标签： Barbados

The CIBC Caribbean Regional Unsung Heroes Awards Ceremony, held at Harrison’s Cave on Saturday night, celebrated three remarkable women for their profound yet often overlooked contributions to their communities. After a decade-long hiatus, the program was revived this year, spotlighting individuals whose acts of kindness and service exemplify the essence of Caribbean humanity. A distinguished regional panel, led by Senator Francis Lewis of Trinidad and Tobago, selected the winners from a pool of deserving nominees. Lucinda Smith from the British Virgin Islands emerged as the overall winner, recognized for her decades-long dedication to providing food, particularly for the terminally ill. Described as a ‘woman with a big heart,’ Smith’s philosophy of sharing what little one has has transformed countless lives, earning her the top prize of US$5,000. Venetta Zakers of St Kitts and Nevis, the second-place winner, received US$3,000 for her empowering initiatives, including youth mentorship and the Entrepreneurship Behind Bars program, which equips female inmates with business skills for life after prison. Joshuanette Francis of Antigua and Barbuda, the second runner-up, was awarded US$2,500 for her advocacy work through Good Humans 268, focusing on disability awareness, climate justice, and youth empowerment. Olivia Burnett, associate counsel of CIBC Caribbean, praised the winners and all nominees for their selflessness and service, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to community transformation. Since its inception, the CIBC Caribbean ComTrust Foundation has invested over US$32 million in projects promoting health, education, and environmental sustainability across the Caribbean.

A local company in Barbados is demonstrating that environmental stewardship starts with grassroots action. On Sunday morning, Barbados Guide, a prominent local search engine platform, orchestrated a volunteer-driven cleanup at Browne’s Beach, one of the island’s most frequented destinations. The initiative underscores the company’s dual commitment to supporting local businesses and safeguarding the environment. Since its inception two and a half years ago, Barbados Guide has organized four beach cleanups, each drawing volunteers from families and local organizations. Despite a smaller turnout this time due to unfavorable weather, the dedication of participants remained unwavering. Co-founder Daniel Sobers emphasized the initiative’s broader vision: ‘We aim to expand our efforts to other beaches, but Carlisle Bay continues to require attention due to persistent littering.’ Sobers highlighted the need for greater local involvement, urging residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices. He also revealed plans to deploy smart waste bins equipped with scanning codes across Barbados, enabling real-time alerts for sanitation teams to address overflowing bins efficiently. Beyond environmental efforts, Sobers outlined the company’s mission to empower local businesses by enhancing their online presence through customized search engine solutions. Among the volunteers was Aneefa Ali, a teacher at Lockerbie College, who advocated for educational campaigns and stricter enforcement measures, including litter wardens and fines, to combat the issue at its root. For Sobers and his team, the initiative is about fostering a culture of environmental respect, one small act at a time.

Barbados is taking significant strides to improve transportation accessibility for its citizens with disabilities. The government has announced plans to expand its fleet of wheelchair-accessible buses, with the first two vehicles expected to arrive by the end of 2025. This initiative, revealed by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Mark Franklin, during the Caribbean Disability Conference, underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the mobility challenges faced by disabled individuals. Franklin emphasized that transportation remains a critical priority, particularly for schoolchildren and others who rely on specialized services. The National Disabilities Unit (NDU), which currently operates five vehicles—only two of which are fully wheelchair-accessible—will receive new buses equipped with durable lifts designed for daily use. Wayne Nurse, Director of the NDU, confirmed that the new vehicles will accommodate eight to 12 passengers, including wheelchair users, and will be capable of navigating smaller residential areas. The initiative is part of the government’s broader 2023–2030 National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and aligns with recent rights-based legislation aimed at fostering inclusion and accessibility. Franklin highlighted that breaking barriers requires more than policy—it demands empathy, tangible support, and a commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of ability, have equal opportunities to participate in society.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has issued a compelling call to regional governments, urging them to prioritize disability inclusion in their development agendas. Speaking at the Caribbean Disability Conference held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados in St Philip, CDB President Daniel Best emphasized that systemic barriers continue to marginalize people with disabilities, despite increasing public awareness. The four-day conference, attended by policymakers, advocates, and individuals with disabilities, aims to bolster inclusion efforts across the Caribbean. Best highlighted the findings of a 2025 regional disability assessment report, which underscored the pressing need to dismantle these barriers and ensure full societal participation for the disabled community. He pointed out that individuals with disabilities often face voicelessness, invisibility, neglect, isolation, prejudice, and abuse, while their families and caregivers grapple with emotional strain and mental health challenges. Best stressed that disability is not a distant reality but a possibility for anyone, urging collective action to address these issues. During the event, the CDB presented a cheque to the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD) to fund initiatives such as assistive technologies, training, and projects aimed at improving accessibility. BCD President Patricia Padmore-Blackman lauded the support, noting its potential to drive innovation and technical advancements for people with disabilities. The CDB also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development, following the April Global Disability Summit in Berlin. Vice President of Operations Isaac Solomon emphasized the bank’s dedication to ensuring that at least 15% of national development programs incorporate disability inclusion. Best highlighted the CDB’s Special Education Needs and Inclusive Education Policy and Strategy (SEND Policy), designed to transform traditional education systems into inclusive ones. He reiterated that inclusion is not charity but justice, and the CDB will continue to provide financing for early identification, curriculum adaptation, and infrastructure to support individuals with special needs.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal water connections as it grapples with a staggering debt exceeding $100 million, largely attributed to unpaid bills. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp disclosed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY that the authority is investigating suspected cases of unauthorized water access by both residential and commercial users who were previously disconnected for non-payment.