标签： Barbados

Barbados is grappling with a surge in gang-related activities, as young men charged with violent offenses openly display apparent gang signs outside courtrooms. This alarming trend has heightened public concern and underscored the growing influence of gang culture amidst the nation’s ongoing struggle to curb street violence. The situation has prompted urgent calls from sociologists for deeper research and targeted interventions to address the root causes of youth involvement in gangs. Dr. Dwayne Devonish, Professor of Management and Organisational Behaviour at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill, emphasized the need for comprehensive studies to understand the factors driving gang affiliation. According to Dr. Devonish, the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit identified six dominant gangs across 50 local neighborhoods in Barbados, with membership ranging from 15 to 50 individuals, typically aged 17 to 40. While he cautioned against assuming all individuals displaying gang signs are active members, he acknowledged the cultural significance of such gestures. Dr. Devonish highlighted the critical role of schools, which have increasingly become recruitment grounds for gangs, and stressed the importance of vigilance from law enforcement and state agencies. He also pointed out a troubling trend where gang affiliation is now seen as a badge of honor among young Barbadians, signaling loyalty and toughness. This normalization of criminality, coupled with declining public confidence in law enforcement, poses a significant challenge that requires immediate and focused action to reverse.

For students, alumni, and staff of Queen’s College (QC), QC Week transcends a mere schedule of events. It is a profound blend of pride, nostalgia, and joy, culminating in a heartfelt farewell for the Class of 2026 as they prepare to etch their names into the school’s illustrious 142-year history. The week-long celebration commenced at St. Augustine Anglican Church in St. George, where Reverend Yolanda Clarke delivered an inspiring sermon. The resonant school song underscored the deep connection among alumni, staff, parents, and students, setting the tone for the festivities. The spirit of unity continued during Monday’s joint assembly in the school hall, where attorney Kamisha Benjamin urged students to seize opportunities and craft their own narratives of excellence. One of the week’s highlights was the role-reversal event orchestrated by the graduating class. Teachers donned student attire while students assumed the role of educators, infusing the school with laughter and creativity. This activity symbolized the seniors’ desire to leave a lasting mark of ingenuity and pride as they bid farewell to their alma mater. Sharon Callender, a staff representative on the QCA Committee, remarked, “This graduating class organized themselves to swap places with the teachers, creating a memorable and lighthearted experience.” The celebrations continued with “I Love QC Day!” on Friday, encouraging students and alumni worldwide to proudly display their QC colors, ties, and wristbands. The week concluded with a karaoke lime at Pelican Village on Saturday and a luncheon at Coconut Court Hotel on Sunday. For the Class of 2026, QC Week was a poignant farewell, filled with pride, cherished memories, and the assurance that they are part of a legacy that continues to shine brightly.

Barbados is formulating a comprehensive action plan to address the United States’ decision to downgrade its human trafficking efforts, Attorney General Dale Marshall announced on Thursday. This comes in response to the US State Department’s criticism that the island nation failed to prosecute trafficking cases or assist victims for the third consecutive year. The downgrade, which moved Barbados from Tier 2 to the Tier 2 Watch List in the 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, has prompted Bridgetown to intensify its efforts to reverse the decision. Marshall expressed confidence that the proposed measures would persuade the US to reconsider its assessment. He emphasized that the downgrade was based on US domestic law, specifically the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, rather than international standards. Marshall defended Barbados’ commitment to combating human trafficking, stating that the government takes the issue ‘very seriously’ and has redoubled its efforts in recent years. However, he acknowledged that the number of trafficking cases in Barbados is relatively low, which influences the scale of the response. The Attorney General also rejected Washington’s recommendation to establish specialized courts for trafficking cases, citing feasibility concerns. Barbados has previously been on the Tier 2 Watch List between 2011-2013 and 2019-2021. The TIP Report highlighted several shortcomings, including the absence of trafficking investigations, prosecutions, or victim assistance during the reporting period. While the government has conducted public awareness campaigns and screened vulnerable populations, these efforts were deemed insufficient to maintain its Tier 2 status. The US also criticized provisions in Barbados’ Trafficking in Persons Prevention Act that allow fines instead of imprisonment for sex trafficking, arguing that such penalties undermine the severity of the offense. Systemic issues, such as limited resources, court backlogs, and the prioritization of other crimes by law enforcement, were also cited as contributing factors. Despite these challenges, Barbados remains determined to address the concerns and improve its standing in future TIP reports.

Springer Memorial School marked its 61st anniversary on Wednesday, commemorating six decades of nurturing women of strength, purpose, and achievement. The celebration, themed ‘Steadfast and Motivated: Soaring to Success,’ highlighted the school’s enduring legacy in Barbados’ educational system. Founded on October 1, 1964, and named after trailblazing educator Florence Springer, the institution remains the sole secondary school in Barbados dedicated exclusively to the education and development of young women. Starting with just 300 students and 13 teachers, Springer has grown into a beacon of academic excellence, athletic prowess, and leadership, producing generations of influential women who have made their mark locally and globally. The Founders’ Day service featured distinguished alumni, including Assistant Commissioner of Police Sonia Boyce and guest speaker Dr. Nikita Maynard-Hinds, a medical doctor and motivational figure. Dr. Maynard-Hinds emphasized the school’s ethos, stating, ‘Springer women are steadfast because we come from a tradition of resilience. We are motivated because we know that when we put our minds to something, nothing can hold us back.’ Principal Sonja Goodridge linked the school’s resilience to its symbol, the eagle, saying, ‘The eagle teaches us to soar above every storm. At 61, we are more resilient, more purposeful, and more motivated than ever to achieve excellence.’ Over the years, Springer has won 16 national athletic championships and produced leaders in various fields, including politics, education, healthcare, and business. The school’s motto, ‘Members One of Another,’ continues to inspire unity and sisterhood. Dr. Maynard-Hinds concluded, ‘Springer Queens are living proof that with faith, resilience, and determination, there is no limit to what women can achieve.’

Two young Barbadians, Rebecca Bailey and Kareem Whitehall, have transitioned from participants in the King’s Trust International programme to proud members of The Barbados Police Service, attributing their success to the transformative impact of the initiative. At a press conference held at the Hastings/Worthing Police Station, the duo shared how the youth charity, formerly known as the Prince’s Trust, provided them with essential skills such as discipline, confidence, and communication, which have proven invaluable in their new roles. Bailey, a 20-year-old graduate of Daryll Jordan Secondary School, joined the King’s Trust in August 2023 and is now assigned to the Criminal Investigations Department. She highlighted how the programme’s residential experience and focus on personal development helped her navigate the rigorous six-month training at the police academy. “The programme taught me so much, especially in terms of communication. The residential experience was particularly beneficial in preparing me for life as a police officer,” she remarked. Bailey first encountered the Trust during a career showcase in secondary school and had long aspired to join the police force. Now two months into her role, she expressed how the experience has broadened her worldview. “It’s been a positive journey. I see the world differently now. My advice to young people is simple: determination leads to success,” she said. Whitehall, a 23-year-old former Combermere student, completed the programme in 2022. Despite holding six CXCs and an associate degree in music, he found himself unemployed and searching for direction before enrolling. “Before the Prince’s Trust, I was essentially idle and unemployed. I wanted to enhance my interpersonal skills before becoming an officer, and the programme delivered on that,” he explained. Whitehall, now a member of the Police Band, specialises as a tuba player and also performs on bass guitar and drums during parades. He emphasised the importance of personal growth in public service. “Growth is crucial. In today’s world, we must focus on self-development and embrace change,” he stated. Offering advice to other young people, he added, “Whether you aspire to join law enforcement, become a chef, or pursue any other path, the King’s Trust can help you develop the necessary skills before entering the workforce or continuing your education. It’s a prestigious programme, and I’m grateful to everyone involved.” Launched in Barbados in 2019, King’s Trust International is the global arm of the UK-based youth charity founded by King Charles during his tenure as Prince of Wales. The programme supports young people aged 16 to 30, particularly those facing barriers to employment or education, by equipping them with life, work, and leadership skills to help them thrive.

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.