标签： Barbados

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has activated a Flash-Flood Watch for the island as a tropical wave sweeps across the region, bringing intermittent heavy showers. Issued early Friday, October 31, 2025, the alert warns of potential flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, with rainfall totals expected to reach up to two inches. Conditions are forecast to improve by late Friday night, but residents are advised to remain vigilant. Sudden flooding on roads, fields, and properties could disrupt travel, while water levels in drains and ponds may rise significantly. The BMS emphasizes the importance of adhering to guidance from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and staying updated through official channels, including the Government Information Service. A Flash-Flood Watch indicates favorable conditions for flooding but does not guarantee its occurrence. The watch remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday or until further updates are provided. For real-time information, visit www.barbadosweather.org or contact the BMS at 535-0022.

In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has launched an immediate regional relief initiative to aid affected families, employees, and communities across Jamaica. The charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, in collaboration with regional crisis teams and partners under Liberty Latin America, has strategically positioned essential supplies, including food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions, ready for deployment as soon as local authorities provide safe access.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of staff remains the top priority, with teams actively verifying the status of all employees. While outreach efforts continue, the Foundation is prepared to commence relief shipments at the earliest opportunity, pending official clearance.

Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the organization’s commitment: ‘Our first duty is to our people and the communities who rely on us. We have mobilized resources across the region to ensure a swift, coordinated, and responsible response. Wherever we can safely deliver assistance, we will be there to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery.’

The Foundation is working closely with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted relief partners to ensure efficient aid distribution, avoid duplication, and prioritize the most vulnerable households and shelter populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are focused on restoring critical communications infrastructure and supporting employee welfare.

Smidts added, ‘Recovery will be a sustained effort. Beyond emergency supplies, we are committed to partnering with local organizations on rebuilding and resilience initiatives that restore livelihoods and strengthen communities. The Foundation will remain engaged for as long as it takes.’

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28 as a devastating Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, tying it with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the 1935 ‘Labor Day’ hurricane as the strongest Atlantic hurricane landfall on record by wind speed.

The Foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale relief operations. Donations will directly fund the procurement and delivery of essential supplies and support long-term recovery programs in the hardest-hit communities. Secure online donations can be made at: https://www.libertycaribbeanfoundation.org/hurricane-relief.

Deacons Primary School in St Michael will remain closed on Friday, October 31, 2025, as the Ministry of Educational Transformation escalates its efforts to address a severe rodent infestation plaguing the institution. This marks the third closure this week, following shutdowns on Monday and Thursday due to reports of vermin on the premises. In a statement released on Thursday night, the ministry confirmed that extensive remediation work is underway to restore hygienic and safe conditions at the school. The ministry emphasized the interconnectedness of schools and their surrounding communities, stating, ‘Our schools are not only vital to our communities but are also physically embedded within them. Consequently, issues affecting the community inevitably impact the school environment.’ The Educational Transformation Management Unit (ETMU) is investigating potential lapses that may have allowed the rodents to infiltrate the school grounds. The unit is collaborating with the school’s leadership to implement recommendations aimed at upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Over the next 72 hours, staff will focus on decluttering the premises as part of the cleanup process. The ministry also announced plans to enhance monitoring and enforcement of waste management practices across all schools nationwide to minimize opportunities for vermin to thrive. Officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining open communication with education stakeholders, who have expressed support for the ongoing remediation efforts. The ministry reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring safe and healthy environments in all schools across the island.

Ann Hill School commemorated its 43rd anniversary with a vibrant celebration that united students, staff, parents, and supporters. The event, held under the school’s annual theme, ‘Nothing is impossible with God,’ also featured the induction of eight prefects, symbolizing a new chapter in the institution’s legacy. Principal Emelda Bell addressed the gathering, highlighting the school’s enduring mission to foster integrity, discipline, teamwork, and resilience among its students. She emphasized the importance of nurturing well-rounded citizens of Barbados and lauded the unwavering dedication of teachers and parents. Bell urged parents to continue supporting their children’s growth, while teachers were praised for their commitment and care. Reverend Kenroy Marshall, guest speaker and project accountant in the Ministry of Educational Transformation, inspired students and prefects to embrace leadership rooted in kindness. He encouraged them to be catalysts for positive change within the school community, emphasizing that leadership begins with simple acts of compassion. Marshall challenged the new prefects to serve as bridges between teachers and peers, urging them to initiate change rather than wait for it. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt prayer and a collective pledge by students to uphold the school’s motto, reaffirming their faith and determination to achieve greatness.

Barbados is set to commemorate the courageous individuals who sacrificed their lives during World War I and World War II with a solemn Remembrance Day Parade and inter-denominational service. The event will take place at the Cenotaph in National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 9. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio, as well as displayed on large digital screens at key locations including the old Treasury Building in Bridgetown, Golden Square on Probyn Street, and Republic Bank on Broad Street. A diverse array of uniformed groups, both armed and unarmed, will participate in the parade. These include the Barbados Defence Force, the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Guides. Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by prominent figures such as President Dame Sandra Mason, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Chief Justice The Most Honourable Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries. The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a marchpast by the uniformed groups. The public is encouraged to attend and express their gratitude to those who gave their lives in service to the nation. (BGIS)