Barbados is gearing up for one of its most cherished annual events, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, a vibrant celebration of culinary excellence and cultural heritage. From Thursday to Sunday, the island transforms into a hub of gastronomic delight, where the aroma of grilled seafood mingles with the salty sea breeze, and every meal feels like a heartfelt reunion. The festival kicks off on Thursday in Oistins, the island’s iconic fishing village, with ‘Oistins Under the Stars.’ This opening event sets the tone with fire-grilled seafood, lively music, and the unmistakable buzz of a traditional Bajan Friday night. It’s a casual yet authentic dining experience that underscores the island’s ethos: great food is best enjoyed with great company. By Friday, the festivities spread across the island. Speightstown, Bridgetown, and Pile Bay become open-air kitchens for the International Chef Demos, where local and international chefs showcase their skills, blending Bajan ingredients with global influences. Later, Queen’s Park hosts the Community Cook-Off Finals, a friendly culinary competition that feels like a mix of a family picnic and a carnival. The evening’s highlight is the Rum Route South, a guided tour that combines distillery visits with cocktails, music, and camaraderie. Saturday begins with ‘Rise & Rum: The Breakfast Beach Party’ at Copacabana, where attendees can watch the sunrise with a rum cocktail in hand and a plate of saltfish and bakes. The Rum Route North continues the day with a scenic journey through the countryside, punctuated by rum tastings and hidden gems. The festival concludes on Sunday with the Liquid Gold Feast at CARIFESTA House, an elegant tribute to Barbados’ rum heritage. Each course is paired with local rums, encapsulating the festival’s essence: pride, craftsmanship, and community.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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Veteran educator: teacher licensing needs planning, talks
The teaching profession in Barbados is set to undergo its most significant transformation in decades, as the Ministry of Educational Transformation has unveiled plans to mandate professional licensing for all teachers by 2027. This initiative, aimed at enhancing educational standards, has sparked both optimism and caution among experts.
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Cave Hill folk appeal to authorities after shooting
Residents of Cave Hill, Barbados, are voicing their frustration and fear following a recent spate of gun violence that has left one man severely injured. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a man was shot on Montgomery Pasture, marking the third shooting in the area this year. Just over an hour later, another shooting took place in Cane Vale, Christ Church, further escalating tensions. Both victims were rushed to the hospital by private vehicles. This surge in violence has left the community on edge, with many expressing anger over what they perceive as inaction from authorities.
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Emergency chief tells public take charge of disaster preparation
The head of a District Emergency Organisation in Barbados has issued a stark warning about the nation’s lack of readiness for disasters, particularly tsunamis, despite ongoing drills and awareness initiatives. Selwyn Brooks, Chair of the St James DEO, highlighted widespread complacency among Barbadians during a recent tabletop exercise on tsunami preparedness. ‘Every year, we conduct drills and simulations, but the level of resilience needed for a tsunami remains inadequate,’ Brooks stated. He attributed this gap to a lack of firsthand experience with such disasters, noting that most residents have never encountered a tsunami unless they’ve traveled abroad. Brooks drew parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of emergency preparedness. ‘People will die depending on the intensity of the disaster, but preparation can minimize the impact,’ he emphasized. He called for personal responsibility, urging citizens to safeguard themselves, their families, and their communities. Brooks also cautioned against constructing buildings in high-risk areas, acknowledging the challenges posed by Barbados’ limited landmass. ‘Resilience starts with the individual. Multiply that across the population, and the whole country becomes stronger,’ he said. The event, held on World Tsunami Awareness Day, brought together hoteliers, estate agents, police, and residents to assess preparedness and identify gaps, particularly for vulnerable groups like people with disabilities and small hospitality operators. Brooks expressed satisfaction with the turnout and interactions but stressed the need for broader participation. He emphasized that disaster preparedness is an ongoing process, requiring continuous education and engagement. ‘This is not a one-off. Everyone has a role to play,’ he concluded.
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West Indies eye T20 series win over New Zealand
Fresh off a commanding 3-0 T20I series victory against Bangladesh, West Indies’ white-ball captain Shai Hope has expressed his team’s heightened confidence as they prepare to face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series. The first match is scheduled for Wednesday, marking a crucial test for the Windies, who are ranked significantly lower than their fourth-ranked opponents. This recent triumph over Bangladesh was only their second bilateral T20I series win in nine attempts, providing a much-needed morale boost after consecutive losses to Nepal, Pakistan, and Australia. Historically, the West Indies have struggled against New Zealand in T20Is, not having won a series against them since 2012 and losing their last three encounters. However, Hope remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of building on their recent success. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Hope highlighted the team’s adaptability and determination to excel in New Zealand’s challenging conditions. He acknowledged the stark contrast between the subcontinental pitches they faced in Bangladesh and the expected conditions in New Zealand, stressing the need for quick adaptation. Hope also underscored the significance of consistency and the ambition to defeat top teams in their home territories as part of their preparation for the upcoming World Cup. The series against New Zealand presents an opportunity for the West Indies to prove their mettle and continue their upward trajectory in international cricket.
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Deighton Griffith edge Ellerslie in League Two thriller
The Barbados Secondary Schools Football League witnessed a series of electrifying matches on Monday, showcasing the talent and determination of young athletes across the island. In a nail-biting encounter, Deighton Griffith Secondary School edged out The Ellerslie School with a 2-1 victory, thanks to crucial goals from Kovanni Elibox-Greaves in the 12th minute and Robinho King in the 80th minute. Aidan Jordan managed to pull one back for The Ellerslie School, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Deighton Griffith, currently second in the standings with 14 points, demonstrated their prowess as one of the league’s strongest teams. Meanwhile, Grantley Adams Memorial and The St Michael School played out a thrilling 4-4 draw. Roberto Spratt’s brace for Grantley Adams was complemented by goals from Kamari Holder and Dwayne Doughlin, while The St Michael School’s Ethan McCollin, Shakobi Jordan, and Darran Skeete ensured their team remained competitive. In another high-scoring affair, the Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB) and Christ Church Foundation School (CCFS) battled to a 4-4 stalemate. Jamarco Reece’s hat-trick for BVTB was matched by Jayfen Rowe’s brace and goals from Keyari Neptune and Nicholas Olton for CCFS. Lester Vaughan Secondary School dominated Graydon Sealy Secondary School with a commanding 6-1 victory, fueled by Dimiko Jordan, Rajae Thompson, and Troyell Downes, each scoring twice. Lamar Forde scored the lone goal for Graydon Sealy. Coleridge and Parry secured a narrow 1-0 win over Princess Margaret Secondary School, with Demarco Greenidge netting the decisive goal. Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic Institute (SJPI) defeated The Lodge School 2-0, courtesy of Ajani Payne’s penalty and Ramiro Dunner’s regular-time goal. Finally, Alexandra School triumphed over Harrison College with a 3-0 victory, thanks to goals from Jaylen Gibson, Tashawn Nurse, and Darelle Pilgrim.
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Barbados Netball Association president to demit office next month
Dr. Carmeta Doughlin, the esteemed president of the Barbados Netball Association (BNA), has announced her decision to step down from her leadership role. After three years of dedicated service, Dr. Doughlin revealed her resignation in a heartfelt letter to BNA members, confirming that she will officially vacate her position on December 10 during the Association’s annual general meeting at the Wildey Gymnasium.
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Pharmacist warns of chronic illness drug access challenges
A prominent figure in the pharmaceutical sector has raised concerns about the ongoing difficulties in delivering essential medications to patients suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Marlon Ward Rogers, President of the Barbados Pharmaceutical Society, highlighted the dual challenges of supply chain disruptions and escalating drug prices during a recent interview with Barbados TODAY. NCDs, which include conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, are responsible for 80% of deaths in the region, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues. Ward Rogers emphasized the critical need for public awareness and patient education to ensure adherence to medication regimens and regular health check-ups. Despite these challenges, he assured that there is currently no shortage of drug supplies, though patients may face higher costs for certain medications. He attributed the intermittent shortages to global supply chain issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Ukraine. Ward Rogers also noted that while brand-name medications might occasionally be unavailable, generic alternatives often remain accessible. As he begins his new term leading the society, his focus will remain on advancing the pharmacy profession and ensuring patients receive optimal care, including through enhanced continuing education initiatives.
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Benches champion breastfeeding in public spaces
Barbados has taken a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers with the launch of a pioneering initiative last weekend. The Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation (BCNF), in collaboration with Antilles Outdoor, introduced the country’s first series of public markers designed to promote breastfeeding awareness. Four vividly branded benches, each bearing the empowering message “See It. Support It,” have been installed at key locations including Belleville, Sunset Crest, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Randall Phillips Polyclinic. These benches aim to normalize and celebrate public breastfeeding while emphasizing the importance of providing mothers with comfort, respect, and encouragement. Dr. Alison Bernard, executive director of BCNF, emphasized the initiative’s core message: “Every mother should feel confident and supported to feed her child wherever she needs to. These benches send a simple message: No judgment, no side eye; just see it and support it. When we support breastfeeding, we support families and strengthen our nation.” The project, part of the foundation’s #TakeASeatForBreastfeeding campaign, integrates community education with social media outreach and broader partnerships to create healthier environments for women and children. The public is encouraged to visit the benches, take photos, and share messages of support using hashtags like #NoSideEyeSupport and #FirstSeatForLife. Adam Gibbs, innovation director at Antilles Outdoor, highlighted the initiative’s broader significance: “Public spaces tell stories about who we are. By dedicating these benches to breastfeeding awareness, we’re helping make acceptance and inclusion a visible part of everyday life in Barbados.” The campaign aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, underscoring Barbados’ commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes through community action and education.
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Minister: Fund Access, Trust Loans reforms coming
In a bold move to revitalize the financial landscape for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the Barbadian government has unveiled plans for a comprehensive restructuring of Fund Access and Trust Loans by 2026. Business Minister Senator Lisa Cummins announced the initiative during her keynote address at the Innovation Growth Market (IGM) 200 Conference, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort. The reform aims to address the limitations of the current debt-financing model, which Senator Cummins described as ‘outdated’ and ill-suited for modern enterprises.