标签： Barbados

Barbados is taking a firm stance against neglected properties with the introduction of new regulations under the Health Services (Amendment) Act, set to take effect on November 1. Minister of the Environment Adrian Forde announced that property owners who fail to maintain their land will face financial penalties. The law targets overgrown and disused lots, which have become a growing concern across the island. Once notified, property owners will have 21 days to clean their lots. Failure to comply will result in an initial fine of $300, with an additional $10 charged daily until the property is cleaned. Minister Forde emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in preserving Barbados’ beauty and cleanliness, stating, ‘We cannot have the most beautiful island in the Western Hemisphere unless we equally have all of Barbados working together to achieve this clean and green philosophy.’ He expressed disappointment that legislation was necessary but stressed that the government must act to ensure accountability. Minister in the Ministry of Health Davidson Ishmael highlighted the public health risks posed by overgrown lots, particularly the breeding of mosquitoes, which can spread deadly diseases. He noted that the new law would address long-standing complaints from residents frustrated by neglected properties in their neighborhoods. Project leader Ronald Chapman explained that the new system would streamline the cleanup process and improve cost recovery. Environmental health officers will monitor communities daily, and a dedicated hotline will soon be launched to facilitate public reporting of overgrown properties. The initiative aims to foster a sense of civic duty and protect both the environment and public health.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles emphasized the importance of proactive health and safety committees in Barbados’ schools during a session at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College on Monday. Addressing over 130 educators, Beckles highlighted that many health and safety concerns could be resolved internally at the school level, reducing the need for ministry or union intervention. Her remarks follow last year’s disruptions, where teachers staged walkouts over environmental and safety issues, leading to temporary school closures in some cases. Beckles urged schools to foster a collaborative culture on safety, ensuring that committees function effectively to address problems before they escalate. While all schools have legally mandated health and safety committees, Beckles noted that not all are operating at full capacity. She stressed the need for these committees to be more active and engaged, particularly in addressing issues like rodent infestations through education and preventive measures. Beckles also underscored the ministry’s commitment to supporting these teams as part of Barbados’ broader education transformation efforts, which aim to modernize school environments with a focus on health and safety. As the country observes Caribbean Safety Week, Beckles called for renewed energy in creating a culture of safety in schools, encouraging committees to conduct regular meetings and inspections even in the absence of immediate problems.

The Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation has relaunched its youth entrepreneurship competition, the Mr Executive Challenge 2026, with an expanded format and a historic milestone: the inclusion of the Barbados Seventh-day Adventist School as the first private school participant in the event’s history. The initiative, unveiled at the Solidarity House auditorium on Monday, aims to foster innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills among students. The launch event brought together educators, entrepreneurs, and past participants to highlight the programme’s broader scope and enhanced offerings. Winston Cumberbatch, founder of the Mr. Executive and Gentleman’s Challenge, emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, stating, “Every great business starts with a small, brave step.” Celeste Foster, Executive Chair of the foundation, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to empowering youth: “Our mission remains to create opportunities where youth can explore, experiment, and execute their ideas.” David Simpson, President of the Barbados Small Business Association, praised the competition for equipping students with essential business and leadership skills, while marketing specialist Michelle Whitelaw encouraged participants to view the challenge as a transformative journey. The 2026 edition will feature leadership workshops, team-building sessions, mentorship opportunities, and final business presentations, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of youth entrepreneurship in Barbados.

Over 40 schools in Barbados are currently engaged in an intensive week-long training programme aimed at empowering teachers and counsellors to better assist students who are at risk or have been exposed to violence. This transformative initiative, hosted at Pelican House in Bridgetown, is a joint effort between Barbados’ Ministry of Educational Transformation and Jamaica’s Multicare Youth Foundation (MYF). The programme seeks to provide educators with practical strategies to address behavioural challenges, mitigate aggression, and foster emotional well-being among young people. Spearheaded by MYF Executive Director Mitzian Turner, the initiative has been hailed as a “groundbreaking, monumental milestone” for the foundation. Turner emphasized that this training represents a crucial step in building resilience and offering support to vulnerable youth across the Caribbean region.

Barbados is grappling with a mounting dog crisis, prompting urgent calls for action from local animal welfare organizations. The issue gained heightened attention following a recent dog attack in Bayville, St Michael, which left a woman and two children injured. Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary, a prominent animal welfare group, has issued a statement demanding stronger legislation, consistent enforcement, and greater accountability among dog owners. Karen Whittaker, Founder and CEO of Ocean Acres, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, ‘No one should feel unsafe walking in their own neighbourhood. Animal abandonment and stray dogs have become national health and safety concerns. It is time for stronger legislation, better enforcement, and responsible ownership.’

Ocean Acres has proposed a series of measures to address the crisis. These include regular inspections of properties housing dogs, penalties or removal of animals from non-compliant owners, and annual checks of registered kennels to ensure compliance with tax and sanitary requirements. The sanctuary also advocates for stricter controls on dog imports, including a ban on certain large, thick-coated breeds like Huskies and Akitas, which are deemed unsuitable for Barbados’ tropical climate.

Additionally, the group recommends that only registered breeders or owners importing neutered pets be permitted to bring dogs into the island, with animal welfare representatives involved in all inspection and approval processes. To reduce the stray dog population, Ocean Acres has suggested a five-year moratorium on dog imports, with limited exemptions for licensed breeders.

The organization has also urged the government to bolster the Animal Control Unit and Veterinary Services Division to enhance enforcement and oversight. Whittaker stressed that the root of the problem lies not with the animals but with neglectful ownership. ‘To be clear, there are no bad dogs. These are dogs in the wrong place without adequate care and supervision,’ she said. She further cautioned potential dog owners to carefully consider their ability to care for a pet, noting that shelters are already overwhelmed, particularly with abandoned large breeds that become unmanageable as they grow.

Whittaker highlighted the need for responsible ownership, stating, ‘Many owners lack the means to manage them properly, and when that happens, tying them up or letting them roam is not a solution. There are only two viable choices: invest the time and resources to manage them responsibly, or have them humanely euthanised.’ Ocean Acres maintains that resolving the crisis will require stronger legislation, enforcement, public education, and collaboration between government, veterinarians, and animal welfare groups.

The Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE) celebrated the pinnacle of engineering innovation and achievement at its 2025 Annual Engineering Awards and Dinner, held at the luxurious Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort and Spa. The event highlighted the transformative power of engineering in addressing societal needs and advancing national development. Engineer Orson Alleyne of Steinbok Management Services Inc. was honored with the prestigious BAPE Annual Engineering Award of Excellence for his leadership in the construction of the new Geriatric Hospital at Waterford, St Michael, which was also crowned Project of the Year. The hospital, a groundbreaking initiative, integrates renewable energy, sustainable design, and compassionate care, setting a new benchmark for healthcare infrastructure in Barbados. Alleyne emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project, involving engineers, architects, environmental scientists, and contractors, and praised the vision of integrating innovation and purpose to serve the nation. Other notable projects recognized included the Digital Innovation and Health Tech Hub at Newton, Christ Church, and the Oceana Innovation Hub at Bay Street, St Michael. The ceremony also honored Akeem Nurse with the BAPE President’s Award for his leadership in revamping the organization’s website, while Karen Walkes and The Most Honourable Richard Edghill were distinguished as Fellows. Keith Best was acknowledged as an honorary member for his over 40 years of service to the Barbados National Standards Institute. The event underscored the critical role of engineering in driving social change and shaping a sustainable future.

The Rotary Club of Barbados has unveiled its transformative ‘Tools for Tomorrow’ initiative, designed to provide students with essential school supplies to enhance their educational journey. The official launch ceremony, attended by principals from Charles F Broome Primary, St Elizabeth Primary, and Half Moon Fort Primary, highlighted the program’s mission to instill hope and encouragement among students facing significant challenges.

Katrina Alkins, the club’s Director of Community Service, emphasized the broader significance of education, stating, ‘Education transcends classroom lessons; it’s about equipping our children with the resources they need to forge a brighter future for themselves, their families, and Barbados as a nation. Often, something as basic as a school bag, notebooks, or pencils can profoundly impact a child’s attitude toward learning and their confidence among peers.’

The initiative reflects Rotary’s enduring principle of ‘service above self,’ aiming to dismantle obstacles that prevent children from fully participating in their education. The Rotary Club also acknowledged the pivotal role of school principals in molding the nation’s future. ‘We extend our deepest gratitude to our principals for their unwavering leadership, patience, and dedication,’ Katrina added. ‘Your efforts shape not only young minds but also the character and destiny of our country. This project is our way of supporting you in the invaluable work you do daily.’

The Barbados Cadet Corps marked a significant milestone in its history with a Change of Command and Sunset Ceremony held at the Barbados Defence Force Headquarters, St Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, St Michael, on Saturday. The event celebrated the formal transition of leadership from Lieutenant Colonel David Dowridge to Lieutenant Colonel Carl Farley, who was inaugurated as the ninth Commandant of the Corps. Cadets took center stage, managing key roles, including musical direction, a move praised by outgoing Commandant Dowridge. In his farewell address, Lieutenant Colonel Dowridge, a veteran of 52 years in military service, reflected on his tenure and emphasized the importance of the Cadet Corps as a premier youth development program in Barbados and the Caribbean. He urged stakeholders to ensure the program’s integration into school curricula. Lieutenant Colonel Farley, with 40 years of service and 11 years as Deputy Commandant, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead. He pledged to uphold the Corps’ legacy, emphasizing integrity, transparency, and collaboration. Farley outlined plans to expand membership, particularly among sea cadets, and called for qualified individuals to join as adult leaders to support youth development.