标签： Barbados

Over 40 schools in Barbados are currently engaged in an intensive week-long training programme aimed at empowering teachers and counsellors to better assist students who are at risk or have been exposed to violence. This transformative initiative, hosted at Pelican House in Bridgetown, is a joint effort between Barbados’ Ministry of Educational Transformation and Jamaica’s Multicare Youth Foundation (MYF). The programme seeks to provide educators with practical strategies to address behavioural challenges, mitigate aggression, and foster emotional well-being among young people. Spearheaded by MYF Executive Director Mitzian Turner, the initiative has been hailed as a “groundbreaking, monumental milestone” for the foundation. Turner emphasized that this training represents a crucial step in building resilience and offering support to vulnerable youth across the Caribbean region.

Barbados is grappling with a mounting dog crisis, prompting urgent calls for action from local animal welfare organizations. The issue gained heightened attention following a recent dog attack in Bayville, St Michael, which left a woman and two children injured. Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary, a prominent animal welfare group, has issued a statement demanding stronger legislation, consistent enforcement, and greater accountability among dog owners. Karen Whittaker, Founder and CEO of Ocean Acres, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, ‘No one should feel unsafe walking in their own neighbourhood. Animal abandonment and stray dogs have become national health and safety concerns. It is time for stronger legislation, better enforcement, and responsible ownership.’

Ocean Acres has proposed a series of measures to address the crisis. These include regular inspections of properties housing dogs, penalties or removal of animals from non-compliant owners, and annual checks of registered kennels to ensure compliance with tax and sanitary requirements. The sanctuary also advocates for stricter controls on dog imports, including a ban on certain large, thick-coated breeds like Huskies and Akitas, which are deemed unsuitable for Barbados’ tropical climate.

Additionally, the group recommends that only registered breeders or owners importing neutered pets be permitted to bring dogs into the island, with animal welfare representatives involved in all inspection and approval processes. To reduce the stray dog population, Ocean Acres has suggested a five-year moratorium on dog imports, with limited exemptions for licensed breeders.

The organization has also urged the government to bolster the Animal Control Unit and Veterinary Services Division to enhance enforcement and oversight. Whittaker stressed that the root of the problem lies not with the animals but with neglectful ownership. ‘To be clear, there are no bad dogs. These are dogs in the wrong place without adequate care and supervision,’ she said. She further cautioned potential dog owners to carefully consider their ability to care for a pet, noting that shelters are already overwhelmed, particularly with abandoned large breeds that become unmanageable as they grow.

Whittaker highlighted the need for responsible ownership, stating, ‘Many owners lack the means to manage them properly, and when that happens, tying them up or letting them roam is not a solution. There are only two viable choices: invest the time and resources to manage them responsibly, or have them humanely euthanised.’ Ocean Acres maintains that resolving the crisis will require stronger legislation, enforcement, public education, and collaboration between government, veterinarians, and animal welfare groups.

The Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE) celebrated the pinnacle of engineering innovation and achievement at its 2025 Annual Engineering Awards and Dinner, held at the luxurious Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort and Spa. The event highlighted the transformative power of engineering in addressing societal needs and advancing national development. Engineer Orson Alleyne of Steinbok Management Services Inc. was honored with the prestigious BAPE Annual Engineering Award of Excellence for his leadership in the construction of the new Geriatric Hospital at Waterford, St Michael, which was also crowned Project of the Year. The hospital, a groundbreaking initiative, integrates renewable energy, sustainable design, and compassionate care, setting a new benchmark for healthcare infrastructure in Barbados. Alleyne emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project, involving engineers, architects, environmental scientists, and contractors, and praised the vision of integrating innovation and purpose to serve the nation. Other notable projects recognized included the Digital Innovation and Health Tech Hub at Newton, Christ Church, and the Oceana Innovation Hub at Bay Street, St Michael. The ceremony also honored Akeem Nurse with the BAPE President’s Award for his leadership in revamping the organization’s website, while Karen Walkes and The Most Honourable Richard Edghill were distinguished as Fellows. Keith Best was acknowledged as an honorary member for his over 40 years of service to the Barbados National Standards Institute. The event underscored the critical role of engineering in driving social change and shaping a sustainable future.

The Rotary Club of Barbados has unveiled its transformative ‘Tools for Tomorrow’ initiative, designed to provide students with essential school supplies to enhance their educational journey. The official launch ceremony, attended by principals from Charles F Broome Primary, St Elizabeth Primary, and Half Moon Fort Primary, highlighted the program’s mission to instill hope and encouragement among students facing significant challenges.

Katrina Alkins, the club’s Director of Community Service, emphasized the broader significance of education, stating, ‘Education transcends classroom lessons; it’s about equipping our children with the resources they need to forge a brighter future for themselves, their families, and Barbados as a nation. Often, something as basic as a school bag, notebooks, or pencils can profoundly impact a child’s attitude toward learning and their confidence among peers.’

The initiative reflects Rotary’s enduring principle of ‘service above self,’ aiming to dismantle obstacles that prevent children from fully participating in their education. The Rotary Club also acknowledged the pivotal role of school principals in molding the nation’s future. ‘We extend our deepest gratitude to our principals for their unwavering leadership, patience, and dedication,’ Katrina added. ‘Your efforts shape not only young minds but also the character and destiny of our country. This project is our way of supporting you in the invaluable work you do daily.’

The Barbados Cadet Corps marked a significant milestone in its history with a Change of Command and Sunset Ceremony held at the Barbados Defence Force Headquarters, St Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, St Michael, on Saturday. The event celebrated the formal transition of leadership from Lieutenant Colonel David Dowridge to Lieutenant Colonel Carl Farley, who was inaugurated as the ninth Commandant of the Corps. Cadets took center stage, managing key roles, including musical direction, a move praised by outgoing Commandant Dowridge. In his farewell address, Lieutenant Colonel Dowridge, a veteran of 52 years in military service, reflected on his tenure and emphasized the importance of the Cadet Corps as a premier youth development program in Barbados and the Caribbean. He urged stakeholders to ensure the program’s integration into school curricula. Lieutenant Colonel Farley, with 40 years of service and 11 years as Deputy Commandant, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead. He pledged to uphold the Corps’ legacy, emphasizing integrity, transparency, and collaboration. Farley outlined plans to expand membership, particularly among sea cadets, and called for qualified individuals to join as adult leaders to support youth development.

ANSA McAL Barbados has stepped forward to support the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Endowment Fund, a visionary initiative aimed at assisting academically gifted students who face significant financial hurdles. The fund, conceptualized by Sandra Griffith-Carrington, the campus officer of Alumni Relations in 2022, seeks to ensure that financial constraints do not impede the educational aspirations of deserving students. Many of these students have already triumphed over substantial life challenges, and the fund is designed to eliminate yet another obstacle on their path to success. The official launch of the fund was marked by a live Social Mediathon event, graced by the presence of Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, and the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados. The event successfully raised US$30,000 to initiate the fund. ANSA McAL Barbados expressed its pride in contributing to this noble cause, emphasizing that the donation underscores the company’s steadfast dedication to education, community development, and youth empowerment across the Caribbean. Rachel Pilgrim, Head of Marketing at ANSA McAL Barbados, remarked, ‘Our youth are our future, and by investing in their education today, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Caribbean tomorrow.’ Sandra Griffith-Carrington extended her gratitude to ANSA McAL, stating, ‘No gift is too small as we collectively strive to enhance the capacity of our region’s nations.’

In a significant move to bolster educational resources, the non-profit organization I Am A Girl has contributed $5,000 worth of essential equipment to Springer Memorial School. The donation, which includes a printer, ink, and 20 boxes of paper, aims to enhance the school’s printing and learning capabilities. The handover ceremony occurred during the school’s morning assembly on Friday, where Samsha Payne, the Community Engagement and Programming Assistant at I Am A Girl, addressed the students. Payne highlighted the organization’s mission to empower young women through education and leadership development. She emphasized the significance of the week, which coincided with World Mental Health Day, the International Day of the Girl Child, and the organization’s 11th anniversary. ‘It felt right to give back to the school that has nurtured some of our DisruptHer mentees,’ Payne remarked. The DisruptHer Programme, a flagship initiative of I Am A Girl, recently concluded at Springer Memorial. This program is designed to cultivate leadership, confidence, and community among young women across the Caribbean. In an interview, Raeann Flatts, the communications and engagement coordinator, and Joy Drayton, the DisruptHer facilitator, shared insights into the program’s impact. Over the past three years, DisruptHer has reached schools in Barbados, Trinidad, Dominica, and Saint Lucia. ‘DisruptHer teaches girls to become positive disruptors, to use their voices, lead with purpose, and influence change,’ Flatts explained. ‘Many of our mentees go on to mentor others, perpetuating the cycle of empowerment.’ Springer Memorial Principal Sonja Goodridge expressed profound gratitude for the donation, noting that the new equipment will significantly benefit students, especially as they prepare for school-based assessments.