标签： Barbados

In a compelling intervention during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, women’s rights advocate Melissa Savoury-Gittens has proposed comprehensive school programming focused on building self-worth and mutual respect among youth as a fundamental solution to reducing gender-based violence. The president of Barbados’ National Organisation of Women (NOW) emphasized that current approaches often concentrate on addressing abuse after it occurs rather than preventing the underlying conditions that enable it.

Savoury-Gittens expressed particular concern about young women entering abusive relationships due to diminished self-esteem, noting that many victims remain in harmful situations because they lack the confidence to recognize toxic dynamics. Her research conducted through school outreach programs reveals that the predisposition to accept abuse frequently develops long before actual victimization occurs.

The advocate called for educational initiatives that teach both girls and boys about healthy relationships, self-love, and mutual respect. She specifically highlighted the need for programs that help young women develop stronger self-identity and the ability to identify various forms of abuse, including psychological manipulation that often precedes physical violence.

Savoury-Gittens also addressed the role of young men in preventing violence, arguing that educational programming must include boys to effectively change patterns of behavior. She recommended structured guidance on appropriate interpersonal communication and treatment of others as essential components of violence prevention.

Supporting proposed educational reforms, the NOW president endorsed community service requirements for all students as a character-building initiative that fosters proper mindset development and strengthens community bonds. Additionally, she advocated for enhanced psychological support services in schools, calling for more frequent counselor visits than the current standard of weekly sessions.

The comprehensive approach proposed by Savoury-Gittens represents a paradigm shift from reactive measures to proactive prevention, addressing the root causes of gender-based violence through early education and confidence-building strategies.

A wave of labor unrest is sweeping through Barbados’ primary aviation hub as airport service employees voice escalating dissatisfaction with their compensation and working conditions. The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has issued a stark warning that additional industrial actions may follow Thursday’s coordinated work stoppage at Goddard Catering Group (GCG), which occurred on the airport’s busiest travel day of the year.

The disruption unfolded on what industry insiders refer to as “Fat Thursday,” when approximately 8,000 passengers transited through Grantley Adams International Airport. According to BWU Deputy General Secretary Dwaine Paul, the labor action resulted from collapsed negotiations between GCG management and employee representatives. “There was a breakdown in terms of responses to negotiation matters,” Paul stated, explaining why the morning shift workforce withdrew their labor.

Approximately 50-75 staff members across ground operations, passenger services, customer support, and maintenance departments participated in the work stoppage that began at 7:00 AM. Operations resumed around midday after union representatives received communication from GCG management addressing key concerns. Paul confirmed that based on management’s response, both parties have scheduled negotiations for next week to comprehensively address outstanding issues.

The union official emphasized that GCG represents just one of multiple airport service providers facing unresolved labor disputes. Paul warned that without prompt resolution, additional industrial actions appear “highly likely” during peak travel season, potentially involving other critical airport operations including air traffic control services.

When questioned about the strategic timing coinciding with peak passenger traffic, Paul refuted any suggestion of deliberate scheduling, noting instead that airport management should prioritize fair treatment of workers responsible for passenger welfare. Despite attempts to contact GCG’s human resources department for commentary, no response was received by publication time.

The Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO) has significantly bolstered its operational capabilities following the handover of essential office furniture and equipment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on World Fisheries Day, November 21. This initiative is a key component of the Barbados Coastal Fisheries Resilience (BCFR) Project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in collaboration with the Barbados Fisheries Division. The initial delivery included furniture, audiovisual equipment, and other office supplies, with more items expected in the coming weeks. The handover ceremony took place at BARNUFO’s headquarters in Pelican House, Bridgetown, attended by representatives from BARNUFO, the Japanese Embassy, the Barbados Fisheries Division, and UNDP. BARNUFO President Vernel Nicholls expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of these resources in creating a conducive work environment and enhancing training programs for fisherfolk. She highlighted the need for sustainable fishing practices and industry management, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. UNDP Resident Representative Limya Eltayeb underscored the organization’s commitment to fostering partnerships that drive meaningful impact, while Tia Headley from the Japanese Embassy reiterated Japan’s dedication to supporting the Barbadian fishing community through resilience-building initiatives. Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer, praised the BCFR project for its efforts to strengthen the sector’s climate resilience and capacity. BARNUFO, representing over 8,800 individuals in the fisheries value chain, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the industry’s sustainability and preparedness for future challenges.

Barbados is set to revolutionize its festive cuisine with a groundbreaking local product: chicken ham made from retired egg-laying hens. Traditionally, these hens, which complete their productive cycle annually, are sold for as little as one dollar per pound due to their tough meat, often ending up as low-value pet food. However, students from the Faculty of Science and Technology’s Minor in Food Science at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus have transformed this overlooked resource into a gourmet delicacy.

Barbados has witnessed a significant reduction in school vandalism over the past two years, according to Ministry of Educational Transformation officials. The decline is attributed to the government’s zero-tolerance policy and the launch of a nationwide beautification program aimed at modernizing educational environments and fostering pride in school spaces. Minister Chad Blackman emphasized that while isolated incidents persist, the overall trend is positive. He warned students against testing the law, stating that consequences for vandalism are clear and enforced. The government’s goal is to eliminate such incidents entirely, linking improved school maintenance and appearance to reduced vandalism. Historical concerns about student-related damage, such as the 2011 graffiti incident at Coleridge & Parry School, highlight the persistent nature of the issue. Recent cases of bus vandalism have also prompted stricter warnings from the Transport Board. In conjunction with these efforts, the Barbados Best Kept Schools Competition was announced, running from January to April 2026. This initiative, part of broader educational transformation, aims to enhance both infrastructure and cultural attitudes toward schools. Blackman stressed that schools should resemble professional environments conducive to learning and exploration. The program includes phased upgrades to aging structures, improved ventilation, and better-equipped classrooms. Community involvement is a key component, with residents, former students, and youth groups contributing to landscaping and maintenance. The ministry plans to introduce new national standards for school infrastructure and landscaping, aligning with Barbados’ vision of nation-building and preparing students for the future. Blackman described the initiative as a cultural transformation through education, essential for the republic’s progress.

The Government of Barbados has announced that printed tickets for the Installation of the second President of Barbados, the Independence and Republic Day Ceremonial Parade, and the National Awards Ceremony will be available for collection starting Wednesday, November 26. Tickets can be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St Michael, between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Additionally, a complimentary park-and-ride service has been arranged for attendees. Interested individuals can access the service by visiting https://bit.ly/3XNRl71, selecting their preferred language, and clicking on “Attending.” The process will generate an electronic ticket, granting access to both the parking location and the event at Kensington Oval on Sunday, November 30, beginning at 8 a.m. For those seeking tickets without parking or shuttle services, the link https://bit.ly/3M08nMP is provided. (BGIS)