标签： Barbados

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 At Grantley Prescod Primary School, located in St Barnabas, the school’s original 1954 construction included outdated TenTest fibreboard ceilings across the main hall, all classrooms, and connecting corridors.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.

As Barbados’ flagship National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS) marked its 59th year of operation, acting Social Security Minister Sandra Husbands has issued a urgent call to rebuild the community-focused mutual care ethos that has anchored the program since its launch, warning that the core collective spirit driving the island’s world-class social safety net is fading at the grassroots level.

Husbands delivered the keynote address at the NISSS anniversary commemoration held at St Matthias Anglican Church, stepping in for incumbent Labour Minister Colin Jordan. Opening her remarks, she highlighted that Barbados’ social security framework outperforms most peer nations across the Caribbean and the wider world in the scope of benefits it offers to residents. This broad, inclusive coverage, she emphasized, grew directly from the island’s long-held cultural commitment to collective care and mutual support.

But that foundational commitment is now under threat, Husbands warned. While the NISSS institution itself continues to uphold the principles of mutual aid, the shared community values that make the system viable have begun to weaken among ordinary Barbadians. To reverse this trend, she argued, the island must deliberately rekindle public understanding of interconnected responsibility: that all members of Barbadian society are bound to one another, each holding a obligation both to their neighbors and to themselves to uphold the system that protects everyone.

The NISSS operates on a foundational principle of intergenerational and cross-community solidarity, Husbands explained. Currently employed workers contribute to support retirees; healthy, able-bodied residents cover benefits for those living with illness and vulnerability; and this generation invests in the security of those who will come after. Over its nearly six decades of operation since its 1967 founding, the service has evolved continuously to meet shifting societal needs, adapting its structure to address new economic and public welfare challenges.

Key updates to the program over the years include the introduction of a dedicated Health Service Contribution to sustain the island’s main public care facility, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the creation of the Resilience and Regeneration Fund, designed to cushion households and businesses from financial hardship during periods of broad economic shock. A more recent restructuring that rebranded the program from the original National Insurance Scheme to the National Insurance and Social Security Service has also brought critical improvements for independent workers: the new framework allows self-employed Barbadians to contribute on a more flexible schedule, qualify for contributory old-age pensions, and grow their small businesses with the stability of guaranteed income security.

Other expanded access improvements have extended non-contributory pensions to residents living with physical and mental disabilities, boosting their quality of life and reducing financial insecurity. To protect the system for future decades, NISSS has also implemented targeted pension revitalization reforms that will keep the NIS Fund financially strong and sustainable for coming generations. Most recently, the service played a central role in the government’s cost-of-living relief efforts, administering direct cash credits to households struggling with rising prices.

For Husbands, this wide-ranging impact makes clear that the NISSS is far more than a collection of individual benefits: it is a living embodiment of the collective care that holds Barbadian society together, and its long-term strength depends on reviving that spirit in communities across the island.

Barbados’ top fire official has issued an urgent public warning, as a combination of soaring temperatures and sustained strong winds is projected to supercharge the spread and intensity of grass fires across the island, stretching emergency resources to their limit and putting residential property, livestock and community public health at severe risk.

Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard delivered the caution on Monday, explaining that rising seasonal heat has already dried out vegetation across the country, creating tinder-like conditions that will make any accidental or intentional blaze far more destructive than normal. He emphasized that most of these fires are not sparked by the heat itself, but by human activity — and the current climate conditions simply turn small, controlled burns into unmanageable disasters in minutes.

“I am not convinced that the fires are starting because the place is hot. The fires are starting because people light these fires,” Maynard told local outlet Barbados TODAY. “What will happen is that the intensity of the fire, because the place is hotter, it is dry, so you will get a lot more grass fires during this period. It is hot and brown, so the intensity of the fire will increase, and the high winds that you are getting in recent times, the rate of the spread of the fire will also increase.”

The growing number of wildfires does not just threaten communities — it places extraordinary strain on the fire service’s personnel and equipment, Maynard explained. Even with robust training and specialized gear, firefighters are still vulnerable to heat exhaustion and fatigue when responding to multiple blazes in extreme high temperatures, stretching their ability to recover between calls. The department has already recorded multiple cases of private property being damaged when wind-carried burning embers sparked secondary fires on residential land.

Maynard highlighted far-reaching consequences for daily community life, with smoke from large blazes creating public health hazards for residents who are forced to inhale toxic fumes. Multiple schools across northern and eastern parishes of Barbados, including in St. Philip, have already been forced to close for multiple days, disrupting students’ learning and causing extended missed instruction. Just recently, a blaze in St. Lucy killed several grazing sheep and destroyed large patches of grass that local farmers relied on as feed for their livestock, threatening small-scale agricultural livelihoods.

In a stern appeal to local residents, Maynard stressed that ordinary people hold the key to reducing the risk of a catastrophic fire season. Even small open burns intended to clear land for gardening or kill rodents can quickly spiral out of control under current conditions. “When you light fires…because the place is really dry, the embers may blow far away, go into a dry field, burn it, and you might not even know that you spread the fire, or you caused a fire,” he said. “The other thing is, because the wind is high, and you are not skilled to do it, when you light a fire, it can easily get out of control, and that can cause significant problems for other people.”

Against this growing risk, Maynard confirmed that the Barbados Fire Service has had heat mitigation strategies in place for decades, as officials have observed rising average temperatures year over year dating back to the early 2000s. The department has already adjusted its operations to reduce unnecessary heat exposure for personnel: traditional daytime training activities have been shifted to cooler early morning or evening hours, and recruitment practical assessments now take place when temperatures are lower, with lectures scheduled for the hottest parts of the day.

All fire stations across the island have been outfitted with ice machines to provide constant access to cool drinking water, and fire trucks now carry ice-cold beverages for crews responding to extended calls. When firefighters work on a blaze for a prolonged period, the department has formal rehabilitation protocols to bring them in for cooling and refreshment before rotating them back to duty. Maynard added that while the service works to minimize heat stress, all crews still follow strict personal protective equipment protocols. When not working in the hottest active fire zones, firefighters are permitted to remove layers of gear to cool down, balancing safety with heat management.

“We generally look to the best practices in the industry,” Maynard said. “In all that doing, we still have to make sure they are safe. Fire officers understand, based on their training, that they are in the heat.”