标签： Barbados

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has strongly criticized the government for its decision to privatize the public transport sector, accusing it of neglecting its duty to provide essential services. The controversy stems from a Ministry of Transport and Works letter, signed by Permanent Secretary Jehu Wiltshire, which outlines plans to dissolve the Transport Board and transfer ownership of electric buses to former employees. The proposal includes severance packages for current workers, with ex-employees given priority to become owner-operators, supported by low-interest financing. The government also pledged to subsidize electricity costs for bus charging and partially fund battery replacements. CTUSAB expressed surprise and dismay at the lack of consultation with the Social Partnership, a key stakeholder group, labeling the move as disrespectful and a dereliction of responsibility. The union highlighted existing issues in the private transport sector, such as inconsistent service and limited operating hours, and urged the government to invest in expanding the public bus fleet and strengthening regulations. CTUSAB warned that focusing solely on profitability risks undermining public mobility, particularly for vulnerable groups. As an alternative, the union proposed a capacity-building program to enhance management, leverage technology, and optimize route planning using data-driven strategies.

The Caribbean is grappling with a dual crisis of environmental degradation and organized crime, driven by the illegal trafficking of juvenile eels, commonly known as glass eels. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) has raised alarms about this illicit trade, which threatens both the region’s fragile ecosystems and its security networks. At a recent two-day regional workshop on glass eel trafficking, held at the Joint Regional Communications Centre in Wildey, Nadine Bushell, Assistant Director of Projects at CARICOM IMPACS, emphasized the critical need to combat this trade to protect natural resources and dismantle the financial networks supporting other serious crimes. Glass eels, a transparent juvenile stage of several eel species, are highly valued in the global market, making them a lucrative target for criminal organizations. Bushell highlighted that these criminal actors exploit gaps in knowledge about natural resources and environmental crime to evade detection. Eels play a vital role in biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems, serving as both a food source in their juvenile stage and as predators once fully grown. Bushell stressed that protecting natural resources is essential for achieving long-term reductions in crime, as environmental crimes often converge with other serious offenses like narcotics trafficking, gun smuggling, and human trafficking. She called for regional collaboration and partnerships to combat these crimes, aligning with the principles of mutual security through partnership. Dr. David Soud of Auxilium Worldwide, which is collaborating with CARICOM IMPACS and Canada, noted that efforts to counter the illicit trade could be influenced by an upcoming decision in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on whether all eel species will be listed as endangered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Such a listing would add layers of documentation and verification, making traceability more achievable. However, Dr. Soud warned that criminal networks are highly adaptable and will continue to find ways to profit and launder money, regardless of the decision. The workshop aims to strengthen regional law enforcement and security networks to more effectively disrupt illicit glass eel trafficking, addressing what Dr. Soud described as an environmental, economic, and transnational organized crime threat that endangers not only the Caribbean but the entire world.

A 36-year-old photographer, Remy Reco Rock from Small Land, Bridge Gap, St Michael, has been remanded to Dodds Prison following charges of raping a male minor two years ago. Rock appeared in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court, where he was not required to enter a plea for the indictable offence. The alleged crime is said to have occurred between September 1 and October 3, 2023. During the hearing, Station Sergeant St Clair Phillips, the prosecutor, raised several objections to granting bail. These included the compelling strength of the evidence, the fact that Rock was already on bail for a similar offence, and concerns that witnesses could be interfered with if he were released. Magistrate Alison Burke ultimately denied bail. Rock, represented by attorney Ensley Grainger, is scheduled to return to court on December 18 for further proceedings.

On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa unleashed unprecedented destruction upon Jamaica, with sustained winds of 185 mph and gusts reaching 213 mph, rivaling the intensity of an EF5 tornado. Spanning 60 miles in diameter, with tropical storm winds extending an additional 165 miles, Melissa brought wave surges of up to 13 feet and torrential rainfall between 15 to 40 inches. Moving at nine mph, the hurricane subjected residents to seven hours of relentless terror. Despite the catastrophic conditions, many homes survived, sparking questions about their resilience.

The third annual I AM Conference kicked off at the Hilton Barbados on Wednesday, uniting young Barbadians, students, and budding entrepreneurs for a four-day event focused on business innovation, mental health, and community empowerment. Organized by the Ministry of Youth, the conference aims to inspire and guide participants toward shaping their futures. Permanent Secretary Joy Adamson emphasized that the agenda was shaped by direct feedback from young people, ensuring relevance and impact. The conference features diverse sessions on entrepreneurship, sports, education, and mental health, with a special focus on practical skills and opportunities. Highlights include a youth pitch tank competition, where participants can present business ideas for a chance to win funding, and a showcase of Barbados’ indigenous sport, road tennis. Health and wellness are also prioritized, with sessions dedicated to improving physical and mental well-being. Practical support for career readiness, such as the ‘Dress for Success’ workshop, equips attendees with skills for job interviews and professional development. The Minister of Youth urged participants to fully engage, absorb knowledge, and share insights with peers, underscoring the conference’s role in fostering future leaders. Over the next three days, discussions will expand to include housing, robotics, financial literacy, and career planning, offering a comprehensive roadmap for youth empowerment in Barbados.

On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UNICEF has called upon young Barbadians to amplify their voices and actively advocate for their rights. Speaking at the national child rights ambassadors graduation ceremony held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), UNICEF monitoring and evaluation specialist Patrice Bosso emphasized the importance of ensuring that children’s voices are central to national discourse. He urged the newly appointed ambassadors and their peers across Barbados to reflect on their aspirations and take proactive steps to secure their futures. Bosso highlighted the transformative impact of the child rights ambassador programme, launched a year ago in collaboration with the Ministry of People’s Empowerment. The inaugural group of 19 ambassadors has been instrumental in promoting children’s rights through various creative and advocacy-driven initiatives within their schools and communities. This year’s World Children’s Day theme, “My Day, My Rights,” underscores the need to prioritize children’s lived experiences and ensure their rights are actively pursued. Bosso also acknowledged Barbados’ longstanding dedication to child rights, referencing the country’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 35 years ago. He stressed that safeguarding children’s rights requires consistent action and investment, describing them as a “living promise” rather than mere rhetoric. UNICEF remains committed to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into policymaking and development efforts to build resilient communities.