标签： Barbados

In the wake of a recent accident involving a ZR vehicle near Lester Vaughan School, Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has urged the government to impose restrictions or outright bans on music played in public service vehicles (PSVs). Thorne emphasized the need to shield children from explicit lyrics and degrading content during their daily commutes, arguing that such exposure undermines their dignity and moral development. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the Copyright Bill, he called on the administration to prioritize the protection of young citizens over popular opinion. ‘Public transport should not serve as a platform for disseminating inappropriate music,’ Thorne asserted, suggesting the government consider removing music entirely from PSVs. Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams countered Thorne’s remarks, stating that the government is neither complacent nor indifferent to the challenges within the PSV industry. Abrahams revealed that ministers had discussed the accident and agreed to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to improve safety and regulation. He also criticized Thorne for politicizing the issue, emphasizing that the incident is a national concern requiring collective action. While the government has already passed legislation to strengthen the Transport Authority, Abrahams acknowledged the need for stricter enforcement to address ongoing issues in the sector.

In the wake of a harrowing accident involving a ZR route taxi carrying schoolchildren, child rights advocate Faith Marshall-Harris has called for immediate government intervention to tighten regulations within the public service vehicle (PSV) industry. The incident, which occurred outside The Lester Vaughan School, saw the vehicle overturn, injuring several students and prompting a mass casualty response. Marshall-Harris, a member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, expressed deep concern over the persistent failure to safeguard schoolchildren from reckless operators, describing the situation as having reached a critical juncture. She recounted her decade-long advocacy for improved safety measures, lamenting the lack of progress despite repeated warnings. The recent crash, involving 25 students and the driver, should serve as a pivotal moment for change, she emphasized. Marshall-Harris also highlighted troubling reports of PSV operators engaging in dangerous behaviors, such as consuming illegal substances while on duty. She urged authorities to use this tragedy as a ‘teachable moment’ to implement stricter oversight and enforcement mechanisms. Her plea was supported by the National Council of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA), which expressed solidarity with the affected families and called for urgent action to prevent future incidents.

Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) workers in Barbados are set to receive a significant pay increase following the implementation of an updated performance incentive plan. This development comes after months of unrest and dissatisfaction among employees, who had criticized the previous payment structure as unfair. Richard Greene, General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), confirmed the news, stating that the retroactive payments for the July to September quarter will be disbursed promptly once all necessary assessments are completed. The decision marks a positive shift in labor relations, particularly after garbage collectors staged a wildcat strike in July to protest inadequate payments and poor working conditions. At the time, performance targets were only 34% met, yet management approved discretionary payments, which workers deemed insufficient. The strike led to halted refuse collection services, causing widespread concern across the island. However, Greene revealed that SSA management has now agreed to increase workers’ pay, a move welcomed by the NUPW. He highlighted improvements in performance metrics and a growing awareness among workers about the incentive plan. While specific figures for the pay raise were not disclosed, Greene noted a ‘marked increase’ in payments. The retroactive payments for the July-September quarter are expected soon, with future payments to follow the updated incentive plan. Greene also emphasized the union’s commitment to educating workers about the plan to ensure continued progress. During the July strike, workers reported receiving varying incentive payments, ranging from $100 to $700, which sparked further discontent. SSA spokesman Carl Padmore acknowledged that the strike was a response to dissatisfaction with the performance incentive allowance, which was introduced to motivate workers but fell short of its targets. Despite the 34% performance rate, management approved payments as a goodwill gesture to boost morale and productivity. Workers also raised concerns about personal protective equipment and back pay issues, which remain unresolved.

Senior law enforcement officials from across the Caribbean have successfully concluded an intensive training program focused on evidence-based investigations and human rights. The initiative, organized under the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) PACE Justice Programme, was hosted at the Regional Security System (RSS) headquarters in Paragon, Christ Church. The five-day workshop, attended by approximately 40 high-ranking officers from ten Caribbean nations, was a collaborative effort involving the UNDP, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the RSS, the European Union (EU) Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), and the EU Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

The training curriculum emphasized advanced investigative techniques, forensic documentation, evidence collection, and the application of modern investigative tools. This initiative is part of a broader regional strategy to enhance police professionalism, improve case management, and foster public trust in the justice system. It addresses critical gaps identified in UNDP assessments, particularly in crime scene handling and investigative case building, which are essential for strengthening Caribbean justice systems.

Timothy Maynard, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Attorney General, underscored the importance of the training, stating, ‘Police investigation is the foundation of any effective justice system. Public confidence in justice begins with the integrity and professionalism of police investigations. This training is crucial to ensuring justice is people-centred — accessible, responsive, and inclusive.’ Assistant Superintendent Cecil Watson of the RSS highlighted the program’s structured mentorship component, which provides tailored guidance to address the unique complexities of national cases and specific country needs. He added that the initiative aligns with broader regional efforts to elevate policing standards, enhance justice delivery, and build resilient law enforcement institutions.

Alessandro Tedesco, the EU attaché for security, justice, and human rights, emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Caribbean law enforcement, describing the presence of European trainers as ‘a tangible sign of the EU’s dedication to fostering justice reform through collaboration.’ Limya Eltayeb, UNDP resident representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, praised the initiative as ‘a powerful example of what can be achieved through regional and international cooperation.’ She noted that the training is part of the PACE Justice Programme’s comprehensive reform agenda, which includes technology upgrades, legislative support, and peer learning to modernize justice delivery and strengthen institutions across the Caribbean.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is intensifying its initiatives to bolster communication with partner utilities and expedite road reinstatements post-pipe repairs, according to Director of Engineering Charles Leslie. Speaking at a recent press conference, Leslie highlighted the development of specialized applications designed to streamline information sharing and coordination. ‘Over the past few months, we’ve collaborated closely with sister utilities and our ministry. We’ve implemented apps that enable us to pinpoint issues, document necessary actions, and ensure contractors are fully informed before commencing repairs,’ Leslie explained. These applications facilitate real-time data exchange with the National Petroleum Corporation and the Ministry of Public Works, ensuring seamless collaboration across agencies. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp addressed ongoing delays in road reinstatements, emphasizing a new strategy to mitigate the issue. ‘We’ve established a schedule of rates with contractors, assigning specific groups to handle temporary reinstatements. Once completed, the Ministry of Transport and Works engages contractors for permanent repairs,’ Mapp stated. This approach aims to minimize delays and reduce hazards associated with open roads. Hydrogeologist Jaime Paul provided insights into the BWA’s dye tracing project, which monitors underground water movement and identifies potential contaminants. ‘By injecting dye and deploying receptors at various locations, we can track water pathways and assess timeframes. This data is crucial for effective water resource management,’ Paul noted. The project also aids in detecting water loss through sinkholes, offering a clearer understanding of subterranean dynamics. Additionally, the BWA is upgrading its tanker fleet to address water shortages in high-demand areas. Leslie detailed the implementation of beacons on tankers to improve operational efficiency. ‘Beacons signal when tankers are deploying water and turn off during refills, allowing customers to anticipate service schedules,’ he explained. Customer feedback continues to play a pivotal role in optimizing water distribution, ensuring resources reach those in greatest need.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has announced a comprehensive strategy to overhaul its aging water infrastructure, which has been in operation for over a century. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp revealed that much of the island’s water network is over 80 years old, resulting in frequent service and main breaks. Service breaks, affecting smaller pipes connecting to individual properties, occur 1,200 to 1,500 times monthly, while main breaks, impacting larger pipes and entire neighborhoods, happen 80 to 100 times each month. Mapp emphasized the BWA’s commitment to delivering quality service despite these challenges, stating, “A lot goes on in the background to ensure we meet our customers’ needs.” Improving communication with residents is a top priority, with plans to provide timely updates on outages and restoration efforts. Marketing Officer Yvette Harris highlighted the vast scale of the network, spanning 2,500 kilometers of mains and 50 facilities, including pumping stations and reservoirs, all operating around the clock. Director of Engineering Charles Leslie outlined the BWA’s long-term vision, including the recently completed Water and Wastewater Master Plan, which sets a 30-year roadmap for infrastructure improvements. Modernization efforts will leverage advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. GIS maps the entire water network, aiding in repair planning, while SCADA monitors the system in real time to detect issues before they affect customers. The BWA also aims to reduce non-revenue water losses from over 40% to 30% by 2030, reflecting a commitment to efficiency and reliability. Mapp stressed the importance of proactive maintenance and community engagement, stating, “We need to get out into the community, listen to their concerns, and demonstrate our ability to deliver reliable service.”