标签： Barbados

Barbados is set to commemorate the courageous individuals who sacrificed their lives during World War I and World War II with a solemn Remembrance Day Parade and inter-denominational service. The event will take place at the Cenotaph in National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 9. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio, as well as displayed on large digital screens at key locations including the old Treasury Building in Bridgetown, Golden Square on Probyn Street, and Republic Bank on Broad Street. A diverse array of uniformed groups, both armed and unarmed, will participate in the parade. These include the Barbados Defence Force, the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Guides. Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by prominent figures such as President Dame Sandra Mason, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Chief Justice The Most Honourable Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries. The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a marchpast by the uniformed groups. The public is encouraged to attend and express their gratitude to those who gave their lives in service to the nation. (BGIS)

Julian Pierre, First Vice-President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and Chairman of its Occupational Safety and Health Committee, has reiterated the urgent need for a standardized industrial cleaning schedule across all public schools. This appeal follows the repeated closure of Deacons Primary School due to a persistent rodent infestation. Speaking to Barbados TODAY during the union’s Professional Development Workshop at Sky Mall, Pierre highlighted that Deacons Primary School was forced to shut down twice in one week—on Monday and again on Thursday—due to the ongoing issue. He also revealed that St Matthew’s Primary School faced similar challenges in recent weeks. Pierre emphasized that while industrial cleaning was conducted at Deacons Primary School, rodent droppings were still found in several areas, underscoring the need for thorough and consistent cleaning practices. He called on the Ministry of Educational Transformation to ensure that cleaning contractors adhere to stringent health and safety standards. Pierre acknowledged recent improvements in the management of the Education Technical Management Unit (ETMU), which has implemented rodent-proofing measures such as installing door sweeps and sealing gaps. However, he stressed the importance of establishing a formal maintenance schedule, particularly during school holidays, to prevent infestations and maintain healthy learning environments. Pierre noted that many older schools have not undergone deep cleaning in over a decade, with some never having received industrial cleaning at all. Despite these challenges, he commended the ETMU for its increased accountability and improved oversight of contractors. The Ministry of Education Transformation has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the latest closure of Deacons Primary School.

A 66-year-old man, Audwyn Marshall, tragically passed away during his routine morning walk along the Mighty Grynner Highway on Thursday. Marshall, a resident of Wilkinson Road, Lower Richmond Gap, St Michael, was discovered unresponsive near Stansfield Scott & Co. Ltd. at the southern end of the highway. His family believes he may have succumbed to a heart attack, a suspicion later confirmed by local authorities. The incident came to light when a passerby recognized Marshall and promptly alerted the police, who then informed his family. Shaddriese Marshall, his great niece, recounted how the police arrived at their home to deliver the devastating news. ‘A lady passing by noticed him and knew him,’ she shared. ‘My mom came down to identify the body.’ Marshall was remembered as a reserved individual who cherished moments with his family and led a quiet life. His sudden demise has left his loved ones in deep sorrow.

In the wake of the tragic shooting of 30-year-old Kadeem Jelani Maycock on Wednesday, members of the Executive Coalition NGO are advocating for intensified community-driven initiatives to address escalating violence. Maycock, a resident of 3rd Avenue, Chapman Lane, St Michael, was fatally shot near his home, where he had been living with his grandmother until her passing two months prior. Henderson Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition, recounted that the incident occurred while he and his team were engaging with locals about the forthcoming ‘We Gatherin” activities, slated to commence in November. Williams emphasized that this tragedy highlights the pressing necessity for robust social engagement and youth intervention programs to curb violence in vulnerable neighborhoods. He reiterated the Coalition’s dedication to collaborating with government bodies and community members to foster trust and reinforce neighborhood unity.

Authorities are actively investigating a deadly shooting incident that took place on Wednesday evening at 3rd Avenue, Chapman Lane, in St. Michael. The tragic event unfolded around 7:45 p.m., claiming the life of 30-year-old Kadeem Jelani Maycock, a resident of the same address. According to preliminary reports, Maycock was seated among a group of individuals when an unidentified assailant, wearing a mask, approached and fired multiple shots at him. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, but Maycock was found unresponsive and showed no signs of life. A medical doctor later confirmed his death at the location. The St. Michael Police Department has issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses relevant details to come forward. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 430-7189 or 430-7190, the Police Emergency number 211, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to uncover the motive behind the shooting and identify the perpetrator.