标签： Barbados

Barbados is rallying its citizens and global partners to confront the escalating climate crisis with a robust $11.5 billion investment plan aimed at building resilience and ensuring sustainable development. Senator Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized the urgency of collective action during her address at the Climate Finance for Action Empowerment Partnership workshop held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Senator Munro-Knight underscored the immediacy of the climate threat, describing it as ‘too urgent, too present, too real, almost too tomorrow.’ She stressed that Barbados, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), cannot afford to retreat from the challenge. ‘This is not one the government can do alone,’ she asserted. ‘It requires consensus, innovation, and partnerships to face this crisis head-on.’

The minister highlighted the difficult choices Barbados must make, balancing climate resilience with maintaining essential services like education, housing, and water. She pointed to the country’s strategic initiatives, including the Roofs to Reefs Programme, which links environmental protection from rooftops to reefs, and the Blue Green Development Bank, designed to attract private capital for climate-resilient investments.

Barbados has also implemented innovative financial mechanisms, such as climate budget tagging to track public spending on climate action and amendments to the Procurement Act to ensure sustainable government spending. Additionally, the country’s debt conversion programme has freed up nearly $50 million for a sustainability fund supporting projects across government, private sector, and civil society.

Despite global economic uncertainty, Senator Munro-Knight insisted there can be no retreat from Barbados’ climate commitments. ‘We must continue to think innovatively about how we crowd in and press finance and international agencies for a widening of space,’ she said.

Ricardo Marshall, Director of the Roofs to Reefs Programme, echoed the call for reform, criticizing the global financial system for disadvantaging small island states. He lamented the insufficient financing available for disaster-stricken nations, citing the inadequacy of the COP30 loss and damage fund. Marshall emphasized the need for science-driven policies and innovative financing strategies to build a more resilient Barbados.

Both leaders urged national and international stakeholders to unite in addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing that Barbados’ survival depends on decisive, collective action.

A recent study conducted by Professor Dwayne Devonish of the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill has revealed that Barbados is not yet fully prepared to implement its newly enacted Child Justice Act. Despite significant progress in developing a child-centred justice system, the country faces substantial hurdles in operational readiness. The report, exclusively obtained by Barbados TODAY, highlights that resource limitations, infrastructural deficiencies, and insufficient institutional coordination are major barriers to the Act’s full implementation. The research evaluated operational capacity, legal clarity, and organisational preparedness within the child protection and justice sectors. While the law’s intent—focusing on rehabilitation, diversion, and safeguarding children’s rights—aligns with international standards, the necessary support systems and resources lag behind. Key challenges include inadequate staffing levels, insufficient child-friendly facilities for interviews and rehabilitation, and weak information-sharing systems. To address these issues, the study proposes the establishment of a Child Justice Steering Committee to oversee national coordination and progress. Additionally, it recommends regulatory clarifications, targeted recruitment and training, and investment in suitable infrastructure. The report also advocates for a shared electronic information system to enhance data exchange and case monitoring. Strengthening inter-agency protocols and public awareness campaigns are further emphasized to ensure the Act’s success. While Barbados has laid a strong legislative foundation, the study underscores the need for enhanced implementation infrastructure, capacity building, and leadership. A structured monitoring and evaluation framework, coupled with dedicated funding, is essential to transform the nation’s approach to youth justice, prioritizing rehabilitation and child protection.

The Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) has issued a stark warning about the escalating animal health risks faced by livestock and poultry farmers, emphasizing the urgent need for a veterinary laboratory to provide essential diagnostic support. Speaking at a press briefing held at BAS headquarters in Beckles Hill, Chief Executive Officer James Paul underscored the critical role such a facility would play in ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector. “A modern and developed poultry industry cannot thrive without access to laboratory facilities,” Paul asserted. He highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment for farm-related issues, stating, “These facilities are indispensable for correctly identifying problems and developing effective solutions.” Paul also pointed out that farm challenges extend beyond feed and bird suppliers, encompassing environmental conditions, management practices, and stress levels. “We must prioritize the establishment of veterinary laboratories to safeguard the viability of our poultry and livestock sectors,” he added. Currently, Barbados lacks private laboratories equipped to deliver comprehensive animal diagnoses. Paul stressed the necessity of specialized equipment to address threats like diseases and viruses effectively. “Without proper facilities, we risk being unable to respond to critical health issues,” he warned. Farmers currently rely on visual assessments, which Paul described as inadequate. “We need to move beyond what we can see and focus on what we cannot. This is where a well-equipped lab and a skilled pathologist come into play,” he explained. Paul revealed that such facilities existed in the past and that BAS is collaborating with the government to restore them. However, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Mark Trotman declined to comment on the proposal.

Dr. William Duguid, Minister of Planning and Development and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, has openly acknowledged that while the government is not flawless, it remains steadfast in its efforts to enhance the island’s cleanliness and address pressing issues such as abandoned vehicles and neglected properties. Speaking at the Ideas Forum — Christ Church Edition, held as part of the parish’s We Gatherin’ celebrations, Dr. Duguid emphasized the administration’s measurable progress in improving sanitation and infrastructure.

Nearly 100 enthusiastic students from four primary schools in Christ Church were treated to an extraordinary underwater experience aboard the Atlantis Submarine on Thursday. This unique excursion, part of the parish’s We Gatherin’ initiative, aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation among the young participants. The children, hailing from Milton Lynch, Christ Church Girls’, St Lawrence Primary, and St Bartholomew Primary, were given a rare glimpse of the island’s vibrant marine ecosystem. A total of 96 students participated in the event, which combined education with adventure. Parish committee member Coreen Kennedy-Taitt emphasized the initiative’s goal of inspiring environmental awareness. She encouraged the children to care for the ocean, avoid littering, and actively protect marine life. Roseanne Myers, General Manager of Atlantis Submarines, highlighted the project’s broader mission to give back to the community. She explained that the tour was designed to bring environmental education to life, emphasizing the impact of human actions on marine ecosystems. Myers was impressed by the students’ existing knowledge of marine conservation, noting their awareness of issues like plastic pollution and its effects on turtles. As the children returned from their submarine journey, their laughter and excitement underscored the success of the initiative. The students not only gained unforgettable memories of their deep-sea adventure but also left with a renewed commitment to safeguarding the island’s marine treasures.

Nearly 100 enthusiastic students from four primary schools in Christ Church were treated to an extraordinary underwater experience aboard the Atlantis Submarine on Thursday. This unique excursion, part of the parish’s ‘We Gatherin’’ initiative, aimed to cultivate a profound appreciation for marine conservation among the young participants. The children were granted a rare glimpse into the island’s vibrant undersea ecosystem, fostering both excitement and environmental awareness. Pupils from Milton Lynch, Christ Church Girls’, St Lawrence Primary, and St Bartholomew Primary participated in the tours, totaling 96 students. Parish committee member Coreen Kennedy-Taitt emphasized the initiative’s goal of inspiring environmental stewardship. She urged the children to protect the ocean by avoiding plastic pollution and actively removing harmful debris. Roseanne Myers, General Manager of Atlantis Submarines, highlighted the project’s broader mission to give back to every parish on the island. She stressed the importance of environmental education, encouraging the students to recognize their impact on marine life. Myers was impressed by the children’s existing knowledge of marine protection, such as the dangers plastic poses to turtles and jellyfish. As the students returned, their laughter and chatter reflected the success of the initiative, blending education with adventure. The experience left the children with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of their role in safeguarding the island’s marine treasures.

A prominent member of the Rotary Club of Barbados has called on policymakers to prioritize the needs of the country’s youngest and most vulnerable mothers as the government implements expanded parental leave and other initiatives to support working women. Arlene Ross, a former president of the club, emphasized that while the government’s efforts are commendable, more must be done to address the unique challenges faced by underage mothers, a group she described as often overlooked and stigmatized.

Barbados is embarking on a transformative journey to revive its once-celebrated literacy rate and establish centers of excellence across its educational system. Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, the island’s Chief Education Officer, unveiled these ambitious plans during the annual Global Business Week Secondary Schools Symposium, hosted by the Barbados International Business Association (BIBA) at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. Addressing senior secondary school students, teachers, and Barbados Community College peers, Dr. Archer-Bradshaw expressed concern over the decline in literacy rates, which had previously stood at an impressive 98%. She highlighted alarming trends, noting that children at both primary and secondary levels are struggling with reading proficiency. ‘As a nation, we cannot afford to regress from our near-perfect literacy rate,’ she stated, emphasizing the urgency of reform. Central to the government’s strategy is a data-driven approach aimed at ensuring all students can read by age seven by December 2024. This initiative is part of a broader effort to align Barbados’ education system with global standards, preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market. Dr. Archer-Bradshaw referenced the Future of Jobs Report, which predicts that 65% of primary school students will work in roles that do not yet exist, underscoring the need for forward-thinking education. The Ministry of Education has already launched a pilot ‘Centres of Excellence’ program at the Maria Holder Gall Hill Early Childhood Development Centre, integrating STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics) through play-based learning. To support these efforts, Dr. Archer-Bradshaw called on the local business community to contribute through sponsorships, donations, and expertise. BIBA’s Executive Director, Carmel Haynes, echoed the importance of adaptability and resilience, urging students to embrace continuous learning and prepare for a global workforce. Haynes highlighted key growth areas, including financial literacy, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship, aligning with the symposium’s theme of resilience and transformation.