标签： Barbados

The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill campus, celebrated its 2025 graduating cohort on Saturday with a powerful message of connection and bridge-building. The dual ceremonies, held under the theme ‘Pelicans in an AI-driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,’ emphasized the importance of uniting purpose, action, and impact across the Caribbean and beyond. Despite a brief disruption caused by heavy rain, the events proceeded with a sense of solemnity and celebration, culminating in the conferral of awards at the Roy Marshall Complex. The highlight of the evening was the inspiring keynote address by honorary graduate Lyndon Gardiner, a trailblazing Caribbean aviation entrepreneur awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Laws. Gardiner urged graduates to leverage their education to build not just systems but societies, emphasizing that vision is key to creating lasting change. Valedictorian Shawnalee Gordon, who graduated with first-class honours in economics and finance, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the challenges faced by regional students and the sacrifices behind academic success. She reminded her peers that their place at UWI was earned through courage and consistency, calling on them to use their education to contribute meaningfully to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the Caribbean. The ceremonies underscored the transformative power of education and the responsibility it carries to shape a better future.

As Barbados transitions into the dry season, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has reported that water levels are lower than last year but have not yet reached a critical threshold requiring restrictions. Hydrogeologist Jaime Paul addressed the situation during a press conference on Saturday, noting that rainfall during the rainy season has been insufficient. “Our reservoirs are not being replenished as we had hoped, and we are urging the public to conserve water,” Paul stated. She emphasized that while the current conditions are concerning, they do not yet warrant a water prohibition like the one implemented in 2023. However, the BWA is closely monitoring the situation and will make monthly assessments to determine if stricter measures are necessary. Paul also highlighted the importance of coastal wells, which are connected to the sea and can signal severe water shortages through rising salinity levels. “Increased salinity indicates a significant reduction in water availability, which would be a serious issue,” she explained. The BWA is encouraging residents to adopt water-saving practices and install water-efficient devices to prepare for the dry months ahead. In 2023, Barbados imposed a water prohibition due to critically low levels in reservoirs and wells, restricting non-essential water use. BWA Project Manager Shelley Parris underscored ongoing efforts to promote water conservation, particularly through educational initiatives in schools, with plans to expand these programs to the broader public.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has confirmed that there will be no immediate changes to the Garbage and Sewage Contribution (GSC) levy, a critical funding mechanism for the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA). Acting CEO Christopher Mapp emphasized the levy’s importance during a recent press conference, stating that it remains vital for sustaining sanitation operations across the island. While the levy’s name is set to transition to a ‘sustainability levy,’ its purpose and rate will remain unchanged. Currently set at $45 per domestic and commercial bill, the levy funds the operation of sewage treatment plants in Bridgetown and the south coast, as well as broader sanitation sustainability efforts. Mapp revealed that the BWA collects approximately $5 million monthly from water bills on behalf of the SSA, with $700,000 weekly coming from the sewage portion. Introduced in 2018, the GSC levy was designed to generate $60 million annually to reduce reliance on government funding. However, rising expenses and inflation have strained its effectiveness. Mapp acknowledged the financial challenges faced by both the BWA and SSA but stressed the levy’s continued necessity. Meanwhile, senior engineer Brian Stewart provided updates on the South Coast Sewage Treatment Plant, with construction expected to begin in April 2026. Plans for additional wastewater plants on the west coast remain under review as part of the broader sanitation master plan. These efforts aim to address infrastructure needs driven by population growth and development while ensuring environmental compliance.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus experienced an unexpected twist during its evening graduation ceremony on Saturday when heavy rain disrupted the proceedings. The event, initially held under a tented area, was interrupted midway through the presentation of higher degrees and postgraduate certificates as torrential showers soaked sections of the venue. Organizers were compelled to pause the ceremony temporarily. Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, university officials quickly moved the event to the Roy Marshall Complex, a more sheltered location. There, the conferral of the remaining awards was successfully completed, ensuring that the evening concluded on a celebratory note despite the weather’s interference. The swift response and seamless relocation underscored the university’s commitment to honoring its graduates’ achievements, turning a potential setback into a memorable and triumphant occasion.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is confronting a significant financial challenge, with over $100 million in unpaid bills, primarily owed by residential customers. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp revealed that the authority is intensifying collection efforts to recover at least 40% of the outstanding debt. This follows years of leniency during the COVID-19 pandemic, when disconnections were suspended to ensure access to water as a basic necessity. Mapp noted that the majority of delinquent accounts originated in 2020, when many customers stopped paying their bills, taking the service for granted. Despite resuming disconnections in 2023, many households have not reconnected their water, indicating ongoing financial hardship. Mapp likened the authority’s receivables to a loan portfolio, acknowledging that a portion of the debt may never be recovered. Residential customers account for 60% of both total billing and delinquent accounts, with hotels showing greater responsiveness to payment demands. Acting Finance Director Kent D’Hayle estimated that only $40 million of the debt is realistically collectible, though the BWA will continue pursuing all arrears. The authority is offering flexible repayment plans, often extending up to three years or longer for those in financial distress. Mapp emphasized the social responsibility of providing water while balancing the need for revenue, but acknowledged that disconnections are no longer as effective a deterrent, as many residents turn to alternative water sources instead of settling their bills.

Christopher Mapp, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), has publicly defended the safety of the water supplied to residents in St Lucy and St Peter, despite its brown discoloration. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Mapp emphasized that the water is potable and meets all health and safety standards, even stating he would personally drink it. The discoloration, caused by sediment, has raised public concerns, but Mapp assured that extensive testing confirms the water’s safety. To address customer dissatisfaction, the government has approved a $32 rebate for affected households, with many receiving their water entirely free of cost. Since April, the BWA has rebated over $1 million to customers in the region. The authority is also investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including a $20 million mains replacement project expected to be completed by early 2026. Jatobi Greaves, a water quality technologist, highlighted that monthly testing in collaboration with government agencies ensures compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The BWA is also working on a desalination plant at Hope Plantation, set to boost water supply next year. Despite challenges, Mapp remains committed to restoring public trust and improving service reliability across Barbados.

The National Cultural Foundation, in partnership with ‘We Gathering’ Christ Church, is set to host a vibrant Nighttime Concert and Street Party along Oistins Main Road in Christ Church on Saturday, October 18. To accommodate the event, significant traffic adjustments will be implemented starting at 5:40 pm and lasting until the event concludes. Key road closures will be in effect from 5:40 pm to 10:30 pm, specifically on Oistins Main Road from its intersection with Oistins Hill to the junctions of Keizer Hill and Thornbury Hill. Exemptions will be granted to Transport Board Buses, Public Service Vehicles, and individuals conducting business at the fish market, though exiting vehicles must turn right onto Oistins Road. Motorists traveling east along Oistins from Maxwell Road are required to turn left at Oistins Hill, right onto Church Hill, and proceed to Thornbury Road. Those heading west along Keizer Hill must turn right at Thornbury Hill and Oistins Road, then left onto Church Hill, continuing to Canevale Road. Parking restrictions will be enforced on Oistins Road, Oistins Hill, Church Hill Road, and Thornbury Road, with exceptions only for passenger pick-up or drop-off. Violations of these rules may result in a $500 BDS fine or up to three months of imprisonment. Emergency vehicles and those operated by the Barbados Police Service, Barbados Defence Force, and Barbados Fire Service are exempt. Police officers will be stationed to manage traffic, and the Barbados Police Service has expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and understanding, apologizing for any inconvenience caused.