标签： Barbados

More than 300 construction workers employed by C.O. Williams in Barbados have initiated a strike following the collapse of pay negotiations with management. The protest, organized by the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), began early Thursday morning at the company’s Lears, St Michael base. The workers rejected the company’s latest wage proposal, prompting union intervention and escalating the matter to the government’s chief labour officer.

A prominent pastor has called on the government to reassess its approach to population growth, emphasizing that merely urging citizens to “have more children” could exacerbate social and economic challenges without robust family, adoption, and moral support policies. Speaking at a press conference organized by Family Faith Freedom Barbados at the First Baptist Church on Constitution Road, Pastor Paul Leacock highlighted the need to focus on raising responsible citizens rather than simply increasing population numbers.

Leacock acknowledged the government’s desire to boost the island’s population but cautioned against irresponsible messaging. “Encouraging young parents to raise the population is valid, but simply saying ‘have children to repopulate the nation’ is inadequate. We need individuals who are raised as responsible citizens—people with strong moral values and the ability to contribute to the country’s sustainability,” he stated.

One critical area requiring immediate reform, according to Leacock, is adoption. He described the current adoption policies as “weak and ill-defined,” urging a comprehensive review. “If a parent cannot support another child, there are willing individuals ready to provide care. Strengthening adoption policies could alleviate pressures that lead some women to consider abortion,” he explained.

Leacock also proposed practical incentives, such as tax breaks for families, to support population growth. “From an economic standpoint, the government could offer tax credits for families with children or reduce taxes for parents. These measures are feasible and impactful,” he said, adding that support for marriage and stable households should be integral to long-term population planning.

The pastor underscored the moral and economic implications of an ageing society with a shrinking working-age population. “A large geriatric population without sufficient youth to sustain it will strain both the social system and the church. We must educate our youth and care for our elders,” he emphasized.

Leacock highlighted the church’s role in elder care, stressing that it cannot abandon vulnerable members even when families do. “Pastors must ensure elderly members are cared for, not neglected. If families abandon them, the church must step in,” he said.

Additionally, Leacock urged the government to reconsider its stance on publicly funded abortions, linking the issue directly to population sustainability. “We cannot solve our population challenges by ending the lives of others. Let’s prioritize preserving life,” he argued.

In conclusion, Leacock expressed his organization’s vision for a “sustainable Barbados—both morally and economically,” calling for a holistic approach to population growth that addresses societal and ethical dimensions.

In a significant move to transform the education system, Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw announced on Thursday a sweeping overhaul of school curricula and textbooks. This initiative, part of a broader education reform agenda, aims to enhance teaching quality, support families, and improve literacy and numeracy among students. The announcement was made during the opening of a teachers’ workshop focused on improving mathematics instruction at the Seventh-day Adventist Conference Centre. Dr. Bradshaw emphasized that the review seeks to ensure students receive support not only in schools but also at home. As part of this transformation, the Ministry of Education has already begun rationalizing textbooks used in primary and secondary schools, with details on approved materials to be released shortly. Additionally, a parent education programme is being introduced to equip parents with resources to assist their children with schoolwork. This programme will include instructional videos on challenging mathematical concepts, such as fractions, accessible via the Ministry of Educational Transformation’s website. Dr. Bradshaw highlighted the interconnectedness of literacy and numeracy, stressing that strong reading skills are crucial for effective problem-solving in mathematics. To bolster literacy, the ministry has trained over 311 teachers in specialized programmes like Lindamood-Bell Seeing Stars and Snappy Sounds. From September, a daily reading period has been introduced in schools, with the ministry collaborating with the National Library Service to promote reading as a national movement. Dr. Bradshaw reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring all students can read by the age of seven by 2026, expressing confidence in achieving this goal.

In a move to honor Barbados’ Independence celebrations and the We Gatherin’ initiative, Banks Breweries Ltd. unveiled a limited-edition beer can on Thursday. The specially designed can, launched at the company’s Newton Industrial Estate plant in Christ Church, is described as a patriotic collector’s item aimed at fostering national pride and cultural identity. Janelle Germain, Marketing Manager of SLU Beverages Ltd., revealed the product during a brief ceremony, emphasizing that the project had been in development for six to seven months. “We’re thrilled to finally launch our We Gatherin’ can, which commemorates this significant initiative in a monumental way for an iconic brand like Banks,” she said. The design features symbolic elements of Barbadian culture, including the We Gatherin’ logo, the Broken Trident, and the national colors—blue, gold, and red—prominently displayed. Germain highlighted the importance of incorporating the Barbadian flag’s colors, noting that the blue and gold accents complement Banks’ traditional red branding. The launch also aims to reconnect the diaspora returning home for We Gatherin’, encouraging them to celebrate their heritage and support national events. Germain expressed hope that the can would serve as a symbol of pride and unity for Barbadians abroad. “This can represents true identity, empowerment, and Barbadian culture,” she said. The commemorative beer is expected to hit stores early next week, with pricing details still being finalized to ensure accessibility for all. Germain encouraged Barbadians to embrace the release, emphasizing Banks’ deep connection to national tradition. “Banks is an iconic brand that embodies what Barbados stands for,” she added.

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.