标签： Barbados

In a recent parliamentary session, Senior Minister Dr. William Duguid defended the government’s decision to expand the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) at the Enmore Clinic site, emphasizing safety and accreditation concerns. The decision to bypass the old general hospital at Jemmotts Lane was influenced by the risks of storm surges, particularly in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Dr. Duguid highlighted the importance of meeting stringent accreditation requirements for hospitals, which the Jemmotts Lane site could not satisfy due to its proximity to the shoreline and vulnerability to storm surges. He cited the example of Black River Hospital in Jamaica, which suffered significant damage from a storm surge due to its location. The $390 million expansion project, facilitated by a loan agreement signed by Health Minister Senator Jerome Walcott, will include a bridge connecting QEH to the Enmore Clinic site. Dr. Duguid also addressed concerns about the Harrison Point facility, which experts deemed unsuitable for hospital accreditation due to its infrastructure limitations and the need for patient transportation between buildings. Additionally, he emphasized the benefits of Barbados becoming a full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), describing it as a ‘tremendous opportunity’ for accessing concessional funds. This move, he noted, would benefit not only the government but also businesses and individuals, providing a line of credit when needed.

A shooting incident in Cane Vale, Christ Church, Barbados, left one man injured earlier today. The event unfolded at approximately 3:03 p.m., prompting the victim to be swiftly transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via a private vehicle for urgent medical care. Local authorities have acknowledged the incident and are actively investigating the details surrounding the shooting. While specific motives or suspects have not yet been disclosed, the police have assured the public that their inquiries are ongoing. This incident has raised concerns about public safety in the area, as residents await further updates from law enforcement.

A tragic shooting incident in Christ Church has left a 27-year-old man dead, prompting an urgent appeal from local law enforcement for public assistance in solving the case. The victim, identified as Tridan Tarik Rock from Kendal Hill B, Christ Church, was fatally shot inside a parked car on Sunday afternoon. According to police reports, the Operations Control center received an alert about the shooting at approximately 1:40 pm. Initial investigations indicate that two masked individuals emerged from another vehicle and unleashed a barrage of gunfire into the stationary car, striking Rock. Emergency services rushed to the scene but confirmed that the victim showed no signs of life. A medical professional later officially pronounced him dead. Authorities are now urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477, the police emergency line at 211, or Oistins Police Station at 418-2612 or 418-2604. Detectives from the Oistins station are leading the ongoing investigation.

Marlon Orion King, widely recognized by the alias ‘Mulan’, has been apprehended by law enforcement following his inclusion in a public wanted persons bulletin issued last Friday. King, a resident of Airy Hill, St George, voluntarily surrendered himself at the District ‘B’ Police Station on Monday, where he is currently cooperating with ongoing investigations into what authorities describe as ‘serious criminal matters’. Inspector Ryan Brathwaite, the communications and public affairs officer for the police, expressed gratitude to both the public and the media for their assistance in the case. While specific details of the alleged crimes remain undisclosed, King’s apprehension marks a significant development in the investigation. The police have emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing criminal activities and ensuring public safety.

In a concerted effort to safeguard Barbados’ vulnerable eastern coastline, volunteers from the island’s four Kiwanis Clubs joined forces on Saturday to plant trees along the erosion-prone Ermie Bourne Highway. The initiative, spearheaded by Teddy Leon, president of the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown, saw members from the Barbados North, South, Benevolence, and In Action clubs come together to plant 50 sea grape and coconut trees near Barclays Park, an area particularly susceptible to soil erosion. The project was guided by dendrologist Nigel Jones from the National Botanical Gardens, ensuring the selection of appropriate species for the coastal environment. The volunteers worked diligently for nearly two hours starting at 7 am, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship. Mike Archer, president of the Kiwanis Club of Barbados North, emphasized the dual importance of community service and environmental protection. “By planting these trees today, we are not only fulfilling our mission of service but also taking proactive steps to preserve our coastline for future generations,” he remarked. Archer also expressed gratitude to the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown for providing the plants and revealed plans for a second phase of the project, which aims to engage youth groups in the ongoing effort to combat coastal erosion. This next phase is tentatively scheduled for late this year or early next year, further solidifying the clubs’ dedication to environmental conservation.

In a significant step toward transforming Barbados’ workforce development framework, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council and the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI) have inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement, signed at the BNSI headquarters, aims to formally recognize the skills of BNSI member employees while bolstering the island’s quality infrastructure. The collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between competence and quality, offering workers new avenues for formal certification through the TVET Council’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) programme. PLAR enables individuals to earn qualifications by validating skills acquired through work experience, informal training, or other non-traditional learning methods. Fabian Scott, acting deputy director of BNSI, emphasized that the MOU is fundamentally about people, ensuring that Barbadians’ skills—whether gained on the job or in the classroom—are recognized, certified, and aligned with international standards. Under the agreement, BNSI members and their employees will enjoy discounted access to the PLAR programme, which awards National and Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (NVQs and CVQs) based on both formal education and real-world experience. This initiative aligns with the Government of Barbados’ objective to reduce the number of uncertified workers and enhance national productivity. Hadyn Rhynd, director of BNSI, highlighted the partnership’s role in safeguarding competence and boosting the global competitiveness of Barbadian industries. The MOU also paves the way for deeper collaboration in joint promotions, training, and strategic workforce planning. Henderson Eastmond, Executive Director of the TVET Council, stressed that the partnership extends beyond certification, focusing on building industries, saving foreign exchange, and addressing workforce needs strategically. A key innovation under the MOU is the planned establishment of Sector Skills Councils, industry-led bodies tasked with identifying skills gaps and guiding the development of relevant training and standards. BNSI’s diverse membership base is expected to play a crucial role in this initiative, with sectors like the Creative Industries (film and animation) and Health and Wellness already in focus. Eastmond described the partnership as forward-looking, aimed at creating a future-ready workforce that is competent, confident, and globally recognized. The MOU takes immediate effect and will remain in force for three years, with potential for renewal, marking a major stride in aligning Barbados’ skills development with international best practices and economic resilience.