The ongoing discourse surrounding free movement within the Caribbean has brought Barbados and three other nations to the forefront of efforts to fully implement this concept. However, the pace of progress raises questions about whether the reality aligns with the promise.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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Barbados awaits verdict on mother-to-child HIV transmission
The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados is currently awaiting a formal report from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to confirm whether the country has successfully achieved the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV. Acting Permanent Secretary Wayne Webster, in a statement released on Tuesday, highlighted that the recent PAHO assessment was initiated at the ministry’s request to independently evaluate Barbados’ compliance with the operational standards necessary for validation. Webster emphasized that the PAHO team conducted a comprehensive review, including visits to healthcare facilities and laboratories, as well as an examination of data and surveillance systems supporting EMTCT efforts. While initial feedback has been highly positive, the ministry has refrained from specifying a timeline for the next steps until the formal report is received. Webster explained that the lengthy process reflects the need for sustained and deliberate progress in healthcare, given its critical impact on lives. If verified, Barbados would join 11 other Caribbean nations, including Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in achieving this milestone. The EMTCT verification process also encompasses efforts to prevent the transmission of syphilis and hepatitis B from mother to child. A PAHO delegation recently completed a pre-assessment, visiting key health facilities such as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and polyclinics to evaluate testing protocols, maternal care, and disease surveillance systems. Barbados is anticipated to receive official accreditation by the end of the year.
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New President of Barbados elected
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Davidson Bostic has been unanimously elected as the next President of Barbados, marking a significant moment in the nation’s political landscape. The confirmation of his election took place during a joint session of the House of Assembly and the Senate, where no objections were raised against his sole nomination. This nomination was jointly endorsed by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne, showcasing a rare display of bipartisan unity. Speaker of the House Arthur Holder declared that, in the absence of any objections, a formal vote was unnecessary, and the nomination was officially approved. In their remarks, both Prime Minister Mottley and Opposition Leader Thorne praised Bostic’s qualifications and character. Thorne highlighted Bostic’s steady and respected presence in Barbadian society, while Mottley emphasized that he embodies all the essential qualities needed for the presidency at this pivotal time. Bostic’s election reflects a collective confidence in his ability to lead and represent Barbados with dignity and integrity.
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Barbados Ambassador calls for end to alleged ‘Zone of Peace’ violations
In a passionate address during a ceremony marking the 49th anniversary of the Cubana Airliner tragedy and the third year of CARICOM-Cuba Day Against Terrorism, Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong, called on the United States to dismantle its 63-year-old economic blockade against Cuba. He also denounced the US designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism as “fraudulent and ridiculous.” Speaking on behalf of the Barbados government and the broader Caribbean Community, Comissiong urged the US to terminate the blockade and remove Cuba from its terrorism list, emphasizing that the blockade has been repeatedly condemned by the United Nations. He highlighted the severe impact of the blockade on Cuba’s ability to engage in international trade, conduct financial operations, and secure essential goods for its citizens. Comissiong further argued that Cuba has been a victim of terrorism, citing 713 acts of terrorism, many of which were orchestrated from US soil. He also referenced the 2014 Zone of Peace Declaration, adopted by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which emphasizes non-intervention, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence. Comissiong criticized recent US military actions in the Caribbean, particularly against Venezuela, as a violation of the Zone of Peace principles. He called on CARICOM governments to uphold these principles in the face of such interventions.
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BWU slams delay in transfer of stakes to workers
The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) is urgently seeking clarity on the future of the restructured sugar industry and the fate of long-promised benefits for workers who have been the backbone of the sector. According to exclusive reports from Barbados TODAY, years of assurances that former and current sugar workers, particularly those in the cane fields, would become part-owners in a new cooperative regime have yet to materialize.
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Shooting death investigation underway in Bayville
Authorities in Bayville, St. Michael, are actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Monday night, claiming the life of 36-year-old Akil Hinds. The incident unfolded around 10:10 p.m. when Hinds, seated on the bonnet of a vehicle, was approached by a masked assailant who opened fire, striking him multiple times. Despite being rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in a private vehicle, Hinds succumbed to his injuries. This tragic event marks the second shooting in Bayville within a week, following an attempted murder last Thursday where a taxi driver was shot in front of his young child. The police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-8477, Police Emergency at 211, or Hastings-Worthing Police Station at 430-7614 or 430-7615. Investigations are ongoing as the community grapples with escalating violence.
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Grow, Unite, Build, Africa — GUBA diaspora awards to make historic Caribbean debut here
In a groundbreaking move, Barbados has been selected as the host for the prestigious GUBA Awards and Trade & Investment Conference in 2024. This marks the first time the event, which celebrates African excellence and fosters diaspora connections, will be held in the Caribbean. Organized by the GUBA Foundation, the initiative underscores a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean. The event’s founder, Lady Dentaa Amoateng, emphasized the symbolic and strategic importance of this decision, highlighting its role in reclaiming shared heritage and fostering collaboration. The GUBA Awards, which stand for Grow, Unite, Build, Africa, were established 16 years ago in the UK to honor African achievements and reconnect the diaspora. This year’s edition aims to celebrate excellence while promoting trade, culture, and investment opportunities between the two regions. During a visit to Shirley Chisholm Primary School as part of World Teachers’ Day celebrations, Lady Amoateng spoke passionately about the need to restore historical connections disrupted by slavery and migration. She also announced a chartered flight from Ghana and Nigeria to Barbados on November 9, a historic step toward improving direct travel links. Lady Amoateng’s visit to the school was equally significant, as she shared her personal journey to inspire students, reminding them that ‘nothing is impossible’ with determination and dreams.
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Hydrate Caribbean expands school water station project to The Lodge
Students at The Lodge School in Barbados are ushering in a new era of health and sustainability as Hydrate Caribbean launches Phase Two of its nationwide water station project. Supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Barbados Diabetes Foundation, the initiative aims to provide students with daily access to chilled, purified water while promoting the use of reusable stainless steel bottles over disposable plastics. Although a shipment delay has postponed the arrival of the bottles until late November, Hydrate Caribbean spokesperson Sheridan Greaves has assured that every student will receive one before the school term concludes. Greaves emphasized the broader mission of the project: ‘This is about more than hydration — it’s about fostering healthy habits and reducing plastic waste for future generations.’ The campaign’s symbolic launch was marked by the newly appointed senior prefects, Head Girl Makeena Clark and Head Boy Daniel Griffith, who were the first to test the system. Phase Two will extend to St George Secondary, Princess Margaret Secondary, and Christ Church Foundation, with long-term plans to include primary schools facing significant infrastructure challenges. Each advanced water station, valued at approximately $15,000 with annual maintenance, is designed for high-demand school environments and is serviced by Newport Water Barbados within eight hours if issues arise. Greaves highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, ‘This programme addresses the neglect of water stations, ensuring students no longer resort to unsanitary alternatives.’ Sister Wendy Beaman of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described the project as a humanitarian effort with lasting community benefits, emphasizing health, sustainability, and the reduction of plastic waste. The initiative aligns with the Barbados Diabetes Foundation’s health drive, which educates students on the importance of water consumption and active living to mitigate future health risks. As students celebrated the launch, Greaves encouraged them to take ownership of the water stations, reminding them that small habit changes can lead to a healthier lifestyle.
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Record turnout for ‘Walk for the Cure’ as breast cancer awareness deepens
The Warrens business district in Barbados was awash with a vibrant sea of pink on Sunday as an estimated 20,000 participants gathered for the 2025 CIBC Walk for the Cure. This event marked one of the largest turnouts in its history, showcasing a profound display of unity and commitment to breast cancer awareness across the island. Kemar Polius, Head of CIBC Barbados, expressed his awe at the spectacle, describing it as ‘a sight to behold.’ Reflecting on his experiences with similar events in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, Polius emphasized that Barbados’ Walk for the Cure stands unparalleled in the southern Caribbean and possibly the entire region. He highlighted that CIBC Caribbean has raised over US$5 million regionally, including more than BDS$1 million in Barbados, to support cancer-fighting initiatives through the Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme. President Dame Sandra Mason, alongside CIBC managers, participated in the walk for the first and final time as her term concludes on November 29. Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo, Medical Coordinator of the Programme, noted the significant progress Barbados has made in raising awareness and reducing stigma around breast cancer. She stressed the importance of turning awareness into action, urging Barbadians to prioritize screenings. Hanoman-Jhagroo also introduced the programme’s new $1 million mammogram machine, designed to provide more comfortable screenings for both women and men. She acknowledged the collective effort of Corporate Barbados and the broader community in making these advancements possible.
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Privy Council ruling fuels Barbados fight over Cable & Wireless deal
In a significant legal development, over 300 minority shareholders of Cable & Wireless Barbados (C&W) have reignited their fight in the Barbados High Court, seeking a ruling on the contentious 2017 merger between C&W Barbados and C&W West Indies Limited. The group, spearheaded by Kenneth Ricky Went, Omstand Investment Inc., and Phillip Osbourne, filed fresh legal submissions last week, asserting that their rights were overlooked during the amalgamation process. Their case draws strength from a recent landmark decision by the UK-based Privy Council, which ruled in favor of minority shareholder Eric Jason Abrahams in a similar case involving Cable & Wireless Jamaica (CWJ). The Privy Council’s ruling emphasized that minority shareholders must be treated as a distinct class when their shares are being canceled or bought out, a principle the Barbados claimants argue applies directly to their situation. Representing the claimants, Senior Counsel Garth Patterson highlighted that the Privy Council’s reasoning aligns with their position that minority shareholders should have been allowed to vote independently on the merger. The claimants contend that the approval process failed to meet the legal requirements under Barbados law, as minority and majority shareholders were treated as a single voting class despite their divergent interests. With the Privy Council’s decision bolstering their argument, the minority shareholders are now urging the Barbados High Court to either invalidate the 2017 merger or recognize the process as oppressive and grant substantive relief. The case also names nine defendants, including Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. Went, speaking on behalf of the claimants, expressed optimism about the pending judgment, citing the Privy Council’s decision as a source of confidence.