The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) has called on Barbadians to shift their perspective on the country’s ageing population, viewing it not as a crisis but as a unique opportunity to leverage the strengths of older citizens. Speaking at a church service at Hawthorn Methodist Church in Christ Church to commemorate BARP’s 30th anniversary and the International Day of Older Persons, BARP President Marilyn Rice-Bowen highlighted a significant demographic shift. By 2050, half of Barbados’ population is projected to be 65 years or older. ‘Some might see this as a challenge or a burden, but BARP sees it as an extraordinary opportunity,’ she stated. ‘An opportunity to harness the wisdom, experience, and perspective of a mature population.’ Rice-Bowen emphasized the need to redefine ageing in the 21st century and integrate older citizens into national development, social transformation, and digital progress. ‘We must build a society where older people are central to our national development, cultural preservation, and social progress,’ she added. Her remarks come amid a broader national dialogue on preparing for an ageing society, with officials urging proactive measures to address this demographic shift. BARP, which boasts over 23,000 members, including 16,569 aged 60 and above, is dedicated to empowering seniors to thrive in the digital age. The association provides programmes to enhance digital literacy, foster social connections, and safeguard against cyber threats. ‘We are equipping our members to navigate the digital world with confidence, reduce isolation through online connections, and protect their personal information,’ Rice-Bowen explained. This year’s International Day of Older Persons, themed ‘Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights,’ aligns with BARP’s mission of advocacy and inclusion. Rice-Bowen praised BARP’s founders for their foresight in establishing the organisation 30 years ago, when the needs of older people were often overlooked. She pledged to continue their legacy by ensuring older Barbadians are not only seen and heard but empowered to lead. ‘BARP will remain the champion of these aspirations, the guardian of this well-being, and the defender of these rights,’ she concluded.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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‘Three years without identification or support’ flags US concern
Barbados has faced a significant setback in its anti-trafficking efforts, as the United States downgraded the island nation in its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. The country was moved to the Tier 2 Watch List, a classification that highlights concerns over stagnation and potential regression in combating human trafficking. The report, released by the US State Department, criticized Barbados for failing to meet minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, despite making notable efforts. Acting Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams acknowledged the seriousness of the downgrade, stating that the Mottley administration is thoroughly reviewing the report. The downgrade was attributed to Barbados’ inability to demonstrate increased efforts in prosecuting trafficking cases or supporting victims over the past year. Notably, the country did not initiate any trafficking investigations or prosecutions during the reporting period and has yet to secure a conviction under its anti-trafficking law. Additionally, no victims were identified or assisted for the third consecutive year, and no training was provided to first responders. The government also failed to draft or implement a new national action plan after the previous one expired in 2023. While the report acknowledged Barbados’ continued screening of vulnerable populations and public awareness campaigns, these efforts were deemed insufficient to maintain its previous Tier 2 status. The report also criticized provisions in the Trafficking in Persons Prevention Act that allow fines instead of imprisonment for sex trafficking, arguing that such penalties undermine the severity of the crime. Systemic weaknesses, including limited resources and training within the Sex Crimes and Trafficking Unit, court backlogs, and the absence of dedicated trafficking courts, were also highlighted. Barbadian civil society groups informed US observers that law enforcement continues to prioritize other high-profile crimes, leaving trafficking cases under-investigated. Experts also raised concerns about inadequate screening among at-risk groups, such as migrant workers, women in commercial sex, and foreign nationals on overseas-funded construction sites. The downgrade places Barbados alongside Saint Lucia on the Watch List, while Cuba and Venezuela were classified as Tier 3, and Haiti was designated a special case.
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Tourism in the age of AI: Caribbean tourism leaders chart a human-centred path
The Caribbean tourism sector is at a pivotal juncture as industry leaders convened at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 to address emerging trends and challenges. Held under the theme ‘Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead,’ the event took place from September 30 to October 3 at the Hilton Barbados. The conference aimed to explore how the region can adapt to technological advancements while preserving its unique cultural identity.
At the official launch ceremony on October 1, keynote speaker Dr. Auliana Poon, founder of Leve Global and a renowned expert in tourism and sustainable development, set the stage for discussions. With a career spanning South Africa, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and beyond, Poon emphasized the transformative potential of tourism when combined with innovative strategies. She highlighted the dual challenge of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) while maintaining the authenticity that defines Caribbean tourism.
In her address, Poon underscored the importance of balancing technological efficiency with human connection. ‘AI is inevitable, but it cannot replace the human touch,’ she stated. ‘The antidote to artificial is authentic. Tourism thrives on genuine experiences, and it’s our responsibility to deliver that authenticity.’ She urged industry leaders to adopt AI tools to enhance productivity but stressed that these tools alone are insufficient. ‘Each manager should have their own AI assistant, but we must also reimagine how we deliver authentic experiences.’
The conference marked the beginning of a week-long exploration of insights and innovations designed to guide the Caribbean tourism industry into 2026 and beyond. By embracing both technology and cultural authenticity, the region aims to position itself as a global leader in sustainable and impactful tourism.
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Barbados downgraded to US Tier 2 Watch List on human trafficking
Barbados has been downgraded from Tier 2 to the Tier 2 Watch List in the United States’ 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, signaling concerns over the country’s insufficient progress in combating human trafficking. The Tier 2 Watch List designation is reserved for nations showing declining efforts, failure to identify victims, or worsening trafficking conditions. The US State Department highlighted that while Barbados has made notable efforts, it failed to demonstrate overall improvement compared to the previous reporting period, a critical requirement for maintaining Tier 2 status. This downgrade places Barbados under closer scrutiny for potential backsliding in anti-trafficking measures. The TIP Report, a globally influential assessment, emphasized that Barbados does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking. Key shortcomings include the absence of trafficking investigations, prosecutions, or convictions under the country’s anti-trafficking law. Additionally, no trafficking victims were identified or assisted for the third consecutive year, and no anti-trafficking training was provided to first responders. The government also failed to draft or implement a new national action plan after the previous one expired in 2023. While Barbados continued screening vulnerable populations and conducting public awareness campaigns, these efforts were deemed insufficient to retain Tier 2 status. The report criticized the Trafficking in Persons Prevention Act for allowing fines instead of imprisonment for sex trafficking, a provision the US government argues undermines the severity of the crime. Further concerns were raised about systemic issues within the justice system, including resource shortages, court backlogs, and the lack of dedicated courts for trafficking cases. Civil society groups reported that law enforcement prioritized other high-profile crimes, leaving trafficking cases under-investigated. Experts also pointed to inadequate screening of at-risk populations, such as migrant workers and women in commercial sex, as a significant gap in Barbados’ anti-trafficking efforts.
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Digital sovereignty: The missing piece in CARICOM integration
The Caribbean region finds itself at a pivotal juncture in the digital era. As CARICOM governments deliberate the adoption of a shared currency—a concept that has reemerged since the Treaty of Chaguaramas—a broader question looms: why not extend this integration to digital sovereignty? In a world increasingly shaped by global platforms, the Caribbean’s daily life is dominated by technologies designed and controlled beyond its borders. WhatsApp orchestrates neighborhood interactions, TikTok influences youth culture, and Western financial apps dominate remittance systems. This outsourcing of cultural and political expression to Silicon Valley raises a critical question: can the Caribbean envision and construct its own digital infrastructure, one that aligns with its values and priorities? Global examples offer inspiration. China’s WeChat has evolved from a messaging app into a multifunctional super-application integrating payments, governance, and social exchange. Similarly, platforms like Douban have fostered cultural communities, while Russia’s VK and Rutube exemplify digital sovereignty. These models, though imperfect, demonstrate the potential for regions to reclaim control over their digital ecosystems. The urgency for a Caribbean alternative is underscored by recent events in Nepal, where youth-led protests, organized via Discord, toppled a government and led to the appointment of the country’s first female prime minister. This highlights the centrality of digital platforms in modern governance. For the Caribbean, the implications are profound. A regional super-platform could facilitate cross-border payments in a shared currency, host cultural content, and provide digital spaces for civic engagement. Crucially, it could reduce reliance on foreign systems that commodify Caribbean identities for profit. However, the pursuit of digital sovereignty must avoid the pitfalls of digital authoritarianism. Transparency, citizen input, and safeguards against surveillance must be foundational. Lessons from global platforms’ failures—such as disinformation and data exploitation—must inform its design. The goal is not to replicate Silicon Valley’s extractive model but to create a system rooted in regional trust and collective benefit. The opportunity is ripe. Caribbean governments are already coordinating in areas like currency, logistics, and education. Extending this collaboration to digital platforms is both logical and urgent. If regional integration is to resonate with citizens, it must encompass the tools they use daily. While trade frameworks under the CSME are being harmonized, the digital platforms mediating Caribbean life remain largely external. For integration to be credible, digital sovereignty must be treated as a core service under the CSME—governed, regional, and accessible. A Caribbean platform for communication, payments, and cultural exchange would fulfill the Treaty of Chaguaramas’ vision, ensuring the region’s digital lives are not outsourced. Such a platform would embody not just technology but sovereignty, resilience, and imagination. In the 21st century, the Caribbean’s independence hinges not only on its borders and seas but also on its digital lives. The question is not whether the region can afford to build such a platform, but whether it can afford not to.
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Business Barbados agency ‘still a work in progress’
The newly established Business Barbados agency, aimed at overhauling outdated business systems and modernizing local business processes, is still a work in progress, according to Minister of Business Senator Lisa Cummins. Speaking at the launch of Global Business Week, Cummins emphasized that while the agency is designed to enhance the ease of doing business, immediate results should not be expected given the decades-old systems it is replacing. The agency, which replaced the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO) in February, is tasked with streamlining business registration and regulatory processes. Cummins urged the business community to remain patient but also to actively highlight any shortcomings in the system. She stressed that the transition from outdated practices to modernized systems is a long-term endeavor, likening it to the gradual process of changing behavior in child-rearing. The minister also called for a strategic shift away from relying solely on tax incentives to attract investment, advocating instead for a focus on substance, skilled labor, regulatory trust, and digital government. She revealed that the Economic Substance Act, a key component of the international business framework, is under review and will soon be open for public consultation. Proposed amendments to the act aim to transition Barbados from a nominal tax jurisdiction to a preferential one, aligning with international standards while maintaining investor appeal. Addressing concerns about skills gaps in high-value sectors, Cummins noted that recruitment efforts are underway, with advertisements already published. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration with global standard-setting bodies such as the OECD and the Caribbean Development Bank to address compliance, sustainability, and financing issues. In light of the increasingly volatile global economy, characterized by shrinking trade, geopolitical tensions, and rising costs, Cummins stressed the need for Barbados to adapt its strategy to remain competitive. She announced the completion of double taxation agreement negotiations with Hong Kong and Curaçao, expressing optimism that these will evolve into bilateral investment treaties. Additionally, she encouraged the global business community to support domestic financing mechanisms, such as the new Junior Stock Exchange, set to launch on November 4. Cummins concluded by urging a collective effort to confront economic challenges with vision, clarity, and purpose, aiming to build a more resilient and opportunity-rich economy.
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Community college tutors walk out, disputing hiring process
Tutors at the Barbados Community College (BCC) took to the streets on Tuesday, staging a protest against what they perceive as an unjust recruitment process. The industrial action, marked by chants of “enough is enough” and “good work deserves promotion,” saw staff members walking out of classrooms and gathering at the main gate with placards demanding fairness in hiring practices. The protest was sparked by the controversial appointment of a new head of department, with staff alleging that long-serving and highly qualified internal candidates were overlooked in favor of external applicants. Richard Green, General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), described the situation as “untenable” and called for urgent talks with BCC management to resolve the issue. NUPW President Kimberley Agard emphasized that this incident was “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” citing years of unresolved grievances among staff. Approximately 60 workers participated in the protest, which is set to continue until management agrees to engage in dialogue. BCC Principal Annette Alleyne acknowledged the protest but assured that classes continued with minimal disruption. She reiterated the college’s commitment to addressing staff concerns through open dialogue and clarified that the partnership with the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) was part of a broader institutional strategy, not imposed by the board chair. Alleyne also denied claims that the NUPW intervened in the interview process for the disputed position. A meeting between BCC management and the NUPW has been scheduled for Wednesday morning to discuss a resolution.
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Minister: ‘End certification obsession’ in education
Caribbean education systems must move beyond their traditional focus on academic certificates and grades, instead fostering a culture that emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and a strong sense of regional identity, according to Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation. Speaking at the opening of the Second Regional Transforming Education Symposium and Policy Dialogue (TESPD 2025) held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, Blackman highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in how success is measured in the region.
For decades, Caribbean societies have placed immense value on academic achievements, often equating high marks with success. However, Blackman argued that this approach has limited the region’s potential. ‘While certification opens doors to higher education or better jobs, it has not prepared us to be innovators or critical thinkers rooted in Caribbean confidence and philosophy,’ he stated.
The minister also addressed the entrenched culture of school pride and the informal hierarchies associated with schools across the Caribbean. He noted that in small societies like Barbados, the question ‘Where did you go to school?’ often leads to immediate judgments about a person’s capabilities. Blackman called for the dismantling of such attitudes as part of the broader ‘decolonisation’ of the education system. ‘Every school must be a school of excellence, and the process of accessing these schools should not be burdensome but should reflect the inherent potential of every child,’ he emphasized.
Blackman’s remarks aimed to set the stage for the symposium, which brought together policymakers, educators, and development partners to explore how Caribbean education systems can be restructured to meet 21st-century challenges. He stressed that the transformation must go beyond structural reforms, advocating for a cultural shift in how learning and success are valued across the region.
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Six remanded on robbery, burglary charges
In a significant court hearing at the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court in Barbados, six individuals, including four teenagers, faced a total of 44 charges, primarily related to robbery and burglary. The accused—Deroy Leroy Holder, Serrian Jamali Scott-Fagen, Dakari Deshawn Carmichael, Runako Jeremiah Nurse, Tyreall Jamar Kidd, and Damon Hayden Cummins—appeared before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on Tuesday afternoon. The charges, all indictable, were read without pleas being taken.
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PM says free movement not a threat to local jobs and services
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has reassured Barbadians that the upcoming implementation of free movement among Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize is a carefully managed initiative designed to benefit the nation. Speaking to the public on Tuesday evening, just hours before the policy’s official launch on October 1, Mottley emphasized that the arrangement will enable citizens of these four “pioneering states” to live, work, and study indefinitely in Barbados without requiring permits. However, she underscored that stringent border controls, vetting mechanisms, and legal frameworks remain in place to ensure the system’s integrity. “We welcome our Caribbean family. We do not welcome criminality. We welcome contribution. We do not welcome abuse of our systems,” Mottley declared. Under the new policy, eligible nationals will present their passports upon arrival, and their entitlement to indefinite stay will be recorded in the immigration system and shared with relevant agencies. Those planning to reside and work in Barbados must register with the Ministry of Labour, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), and obtain national identification. Children of relocating families will be integrated into the education system through the Ministry of Educational Transformation, while access to emergency and primary healthcare will mirror that of Barbadian citizens. Mottley highlighted that the policy allows individuals to function as residents, enabling them to work legally, open bank accounts, pay statutory contributions, and engage in daily activities with clarity and ease.