标签： Barbados

Ellerton Primary School in St George hosted a vibrant flag-raising ceremony on Monday, aimed at instilling a sense of leadership and national pride in its students. The event, led by youth advocate Taahir Bulbulia, emphasized the importance of independence and citizenship. Bulbulia engaged the students with an interactive call-and-response session, encouraging them to proudly greet their school and reflect on their roles as young Barbadians. He challenged them to consider how they could contribute to their country and improve their school and community. Bulbulia highlighted the significance of leadership in everyday life, urging students to support their peers and stand against issues like littering and bullying. He also inspired them to dream big, whether as athletes, singers, or artists, and strive to be the best in their chosen fields. Principal Karen Sealy-Cox provided a historical context, recalling Barbados’ first Prime Minister, Errol Walton Barrow, and the origins of the national anthem and pledge. The ceremony concluded with the raising of the national flag, the recitation of the pledge, and the singing of the anthem. As Barbados approaches its 59th year of independence, Bulbulia encouraged students to carry the same energy and leadership into their classrooms, homes, and communities, reminding them that they are the future leaders of the nation.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has addressed long-standing complaints from neighboring residents regarding smoke emissions from its incinerator by implementing a state-of-the-art waste management system. Chief Executive Neil Clark announced the milestone, marking the end of decades of environmental concerns. The new system is part of a broader $130 million upgrade initiative, with $65 million already allocated. Clark described the transition as one of the most symbolic changes in the hospital’s recent history, emphasizing its commitment to community well-being. For years, residents had voiced grievances about the incinerator’s smoke and odor, prompting repairs in 2018 and operational reductions by 2023. The installation of after-burners further minimized emissions, paving the way for the new system. Clark highlighted the hospital’s three-year strategic plan, which includes significant upgrades such as advanced clinical equipment like MRI and linear accelerator machines, enhancements to the Lion’s Eye Care Centre, and a new rehabilitation center supported by the Maria Holder Foundation. Additionally, the Enmore development project, featuring a bridge connecting the main hospital to a satellite facility, is progressing steadily. A new health information system, described as a “game changer,” promises to streamline patient care and improve operational efficiency. Behind-the-scenes efforts to strengthen financial and administrative systems, alongside staffing improvements, are also underway. Clark expressed optimism about the hospital’s future, revealing plans for a QEH sports field and VIP health checks for staff. The hospital will host a town hall meeting early next year to update the public on its achievements and upcoming projects. Last year’s meeting allowed residents to shape the hospital’s strategy, with their feedback directly influencing its direction. Communications specialist Shane Sealy noted the public’s active participation, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the hospital’s initiatives. The Pulse Radio Show will return for its fifth season, providing a platform for ongoing public engagement and updates as QEH moves toward its 2026 goals.

Barbados has launched the National Parish Home Garden Competition, offering over $40,000 in cash prizes to gardening enthusiasts. The initiative, which opened for entries this week, aims to foster biodiversity, promote environmentally sustainable practices, and reduce the island’s carbon footprint. The competition, running until December 15, is organized by the National Conservation Commission (NCC) and was officially announced at the Ministry of Environment headquarters in Warrens. Dewyn Phillips, the tree planting coordinator, detailed the rules and schedule, emphasizing the contest’s environmental and health benefits. Participants are required to submit their name, address, and three garden photos via WhatsApp to enter. The competition features parish-level prizes of $1,500, $1,000, and $750 for the top three gardens, with parish winners advancing to compete for grand prizes of $4,000, $3,000, and $2,000. Phillips highlighted the role of gardens in carbon sequestration, mental and physical well-being, and sustainable practices like composting and reducing landfill waste. The competition follows the recently concluded national tree planting contest, which saw five winners planting thousands of trees. Environment Minister Adrian Forde stressed the importance of integrating sustainable development and beautification into Barbados’ national identity, urging citizens to embrace these values as part of their cultural DNA.

The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) has called on CARICOM governments to establish a regional utility regulator to address persistent disparities in the price and quality of essential services across the Caribbean. Speaking after her participation in a global conference on competition and consumer protection, BCEN Chair Maureen Holder emphasized the need for a multilateral regulator to standardize oversight of critical services such as energy, telecommunications, and water. Holder suggested that the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC) could be repositioned to fulfill this role, though it currently lacks the necessary framework. She argued that a unified regulatory body would ensure fairness and stability in markets, particularly in small island nations where limited competition often leaves consumers with few choices and high costs. Holder highlighted BCEN’s growing influence in international and regional policymaking, noting its contributions to discussions on competition, fair markets, and consumer protection. She recently represented Barbados at the 9th United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection in Geneva, where she engaged with global leaders to address challenges facing consumers in small developing economies. The conference, organized by UNCTAD, serves as a platform for reviewing international best practices and coordinating global approaches to consumer protection. Holder stressed that small states like Barbados must actively participate in such forums to ensure their concerns are acknowledged and addressed at the highest levels.

Property owners in Barbados who fail to maintain their lots by clearing overgrown vegetation could soon face significant fines under a new enforcement initiative launched by the Ministry of Environment. The program, which began on November 1, is being enforced through the Health Services Act and aims to address the issue of neglected properties. According to project leader Ronald Chapman, property owners who do not comply with the regulations will receive a 21-day notice to clean their lots. If they fail to do so within this period, they will be charged an administrative fee of $300. Additionally, if the lot remains uncleaned after the fine is issued, the Ministry of Environment will step in to clean the property, and the owner will be billed for the service. The cost of cleaning will vary depending on factors such as the size of the lot, the type of vegetation, and the presence of accumulated refuse. Chapman emphasized that the program is designed to encourage property owners to take responsibility for their land. He also noted that residents who face difficulties in clearing their lots or paying the fees can seek assistance from the relief board at the Ministry of Housing and Lands. The enforcement process has been delayed to allow for the necessary administrative machinery to be put in place, but fines are expected to be issued by the end of the month. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve public health and environmental standards in the country.