Barbados is grappling with a rising public health crisis as illegal cannabis products laced with synthetic or semi-synthetic substances flood the local market. Dr. Ronald Chase, a psychiatrist with the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), issued a stark warning on Monday following the discovery of a product labeled Original Royal Honey Delta in a local store. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a lab-created variant. Dr. Chase emphasized that these semi-synthetic substances, first detected globally in 2021, pose significant health risks. ‘These compounds are far more potent and dangerous than naturally occurring cannabinoids,’ he stated. The psychiatrist highlighted that the colorful, candy-like packaging of these products has led to accidental ingestion, particularly among children. In 2022, approximately 40% of unintentional use cases involved individuals under 18. Dr. Chase warned that synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe side effects, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, psychosis, anxiety, and aggression. He urged consumers to scrutinize product labels and avoid unfamiliar cannabis-related items. Supporting this call, Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams acknowledged the challenges of curbing illegal drug use but stressed the heightened risks in today’s drug landscape. ‘The substances available now are far more dangerous than in previous years,’ he said. Abrahams recounted witnessing a cannabis user spraying an unknown substance onto a joint, underscoring the unpredictability of street drugs. He urged parents to remain vigilant, especially if their children are hiding candy-like products, and encouraged families to utilize testing services for suspicious substances. Both Dr. Chase and Minister Abrahams emphasized that the combination of deceptive packaging, easy accessibility, and severe health effects makes semi-synthetic cannabinoids a growing threat to public health in Barbados.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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Healthcare workers demand swift action after attacks
The Barbados Nurses’ Association (BNA) has expressed deep concern after numerous nurses were reportedly barred from attending a pivotal meeting addressing workplace violence and safety. Union leaders have warned that official interference is hampering efforts to combat a surge in assaults on healthcare workers. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris revealed that the meeting, held at the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) headquarters in Dalkeith, was intended to include the entire nursing community, not just BNA members, to tackle the escalating crisis. However, some nurses were allegedly deterred from attending due to a message implying that non-members would be marked absent if they participated. Dr. Parris emphasized that the invitation was extended to all nurses, as the issue of safety and violence affects the entire profession. She also refuted claims that proper procedures were not followed, stating that the meeting was announced with sufficient notice and guidelines to ensure public safety. The BNA president expressed disappointment at the ministry’s intervention, which she believes undermined the meeting’s effectiveness and the association’s ability to advocate for nurses. The meeting, convened in response to recent attacks on healthcare staff, garnered support from sister unions, including the NUPW, the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP), and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB). Recent incidents, such as a nurse being slapped at the Randall Phillips Polyclinic and a confrontation at the Frederick Miller Polyclinic, have reignited concerns about staff safety. Union leaders, including NUPW President Kimberley Agard and CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips, called for urgent action to protect public servants, emphasizing that violence against nurses threatens the entire healthcare system. Dr. Parris reaffirmed the BNA’s commitment to addressing the issue, stressing that any attack on a nurse impacts the entire profession.
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‘Don’t take it out on us’: Nurses urge public restraint after surge in violence
The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has issued a stern plea to the public, urging them to refrain from directing their frustrations toward healthcare staff following a surge in attacks. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris emphasized that while customer service complaints have placed significant pressure on the profession, there are established procedures for addressing grievances. Her remarks came after a meeting with sister unions and nurses at the National Union of Public Workers headquarters in Dalkeith, St. Michael, where workplace safety was a key topic of discussion.
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‘Bounty’ remanded on murder and conspiracy charges
Nigel “Bounty” Pinder, a 49-year-old shopkeeper from Cox Hill, Church Village, St Philip, is set to reappear in court on October 8 after being remanded to Dodds Prison on serious charges, including multiple counts of murder and conspiracy to murder. Pinder was brought before Acting Magistrate Angela Knight in the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon under tight security, with heavily armed police officers stationed at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court complex. The proceedings drew a crowd of onlookers, some of whom voiced support as Pinder was escorted into the courtroom.
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‘Bounty’ remanded for multiple murder charges
Nigel ‘Bounty’ Pinder, a 49-year-old resident of Cox Hill, St Philip, has been remanded to Dodds Prison following his appearance in the District C Magistrates’ Court. Pinder faces a series of grave charges, including multiple counts of murder and conspiracy to murder. The allegations span a period from June 2023 to January 2024, involving the deaths of Randy Brathwaite, Junior Taitt, and Shane Renaldo Parris. Pinder is accused of directly committing these murders as well as conspiring with others to carry out the killings. Appearing before Acting Magistrate Angela Knight under heavy police escort, Pinder was represented by Senior Counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens. As the charges are indictable, no plea was required at this stage. The case has been adjourned, with Pinder scheduled to reappear in court on October 8. The proceedings have drawn significant attention due to the severity and complexity of the charges.
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Triple murder and murder plot charges laid against St Philip man
A 49-year-old man from St Philip, Barbados, has been formally charged with three counts of murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder. Nigel Pinder, a resident of Cox Hill, was apprehended by the Barbados Police Service in connection with the deaths of Randy Brathwaite, Junior Taitt, and Shane Renaldo Parris. Additionally, Pinder is accused of orchestrating plots to murder both Taitt and Parris. The charges stem from a series of alleged crimes spanning from June 2023 to January 2024. According to authorities, Brathwaite and Taitt were killed between June 27, 2023, and December 5, 2023, while Parris was murdered on January 13, 2024. The conspiracies to murder Taitt and Parris are believed to have occurred in June 2023 and January 2024, respectively. Pinder is set to appear before the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court, located at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court, on Monday to face these charges. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the allegations and the timeline of the incidents.
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Showcase of innovation and enterprise at St James expo
Entrepreneurs from across Barbados seized the opportunity to expand their ventures and forge valuable connections at the Emerging Entrepreneurs Manufacturing and Services Trade Fair and Expo, held on Saturday at the Hoytes Village Playing Field in St James. The event, organized by Barbados Trust Loans Ltd. in collaboration with the Office of the Supervisor of Insolvency, showcased the diversity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) on the island. Beyond its business focus, the family-friendly expo also featured a dedicated kids’ zone, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.
Ayesha Coppin, Business Development Officer at Barbados Trust Loans Ltd., shared insights into the initiative’s origins with Barbados TODAY. ‘Our Emerging Entrepreneurs programme launched last year, initially closing Broad Street to create a vibrant market for local entrepreneurs. Participants from various sectors showcased their offerings, inspiring us to host pop-up fairs across the island. Our most recent event was held in Weymouth in June,’ she explained. Coppin emphasized the programme’s inclusive nature, stating, ‘These events are not exclusive to our clients; we actively invite the public and other entrepreneurs to participate and display their services.’
The expo featured a diverse array of booths, highlighting retail, manufacturing, agri-processing, and arts and crafts. Notable displays included intricate graphite-based designs by Victoria Haniff and Syriah Griffith, participants in the Community Arts Programme facilitated by the Community Development Department. Adding a competitive edge, a cook-off was staged between parliamentary representatives for St James: Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman and Minister Sandra Husbands, who oversees higher education and technical training.
Entertainment was a key highlight, with a karaoke competition and performances by local artists Tionne Hernandez, Brucelee Almightee, and Mole. Alethea Thompson, Acting Project Manager of the National Insurance and Social Security Service’s self-employment team, underscored the event’s community engagement value. ‘We’ve brought our office to the playing field, and we’re thrilled to have registered individuals for self-employment and issued self-employment cards,’ she said. Thompson added, ‘We addressed numerous queries, as self-employed individuals often need clarity on our services and benefits.’
The expo not only provided a platform for business growth but also strengthened community ties, reflecting Barbados’ commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
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We Gatherin’ St James delivers vibrant health and wellness showcase
The St James to de World Health and Wellness Extravaganza, a marquee event of the We Gatherin’ St James initiative, brought culture, community, and cricket to the forefront on Saturday at Trents playing field. Designed for families, the event featured a variety of stalls offering food, health tips, and wellness activities, all under the parish’s cricket-themed banner. The day began with a panel discussion led by historians and cricket legends Morris Greenidge, Hartley Richards, and Philo Wallace, who highlighted St James’ storied cricketing heritage. A standout moment was the recognition of road tennis champion Sheldene Walrond, hailed by MC Astra Babb as a symbol of perseverance, strength, and community spirit, inspiring youth across Barbados. The evening transitioned into a vibrant musical celebration, showcasing diverse talents. Reniece Bonnett and Skyy Dowridge, accompanied by Sisters in Harmony, delivered a memorable rendition of Purple Rain. The Breaking Point Band, led by Peach Bless and Asanta Blossom, energized the crowd with reggae beats, while Deejay Scott Le Roc kept the audience engaged with classic hits. The Mighty Gabby ignited the stage with soca anthems like Jack and Hit It, followed by Adrian Clarke’s crowd-pleasing performances. Rising stars Quon and DoeJay brought Crop Over energy with Bartender, while Asanta Blossom returned to showcase her versatility. Shanta Prince and Marvay further electrified the night, culminating in a surprise mini-concert by Hypasounds. The event concluded with General Edwin Yearwood’s hit medley, leaving attendees on a high note. The extravaganza was a dynamic celebration of St James’ talent, culture, and community spirit.
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Supreme Counselling launches pop-up series to confront youth violence
The Supreme Counselling for Personal Development (SCPD) has introduced a groundbreaking community outreach initiative, ‘Reach One, Save One,’ designed to foster positive change, strengthen family bonds, and empower the youth of Barbados. The program’s inaugural event took place at Bush Hall Community Park on Saturday, offering residents interactive activities, informational sessions, and private consultations with professional counsellors.
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PM at UN: ‘Indifferent’ world deepening humanitarian crises
In a powerful address to the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados issued a stark warning about the escalating global suffering caused by indifference and unchecked violence. Speaking at the 80th session of the 193-nation assembly, Mottley highlighted the dire humanitarian crises in Sudan and Gaza, urging world leaders to take immediate action. She began by drawing attention to the conflict in Sudan, where 260,000 people have been trapped in the city of El Faso for 500 days. ‘While political progress stalls, those who attempt to escape are killed, and those who remain inside are starved,’ she stated, emphasizing that the world must not ignore this unfolding horror. Turning to the Middle East, Mottley condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, describing it as ‘genocidal destruction.’ She called for the release of hostages taken on October 7 but stressed that the disproportionate attacks on Palestinians and the blockade of humanitarian aid are unacceptable. Mottley argued that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military might but only through justice and dialogue. Quoting Roman historian Tacitus, she said, ‘They plunder, they butcher, they ravish, they make it desert and call it peace.’ The Prime Minister also highlighted urgent funding needs, citing UNICEF estimates of $66 million required in Gaza and $200 million in Sudan over the next three months for essential services. She concluded her speech with a poignant image of a young Palestinian girl carrying her sister through the rubble in Gaza, calling it a symbol of hope and resilience. ‘If a six-year-old can push past all the physical and emotional pain and still find hope, then we as leaders have a duty to summon that spirit,’ Mottley declared.