistance. These protections, the agency states, are being consistently violated in the volatile eastern regions of the Congo, exacerbating the suffering of the local population.

  • US attacks Venezuela, disrespecting Latin America as a zone of peace

    US attacks Venezuela, disrespecting Latin America as a zone of peace

    A senior official from India’s Communist Party has issued a scathing condemnation of United States foreign policy toward Venezuela, characterizing recent actions as imperialist aggression driven by resource exploitation motives.

    Arun Kumar, a Political Bureau member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), delivered sharp criticisms in statements to Prensa Latina, denouncing what he termed the “kidnapping” of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Kumar asserted this action aligns strategically with the recently unveiled US National Security Strategy 2025, which he claims explicitly treats Latin America as American territory.

    The Indian communist leader elaborated that the US administration now considers any nation establishing trade relationships outside Washington’s approved network as aggressors subject to punitive measures. “This doctrine explains why Venezuela, with its substantial petroleum reserves and natural wealth, has become a primary target,” Kumar stated, characterizing US imperialism as “brazen, ambitious, and aggressive” in its openly declared intentions to control Venezuelan oil resources.

    Kumar framed the situation within broader global power dynamics, accusing former President Trump of seeking to impose worldwide hegemony. “We must oppose imperialism and protect the right of nations to sovereignty,” he emphasized, “ensuring countries can govern according to their people’s will without external coercion.”

    The CPI(M) official confirmed these principles motivate his party’s organized protests against US policies toward Venezuela, positioning the struggle as part of a larger resistance against American imperial overreach in global affairs.

  • Bangladesh condemns US aggression against Venezuela

    Bangladesh condemns US aggression against Venezuela

    In a powerful display of international solidarity, left-wing political organizations from Bangladesh have issued a joint declaration condemning perceived American aggression against Venezuela while honoring fallen Cuban security personnel. The groups expressed profound condolences for the Cuban guards who perished during a recent protective operation for President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, describing their sacrifice as historically significant. “The lives of these brave revolutionary comrades will occupy a prominent place in contemporary history,” the declaration stated. The organizations further reaffirmed their unwavering support for Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and the Venezuelan government. Demonstrating their commitment through action, the coalition revealed ongoing mobilization efforts including peasant demonstrations in Barisal and nationwide protests against what they termed “US attack and kidnapping attempts” targeting President Maduro. Additionally, the groups announced plans to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution’s triumph through a special meeting at the Cuban consulate in Dhaka, further cementing their ideological alignment with the socialist nations.

  • Italy calls for a march against US airstrike on Venezuela

    Italy calls for a march against US airstrike on Venezuela

    A broad coalition of Italian political parties and social organizations has announced a major demonstration scheduled for January 10th in Rome, marching from Esquilino Square to the US Embassy. The protest represents a significant show of international solidarity with Venezuela’s government amid escalating tensions with the United States.

    The organizing coalition includes an impressive array of groups spanning Italy’s political spectrum: the Power to the People party, Socialist Homeland party, Communist Network party, Cambiare Rotta youth organizations, Alternative Student Opposition (OSA), Historical Pact of Italy, and the Latin American Progressive Platform. They have been joined by additional social organizations including ARCI and CRED, the Palestinian Student Movement, and the La Villetta per Cuba Association.

    Protest slogans center on three core demands: “Hands off the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela!”, “Stop US imperialism and Zionism!”, and “Freedom for Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores!” The movement’s foundation stems from what organizers characterize as “the latest and extremely serious escalation of hostilities” following military actions against Venezuela by the Trump administration.

    In a proclamation read during preliminary rallies, organizers condemned “the expansion of war as a tool for resolving conflicts between States” and specifically denounced what they termed the “kidnapping” of Venezuela’s president. This weekend already witnessed significant demonstrations across Italy, with thousands of citizens participating in marches through major cities including Rome, Milan, Bologna, Naples, and Turin, as well as smaller municipalities such as Rimini, Cuneo, Salerno, Savona, Imperia, and Empoli.

    The protests, which began on January 3rd, represent growing European concern over US foreign policy toward Venezuela and reflect deepening geopolitical divisions regarding appropriate international responses to the ongoing Venezuelan political crisis.

  • Italian farmers remain opposed to EU-MERCOSUR agreement

    Italian farmers remain opposed to EU-MERCOSUR agreement

    Leading Italian agricultural consortiums Coldiretti and Filiera Italia have issued a joint declaration calling for stringent regulatory alignment in international trade agreements. The organizations, representing farmers, agri-food producers, and distribution networks, assert that all producers exporting to the European Union must adhere to identical standards imposed on EU-based operators.

    This principle of regulatory reciprocity should form the cornerstone of all trade agreements and apply comprehensively to all imported agricultural and food products. The central objective is to prevent the entry into EU markets of “food items manufactured using substances and techniques long prohibited within European agricultural practices.”

    The consortiums have dismissed the European Commission’s recent proposal to enhance border controls as fundamentally inadequate. While the Commission suggested strengthening inspection protocols last Wednesday to facilitate an impending trade agreement, the proposed measures would only increase examination rates from approximately 3% to merely 4% of incoming goods. This marginal improvement, according to the organizations, continues to pose significant threats to consumer health and fails to ensure compliance with production standards mandatory for European farmers.

    Furthermore, Coldiretti and Filiera Italia have renewed their campaign to establish Rome as the headquarters for the European Customs Authority, citing Italy’s exemplary record in food safety enforcement across the bloc. They have simultaneously urged the Italian government to implement immediate 100% controls on food imports originating from Mercosur nations and other high-risk regions, advocating for complete regulatory reciprocity with European standards to ensure absolute protection of citizen health.

  • Woman Reports EC$1,800 Phone Theft, Later Targeted in Ransom Demand

    Woman Reports EC$1,800 Phone Theft, Later Targeted in Ransom Demand

    A troubling incident involving theft and digital extortion has emerged, highlighting the vulnerabilities individuals face with lost personal technology. According to police reports, a woman recently filed a complaint regarding a missing premium smartphone valued at approximately EC$1,800 (Eastern Caribbean dollars). The device is believed to have fallen from her possession during a nighttime excursion.

    The situation took a sinister turn several days post-incident when the victim received an unsolicited communication through a messaging application. An unidentified individual, purportedly in possession of the missing device, contacted the woman and made explicit demands for financial compensation in exchange for its return. This attempt to leverage the lost property for monetary gain has transformed a simple case of lost property into a potential criminal extortion scheme.

    Law enforcement authorities have confirmed they are actively investigating the matter as suspected theft followed by attempted extortion. Police officials have provided appropriate guidance to the complainant regarding safety protocols and legal recourse in such circumstances. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the individual behind the extortion attempt and recover the stolen property. This case serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of securing personal belongings and the potential digital risks associated with lost mobile devices containing sensitive personal information.

  • Rolle and Bowleg are early considerations for new Bimini and Berry Islands seat

    Rolle and Bowleg are early considerations for new Bimini and Berry Islands seat

    Political interest is intensifying around the recently established Bimini and Berry Islands electoral constituency, with early speculation centering on two prominent figures as potential contenders. Senator Randy Rolle of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), whose family has deep ancestral connections to Bimini, and former Free National Movement (FNM) Member of Parliament Carlton Bowleg are emerging as frontrunners in the developing political race.

    Local Bimini resident Natasha Bullard Hamilton is also under consideration as a potential PLP candidate, adding further dimension to the emerging electoral landscape. The PLP’s Bimini branch chairperson Kitty Saunders has publicly endorsed Senator Rolle, characterizing him as the most qualified representative for the island community. Saunders emphasized Bimini’s longstanding advocacy for independent constituency status and stressed the necessity for leadership that comprehends the unique cultural fabric and developmental trajectory of the islands.

    “Senator Randy Rolle Jr embodies the authentic spirit of our community,” Saunders stated. “He has demonstrated courageous leadership, genuine humility, and an unwavering dedication to public service.”

    Meanwhile, Mr. Bowleg, who has already received official ratification for North Andros and the Berry Islands, indicated he would continue his work within the constituency while seeking divine guidance regarding his political future. The former MP revealed he maintains strong connections with residents across both Bimini and the Berry Islands, communities he considers home after years of service.

    Reflecting on his tenure as a customs officer, Bowleg highlighted his history of community engagement: “The people of Bimini embraced me as one of their own, and I’ve consistently worked to give back to the island. I’ve maintained the same commitment in North Andros.” Regarding the Berry Islands, he described residents as resilient and authentic people whom he considers extended family.

    The newly formed constituency, which features 2,253 registered voters, was established following recommendations from the Constituency Boundaries Commission, signaling a significant restructuring of electoral representation in the region.

  • Grief resurfaces for widower after latest PMH neglect claims

    Grief resurfaces for widower after latest PMH neglect claims

    A fresh wave of outrage has hit Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in The Bahamas following the death of Clanesha Adderley, with her family alleging severe medical neglect. The case has drawn striking parallels to another tragic incident from nearly two years ago, revealing what appears to be a persistent pattern of systemic failure within the nation’s public healthcare system.

    Jerad Darville, who lost his 33-year-old wife Kenise at PMH in January 2023, stated that the allegations surrounding Ms. Adderley’s death have reopened deep emotional wounds. The circumstances are eerily familiar: Ms. Adderley was found cold and unresponsive in a hospital ward on November 14, with staff allegedly unaware of her passing. Her family reports that in her final hours, she repeatedly struggled to get attention from medical personnel and even instructed relatives to contact a lawyer to sue the hospital.

    This narrative mirrors Kenise Darville’s experience, who days before her death posted a viral Facebook video detailing what she described as negligence and substandard care at PMH. The video has since garnered over 240,000 views and sparked national calls for healthcare reform.

    Mr. Darville expressed profound disappointment with the government’s response, noting that despite personal assurances from the Prime Minister to investigate these matters, accountability remains elusive. He criticized hospital management for creating an environment where overworked, underpaid staff operate with limited resources, while senior officials avoid public scrutiny by refusing to identify medical personnel involved in controversial cases.

    In a March 2023 letter, the Public Hospitals Authority claimed Kenise Darville died from being “extremely ill” and reported no shortcomings in her care—a conclusion her husband vehemently rejects. He argues that simply building additional facilities won’t address the core issues of staff frustration and management failures that directly impact patient outcomes.

    In response to the growing public concern, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville has pledged that his ministry will “do everything in its power” to investigate Ms. Adderley’s death. Both cases have become emblematic of what many Bahamian families believe is a broader pattern of neglect at the nation’s leading public medical facility.

  • Deveaux confirms desire to run in Bamboo Town again

    Deveaux confirms desire to run in Bamboo Town again

    Patricia Deveaux, the current House Speaker and Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town, has officially declared her intention to seek re-election in the upcoming parliamentary race. Despite previous uncertainty about her political future, Deveaux expressed strong confidence in securing renomination from the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), while simultaneously pledging unwavering loyalty to the party regardless of the outcome.

    The announcement comes following months of speculation about her political ambitions, which Deveaux previously dismissed as ‘political mischief.’ In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, the Bamboo Town representative asserted her deep connections to the constituency, stating: ‘I was born here. I live here. I’m still here and I ain’t going nowhere.’

    Addressing criticisms from some constituents regarding her representation, Deveaux acknowledged room for improvement while highlighting several accomplishments during her term. Infrastructure developments featured prominently in her defense, with completed road paving projects in multiple neighborhoods and park renovations at Kennedy Park and Zion Boulevard Park. The MP also emphasized the establishment of Bamboo Town’s first Urban Renewal Center on East Street South, which she credits with significantly reducing crime rates, particularly petty theft and housebreaking incidents that had previously plagued the area.

    Despite these advancements, Deveaux identified flooding as the most pressing ongoing challenge, declaring flood zone mitigation her top priority. Responding to complaints about her visibility within the constituency, she maintained that her office remains consistently accessible except during illness or official absences, describing her approach as ‘personal’ and centered on ‘servantry’ rather than photo opportunities.

    The electoral landscape in Bamboo Town appears increasingly competitive. The Free National Movement has nominated party chairman Dr. Duane Sands as their candidate, while former MP Reward Wells has also announced his candidacy, setting the stage for a closely contested battle. Deveaux remains optimistic about her prospects, citing strong relationships with local schools and community members, and asserting she has ‘done more than what I’ve seen some sitting MPs do in ten years’ despite lacking a formal ministerial portfolio.