标签： Barbados

A ground-breaking seven-week agriculture-focused pilot programme has successfully reconnected 15 disengage teen boys with education at Frederick Smith Secondary School (FSSS) in Trents, St. James, delivering measurable improvements in school attendance, collaborative skills and hands-on technical ability while producing marketable hydroponic farm goods, programme officials confirmed this week.

The initiative, branded “Learning Cooperative: Securing Futures, Saving Lives,” wrapped up on Monday with a celebratory closing ceremony on the school campus. Co-developed and delivered in partnership with The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, the programme moves beyond traditional classroom learning by embedding core academic skills like literacy and numeracy into practical, revenue-generating agricultural and entrepreneurial work.

Unlike conventional learning models that leave hands-on learners disconnected from static lesson plans, this cooperative model integrates academic theory with tangible, income-producing farm work to boost student engagement, cultivate leadership capabilities, and strengthen critical social and emotional competencies. Over the programme’s duration, participating students built their own soilless hydroponic grow boxes directly on school grounds, operated the full hydroponic system, and cultivated leafy spinach and a range of culinary herbs. The fresh produce was then processed into high-value consumer goods, including handcrafted pesto and homemade mint ice cream — treats that guests sampled during the closing ceremony.

Dr. Michele Singh, Director of UWI’s Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI), highlighted the programme’s core mission to reframe secondary education for diverse learning styles. “When we launched this project, we saw a clear opportunity to rewrite the story around what effective education can look like,” Singh explained. “We live in a rapidly changing world, and traditional classroom settings too often leave bright, hands-on learners behind. We believed that tying academic concepts to the practical, revenue-driven reality of modern agriculture could create something truly transformative — and that is exactly what we achieved with the FSSS Learning Cooperative.”

Singh emphasized that the pilot’s success relied on cross-sector collaboration, crediting the UWI School of Education, FSSS administration, and the Barbados Trust Fund Limited, which donated the programme’s hydroponic infrastructure. “By turning their agricultural work into tangible revenue and contributing to community well-being, these students have proven that agriculture is a viable, respected, and highly profitable career path,” she added.

The programme was designed specifically as an intervention for 15 boys who had increasingly disengage from traditional classroom instruction. Using sustainable food production as a framework for holistic personal development, the curriculum also embedded training in conflict resolution, emotional self-regulation, and team collaboration. School leaders report that outcomes have far exceeded initial expectations, and the pilot’s model is already being considered to shape future curriculum design across the school.

Acting FSSS Principal Shanelle Waithe spoke to the unexpected broader impact the small pilot has had on the entire school community. “We did not fully anticipate how far this small intervention would reach,” Waithe noted. “Over seven weeks, these 15 young men planned, built, planted, nurtured, and harvested their own hydroponic operation. They have learned to work through conflict, show up for their teammates, and take pride in something they built with their own two hands. In doing that, they have given our school far more than 15 individual success stories — they have given us a replicable blueprint.”

What launched as a targeted support programme for a small group of at-risk students has grown into a pilot that now serves as a model for project-based, integrated learning across the entire institution, Waithe added. The initiative also aligns with wider regional education reform efforts, echoing global conversations about student-centered curriculum design and collaborative school governance.

Dr. Laurette Bristol, Director of the UWI School of Education at Cave Hill, emphasized the critical role of community partnerships and relevant, hands-on curricula in 21st-century education. “The UWI School of Education embodies engaged scholarship and leadership, working directly with schools and teachers to drive authentic education transformation,” Bristol explained. “This is not superficial change: it is about helping school communities identify their unique educational challenges, build cross-sector partnerships, and design education that is sustainable and regenerative. That is what it means to reignite young people’s dreams for the future.” Bristol also extended gratitude to parents, faculty, and school leadership for their ongoing support of participating students throughout the pilot.

A comprehensive summer infrastructure upgrade programme is now underway at 13 public primary schools, just days after the campuses were closed for the project, the Ministry of Education Transformation has officially confirmed. Launched with the core goal of delivering safer, more functional learning spaces when students and educators return for the new academic term in September, the initiative aims to leave every participating school with modernized facilities fit for 21st century learning, ministry officials shared in a statement released Monday.

Wayne Baker, head of the Education Technical Management Unit, which is overseeing the refurbishment works, detailed the targeted upgrades being carried out at individual sites to address long-standing infrastructure issues. At Grantley Prescod Primary School, located in St Barnabas, the school’s original 1954 construction included outdated TenTest fibreboard ceilings across the main hall, all classrooms, and connecting corridors. These decades-old materials are currently being removed and replaced with durable modern PVC ceiling boards, eliminating safety and degradation concerns linked to the obsolete material.

Over at Deacons Primary School, work teams have prioritized replacing aging louvred windows in the campus’ eastern building, a section that has struggled with chronic water leakage during rain events for years. The faulty windows have allowed moisture to seep into classrooms, damaging interior finishes and creating uncomfortable learning conditions, so the replacement work will resolve this persistent issue.

Beyond these site-specific fixes, a set of uniform broader upgrades will be rolled out across all 13 schools in the programme. According to Baker, the most impactful campus-wide change will be a full replacement of existing roof sheeting: the standard permaclad sheets currently in place will be swapped out for new white-coated alternatives. “These new sheets cut down on heat buildup inside classrooms, which means we can create much more comfortable learning and working environments for both students and staff,” Baker explained of the energy and comfort benefits of the upgrade.

In addition to structural repairs, roofing replacements, and targeted fixture updates, all 13 participating schools will receive a full cosmetic refresh: external walls, safety railings, and entry doors will be repainted to boost curb appeal and protect exterior materials from weather damage. The full list of schools joining the programme includes Blackman and Gollop Primary, A. Dacosta Edwards Primary, All Saints Primary, Roland Edwards Primary, St James Primary, St Stephen’s Primary, Hilda Skeene Primary, Bayley’s Primary, Christ Church Girls’ Primary, Hillaby Turners Hall Primary, and St George Primary, alongside the two schools already undergoing site-specific work.

Two leading industry bodies in Barbados’ fishing sector are honoring the life and legacy of Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, the nation’s Chief Fisheries Officer, who passed away recently. The Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO) and the Central Fish Processors Association (CFPA), both led by president Vernel Nicholls, have issued public statements of grief and tribute to the late public servant.

In statements released jointly on behalf of both organizations, Nicholls extended heartfelt condolences to Dr Cox’s immediate family, close friends, professional colleagues and all those who knew her well. He remembered Dr Cox as an unwaveringly committed public servant whose decades of work left an indelible, positive mark on the entire Barbadian fishing industry.

Nicholls emphasized that Dr Cox left the community far too early in her career, highlighting the depth of expertise, steady leadership and contagious passion she brought to advancing the nation’s fisheries every day. He specifically noted her consistent advocacy for adopting new technology, scaling innovative practices and creating more opportunities for young people to join and lead the sector.

Among Dr Cox’s most critical contributions, Nicholls pointed to her work in disaster preparedness and post-storm recovery for fishing communities. After Hurricane Beryl swept through the region, Dr Cox worked around the clock to educate fishers on critical hurricane safety protocols, while pulling together cross-stakeholder collaboration, streamlining inter-agency communication and coordination, organizing critical logistics and leading on-the-ground recovery efforts. Her long-term goal was to build a more resilient, forward-looking framework for disaster risk management that would protect the fishing sector for future generations.

“As we mourn this devastating loss, we sincerely pray that divine strength and comforting peace will surround Dr Cox’s family, friends, co-workers, and all fisherfolk leaders across the country in this difficult time,” Nicholls added.

On a bustling Saturday evening at Bridgetown’s Solidarity House, the first-ever Art of Her: The Beauty of South Central competition drew to a close, with three standout female beauty professionals taking home top honors and a collective $20,000 in prizes. The event, born from a vision to elevate women-owned beauty businesses across Barbados, offered creators a rare platform to display their technical skill, build their personal brands, and connect with industry peers — growing far beyond its original goal of highlighting talent within the St Michael South Central constituency after widespread interest from beauty workers across the island.

Organized in partnership with local retailer #1 Beauty Supply, the competition centered on the overarching theme of “Fantasy”, split into three specialized categories: Crowning the Fantasy for hair artistry, The Face of Fantasy for makeup artistry, and Fantasy at Your Fingertips for nail art and design. A panel of four industry judges, led by Chief Judge Debra Proverbs, evaluated the 10 competing artists who created their works live on-site, with attendees free to move between dedicated hair, makeup, and nail stations to observe creative processes and interact with contestants throughout the evening.

At the end of judging, Shanice Thompson claimed first place in the Makeup Artistry category, beating out runner-up Aliyah Daniel and third-place finisher Simone Williams. Thompson’s award-winning look, crafted on model Shakila Bayley, drew inspiration from Barbados’ iconic sunsets, blending bold, warm hues of red, orange, and gold with delicate floral accents. The newly crowned winner called her victory a validation of years of hard work invested in her craft, noting that the competition has already opened new doors for her business through exposure and professional networking.

“It feels amazing to see my hard work, dedication, and passion pay off. I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud of how far I’ve come,” Thompson said, adding that her prizes — which include a professional makeup recliner, lash supplies, a ring light, and a curated gift set — will go directly toward growing her brand and expanding access to new clients.

In the Nail Art and Design category, Antavia Alexander secured the top spot ahead of Richanne Lashley and Ria Browne. Alexander’s intricate nail art, painted on model Jonnell Farrell, celebrated the beauty of sisterhood, drawing inspiration from the quiet joy of women gathering for a picnic. Her design featured detailed depictions of fresh fruit, blooming flowers, and a honeybee, crafted to honor the strength and unity that women provide one another. The shy designer shared that competing in a public setting pushed her far outside her comfort zone, calling the experience a transformative personal and professional milestone. Alexander’s prizes include a professional nail table, lamp, storage trolley, and gift set, which she will use to continue growing her business.

Hair stylist Ashéy Johnson took home the crown in the Hair Artistry category, the only competitor to remain in the field after other contestants dropped out. Rather than treating her solo entry as a formality, Johnson leaned into the unique pressure of the moment and delivered a standout creation titled *Crowned by Kadooment*, which repurposed a Crop Over costume backpack into a vibrant, elaborate hairstyle rooted in Barbadian cultural heritage. Johnson said her work was designed to challenge the idea that local traditions are relics of the past, instead framing them as foundational elements that lift up and shape contemporary Barbadian identity. Her prizes include a professional shampoo station, roller ball hair dryer, and gift set sponsored by Aventa Barbados, and she called the new professional connections and visibility her biggest takeaway from the competition.

Beyond the live competition, the evening offered a full lineup of entertainment and industry engagement. Local soca artist Faith Callender performed her newest singles “From Nothing” and “Keep It”, while the Vida by Esquire Crop Over band opened the event with a cultural showcase. Pageant contestants from the Mum, This One’s For You initiative also made a special stage appearance, and beauty brand Rogue Beautii led a live makeup demonstration using products sponsored by global beauty brand Maybelline. The evening concluded with a Fantasy Finale showcase and official awards ceremony.

Local MP Marsha Caddle, who spearheaded the initiative, emphasized the long-term socio-economic impact of investing in women beauty entrepreneurs. Caddle noted that the global beauty industry generates roughly $700 billion in annual revenue, and supporting local women creators delivers outsized benefits to entire communities. “When we support their productive capacity, we know that families and communities benefit. We know that income in the hands of women tends to have greater multiplier effects for the health and education of children and families,” she said, thanking #1 Beauty Supply owner Mohammed Jaouni, manager Charmaine Carter, and their team for stepping in as immediate partners when the event was first proposed.

Event technical consultant Ashley Lashley shared that the entire event was planned and executed in less than a month — a timeline far faster than the months of preparation typical for large industry events. Lashley credited the quick turnaround to the dedication of the cross-functional planning team, which included Aisha Marshall, Amber Price, Allan Farmer, Tyrique Wilson, Dr Abdul Mohamed, Rico Graham, and Shelly Williams, as well as the support of sponsors, partners, volunteers, and competing artists. Lashley added that the high level of talent on display and strong audience turnout prove there is significant unmet demand for local programming that elevates and showcases Barbadian beauty professionals.

Additional sponsors and partners that contributed to the event’s success include Beyond Design, AccuSounds Inc., Iridescent Lighting, Mayhem Soundz, REI Academy, the Division of Youth and Culture, and the National Cultural Foundation.