标签： Barbados

After nearly 40 years of uncertainty, residents of River Bay, St. Lucy, including seven elderly pensioners, will finally receive legal title to the land they have called home for generations. This historic change comes as part of a new government resolution introduced in Parliament on Tuesday, aimed at transferring ownership to eligible tenants. The resolution, spearheaded by Housing Minister Christopher Gibbs, marks his first legislative initiative since assuming the housing portfolio in September. It involves the transfer of over three acres of state-owned land to the National Housing Corporation for sale and distribution under the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act. Minister Gibbs emphasized that this resolution, enacted under Section 5 of the Crown Lands Vesting and Disposal Act, is a key component of the government’s broader mission to empower Barbadians who have lived on tenantries without legal ownership. “Land ownership is transformative,” Gibbs stated. “It provides dignity, social justice, and the opportunity to build wealth and stability for families.” The 21 River Bay lots were professionally surveyed in 2021, with ten already occupied and approved for sale. Seven elderly pensioners will receive their lots free of cost, while the remaining three occupants will purchase at the statutory price of $2.50 per square foot. The remaining 11 lots will be subdivided for future housing development. Gibbs described the resolution as a tangible step toward fulfilling the government’s social contract, emphasizing its significance beyond legal formalities. “This is about correcting historical inequities and delivering justice to those who have contributed to their communities for decades,” he said. MP for St. Lucy, Peter Phillips, expressed deep gratitude to Gibbs and former Housing Minister Dwight Sutherland for their efforts. “This resolution ensures that the people of River Bay finally have a piece of the rock,” Phillips remarked. The initiative is part of a long-standing policy of economic enfranchisement through land ownership, first introduced under the 1980 Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act. Gibbs also highlighted ongoing efforts to regularize land tenure across Barbados, including recent conveyances in Bath, St. John, and Six Men’s, St. Peter. Additionally, plans are underway to empower small business owners through land ownership, such as at the Parkinson Business Centre, where tenants will soon receive titles to secure their businesses.

Peter Phillips, Member of Parliament for St Lucy, has called for a public apology from the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) following controversial remarks by a senior official. The official had asserted that the discoloured, brown water affecting northern residents was safe to drink, a statement Phillips described as ‘careless and insensitive.’

During a House of Assembly debate on legislation granting land ownership to River Bay residents, Phillips criticized the comments as ‘unfortunate’ and ‘disrespectful.’ He emphasized that St Lucy residents have endured unreliable and discoloured water supplies for years, making the official’s remarks particularly offensive.

Phillips urged the official to retract the statement and apologize to the people of St Lucy. ‘I ain’t going to drink brown water. None of us in here would do it,’ he declared. ‘Withdraw that statement and apologise to the people of St Lucy for that comment.’

The controversy stems from a recent press conference where Acting CEO of the BWA, Christopher Mapp, claimed the discoloured water in St Lucy and St Peter was potable. ‘All indications show that the water is safe for consumption,’ Mapp stated. ‘Would I feel comfortable drinking it? Yes.’ However, he acknowledged that others might not share his comfort level.

The BWA has faced significant public criticism over persistent complaints of brown water in northern parishes. Mapp revealed that the authority has invested nearly $20 million in mains replacement, including $7 million since April, with the project expected to conclude by early 2026. Water quality technologist Jatobi Greaves confirmed that tests showed the water met health and safety standards, attributing the discolouration to sediment that does not compromise safety.

Phillips acknowledged the BWA’s efforts to improve water supply but stressed that the official’s comments had caused unnecessary distress. ‘That same officer is working hard as head of the mains replacement team to better the situation in St Lucy,’ he said. ‘It is just a mistake, and I would ask him simply to come, apologise, and let us move forward.’

Phillips highlighted the importance of reliable access to clean water, especially as the government moves to grant land ownership to residents. ‘In order for the people to enjoy life and truly be happy, there are a number of amenities that must be in place,’ he said. ‘One of those amenities is clean, running, proper water.’

He also addressed other pressing issues in St Lucy, including road repairs, coastal damage from Hurricane Beryl, and the condition of Crab Hill roads. Phillips assured residents that he is collaborating with government ministries to resolve these challenges. ‘My voice will not be silent if there are issues that affect the people of St Lucy and the issues go unaddressed,’ he vowed.

Barbados, a nation celebrated for its impressive 99.6% literacy rate, is taking bold steps to address underlying gaps in comprehension and critical thinking. Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman has emphasized that literacy must be more than a statistic—it should be the cornerstone of national development. In a world increasingly driven by data, innovation, and creativity, Blackman’s assertion that “reading has to be our country’s superpower” underscores the importance of intellectual capital over material resources. However, despite the high literacy rate, challenges persist. Misinformation spreads rapidly, and public discourse often lacks reasoned debate, revealing deficiencies in how information is processed and understood. Recognizing these issues, the government has launched Project SOAR (Strengthen Our Ability to Read), a comprehensive literacy initiative targeting both children and adults. The program aims to foster a love for reading, enhance critical thinking, and empower individuals to participate meaningfully in societal and national discussions. Blackman highlights the critical role of parental involvement, acknowledging that economic pressures and the dominance of digital distractions pose significant challenges. The initiative also addresses adult literacy, offering community-based and online resources to ensure inclusivity. For Project SOAR to succeed, it will require sustained funding, teacher training, public-private partnerships, and a cultural shift that prioritizes reading as essential to national identity. Barbados, already a leader in education, now has the opportunity to redefine literacy for the digital age and set a global example.

In a recent parliamentary session, Senior Minister Dr. William Duguid defended the government’s decision to expand the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) at the Enmore Clinic site, emphasizing safety and accreditation concerns. The decision to bypass the old general hospital at Jemmotts Lane was influenced by the risks of storm surges, particularly in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Dr. Duguid highlighted the importance of meeting stringent accreditation requirements for hospitals, which the Jemmotts Lane site could not satisfy due to its proximity to the shoreline and vulnerability to storm surges. He cited the example of Black River Hospital in Jamaica, which suffered significant damage from a storm surge due to its location. The $390 million expansion project, facilitated by a loan agreement signed by Health Minister Senator Jerome Walcott, will include a bridge connecting QEH to the Enmore Clinic site. Dr. Duguid also addressed concerns about the Harrison Point facility, which experts deemed unsuitable for hospital accreditation due to its infrastructure limitations and the need for patient transportation between buildings. Additionally, he emphasized the benefits of Barbados becoming a full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), describing it as a ‘tremendous opportunity’ for accessing concessional funds. This move, he noted, would benefit not only the government but also businesses and individuals, providing a line of credit when needed.

A shooting incident in Cane Vale, Christ Church, Barbados, left one man injured earlier today. The event unfolded at approximately 3:03 p.m., prompting the victim to be swiftly transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via a private vehicle for urgent medical care. Local authorities have acknowledged the incident and are actively investigating the details surrounding the shooting. While specific motives or suspects have not yet been disclosed, the police have assured the public that their inquiries are ongoing. This incident has raised concerns about public safety in the area, as residents await further updates from law enforcement.

A tragic shooting incident in Christ Church has left a 27-year-old man dead, prompting an urgent appeal from local law enforcement for public assistance in solving the case. The victim, identified as Tridan Tarik Rock from Kendal Hill B, Christ Church, was fatally shot inside a parked car on Sunday afternoon. According to police reports, the Operations Control center received an alert about the shooting at approximately 1:40 pm. Initial investigations indicate that two masked individuals emerged from another vehicle and unleashed a barrage of gunfire into the stationary car, striking Rock. Emergency services rushed to the scene but confirmed that the victim showed no signs of life. A medical professional later officially pronounced him dead. Authorities are now urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477, the police emergency line at 211, or Oistins Police Station at 418-2612 or 418-2604. Detectives from the Oistins station are leading the ongoing investigation.

Marlon Orion King, widely recognized by the alias ‘Mulan’, has been apprehended by law enforcement following his inclusion in a public wanted persons bulletin issued last Friday. King, a resident of Airy Hill, St George, voluntarily surrendered himself at the District ‘B’ Police Station on Monday, where he is currently cooperating with ongoing investigations into what authorities describe as ‘serious criminal matters’. Inspector Ryan Brathwaite, the communications and public affairs officer for the police, expressed gratitude to both the public and the media for their assistance in the case. While specific details of the alleged crimes remain undisclosed, King’s apprehension marks a significant development in the investigation. The police have emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing criminal activities and ensuring public safety.

In a concerted effort to safeguard Barbados’ vulnerable eastern coastline, volunteers from the island’s four Kiwanis Clubs joined forces on Saturday to plant trees along the erosion-prone Ermie Bourne Highway. The initiative, spearheaded by Teddy Leon, president of the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown, saw members from the Barbados North, South, Benevolence, and In Action clubs come together to plant 50 sea grape and coconut trees near Barclays Park, an area particularly susceptible to soil erosion. The project was guided by dendrologist Nigel Jones from the National Botanical Gardens, ensuring the selection of appropriate species for the coastal environment. The volunteers worked diligently for nearly two hours starting at 7 am, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship. Mike Archer, president of the Kiwanis Club of Barbados North, emphasized the dual importance of community service and environmental protection. “By planting these trees today, we are not only fulfilling our mission of service but also taking proactive steps to preserve our coastline for future generations,” he remarked. Archer also expressed gratitude to the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown for providing the plants and revealed plans for a second phase of the project, which aims to engage youth groups in the ongoing effort to combat coastal erosion. This next phase is tentatively scheduled for late this year or early next year, further solidifying the clubs’ dedication to environmental conservation.