The Paediatrics Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados has received a significant boost in its capacity to provide enhanced care and comfort to its young patients, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of Barbados South Charitable Trust, CIBC Caribbean, and the Bridge Supermarket. A generous donation of $75,000 worth of specialized medical equipment has been made to the department, marking a pivotal moment in the hospital’s commitment to improving pediatric healthcare.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
-
Ann Hill School celebrates 43 years of excellence
Ann Hill School commemorated its 43rd anniversary with a vibrant celebration that united students, staff, parents, and supporters. The event, held under the school’s annual theme, ‘Nothing is impossible with God,’ also featured the induction of eight prefects, symbolizing a new chapter in the institution’s legacy. Principal Emelda Bell addressed the gathering, highlighting the school’s enduring mission to foster integrity, discipline, teamwork, and resilience among its students. She emphasized the importance of nurturing well-rounded citizens of Barbados and lauded the unwavering dedication of teachers and parents. Bell urged parents to continue supporting their children’s growth, while teachers were praised for their commitment and care. Reverend Kenroy Marshall, guest speaker and project accountant in the Ministry of Educational Transformation, inspired students and prefects to embrace leadership rooted in kindness. He encouraged them to be catalysts for positive change within the school community, emphasizing that leadership begins with simple acts of compassion. Marshall challenged the new prefects to serve as bridges between teachers and peers, urging them to initiate change rather than wait for it. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt prayer and a collective pledge by students to uphold the school’s motto, reaffirming their faith and determination to achieve greatness.
-
Barbados calls for global recognition of small islands after Hurricane Melissa devastation
The aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has reignited urgent calls from Barbados for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be formally acknowledged as a vulnerable group within international climate agreements. Environment Minister Adrian Forde emphasized the dire financial challenges Caribbean nations face during disasters, describing them as ‘political contortionists’ forced to reallocate resources to address immediate crises.
-
Economist warns Barbados’ recovery fuelled by ‘short-term’ industries
Barbados’ recent economic growth, driven primarily by tourism and construction, may lack long-term sustainability without significant diversification, warns prominent economist Dr. Antonio Alleyne. While acknowledging the Central Bank of Barbados’ report highlighting a 2.7% GDP growth and a reduced unemployment rate of 6.1%, Dr. Alleyne cautioned that these gains are heavily reliant on seasonal industries.
-
Remembrance Day to be observed on Sunday, November 9
Barbados is set to commemorate the courageous individuals who sacrificed their lives during World War I and World War II with a solemn Remembrance Day Parade and inter-denominational service. The event will take place at the Cenotaph in National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 9. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio, as well as displayed on large digital screens at key locations including the old Treasury Building in Bridgetown, Golden Square on Probyn Street, and Republic Bank on Broad Street. A diverse array of uniformed groups, both armed and unarmed, will participate in the parade. These include the Barbados Defence Force, the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Guides. Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by prominent figures such as President Dame Sandra Mason, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Chief Justice The Most Honourable Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries. The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a marchpast by the uniformed groups. The public is encouraged to attend and express their gratitude to those who gave their lives in service to the nation. (BGIS)
-
Government, investors continue talks on Airport PPP
The $300 million public-private partnership (PPP) agreement to manage and develop Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) continues to face delays as final designs are being approved and financing arrangements are negotiated. The project, initially set in motion in July 2023 with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between GAIA Inc., a joint consortium of investors, and the Barbadian government, has encountered multiple setbacks. Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn confirmed that the project is now at a critical juncture, with investors finalizing designs and securing financing. Straughn emphasized the importance of the airport’s development, stating, ‘We need the airport development to continue.’ He explained that the government has already completed the designs and arranged interim financing, and discussions are ongoing with the consortium to adopt these designs and provide the necessary funding. The PPP aims to transform GAIA into a hemispheric hub for cargo, expand airlift capacity, add luxury hotel facilities, create jobs, and enhance the overall customer experience. Straughn highlighted the broader economic benefits, including increased tourism and community-driven economic growth. However, he could not provide a definitive timeline for the project’s commencement. The delays have been attributed to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused global uncertainty in air travel, and the rigorous due diligence required for family-owned businesses in the Middle East, which are part of the consortium. Straughn reassured workers that their jobs and employment terms would remain protected, emphasizing that the government is not selling the airport but rather transferring its management to a concessionaire.
-
BUT urges clear AI guidelines, national framework for schools
The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has called on the Ministry of Education to establish a comprehensive national framework for the ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. This appeal was made by BUT President Rudy Lovell during a professional development workshop on AI, held at Sky Mall as part of Teachers’ Week. The workshop, attended by approximately 55 educators, aimed to empower teachers with the knowledge and confidence to responsibly utilize AI in the classroom. Lovell emphasized that while AI has the potential to revolutionize education, it also presents significant challenges that must be carefully managed. ‘This workshop is designed to help educators understand, explore, and confidently navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and education,’ Lovell stated. He further stressed the union’s support for the ethical use of AI, advocating for the creation of parameters to ensure its responsible application. Lovell also highlighted the need for formal guidelines from the ministry, similar to those implemented by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), to outline the proper implementation of AI across the education system. This call comes in response to the wide-ranging effects currently being observed from the technology.
-
BUT lobbying for cleaner schools
Julian Pierre, First Vice-President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and Chairman of its Occupational Safety and Health Committee, has reiterated the urgent need for a standardized industrial cleaning schedule across all public schools. This appeal follows the repeated closure of Deacons Primary School due to a persistent rodent infestation. Speaking to Barbados TODAY during the union’s Professional Development Workshop at Sky Mall, Pierre highlighted that Deacons Primary School was forced to shut down twice in one week—on Monday and again on Thursday—due to the ongoing issue. He also revealed that St Matthew’s Primary School faced similar challenges in recent weeks. Pierre emphasized that while industrial cleaning was conducted at Deacons Primary School, rodent droppings were still found in several areas, underscoring the need for thorough and consistent cleaning practices. He called on the Ministry of Educational Transformation to ensure that cleaning contractors adhere to stringent health and safety standards. Pierre acknowledged recent improvements in the management of the Education Technical Management Unit (ETMU), which has implemented rodent-proofing measures such as installing door sweeps and sealing gaps. However, he stressed the importance of establishing a formal maintenance schedule, particularly during school holidays, to prevent infestations and maintain healthy learning environments. Pierre noted that many older schools have not undergone deep cleaning in over a decade, with some never having received industrial cleaning at all. Despite these challenges, he commended the ETMU for its increased accountability and improved oversight of contractors. The Ministry of Education Transformation has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the latest closure of Deacons Primary School.
-
‘Building block’: Central Bank warns of labour bottleneck in construction boom
The Central Bank of Barbados has issued a stark warning that a shortage of skilled workers could escalate operating costs and hinder the island’s ongoing construction surge. Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge highlighted the pressing challenge of low employment in the construction sector during a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that this labour deficit poses immediate risks to the timely execution of numerous capital projects spanning tourism, housing, water infrastructure, and road networks.
-
Man dies suddenly on highway morning walk
A 66-year-old man, Audwyn Marshall, tragically passed away during his routine morning walk along the Mighty Grynner Highway on Thursday. Marshall, a resident of Wilkinson Road, Lower Richmond Gap, St Michael, was discovered unresponsive near Stansfield Scott & Co. Ltd. at the southern end of the highway. His family believes he may have succumbed to a heart attack, a suspicion later confirmed by local authorities. The incident came to light when a passerby recognized Marshall and promptly alerted the police, who then informed his family. Shaddriese Marshall, his great niece, recounted how the police arrived at their home to deliver the devastating news. ‘A lady passing by noticed him and knew him,’ she shared. ‘My mom came down to identify the body.’ Marshall was remembered as a reserved individual who cherished moments with his family and led a quiet life. His sudden demise has left his loved ones in deep sorrow.