标签： Barbados

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.

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.

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has issued a strong appeal for immediate measures to enhance school transportation safety in the wake of a severe accident outside Lester Vaughn School on Monday, which left multiple students injured. According to police reports, 25 students and the driver sustained injuries when an off-route ZR minibus overturned near the Cane Garden campus during the morning hours. Felicia Dujon, the DLP’s spokesperson on education, characterized the incident as a critical wake-up call for authorities to take decisive action. In a formal statement, Dujon emphasized, ‘This tragic event underscores the pressing need for improved transportation safety and the allocation of sufficient resources to protect our students. The DLP has consistently urged the Government, particularly the Minister of Education, to deploy additional buses to ensure the secure transit of our students.’ Dujon lamented that these appeals have not been addressed with the urgency they warrant and called on the administration to elevate student safety to a national priority. ‘This accident must serve as a stark reminder for authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children,’ she asserted. ‘We demand immediate action to prevent future incidents and to safeguard the lives of our students.’ Additionally, Dujon extended heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to the injured and stressed the importance of providing counseling and support to both students and teachers affected by the traumatic event. ‘We hope that those impacted receive the necessary care and assistance to cope with this distressing experience,’ she concluded.

A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon in the Graeme Hall area of Christ Church, Barbados, resulting in the death of a man following a violent altercation. According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. at a residence on Agave Drive. Preliminary investigations suggest that a dispute escalated, leading to one individual sustaining a severe bodily injury. The victim was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via a private vehicle but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a person of interest is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid in resolving this case.

The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill campus, celebrated its 2025 graduating cohort on Saturday with a powerful message of connection and bridge-building. The dual ceremonies, held under the theme ‘Pelicans in an AI-driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,’ emphasized the importance of uniting purpose, action, and impact across the Caribbean and beyond. Despite a brief disruption caused by heavy rain, the events proceeded with a sense of solemnity and celebration, culminating in the conferral of awards at the Roy Marshall Complex. The highlight of the evening was the inspiring keynote address by honorary graduate Lyndon Gardiner, a trailblazing Caribbean aviation entrepreneur awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Laws. Gardiner urged graduates to leverage their education to build not just systems but societies, emphasizing that vision is key to creating lasting change. Valedictorian Shawnalee Gordon, who graduated with first-class honours in economics and finance, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the challenges faced by regional students and the sacrifices behind academic success. She reminded her peers that their place at UWI was earned through courage and consistency, calling on them to use their education to contribute meaningfully to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the Caribbean. The ceremonies underscored the transformative power of education and the responsibility it carries to shape a better future.

As Barbados transitions into the dry season, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has reported that water levels are lower than last year but have not yet reached a critical threshold requiring restrictions. Hydrogeologist Jaime Paul addressed the situation during a press conference on Saturday, noting that rainfall during the rainy season has been insufficient. “Our reservoirs are not being replenished as we had hoped, and we are urging the public to conserve water,” Paul stated. She emphasized that while the current conditions are concerning, they do not yet warrant a water prohibition like the one implemented in 2023. However, the BWA is closely monitoring the situation and will make monthly assessments to determine if stricter measures are necessary. Paul also highlighted the importance of coastal wells, which are connected to the sea and can signal severe water shortages through rising salinity levels. “Increased salinity indicates a significant reduction in water availability, which would be a serious issue,” she explained. The BWA is encouraging residents to adopt water-saving practices and install water-efficient devices to prepare for the dry months ahead. In 2023, Barbados imposed a water prohibition due to critically low levels in reservoirs and wells, restricting non-essential water use. BWA Project Manager Shelley Parris underscored ongoing efforts to promote water conservation, particularly through educational initiatives in schools, with plans to expand these programs to the broader public.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has confirmed that there will be no immediate changes to the Garbage and Sewage Contribution (GSC) levy, a critical funding mechanism for the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA). Acting CEO Christopher Mapp emphasized the levy’s importance during a recent press conference, stating that it remains vital for sustaining sanitation operations across the island. While the levy’s name is set to transition to a ‘sustainability levy,’ its purpose and rate will remain unchanged. Currently set at $45 per domestic and commercial bill, the levy funds the operation of sewage treatment plants in Bridgetown and the south coast, as well as broader sanitation sustainability efforts. Mapp revealed that the BWA collects approximately $5 million monthly from water bills on behalf of the SSA, with $700,000 weekly coming from the sewage portion. Introduced in 2018, the GSC levy was designed to generate $60 million annually to reduce reliance on government funding. However, rising expenses and inflation have strained its effectiveness. Mapp acknowledged the financial challenges faced by both the BWA and SSA but stressed the levy’s continued necessity. Meanwhile, senior engineer Brian Stewart provided updates on the South Coast Sewage Treatment Plant, with construction expected to begin in April 2026. Plans for additional wastewater plants on the west coast remain under review as part of the broader sanitation master plan. These efforts aim to address infrastructure needs driven by population growth and development while ensuring environmental compliance.