标签： Barbados

The Government of Barbados, under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and the Third Sector, is set to host the annual National Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 23. The event will take place at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, commencing at 10 a.m. This year’s ceremony is themed ‘Transforming Our Nation Through Faith, Hope, and Love,’ emphasizing the values that underpin national unity and progress. Among the distinguished attendees will be Her Excellency the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; and Chief Justice The Most Honourable Leslie Haynes. They will be joined by a host of government officials and dignitaries, reflecting the significance of the occasion. The service, organized by the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), aims to foster a sense of collective gratitude and shared purpose among citizens.

The Caribbean Disability Conference commenced on Sunday evening with a powerful appeal for inclusion and decisive action from Kirk Humphrey, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs. Addressing attendees at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort, Humphrey emphasized the need to transcend policy frameworks and drive transformative changes for people with disabilities (PWD). ‘We have the opportunity over the next few days to achieve something truly transformative,’ he stated, highlighting the presence of policymakers and advocates at the event. The conference, hosted by Kerry-Ann Ifill, a prominent PWD advocate, gathered regional experts, activists, and government officials to discuss pressing issues. Humphrey underscored recent milestones, including the enactment of the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act and increased funding for the Special Needs Grant, which aim to enhance the quality of life for PWD. However, he cautioned against complacency, urging accelerated efforts amid economic challenges. ‘Social services are often the first to face cuts during economic downturns, directly impacting PWD,’ he lamented, pointing to resource constraints in building facilities and acquiring assistive technologies. Humphrey also highlighted the persistent societal barriers of prejudice and discrimination, calling for inclusive education systems that treat PWD equitably. ‘Equality is not an aspiration; it is an obligation,’ he asserted, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues for future generations.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has pledged unwavering support for the 2025 Caribbean Disability Conference, reinforcing its dedication to fostering equitable access to quality education for individuals with disabilities. Themed ‘Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Education for All Abilities,’ the conference aims to drive sustainable development and social transformation across the region. Dr. Isaac Solomon, CDB’s Vice-President of Operations, emphasized the bank’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity during his address at the second annual conference. He asserted that the CDB is determined to leverage its influence to create more inclusive societies and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Dr. Solomon highlighted the importance of collaboration and genuine inclusion, stating that progress hinges on building a Caribbean society where individuals with disabilities are fully integrated and empowered. Reflecting on the momentum from the inaugural conference in Grenada and the recent Global Disability Summit in Berlin, he underscored the significance of these events in advancing equity. However, Dr. Solomon acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the region, including social barriers, legislative gaps, and limited access to digital technologies. He pointed to the CDB’s investments in education, training, and capacity building as evidence of its long-term commitment to inclusive development. Dr. Solomon also praised Caribbean governments for their legislative and policy efforts to create an enabling environment for persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, Barbados’ Minister of Educational Transformation, Chad Blackman, emphasized the importance of quality education for all, noting Barbados’ ambitious goal to develop the world’s leading educational system within seven years. He highlighted the government’s investments in teacher resources and innovative teaching methods, including the introduction of chess in schools to enhance critical thinking skills.

Barbados is poised to launch its newly established Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) next month, with nearly all staff from the four merging social service departments voluntarily joining the initiative. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, confirmed the development on Monday, dispelling concerns about delays caused by union negotiations. The SEA consolidates the Child Care Board, National Assistance Board, National Disabilities Unit, and the Welfare Department into a single entity aimed at providing comprehensive support to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Minister Humphrey emphasized that the agency’s mission is to transition from traditional welfare models to empowerment-focused strategies, fostering independence and reducing poverty through targeted programs and services. The government plans to establish empowerment centers across the island to enhance accessibility, ensuring that all communities benefit from the agency’s offerings. While specific figures on staff participation were not disclosed, Humphrey expressed confidence in the overwhelming positive response, stating that the agency is on track for a successful launch. The SEA will focus on skills development, capacity building, and tailored support services, marking a significant shift in Barbados’ approach to social welfare.

A harrowing incident unfolded on Monday morning outside Lester Vaughan School in St Thomas, Barbados, when a route taxi overturned, injuring 26 individuals, including 25 schoolchildren and the driver. The accident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. on Cane Garden Road, as the vehicle was en route to Bridgetown. According to police reports, the driver lost control, causing the taxi to flip just outside the school compound.

Barbados has been shaken by two fatal shootings within 24 hours, pushing the island’s annual murder count to 38. The most recent incident occurred on the ABC Highway at St Barnabas, St Michael, where a man was fatally shot during an altercation near the pedestrian crossing at the junction with Mount Friendship Road. Police reported that the shooting took place around 10:45 am, and the victim, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The deceased has been identified as 20-year-old Shaquan Renaldo Chandler-Wray, a resident of Mount Friendship, St Michael.

This tragedy follows another fatal altercation on Sunday afternoon in Graeme Hall, Christ Church, where a man died after a violent confrontation. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the latest incident, with Acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite urging witnesses or anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers or the local police. At the scene, law enforcement officers and members of the Barbados Defence Force were seen securing the area, which lies near St Barnabas Anglican Church.

The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about public safety and escalating violence on the island. Inspector Brathwaite emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving these crimes, calling on residents to come forward with any relevant details.

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has issued a strong appeal for immediate measures to enhance school transportation safety in the wake of a severe accident outside Lester Vaughn School on Monday, which left multiple students injured. According to police reports, 25 students and the driver sustained injuries when an off-route ZR minibus overturned near the Cane Garden campus during the morning hours. Felicia Dujon, the DLP’s spokesperson on education, characterized the incident as a critical wake-up call for authorities to take decisive action. In a formal statement, Dujon emphasized, ‘This tragic event underscores the pressing need for improved transportation safety and the allocation of sufficient resources to protect our students. The DLP has consistently urged the Government, particularly the Minister of Education, to deploy additional buses to ensure the secure transit of our students.’ Dujon lamented that these appeals have not been addressed with the urgency they warrant and called on the administration to elevate student safety to a national priority. ‘This accident must serve as a stark reminder for authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children,’ she asserted. ‘We demand immediate action to prevent future incidents and to safeguard the lives of our students.’ Additionally, Dujon extended heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to the injured and stressed the importance of providing counseling and support to both students and teachers affected by the traumatic event. ‘We hope that those impacted receive the necessary care and assistance to cope with this distressing experience,’ she concluded.

A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon in the Graeme Hall area of Christ Church, Barbados, resulting in the death of a man following a violent altercation. According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. at a residence on Agave Drive. Preliminary investigations suggest that a dispute escalated, leading to one individual sustaining a severe bodily injury. The victim was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via a private vehicle but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a person of interest is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid in resolving this case.