标签： Barbados

Residents in St Lucy, particularly in areas like River Bay, Hope Road, and Crab Hill, are voicing their frustration over the dire state of their roads, which they describe as nearly impassable due to years of neglect and ongoing water main replacement projects. The combination of deep potholes, loose gravel, and eroding road edges has turned daily commutes into hazardous journeys, with many comparing the experience to a ‘daily test of endurance.’ Drivers are forced to navigate a precarious path, often zigzagging to avoid damage to their vehicles. The situation worsens after heavy rains, when water-filled potholes disguise their depth, making travel even more treacherous. Limited street lighting in some areas further compounds the problem, especially at night. Long-time resident Mark Toppin described the roads as ‘beyond ridiculous,’ highlighting the safety risks posed by crumbling infrastructure. Residents are now calling for urgent action from authorities, emphasizing that the issue is not merely an inconvenience but a pressing public safety concern. They urge the government to prioritize long-term road maintenance or, at the very least, provide temporary fixes to ensure safer travel. The plight of St Lucy mirrors broader struggles across Barbados, where many smaller communities continue to wait for road repairs while major highways and urban areas receive attention. For the people of St Lucy, the deteriorating roads are disrupting daily life, affecting vehicle maintenance, and posing significant safety risks, making immediate action imperative.

Parents of students at Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School were left bewildered by the abrupt closure of the institution on Monday, with officials providing no immediate explanation for the decision. Communication with families was delayed until after a scheduled meeting with teachers, leaving many in the dark about the circumstances. In an evening email, parents were informed that the school would remain closed on Tuesday to facilitate discussions between Ministry of Educational Transformation officials and the teaching staff. Earlier in the day, Principal Paula Toppin had issued a notice advising parents and guardians to collect their children “as soon as possible” due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

When Barbados TODAY visited the Government Hill school, parents expressed frustration over the lack of transparency. Many had received the email or seen the alert in a WhatsApp chat but were given no further details. “We received a notice via email and some of us have class chats, so that notice came probably after 11 a.m. No reason was given; we were just told to collect the kids,” one parent shared. “We would like to know what is the reason. After all, it’s our kids. Up to now, I still don’t know what is happening. This is the first time the school has closed for the term, and we would like some answers.”

The Ministry of Educational Transformation had pledged to release a statement clarifying the closure, but as of the time of publication, no such communication had been issued. Julian Pierre, head of the Barbados Union of Teachers’ health and safety committee, stated that the union would comment on the matter at a later date, further heightening the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Barbados’ Deputy Chief Education Officer, Julia Beckles, emphasized the critical role of proactive health and safety committees in schools during a recent awareness-building session at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College. Addressing over 130 educators, Beckles highlighted the importance of resolving health and safety issues at the school level before escalating them to the Ministry of Education or unions. This call to action follows last year’s disruptions, where teachers staged walkouts over environmental and safety concerns, leading to temporary school closures and ministry intervention. Beckles stressed that while all schools have established health and safety committees as mandated by law, not all are functioning optimally. She urged schools to foster a culture of collaboration, ensuring that issues like rodent infestations and improper waste disposal are addressed internally through education and preventative measures. Beckles also underscored the ministry’s commitment to supporting these committees as part of Barbados’ broader education transformation efforts, aiming to modernize school environments with a focus on health and safety. The session coincided with Caribbean Safety Week, providing an opportune moment to renew efforts in creating safer school environments. Beckles encouraged participants to re-energize their teams and conduct regular, proactive assessments of school environments. The workshop also outlined key guidelines for workplace safety policies, including the establishment of safety committees, risk assessments, and employee consultation processes.

Barbados is taking a firm stance against neglected properties with the introduction of new regulations under the Health Services (Amendment) Act, set to take effect on November 1. Minister of the Environment Adrian Forde announced that property owners who fail to maintain their land will face financial penalties. The law targets overgrown and disused lots, which have become a growing concern across the island. Once notified, property owners will have 21 days to clean their lots. Failure to comply will result in an initial fine of $300, with an additional $10 charged daily until the property is cleaned. Minister Forde emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in preserving Barbados’ beauty and cleanliness, stating, ‘We cannot have the most beautiful island in the Western Hemisphere unless we equally have all of Barbados working together to achieve this clean and green philosophy.’ He expressed disappointment that legislation was necessary but stressed that the government must act to ensure accountability. Minister in the Ministry of Health Davidson Ishmael highlighted the public health risks posed by overgrown lots, particularly the breeding of mosquitoes, which can spread deadly diseases. He noted that the new law would address long-standing complaints from residents frustrated by neglected properties in their neighborhoods. Project leader Ronald Chapman explained that the new system would streamline the cleanup process and improve cost recovery. Environmental health officers will monitor communities daily, and a dedicated hotline will soon be launched to facilitate public reporting of overgrown properties. The initiative aims to foster a sense of civic duty and protect both the environment and public health.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles emphasized the importance of proactive health and safety committees in Barbados’ schools during a session at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College on Monday. Addressing over 130 educators, Beckles highlighted that many health and safety concerns could be resolved internally at the school level, reducing the need for ministry or union intervention. Her remarks follow last year’s disruptions, where teachers staged walkouts over environmental and safety issues, leading to temporary school closures in some cases. Beckles urged schools to foster a collaborative culture on safety, ensuring that committees function effectively to address problems before they escalate. While all schools have legally mandated health and safety committees, Beckles noted that not all are operating at full capacity. She stressed the need for these committees to be more active and engaged, particularly in addressing issues like rodent infestations through education and preventive measures. Beckles also underscored the ministry’s commitment to supporting these teams as part of Barbados’ broader education transformation efforts, which aim to modernize school environments with a focus on health and safety. As the country observes Caribbean Safety Week, Beckles called for renewed energy in creating a culture of safety in schools, encouraging committees to conduct regular meetings and inspections even in the absence of immediate problems.

The Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation has relaunched its youth entrepreneurship competition, the Mr Executive Challenge 2026, with an expanded format and a historic milestone: the inclusion of the Barbados Seventh-day Adventist School as the first private school participant in the event’s history. The initiative, unveiled at the Solidarity House auditorium on Monday, aims to foster innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills among students. The launch event brought together educators, entrepreneurs, and past participants to highlight the programme’s broader scope and enhanced offerings. Winston Cumberbatch, founder of the Mr. Executive and Gentleman’s Challenge, emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, stating, “Every great business starts with a small, brave step.” Celeste Foster, Executive Chair of the foundation, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to empowering youth: “Our mission remains to create opportunities where youth can explore, experiment, and execute their ideas.” David Simpson, President of the Barbados Small Business Association, praised the competition for equipping students with essential business and leadership skills, while marketing specialist Michelle Whitelaw encouraged participants to view the challenge as a transformative journey. The 2026 edition will feature leadership workshops, team-building sessions, mentorship opportunities, and final business presentations, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of youth entrepreneurship in Barbados.