标签： Barbados

Hundreds of employees at C.O. Williams Construction have ceased work following a deadlock in salary negotiations. Dwaine Paul, Deputy General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), confirmed that the dispute has been escalated to the Chief Labour Officer, and the union is awaiting further instructions. Paul emphasized that all workers will remain off the job until they receive guidance from the Chief Labour Officer, citing widespread dissatisfaction over the stalled wage increase discussions. He also highlighted the broader challenges facing the construction sector, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive dialogue among industry stakeholders. Paul called for a national conversation involving workers across Barbados to address systemic issues within the construction industry. A meeting to discuss these concerns is reportedly scheduled for next week.

In a spirited display of community solidarity, the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Barbados successfully organized the ‘Pints & Pizza for Polio’ fundraiser at Carlisle Brewing Inc. microbrewery in Fontabelle last Friday, coinciding with World Polio Day. The event drew hundreds of attendees, including Rotarians, Rotaractors, and local residents, who came together to support the global initiative to eradicate polio. Attendees enjoyed an evening of locally brewed beers, freshly made pizzas, engaging games, and live entertainment, all while contributing to a vital cause. Proceeds from the event were directed to The Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus Fund, which supports immunization, surveillance, and community education in regions where polio remains endemic. In a significant boost to the campaign, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged to match every dollar raised with a 2-to-1 contribution. Andre Wharton, President of the Rotary Club West, emphasized the importance of international collaboration and Barbados’ role in the fight against polio. ‘For over 30 years, Rotary has been a leader in the global effort to eradicate polio. Events like this remind us that even small actions can have a profound impact,’ he remarked. The organizers expressed gratitude to Carlisle Brewing, volunteers, and patrons for their unwavering support. Rotary’s decades-long efforts have reduced global polio cases by 99.9%, showcasing the power of sustained vaccination and education campaigns.

The teaching profession in Barbados is set to undergo its most significant transformation in decades, as the Ministry of Educational Transformation has unveiled plans to mandate professional licensing for all teachers by 2027. This initiative, aimed at enhancing educational standards, has sparked both optimism and caution among experts.

Residents of Cave Hill, Barbados, are voicing their frustration and fear following a recent spate of gun violence that has left one man severely injured. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a man was shot on Montgomery Pasture, marking the third shooting in the area this year. Just over an hour later, another shooting took place in Cane Vale, Christ Church, further escalating tensions. Both victims were rushed to the hospital by private vehicles. This surge in violence has left the community on edge, with many expressing anger over what they perceive as inaction from authorities.

The head of a District Emergency Organisation in Barbados has issued a stark warning about the nation’s lack of readiness for disasters, particularly tsunamis, despite ongoing drills and awareness initiatives. Selwyn Brooks, Chair of the St James DEO, highlighted widespread complacency among Barbadians during a recent tabletop exercise on tsunami preparedness. ‘Every year, we conduct drills and simulations, but the level of resilience needed for a tsunami remains inadequate,’ Brooks stated. He attributed this gap to a lack of firsthand experience with such disasters, noting that most residents have never encountered a tsunami unless they’ve traveled abroad. Brooks drew parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of emergency preparedness. ‘People will die depending on the intensity of the disaster, but preparation can minimize the impact,’ he emphasized. He called for personal responsibility, urging citizens to safeguard themselves, their families, and their communities. Brooks also cautioned against constructing buildings in high-risk areas, acknowledging the challenges posed by Barbados’ limited landmass. ‘Resilience starts with the individual. Multiply that across the population, and the whole country becomes stronger,’ he said. The event, held on World Tsunami Awareness Day, brought together hoteliers, estate agents, police, and residents to assess preparedness and identify gaps, particularly for vulnerable groups like people with disabilities and small hospitality operators. Brooks expressed satisfaction with the turnout and interactions but stressed the need for broader participation. He emphasized that disaster preparedness is an ongoing process, requiring continuous education and engagement. ‘This is not a one-off. Everyone has a role to play,’ he concluded.