标签： Barbados

Tutors at the Barbados Community College (BCC) took to the streets on Tuesday, staging a protest against what they perceive as an unjust recruitment process. The industrial action, marked by chants of “enough is enough” and “good work deserves promotion,” saw staff members walking out of classrooms and gathering at the main gate with placards demanding fairness in hiring practices. The protest was sparked by the controversial appointment of a new head of department, with staff alleging that long-serving and highly qualified internal candidates were overlooked in favor of external applicants. Richard Green, General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), described the situation as “untenable” and called for urgent talks with BCC management to resolve the issue. NUPW President Kimberley Agard emphasized that this incident was “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” citing years of unresolved grievances among staff. Approximately 60 workers participated in the protest, which is set to continue until management agrees to engage in dialogue. BCC Principal Annette Alleyne acknowledged the protest but assured that classes continued with minimal disruption. She reiterated the college’s commitment to addressing staff concerns through open dialogue and clarified that the partnership with the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) was part of a broader institutional strategy, not imposed by the board chair. Alleyne also denied claims that the NUPW intervened in the interview process for the disputed position. A meeting between BCC management and the NUPW has been scheduled for Wednesday morning to discuss a resolution.

Caribbean education systems must move beyond their traditional focus on academic certificates and grades, instead fostering a culture that emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and a strong sense of regional identity, according to Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation. Speaking at the opening of the Second Regional Transforming Education Symposium and Policy Dialogue (TESPD 2025) held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, Blackman highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in how success is measured in the region.

For decades, Caribbean societies have placed immense value on academic achievements, often equating high marks with success. However, Blackman argued that this approach has limited the region’s potential. ‘While certification opens doors to higher education or better jobs, it has not prepared us to be innovators or critical thinkers rooted in Caribbean confidence and philosophy,’ he stated.

The minister also addressed the entrenched culture of school pride and the informal hierarchies associated with schools across the Caribbean. He noted that in small societies like Barbados, the question ‘Where did you go to school?’ often leads to immediate judgments about a person’s capabilities. Blackman called for the dismantling of such attitudes as part of the broader ‘decolonisation’ of the education system. ‘Every school must be a school of excellence, and the process of accessing these schools should not be burdensome but should reflect the inherent potential of every child,’ he emphasized.

Blackman’s remarks aimed to set the stage for the symposium, which brought together policymakers, educators, and development partners to explore how Caribbean education systems can be restructured to meet 21st-century challenges. He stressed that the transformation must go beyond structural reforms, advocating for a cultural shift in how learning and success are valued across the region.

In a significant court hearing at the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court in Barbados, six individuals, including four teenagers, faced a total of 44 charges, primarily related to robbery and burglary. The accused—Deroy Leroy Holder, Serrian Jamali Scott-Fagen, Dakari Deshawn Carmichael, Runako Jeremiah Nurse, Tyreall Jamar Kidd, and Damon Hayden Cummins—appeared before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on Tuesday afternoon. The charges, all indictable, were read without pleas being taken.

The Barbados Community College (BCC) has recognized the industrial action initiated today by its staff, represented by the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), in response to the College’s decision to fill a vacant position. Teachers have been absent from their duties since morning, holding placards in protest, with NUPW representatives actively supporting the demonstration. In a statement released on Tuesday, the College affirmed its respect for employees’ rights to engage in industrial action and emphasized its dedication to fostering open dialogue to address the issue. ‘Today’s action stems from the College’s decision to fill a vacant post,’ the statement noted. ‘While discussions are ongoing, our priority remains supporting students’ learning experiences and access to essential services.’ Principal Annette Alleyne highlighted the administration’s focus on upholding academic standards and minimizing disruptions to student learning. ‘We deeply value our staff and their pivotal role in advancing the College’s vision and mission,’ she stated. ‘We respect their concerns and are committed to collaborative efforts. Our primary goal is to maintain educational quality and reduce interruptions for our students. The Barbados Community College, like our nation, cherishes freedom of expression and ensures that voices are heard.’ The College expressed optimism that ongoing discussions with staff and union representatives will lead to a mutually beneficial resolution. ‘BCC remains hopeful that continued dialogue will result in an agreement that supports staff well-being while enabling the College to deliver high-quality education and training to Barbados and the region,’ the statement concluded.

The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has issued a stark warning regarding the potential strain on the nation’s healthcare system due to the impending implementation of the CARICOM free movement agreement. Starting Wednesday, citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines will be permitted to live and work across these nations without requiring work permits or CARICOM skilled national certificates. While this move aims to foster regional integration, the BNA has expressed concerns over the lack of adequate planning and resources to manage the anticipated influx of migrants. Dr Fay Parris, President of the BNA, highlighted that while discussions on migration frameworks and qualification standardization have taken place, nurses have been excluded from critical high-level talks addressing resource allocation and staffing needs. She emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, given the imminent implementation date. Public concern has surged, with many Barbadians voicing fears on radio programs that the healthcare system, already grappling with a chronic nursing shortage, could be further overwhelmed. To mitigate staffing gaps, Barbados has historically relied on recruiting nurses from Ghana, Cuba, and the Philippines. However, challenges persist, including high failure rates among local nursing students, which threaten the sustainability of the domestic nursing workforce. Dr Arthur Phillips, Senior Medical Officer of Health, assured that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has been providing primary and emergency care to CARICOM nationals under existing policies. Nonetheless, Dr Parris stressed the need for comprehensive planning to safeguard the nursing workforce and health infrastructure from being overburdened by the new arrangement.

The Barbados Nurses’ Association (BNA) has expressed deep concern after numerous nurses were reportedly barred from attending a pivotal meeting addressing workplace violence and safety. Union leaders have warned that official interference is hampering efforts to combat a surge in assaults on healthcare workers. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris revealed that the meeting, held at the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) headquarters in Dalkeith, was intended to include the entire nursing community, not just BNA members, to tackle the escalating crisis. However, some nurses were allegedly deterred from attending due to a message implying that non-members would be marked absent if they participated. Dr. Parris emphasized that the invitation was extended to all nurses, as the issue of safety and violence affects the entire profession. She also refuted claims that proper procedures were not followed, stating that the meeting was announced with sufficient notice and guidelines to ensure public safety. The BNA president expressed disappointment at the ministry’s intervention, which she believes undermined the meeting’s effectiveness and the association’s ability to advocate for nurses. The meeting, convened in response to recent attacks on healthcare staff, garnered support from sister unions, including the NUPW, the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP), and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB). Recent incidents, such as a nurse being slapped at the Randall Phillips Polyclinic and a confrontation at the Frederick Miller Polyclinic, have reignited concerns about staff safety. Union leaders, including NUPW President Kimberley Agard and CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips, called for urgent action to protect public servants, emphasizing that violence against nurses threatens the entire healthcare system. Dr. Parris reaffirmed the BNA’s commitment to addressing the issue, stressing that any attack on a nurse impacts the entire profession.

The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has issued a stern plea to the public, urging them to refrain from directing their frustrations toward healthcare staff following a surge in attacks. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris emphasized that while customer service complaints have placed significant pressure on the profession, there are established procedures for addressing grievances. Her remarks came after a meeting with sister unions and nurses at the National Union of Public Workers headquarters in Dalkeith, St. Michael, where workplace safety was a key topic of discussion.

Nigel “Bounty” Pinder, a 49-year-old shopkeeper from Cox Hill, Church Village, St Philip, is set to reappear in court on October 8 after being remanded to Dodds Prison on serious charges, including multiple counts of murder and conspiracy to murder. Pinder was brought before Acting Magistrate Angela Knight in the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon under tight security, with heavily armed police officers stationed at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court complex. The proceedings drew a crowd of onlookers, some of whom voiced support as Pinder was escorted into the courtroom.