标签： Barbados

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus experienced an unexpected twist during its evening graduation ceremony on Saturday when heavy rain disrupted the proceedings. The event, initially held under a tented area, was interrupted midway through the presentation of higher degrees and postgraduate certificates as torrential showers soaked sections of the venue. Organizers were compelled to pause the ceremony temporarily. Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, university officials quickly moved the event to the Roy Marshall Complex, a more sheltered location. There, the conferral of the remaining awards was successfully completed, ensuring that the evening concluded on a celebratory note despite the weather’s interference. The swift response and seamless relocation underscored the university’s commitment to honoring its graduates’ achievements, turning a potential setback into a memorable and triumphant occasion.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is confronting a significant financial challenge, with over $100 million in unpaid bills, primarily owed by residential customers. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp revealed that the authority is intensifying collection efforts to recover at least 40% of the outstanding debt. This follows years of leniency during the COVID-19 pandemic, when disconnections were suspended to ensure access to water as a basic necessity. Mapp noted that the majority of delinquent accounts originated in 2020, when many customers stopped paying their bills, taking the service for granted. Despite resuming disconnections in 2023, many households have not reconnected their water, indicating ongoing financial hardship. Mapp likened the authority’s receivables to a loan portfolio, acknowledging that a portion of the debt may never be recovered. Residential customers account for 60% of both total billing and delinquent accounts, with hotels showing greater responsiveness to payment demands. Acting Finance Director Kent D’Hayle estimated that only $40 million of the debt is realistically collectible, though the BWA will continue pursuing all arrears. The authority is offering flexible repayment plans, often extending up to three years or longer for those in financial distress. Mapp emphasized the social responsibility of providing water while balancing the need for revenue, but acknowledged that disconnections are no longer as effective a deterrent, as many residents turn to alternative water sources instead of settling their bills.

Christopher Mapp, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), has publicly defended the safety of the water supplied to residents in St Lucy and St Peter, despite its brown discoloration. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Mapp emphasized that the water is potable and meets all health and safety standards, even stating he would personally drink it. The discoloration, caused by sediment, has raised public concerns, but Mapp assured that extensive testing confirms the water’s safety. To address customer dissatisfaction, the government has approved a $32 rebate for affected households, with many receiving their water entirely free of cost. Since April, the BWA has rebated over $1 million to customers in the region. The authority is also investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including a $20 million mains replacement project expected to be completed by early 2026. Jatobi Greaves, a water quality technologist, highlighted that monthly testing in collaboration with government agencies ensures compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The BWA is also working on a desalination plant at Hope Plantation, set to boost water supply next year. Despite challenges, Mapp remains committed to restoring public trust and improving service reliability across Barbados.

The National Cultural Foundation, in partnership with ‘We Gathering’ Christ Church, is set to host a vibrant Nighttime Concert and Street Party along Oistins Main Road in Christ Church on Saturday, October 18. To accommodate the event, significant traffic adjustments will be implemented starting at 5:40 pm and lasting until the event concludes. Key road closures will be in effect from 5:40 pm to 10:30 pm, specifically on Oistins Main Road from its intersection with Oistins Hill to the junctions of Keizer Hill and Thornbury Hill. Exemptions will be granted to Transport Board Buses, Public Service Vehicles, and individuals conducting business at the fish market, though exiting vehicles must turn right onto Oistins Road. Motorists traveling east along Oistins from Maxwell Road are required to turn left at Oistins Hill, right onto Church Hill, and proceed to Thornbury Road. Those heading west along Keizer Hill must turn right at Thornbury Hill and Oistins Road, then left onto Church Hill, continuing to Canevale Road. Parking restrictions will be enforced on Oistins Road, Oistins Hill, Church Hill Road, and Thornbury Road, with exceptions only for passenger pick-up or drop-off. Violations of these rules may result in a $500 BDS fine or up to three months of imprisonment. Emergency vehicles and those operated by the Barbados Police Service, Barbados Defence Force, and Barbados Fire Service are exempt. Police officers will be stationed to manage traffic, and the Barbados Police Service has expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and understanding, apologizing for any inconvenience caused.

At just 11 years old, Jiovanni Osbourne, a First Form student at Alleyne School in Barbados, has demonstrated remarkable bravery in the face of a rare and life-threatening condition. Diagnosed with beta thalassaemia major at the age of four, Jiovanni has endured years of medical treatments, including regular blood transfusions, to manage the severe genetic blood disorder that prevents his body from producing enough healthy red blood cells. However, the only long-term solution to his condition is a bone marrow transplant, a procedure that comes with significant medical and financial challenges.

Barbados is bracing for potential shortages of okra, beans, and sorrel this Christmas due to the rapid spread of the Indian cotton jassid, a highly destructive pest confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture. The pest, first detected in Spring Hall, St Lucy, in March 2024, has been causing significant crop damage, raising concerns about price hikes and supply disruptions during the holiday season. Senior Agricultural Officer Bret Taylor described the situation as escalating, warning that without swift intervention, the pest could further devastate local produce. The tiny green insect feeds on the undersides of leaves, sucking plant sap and injecting toxins that cause crinkling, curling, and bronzing of foliage, leading to reduced yields. The pest’s impact is particularly challenging for okra, which is harvested frequently, limiting the use of harsh chemical controls. Taylor emphasized the importance of early detection and management to avoid reliance on chemicals. The Indian cotton jassid, previously known to attack cotton, has expanded its host range to include okra, sorrel, and beans, and has no natural enemies in Barbados, allowing it to spread unchecked. The ministry is monitoring the emergence of biological control agents, which have helped manage the pest in other Caribbean regions. Taylor highlighted the economic implications, as okra and beans are staple crops, and sorrel is in high demand during Christmas. He urged farmers and importers to follow proper procedures to prevent the introduction of invasive species and called for vigilance in reporting unusual pest activity. Barbados has recorded about 30 invasive species over the past 25 years, with the croton scale being one of the most damaging, affecting a wide range of crops. Taylor stressed the importance of adhering to import regulations to safeguard national food security.