标签： Barbados

The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) has intensified its preparations to tackle the unique fire hazards posed by electric vehicles (EVs), equipping fire stations across the island with specialized tools and chemical additives. Fire Chief Errol Maynard disclosed that every station now has fire blankets designed to smother EV fires, along with F-500, a chemical additive that enhances water’s effectiveness in cooling and suppressing lithium-ion battery blazes.

Public service vehicle (PSV) operators in Barbados are intensifying their appeals for the government to restart negotiations on long-awaited duty-free concessions. Roy Raphael, Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), emphasized on Thursday that the prolonged delay in providing financial relief is exacerbating safety risks for commuters and escalating maintenance costs for operators. Raphael highlighted that a significant portion of the vehicles currently in service are outdated, with some exceeding 40 years in age and 80% being over five years old. This aging fleet is leading to frequent mechanical failures and operational downtime, further straining the industry.

The Barbados Prison Service is poised to transform its agricultural operations at the Dodds prison farm in St. Philip, pending government approval of a $4 million budget allocation. Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne announced on Thursday that the funds would be used to significantly expand meat production and modernize the facility, aligning with the government’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency within 18 months. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on external suppliers and enhance food production capabilities. Currently, the farm produces chicken, beef, lamb, pork, and turkey, with plans to slaughter 67 pigs next month. Additionally, 90% of the arable land at Dodds is under cultivation, yielding crops such as sweet potatoes, yams, and cucumbers. The Prison Service recently supplied the Barbados Defence Force with 600 pounds of sweet potatoes and 150 pounds of cucumbers. The $4 million investment will also fund the construction of seven new chicken pens, each capable of housing 3,000 birds, with a long-term goal of producing 21,000 chickens to meet the needs of institutions like the School Meals Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the prison itself. In January, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus partnered with the Prison Service to launch a six-week agricultural training program. Conducted through UWI’s Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI), the program focuses on sustainable crop production, soil management, poultry care, and integrated farming systems. It aims to reduce food costs, support national food security, and provide inmates with practical skills for rehabilitation. Superintendent Payne emphasized that the farming program is a key component of a broader rehabilitative strategy, equipping inmates with agricultural and business expertise while contributing to institutional cost savings and national food security.

Barbados is grappling with a troubling surge in youth crime, as highlighted by Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne in a recent interview with Barbados TODAY. Payne revealed that the age of convicted inmates is steadily decreasing, with more young males aged 15 to 25 being incarcerated for serious and violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms. He described this as a deeply concerning trend that reflects broader societal issues requiring a unified national response. Payne emphasized that the prison system is witnessing inmates as young as 15 or 16, with crimes becoming increasingly violent and often linked to robberies and gun-related offenses. Criminologist Kirk Alleyne echoed these concerns, noting a disturbing shift in behavior among youth, where violence is increasingly used to resolve interpersonal disputes rather than dialogue or mediation. Alleyne’s July report, ‘Confronting Violent Crime in Barbados,’ highlighted that retaliatory violence and escalation have become normalized. He also pointed to the growing accessibility of firearms to juveniles, which significantly increases their involvement in serious crimes such as armed robberies and shootings. Alleyne further warned of the evolution of gang activity, with informal street groups transforming into well-organized criminal networks resembling corporations. Barbados has recorded 34 homicides this year, with 31 occurring by the end of July. Despite these challenges, the Barbados Prison Service is implementing rehabilitative programs for both remanded and sentenced individuals, focusing on religious services, anger management, drug counseling, and vocational training. These initiatives aim to reduce reoffending and prepare young offenders for reintegration into society.

In a groundbreaking move, the Barbados Prison Service (BPS) unveiled its ‘Q in the Community’ program on Thursday at the Dodds Prison Retail Outlet in St Philip. This event marked the first of its kind as part of a month-long series of activities aimed at fostering community engagement. Superintendent of Prisons, DeCarlo Payne, revealed that the initiative had been in the pipeline since October of the previous year. ‘We initially approached CBC with the idea of hosting Q here, but they informed us that their schedule was fully booked until 2025. What you’re witnessing today is the realization of that vision, now coming to fruition in 2025,’ Payne elaborated. The program underscores BPS’s commitment to innovative community outreach and rehabilitation efforts.

Scotiabank and the non-profit organization I Am A Girl are commemorating five years of impactful collaboration through their flagship Adopt-A-Girl programme, which has transformed the lives of vulnerable teenage girls across Barbados. To celebrate this milestone, Scotiabank has reaffirmed its commitment by contributing an additional $60,000 to the initiative, ensuring continued support for girls aged 15 to 18 in overcoming challenges and achieving their academic and personal goals. The programme provides a comprehensive safety net, offering scholarships, essential learning tools, mental wellness services, and assistance with daily necessities like food and hygiene. This holistic approach ensures that, as organizers emphasize, “no girl is left behind due to circumstance.” Since its inception, the partnership has empowered hundreds of girls through mentoring, resources, and encouragement to stay in school and excel. The initiative has been a catalyst for change, not only for the participants but also for their families and communities. Scotiabank’s involvement extends beyond financial support, with employees actively engaging as mentors and capacity-builders through the Empower Employee Resource Group. They have conducted workshops on leadership, financial literacy, career coaching, and interview skills, serving as positive role models. Alian Ollivierre, executive director and founder of I Am A Girl, reflected on the partnership’s success: “Collaborating in a way that truly centres our girls and reflects meaningful partnership has exceeded our expectations. Together, we’ve deepened impact and created measurable change.” Suzette Armoogam-Shah, managing director of Scotiabank Barbados, added: “This partnership is about more than giving; it is about growing. Watching these young women rise, discover their strength, and pursue their dreams has been inspiring.”

The Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) recently unveiled its sixth National Junior Spelling Bee, an event that not only celebrates spelling excellence but also underscores the transformative power of literacy in shaping young lives. The launch was met with palpable enthusiasm, as stakeholders gathered to support this educational initiative.

Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation, praised ICBL and its partners for their sustained commitment to education. He emphasized literacy as the cornerstone of national development, stating, ‘Our education system must evolve to prepare us for the future, rooted in our own ideals and focused on competitiveness.’ Blackman also highlighted the alignment of the Spelling Bee with the ministry’s literacy transformation program, urging nationwide recognition of literacy as a collective priority.

Amayah Chase, last year’s champion and the first public school student to win the national title, shared her inspiring journey. ‘Winning this competition was a dream come true. The prizes were exceptional, and my trip to London was unforgettable—I even met my great-grandparents for the first time,’ she recounted. Her former English teacher, Nakesha Hutson, lauded the competition for fostering literacy, academic excellence, and a passion for language.

ICBL CEO Goulbourne Alleyne expressed gratitude to sponsors, including new silver sponsor GO! Insect Repellent. Kristen Austin, Brand Developer for GO!, emphasized the company’s eagerness to support youth development through education. Republic Bank, a long-standing partner, reaffirmed its commitment via its ‘Power to Make a Difference’ program. Sharon Howell, Marketing Officer – Communications, remarked, ‘Education is the most powerful tool to shape a brighter future. Every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential.’

Since its inception, the ICBL Spelling Bee has drawn participants from both public and private schools across Barbados, offering students a platform to compete for prestigious honors and valuable prizes. This year’s edition promises to be even more engaging, with organizers teasing new elements to enhance the experience.

As anticipation builds, educators and sponsors continue to champion the Spelling Bee as a vital platform for inspiring academic excellence and nurturing a literate, confident generation.

The Caribbean and the global Anglican community are united in mourning the passing of Archbishop Drexel Gomez, a revered figure in the Anglican Church, who died at the age of 88. Born in the Bahamas, Gomez made an indelible mark on the religious and social fabric of the region. At just 36, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Barbados on June 24, 1972, becoming the first and only Caribbean-born bishop in the diocese’s 200-year history. He served in this role for two decades before ascending to Archbishop of the Church in the Province of the West Indies in 1998. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados fondly remembered Gomez as a ‘soft-spoken gentleman’ whose warmth and dignity endeared him to all. She highlighted his courage in addressing social and political issues from the pulpit, even during tumultuous times in Barbadian politics. Anglican Bishop of Barbados, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell, praised Gomez’s lifelong dedication to the church and his unwavering service to the diocese and the wider Anglican Communion. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis also paid tribute, recalling Gomez’s guidance and moral clarity, which left a lasting legacy. Gomez’s life was a testament to faith, leadership, and service, and his passing marks the end of an era for the Caribbean Anglican community.