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The second edition of the Level Up Concert, organized by the Pleion Foundation in partnership with the National Peace Programme, took place last weekend at Freedom Square in The City. This event provided a vibrant platform for talented youth to showcase their skills while promoting a message of peace and positivity. The concert, themed ‘Be You,’ encouraged young attendees to embrace their individuality, self-worth, and positive values through various creative expressions, including instrumental performances, dance, and vocal acts spanning multiple genres. Participants, aged 11 to 19, took center stage, demonstrating the transformative impact of the Foundation’s initiatives. Sheldon Jones, Director of the Pleion Foundation, emphasized the event’s mission to create a positive space for youth development. ‘We aim to inspire young people to live lives of love, positivity, and devotion to higher principles,’ Jones stated. The Foundation, headquartered on Roebuck Street, offers a range of free programmes such as Boys to Men, Girls to Women, Youth Excel, and Children of Destiny, catering to participants as young as five years old. These initiatives focus on mentorship, leadership, and life skills, helping youth navigate life’s challenges. During a live interview segment, participants shared how the programmes have positively influenced their lives. Jones also encouraged parents to enrol their children, highlighting the accessibility and benefits of the programmes. ‘It’s absolutely free, and participants leave with a full mind and a full stomach,’ he added. The Level Up Concert continues to serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the younger generation.

Since 2009, the Small Business Association (SBA) of Barbados has been instrumental in training fifth-form students through its schools’ programme, a commendable initiative that has now reached new heights with the introduction of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Small Business Entrepreneurship Level 2. This qualification, developed in collaboration with industry partners, was recently rolled out to 75 secondary school students, with 68 successfully completing the programme and earning their certification. This marks a significant milestone in the local education system, as it provides students with a nationally recognised credential in entrepreneurship for the first time.

The NVQ is designed to address the practical demands of running a business in Barbados today. Its eight mandatory units cover essential areas such as retail products and services, small business planning, financial management, business technology, sustainable operations, workplace communication, health and safety, and cultural diversity. For students like Maria, a 17-year-old from Speightstown who sells handmade jewellery online, the NVQ offers a structured pathway to refine her business skills and gain formal recognition for her entrepreneurial efforts.

This initiative is particularly impactful given the dominance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Barbados’ private sector. Research indicates that MSMEs account for 92.2% of formal enterprises and nearly 48% of private-sector employment. The NVQ bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world business practices, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in the economy. It shifts the narrative from theoretical knowledge to demonstrated competency, empowering students to confidently pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Barbados’ approach stands out regionally. While countries like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago offer vocational qualifications in entrepreneurship, these are typically targeted at post-secondary or adult learners. The Barbados NVQ, however, engages secondary school students directly, fostering entrepreneurial thinking at an early age. This early intervention model positions Barbados as a regional leader in youth-focused entrepreneurship education.

The NVQ is more than just a credential; it is a launch pad for the next generation of business leaders. It equips students with tangible skills, real-world relevance, and regional mobility, enabling them to create businesses, drive innovation, and build prosperous futures. For policymakers and business partners, the NVQ is a call to action to provide the necessary resources, investment, mentorship, and opportunities to support these young entrepreneurs. This initiative underscores Barbados’ commitment to youth, innovation, and economic growth.

In the wake of a recent accident outside Lester Vaughan School that left over two dozen students and a driver injured, retired traffic court magistrate Reverend Graveney Bannister has called for immediate and comprehensive reforms to Barbados’ Public Service Vehicle (PSV) system. Speaking to Barbados TODAY, Rev Bannister, an Anglican cleric, emphasized that the current culture of lawlessness among PSV operators will persist unless stricter penalties are enforced and vehicle owners are held accountable. He described the PSV culture as ‘unruly’ and ‘disrespectful,’ stressing that reform must extend beyond driver training to address systemic issues. Rev Bannister highlighted the need for enhanced law enforcement, faster judicial processes, and a centralized national database to track traffic convictions across jurisdictions. He argued that such a system would prevent repeat offenders from evading consequences by moving between districts. Additionally, he proposed revising the Road Traffic Act to impose harsher penalties for dangerous driving and mandatory retraining for disqualified drivers. Rev Bannister also urged parents to encourage their children to use safer Transport Board buses and called for closer monitoring of students’ movements to reduce risky travel habits. The former magistrate’s recommendations come amidst longstanding public criticism of PSV operators for reckless driving, overcrowding, and playing loud, vulgar music. The tragic 2015 incident, where a 14-year-old girl lost her forearm in a ZR bus accident, underscores the urgent need for systemic change. Rev Bannister concluded that reform must be systematic and sustained to ensure the safety of all road users.