标签： Barbados

Authorities in Barbados have launched a comprehensive search operation for Alicia Azariah Destiny Wiltshire, a 15-year-old student who vanished under mysterious circumstances last Friday morning. The Grantley Adams Secondary School pupil was last observed in the Grazettes area of St. Michael approximately at 7:15 a.m. on November 28, according to official police reports.

Investigators have disseminated a detailed physical description of the missing adolescent, noting her distinctive stature of approximately six feet with a slender physique. Wiltshire possesses characteristic brown eyes, pronounced cheeks, and a petite nose, with single ear piercings and noticeably drooping shoulders. At the time of her disappearance, she was attired in her educational institution’s uniform consisting of a white short-sleeved blouse, burgundy pleated skirt, and black footwear complemented by white socks.

Law enforcement analysis indicates Wiltshire maintains connections to several specific locations including Campaign Land, Martindales Road, and her residential address at #92 Denton Road in St. Michael. The Barbados Police Service has initiated a public appeal for information regarding her whereabouts, emphasizing the urgency of community cooperation in these critical circumstances.

Official channels for information sharing include the District ‘A’ Police Station at telephone numbers 430-7242 or 430-7246, the Police Emergency hotline at 211, and the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-8477. Authorities have assured confidentiality for all information providers and encourage immediate reporting of any potential sightings or relevant details to the nearest police facility.

A 27-year-old resident of St. Michael, Barbados, is set to appear before the District ‘A’ Criminal Court today to answer to a series of serious charges stemming from a fatal shooting incident last month. Garendra Alexander Thomas, residing at Yearwood Land in Bank Hall, faces prosecution for his alleged involvement in the November 19 shooting that claimed the life of Jabaree Carrington.

The comprehensive charges brought against Thomas include murder in the death of Jabaree Carrington, four counts of endangering life, illegal use of a firearm, possession of a firearm without authorization, possession of 15 rounds of ammunition, and two counts of criminal damage to property. The case has been developed through collaborative efforts between the Major Crime Unit and the Criminal Investigations Department based in Black Rock, demonstrating coordinated law enforcement action against violent crime.

This court appearance marks a significant development in the judicial process addressing gun violence in the community. The multiple charges reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating firearm-related offenses and their commitment to pursuing comprehensive legal action against alleged perpetrators. The case represents ongoing efforts by Barbadian law enforcement to combat violent crime and ensure accountability through the judicial system.

Earl Maynard, the celebrated Mr Universe titleholder, professional wrestler, and Hollywood actor, recently commemorated his 90th birthday while reflecting on an extraordinary journey that carried him from humble beginnings in Barbados to international stardom. In an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY, Maynard recounted departing his native island at age 17 with merely $25 and a one-way ticket to England, vowing that success would eventually bring him back home.

Maynard’s career trajectory reads like a screenplay. After achieving bodybuilding supremacy in competitions across England and the United States, he transitioned into acting with roles in Hollywood action films. He fondly recalled filming experiences in Israel and working on the 1978 martial arts fantasy film ‘Circle of Iron’ (also known as ‘The Silent Flute’). On set, director Richard Moore initially instructed him to be swiftly defeated by co-star David Carradine, but Maynard’s professional execution of the scene instead enhanced Carradine’s performance. This display of professionalism earned him an unexpected $16,000 bonus and industry respect.

Beyond cinematic achievements, Maynard dedicated himself to assisting fellow Barbadians abroad, helping secure employment opportunities in Bermuda and establishing valuable connections for his compatriots. He attributes his success to spiritual foundation and personal relationships, stating, ‘I’m happy with the things I’ve accomplished… and I give God thanks because I always put God first.’ Maynard emphasizes the importance of resilience, noting that ‘every day above the ground is a good day,’ and credits his loving wife as a crucial component of his happiness.

The nonagenarian offers counsel to aspiring youth, advocating for education as the primary pursuit alongside ambition: ‘Education first. If you are an athlete… you can get an injury. It may hurt your career, but you’re going to fall back on education. Then choose the path where you want to excel and listen to people with experience.’

For Maynard, Barbados’ Independence represents both national freedom and personal inspiration. ‘No matter where I travelled, I never forgot Barbados,’ he affirms. ‘The Independence of our country inspires me to keep striving, not just for myself, but to create opportunities and open doors for others back home.’ His narrative embodies the Independence spirit—courage to depart, determination to succeed, and commitment to community upliftment. As Barbados reflects on its national journey, Maynard’s life demonstrates the powerful synergy between individual ambition and national pride.

In a remarkable display of oratorical prowess, sixteen-year-old boxing enthusiast Aidan Callender delivered a speech so powerful it earned him top honors at Ellerslie School’s Second Annual All-Boys Speech Competition on Tuesday. The event, themed ‘Beyond Words,’ witnessed Callender’s gripping performance that seamlessly blended pugilistic metaphors with personal vulnerability, ultimately securing him both the championship title and the Principal’s Award for Most Impactful Speech.

The competition represented phase two of the Mr Executive and Business Challenge, an institutional initiative designed to foster discipline, confidence, and mentorship among male students. Six contenders participated in the contest, each receiving guidance from members of the school’s executive team as mentors.

Last year’s champion, Tejare Forde—now deputy head boy—set the tone with an inspirational preamble emphasizing connection over perfection. Forde, who leveraged his own victory into a third-place finish at the National Optimist Oratorical Competition, reminded participants: ‘When a boy is given a platform, he can arise, and when he is given guidance, he can soar.’

Callender embodied this philosophy through a narrative rich with boxing imagery and candid self-reflection. He opened with the arresting line: ‘Life doesn’t ask permission before it punches you in the face,’ immediately capturing the audience’s attention. He recounted early failures with humor—’To be honest, I failed miserably’—before pivoting to a defiant response to criticism: ‘Perhaps I do talk too much… but because I was never meant to stay quiet.’

His climactic conclusion—’Stand tall, wear your gloves, and remind the world the fight is not over yet’—prompted a standing ovation and an emotional embrace from his mentor, Mr. Rollins.

Elias Duncan claimed second place and the Deputy Principal’s Award for Most Memorable Speech, while Kamar Maynard took third with a message centered on perseverance and ambition. Shawn Clarke, deputy chair of the board of management, presented participation certificates and commended the contestants for their courage and eloquence.

Now in its second year, the competition has evolved into a cornerstone event at Ellerslie School, attracting eager audiences and reinforcing a culture of leadership and self-expression. As the newly crowned champion, Callender will advance as the school’s representative in the Mr Executive Gentleman and Business Challenge, extending the impact of his victory well beyond the auditorium.

Barbados education authorities have launched a reinforced initiative to ensure healthier eating environments in schools, framing it as a critical national priority for student development. The urgency was emphasized during a two-day capacity building workshop at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, organized by the Ministry of Education to strengthen implementation of the National School Nutrition Policy.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles delivered a direct appeal to canteen operators and food vendors operating within school precincts, urging sustained commitment to providing nutritious alternatives. “I especially trust that you will do so as a matter of your own attitude to health, to the health and well-being of our children,” Beckles stated, characterizing healthy school environments as requiring “an all of Barbados approach” with multi-sectoral collaboration.

The official grounded the initiative in international child rights frameworks, specifically referencing Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of Child which guarantees children’s right to protective care and healthy spaces. Beckles expanded the concept of school environment to include not just school premises but also the routes children take to school, indicating a comprehensive approach to student wellbeing.

Health concerns provided the pressing context for the initiative, with officials highlighting Barbados’ alarming rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and emerging diabetes cases among school-aged children. Deputy Nutrition Officer Brian Payne identified cultural practices as significant challenges, noting that unhealthy dietary habits are often deeply embedded in traditional celebrations and daily life.

The policy adopts a holistic ‘whole-school approach’ that encompasses students, teachers, administrators, and the entire school food environment. Payne explained that the strategy aims to transform both food options and physical activity environments while providing necessary support systems for educational staff. Officials emphasized that maintaining vigilance against reverting to old practices remains the primary implementation challenge, making ongoing training and awareness essential for sustainable change.

Barbados is launching a nationwide initiative to address childhood obesity by regulating food and beverage sales near school premises. Education Minister Chad Blackman announced he will personally lead inspections of vendors operating outside school gates to ensure compliance with nutritional standards.

The minister characterized the initiative as a critical public health intervention amid what he described as a non-communicable disease endemic on the island. Rather than employing punitive measures, the government will emphasize dialogue and reasoning with vendors while maintaining a firm stance on selling only nutritious items to students.

Blackman highlighted the contradiction between existing school nutrition policies that govern food sold inside school compounds and the unregulated sales occurring just meters away from classroom entrances. The 2023 School Nutrition Policy, designed to limit sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks on school premises, has been undermined by vendors operating outside school fences who aren’t bound by the same standards.

The minister stressed that this effort represents a ‘whole of country’ approach to creating healthier eating environments for children. While acknowledging the important role vendors play in the community, Blackman emphasized their responsibility to sell nutritious options, stating that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’

Blackman revealed his unconventional methodology, which will involve personally driving around the country to conduct face-to-face assessments with his officers. The approach will balance firmness with fairness, focusing on education and conversation rather than immediate penalties for non-compliance.

The minister also addressed economic concerns regarding healthier options, framing the crisis as a potential business opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop affordable, nutritious alternatives. This initiative forms part of a broader commitment made with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to cultivate a healthier generation of Barbadians.