标签： Barbados

The Barbados Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector has formally announced its proposal to elevate both national and security guard sectoral minimum wages by two percent, with implementation scheduled for January 21, 2026. This regulatory adjustment falls under the provisions established by the Minimum Wage Act, 2017-4.

The ministry’s official statement, released on Wednesday, disclosed that the draft Minimum Wage (National and Sectoral Minimum Wage) Order is presently accessible for public review through multiple governmental portals. These include the Ministry’s official website (www.labour.gov.bb) and the Barbados Government Information Service platform (www.gisbarbados.gov.bb).

In accordance with Section 7 of the governing legislation, citizens retain the right to formally contest the proposed adjustment until January 18, 2026. Objections must be submitted electronically to designated ministry email addresses: ps@labour.gov.bb, mrsu@labour.gov.bb, and clo@labour.gov.bb. Valid objections must comprehensively articulate the rationale for opposition, demonstrate the objector’s vested interest in the matter, and propose specific modifications or alternative recommendations to the draft order.

The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) has reached a historic organizational milestone with the groundbreaking appointment of Sonia Boyce as the service’s first female Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police. This landmark promotion represents a transformative moment in Barbadian law enforcement history, signaling a new era of gender representation in the nation’s highest policing ranks.

In an official communiqué endorsed by the Commissioner of Police and supported across all departmental ranks, the TBPS leadership publicly commended Boyce for her exemplary leadership qualities and steadfast dedication to law enforcement excellence. The service highlighted how her professional trajectory has established new precedents for advancement within the organization.

“Your distinctive leadership capabilities, professional integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service have fundamentally paved the pathway for this extraordinary achievement,” the statement read. “Your exemplary conduct continues to serve as an inspiration to officers throughout all divisions and ranking structures within our organization.”

The police service’s announcement further emphasized the profound symbolic significance of Boyce’s appointment, characterizing it as both a personal professional triumph and a defining institutional achievement for the entire nation. The statement expressed unanimous institutional support for Boyce’s new responsibilities, articulating confidence that her tenure would foster enhanced community relations, operational advancements, and progressive development within Barbados’ policing framework.

This appointment occurs within the broader context of Caribbean law enforcement agencies increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of gender diversity in senior command positions. Boyce’s elevation to acting deputy commissioner represents a significant breakthrough in breaking traditional gender barriers within the region’s police leadership structures.

Combermere School is implementing a comprehensive modernization strategy that balances sustained academic achievement with substantial infrastructure improvements and character development programs. The institution’s roadmap was unveiled during its annual Speech Day and Prize-giving Ceremony, where exceptional students including Seleena Padmore (seven Grade Ones in CSEC) and Yusuf Abovat (top CAPE award) received recognition for their scholarly accomplishments.

Academic metrics demonstrate consistent excellence, with the school achieving a 75% overall pass rate. Breakdown reveals 12% of all grades were Grade Ones, 31% Grade Twos, and another 31% Grade Threes. Twelve subjects notably recorded pass rates exceeding 80%, while CAPE results maintained a 94% overall pass rate matching the previous year’s performance.

The modernization initiative addresses critical infrastructure needs through multiple channels. Chairman Captain Reverend Al Walcott announced significant upgrades including 20 new computers donated by alumni, complete reconstruction of mathematics and art rooms (to be renamed honoring former faculty Carl Bruhagan), and additional flooring for industrial arts classrooms. To address environmental challenges, the school is installing enhanced water storage tanks and pumps alongside new security surveillance systems.

Accessibility improvements form a cornerstone of the modernization effort. Recent installations include central hall ramps for physically challenged individuals, with the board actively exploring solutions for upper-floor wheelchair access. Finance Minister Ryan Straughn, an Old Combermerian present at ceremonies, committed governmental support for accessibility upgrades pending project estimates.

Character development receives equal emphasis through reinforced behavioral frameworks. The institution is strengthening parent-student-teacher partnerships focusing on positive communication, appropriate discipline, and emotional support. Reverend Walcott identified religion as the third foundational pillar for character formation, stressing early intervention in misconduct to cultivate responsible, respectful behavior aligned with the school’s humanitate ethos.

Barbadian civil society organizations are intensifying efforts to address gender-based violence following the country’s downgrade in the United States’ human trafficking report. The National Organisation of Women (NOW) launched a community outreach initiative during the 16 Days of Activism campaign, bringing critical resources directly to vulnerable populations.

Recent findings from a national intimate partner violence survey conducted by Jabez House reveal that 62% of Barbadian women have experienced some form of gender-based violence. This alarming statistic has prompted urgent action from advocacy groups and government agencies alike.

NOW President Melissa Savoury-Gittens emphasized the strategic importance of their mobile outreach program. “Many victims suffer in silence because they lack access to proper guidance,” she stated. “Our motorcade creates visible contact points where trained practitioners can offer immediate assistance and connect individuals with essential services.”

This year’s campaign specifically highlights the growing threat of digital violence, an emerging concern that Savoury-Gittens believes requires immediate attention. “While physical violence remains prevalent, digital abuse is escalating rapidly with technological advancements, including AI. This exposure reveals significant gaps in our legal protections and support systems.”

William Warner, Director of the Gender Affairs Unit, confirmed that modernization of Barbados’ response to online harm is underway. “Awareness-building remains our immediate priority,” Warner noted. “We’re planning comprehensive school sensitization programs to help young people recognize early warning signs of both physical and digital abuse.”

Regarding available resources, Warner outlined current support mechanisms including counseling services and vocational training through the Bureau of Gender Affairs. However, he acknowledged that legislative improvements and criminal justice access require further development.

The NOW motorcade traveled through multiple communities including Warrens, Cheapside, and Golden Square, with practitioners engaging residents and distributing information about support services. Advocates emphasized the importance of recognizing subtle exploitation patterns that often go unnoticed.

While the 16 Days of Activism provides crucial visibility, Savoury-Gittens stressed that sustained effort is essential. “Meaningful change requires continuous committee work, strengthened partnerships, and legislative advocacy beyond awareness campaigns. Only through persistent action can we ensure lasting safety for all Barbadians.”

Barbados is intensifying efforts to uphold discipline and appearance standards within its education system through a nationwide grooming policy initiative. Education Minister Chad Blackman has announced a collaborative campaign with student councils to visually demonstrate appropriate student deportment, responding to growing concerns over declining presentation standards among youth.

Addressing attendees at St George Secondary School’s Speech Day, Minister Blackman emphasized that educational institutions must remain environments of excellence where personal presentation reflects institutional values. “School is a place of discipline,” Blackman stated. “There is a time and season for everything. During vacations, students may express themselves freely, but within school premises, certain standards must be maintained.”

The minister addressed both female and male students specifically, acknowledging cultural hair textures while insisting on tidiness. “God has blessed us with a superpower called kinked hair—it grows up, not down. Natural hair is no problem, but students cannot simply roll out of bed and come to school looking inappropriate,” he remarked to audience applause.

Implemented in January 2023, the National School Grooming Policy establishes framework standards for public and private schools, permitting styles like cornrows and uncovered dreadlocks provided they remain neat. The policy has sparked substantial public debate, particularly on social media and radio programs, where concerns have emerged about hairstyles deemed too mature for female students and unkempt appearances among male students.

Blackman revealed plans to direct school principals to conduct compliance checks and will formally communicate enforcement protocols. The minister shared personal interventions, describing instances where he corrected students publicly for untidy uniforms and improper carrying of backpacks.

Emphasizing broader societal responsibility, Blackman called for collective action: “It cannot be the ministry alone—principals, boards, and teachers need support. The country must embrace education through discipline. Just as tourism is everybody’s business, education is our business.”

The minister further highlighted the connection between school discipline and workplace readiness, noting that the policy prepares students for global engagement beyond academic qualifications. He advocated for renewed emphasis on traditional values including punctuality and basic courtesies like “good morning” and “yes sir/ma’am,” describing these elements as fundamental to student development and future success.

The Barbados Police Service is experiencing a remarkable surge in recruitment interest, with officials reporting dramatically increased application numbers following a series of career fairs designed to attract new talent and bolster departmental ranks.

Acting Commissioner Stephen Herbert, overseeing Human Resources and Administration, characterized the recent recruitment event at Weymouth, St Michael as an extraordinary achievement. He noted substantially higher application volumes compared to previous recruitment cycles, interpreting this enthusiastic response as public endorsement of the service’s ongoing transformative initiatives.

“This growing momentum is tremendously encouraging for our organization,” Herbert stated during Saturday’s opening ceremony for another recruitment fair at Golden Square in Bridgetown. “It strengthens our confidence that Barbados’ policing future appears both bright and promising.”

The service currently seeks to fill approximately 250 vacancies spanning diverse operational areas including frontline policing, investigative divisions, community outreach programs, and administrative support functions. Herbert emphasized the critical nature of this recruitment campaign, directly addressing citizens: “The significance of this initiative cannot be overemphasized. Our nation requires your service. There exists a position for every dedicated individual within our ranks.”

The interactive weekend event enabled attendees to engage directly with officers from various departments, explore potential career trajectories, and gain firsthand perspectives about policing challenges and rewards. Among those participating was Acting Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce, who made history as the first female appointee to this senior position.

Reflecting on her groundbreaking achievement, Commissioner Boyce remarked: “We frequently hear discussions about shattering the proverbial glass ceiling. I believe I have genuinely entered that sphere and am profoundly grateful for this service opportunity at the highest level.”

The police service has announced additional recruitment fairs scheduled for early next year in Speightstown, St Peter and Six Roads, St Philip, continuing their comprehensive national outreach effort.

A 28-year-old resident of Ellerton, St. George is scheduled for arraignment today at the District ‘A’ Criminal Court following his arrest on multiple serious charges. Jarell Stefon Sutherland faces formal allegations connected to a late November incident that prompted a comprehensive police investigation.

Law enforcement officials have filed five distinct charges against Sutherland, including one count of illegal firearm possession. The most severe accusations involve four separate counts of endangering human life through the alleged use of a dangerous weapon. The named individuals in these charges are Akeil Jackson, Sachin Etwaroo, Chad Bynoe, and Brandon Devonish, all of whom were reportedly placed in imminent danger during the November 27th event.

Additionally, Sutherland faces two counts of criminal damage to property belonging to Janelle Russell and Patel Puckerin. The Barbados Police Service completed their investigation and formally charged the suspect, who remains in custody awaiting judicial proceedings. The case has drawn attention to community safety concerns in the St. George parish, with local authorities emphasizing their commitment to addressing violent crime through rigorous enforcement of firearms legislation.

The upcoming court appearance will determine the trajectory of the legal process as prosecutors prepare to present evidence supporting the multiple felony charges. Legal experts note that each endangering life charge carries potential significant prison time if convicted, separate from penalties associated with the firearm and property damage allegations.