标签： Barbados

In a significant recognition of female leadership in renewable energy, two Barbadian professionals have been distinguished as regional champions at the CARICOM Women in Sustainable Energy (WISE) Awards. The ceremony, held on November 28 in Georgetown, Guyana, formed a cornerstone of CARICOM Energy Month 2025 celebrations.

Gabrielle Gay, renowned entrepreneur and founder of The Erline Bradshaw Foundation, received the 2024 Social Impact, Community and Advocacy award. Her foundation’s pioneering work in sustainable energy education has empowered numerous communities across the Caribbean through knowledge dissemination and capacity building initiatives.

Charmaine Gill-Evans, a sustainable energy specialist at the Caribbean Development Bank, was honored in the Business, Entrepreneurship and Finance category. Her strategic approach to innovation and investment mechanisms has substantially strengthened the region’s energy resilience and advanced renewable infrastructure development.

The awards ceremony highlighted eight exceptional women recipients spanning both 2024 and 2025, alongside the Sustainable Energy Youth Awards which recognize emerging innovators in the sector.

Ambassador David Prendergast, Director of Sectoral Programmes at the CARICOM Secretariat, praised the awardees for their transformative leadership in advancing the region’s equitable energy transition. He emphasized that meaningful progress in clean energy must actively incorporate the contributions of women and youth, whose participation fundamentally enhances innovation and project sustainability.

Dr. Neibert Blair, representing the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ, underscored the human-centered nature of energy transformation. She noted that women and youth continue to play pivotal roles across climate action spheres—from community adaptation and research advancement to policy influence and mentoring future energy leaders.

The streets of Bridgetown transformed into a vibrant sea of blue, gold, and black on Sunday as Barbados celebrated a historic trifecta: its Independence Day, Republic Day, and the inauguration of its second president. The capital city buzzed with an electric atmosphere as citizens and returning nationals secured vantage points along the parade route, creating a tapestry of national pride and communal joy.

From early morning, families adorned in national colors perched on sidewalks and walls, sharing stories across generations while eagerly awaiting the procession. The event held profound significance for many, including Jared Daniel, who expressed his elation at returning home after two years abroad. ‘It feels good to be back home to watch the Independence parade,’ he remarked, his gaze fixed down the road in anticipation.

The celebration represented more than just ceremonial pageantry—it marked a deepening of Barbados’s republican journey following its transition from a constitutional monarchy. For attendees like Ryan ‘Dunksman’ Best, whose broad grin became a familiar sight along the route, the day embodied national identity. ‘Everyone who knows me knows I love Independence,’ he declared. ‘It gets even better when you see the parade coming out and the people lining the streets in all their colours.’

The convergence of constitutional milestone and cultural celebration created an extraordinary experience for spectators. Nathaniel Kinch captured the collective sentiment: ‘The parade was very nice, and the installation of the president was just another thing added on to it. Very enjoyable.’

Community organizations formed the backbone of the celebrations, with church groups and uniformed organizations filling the sidewalks. Jillian Tull hurried to secure a viewing spot, explaining her dual motivation: ‘I was really excited for Jeffrey Bostic being our president. And I’m here to support the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinder Band… but not just them, all the young people who’re marching.’

Youth participation proved particularly noteworthy, with young spectators like Azariah Best expressing excitement for the 59th anniversary celebrations. The parade itself featured an impressive display of national institutions, including the Barbados Coast Guard, Police Service, Cadet Corps, Defence Force, and various youth organizations, all marching in precise formation.

As the procession reached its climax at National Heroes Square, spectators elevated children onto shoulders and raised phones to capture the historic moment. The Barbados Landship’s arrival triggered a final wave of cheers, rolling proudly into formation before the Prime Minister and dignitaries, symbolizing the nation’s enduring spirit and progressive journey.

In a powerful inaugural address marking Barbados’ 59th Independence Day, newly installed President Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic unveiled a transformative national initiative aimed at uplifting the nation’s youth. The ceremony at Kensington Oval witnessed the formal transition of power from former President Dame Sandra Mason to President Bostic, who immediately set forth his vision for national development through youth empowerment.

President Bostic introduced the Chapman Challenge—named after the community where he was raised—as a dual call to action. The initiative challenges every adult Barbadian to actively guide a child while simultaneously urging young citizens to transcend their circumstances through ambition and determination. Drawing from his personal mantra ‘no retreat, no surrender’ that guided his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic as Health Minister, Bostic redirected this battle cry toward youth development.

The program will be community-centered, operating within local parishes where support is most critically needed. President Bostic emphasized that parish councillors, village leaders, and community institutions will identify and support ‘challengers’—young people ready to rise above their limitations. The President called for an ‘army of anchors’ comprising experienced citizens, faith-based organizations, and cultural groups to provide essential mentorship.

Reflecting on his humble beginnings in Chapman Lane, Bostic stated, ‘It showed me that we are stronger together, that we rise and fall as one.’ His personal narrative underscored the program’s foundation in community solidarity and collective advancement.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who also addressed the gathering, endorsed the initiative while urging Barbadians to reconnect with their patriotic spirit. She described President Bostic as ‘the embodiment of national duty and resilience’ and expressed confidence that this renewed community focus could make Barbados ‘truly world-class by 2030.’

The ceremony, attended by international dignitaries including King Abdullah II of Jordan and several Caribbean leaders, blended military precision with cultural performances, symbolizing both Barbados’ independence and its continued evolution as a republic.

In a grand ceremony marking the 2025 Independence and Republic celebrations, Barbados has recognized over sixty exceptional citizens and international collaborators for their transformative contributions to national development and global standing. The awards represent the nation’s highest honors across diverse sectors including economic reform, healthcare advancement, national security, and acts of extraordinary bravery.

Three distinguished Barbadians received the Order of Freedom of Barbados, the country’s most prestigious honor. Cricket legend and administrator Joel Garner was celebrated for his unparalleled sporting legacy and administrative leadership in national cricket development. Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge earned recognition for his people-centered economic leadership and transformative achievements through the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programs. Healthcare and business pioneer Dr. Kurt Lambert was honored for his exemplary leadership across multiple sectors and unwavering commitment to philanthropic initiatives.

International recognition was extended to Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank, who received an honorary Order of Freedom for strengthening trade and investment bridges between Barbados and the African continent.

The Order of the Republic was bestowed upon three national figures: maritime and tourism expert George Fergusson, child protection advocate Faith Marshall-Harris, and leading ENT specialist Dr. Christopher Maynard. Non-national Yvonne Brewer received an honorary Order of the Republic for her decades of service in improving long-term care and welfare support systems.

In one of the largest collective citations in Barbados’ history, thirty-three members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Core Implementation Team and the International Business Unit Economic Substance Team received the Gold Award of Achievement. Their coordinated efforts successfully guided Barbados off the FATF Grey List and EU Blacklist, ensuring compliance with international financial regulations and restoring the nation’s financial reputation.

Additional honors included the Gold Trident of Excellence awarded to five individuals for exceptional leadership in religion, culture, and business, and the Silver Trident of Excellence presented to five recipients for significant contributions to creative industries and social advocacy.

Seven Barbadians received the Barbados Service Star for outstanding work in community and protective services, while another seven were awarded the Barbados Service Medal for dedicated national service across various sectors.

The most courageous honors, the Barbados Bravery Medal, were presented to seven individuals who risked their lives to save others. Four recipients—Jelani Griffith, Reshelle Griffith, Rashad Jules, and Malique Springer—saved 104-year-old Beryl Whitney from a devastating building fire. Jeremy Payne and Roger Springer rescued four people in distress at sea off Queen Street, St. Peter, while Shawn Green saved his cousin Petra Wilson from a brutal attack by ten dogs.

As Barbados commemorates its 59th year of independence, the nation reflects on its remarkable journey of collective achievement rather than individual accomplishments. Beyond its global recognition as the birthplace of rum and creator of iconic cocktails, Barbados has consistently produced extraordinary talent across diverse fields—from global entertainment superstars and climate change activists advocating for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to world champion athletes and technological innovators responsible for the first search engine.

The past year has presented significant challenges, with climate change manifesting through devastating hurricanes like Beryl and Category 5 Melissa, causing millions in damages and economic disruption. Geopolitical tensions escalating into full-scale wars and rising global tariffs have further complicated the nation’s progress. Despite these obstacles, Barbados has demonstrated remarkable resilience, achieving 17 consecutive quarters of economic growth and multiple credit rating upgrades according to Central Bank reports.

The tourism sector exemplifies Barbados’ collaborative success, with over one billion dollars in investments planned over the next five years. Visitor numbers have consistently grown from 2023 through 2025, generating a domino effect of employment opportunities, cross-sector business connections, and economic development. This industry’s linkages remain unparalleled in their contribution to national prosperity.

Critical infrastructure developments underscore the nation’s progress: new hotels, cultural facilities, museums, an upcoming geriatric hospital, expanding airlift capacity, enhanced dining experiences, education transformation initiatives, road network improvements, and water infrastructure advancements. Yet challenges persist regarding cost of living, crime reduction, business facilitation, and service standards.

The digital era introduces new complexities, with mental slavery emerging through technology manipulation, fake news dissemination, and sophisticated marketing tactics centered on economic motives. This necessitates a collective mindset to navigate evolution beneficially for all citizens.

As Barbados approaches its monumental 60th independence anniversary, the nation must transform inspirational phrases like “I Have a Dream” into tangible realities. Creating pathways from internship to ownership within industries like tourism will empower younger generations to become directors, CEOs, and general managers. Education, training, and development opportunities must form the core of this thrust forward.

Guided by Maya Angelou’s wisdom—”We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated”—Barbados continues its journey with steadfast unity. The nation’s success stems not from individual laurels but from shared dedication, embracing both challenges and triumphs as one people moving upward and onward in strength and unity.

Independent trade unions represent worker-led organizations operating free from external control by employers, government entities, or political parties. These autonomous bodies primarily function to protect and advance members’ rights through collective bargaining processes, negotiating improved compensation packages and workplace conditions while providing essential support on employment-related matters.

Despite potential financial support through government subventions or employer grants, genuine independence requires operational autonomy without external influence. Members benefit from negotiated agreements, professional representation during meetings, and access to legal and financial advisory services that would otherwise be unavailable to individual workers.

Registration provides trade unions with legal corporate status, formalizing their operational structure. The registration certificate serves as definitive evidence of independence in legal contexts and grants specific statutory rights. This legal standing enables unions to initiate protective legal actions against member exploitation and unfair treatment.

However, independence from employer and government interference does not equate to immunity from national legislation. Legal registration alone cannot guarantee substantive autonomy, as unions must still operate within established legal frameworks while maintaining internal self-governance.

International Labor Organization (ILO) standards reinforce trade union independence, emphasizing workers’ rights to autonomous operation free from state or employer intervention as fundamental to freedom of association. Historical precedents, such as Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government in 1979, demonstrate how repressive labor legislation can threaten union effectiveness, highlighting the perpetual importance of safeguarding autonomy.

Maintaining genuine independence requires strategic relationship management with government and employers, avoiding rubber-stamp approval of predetermined decisions. Financial self-sufficiency remains preferable to dependence on external funding sources. Strong internal structures demonstrating good governance, democratic principles, ethical standards, and transparent decision-making processes ultimately define an organization’s authentic independent character.