标签： Barbados

Barbados is mobilizing a comprehensive, multi-agency offensive against substance abuse, with Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams advocating for an integrated approach combining health services, human rights protections, criminal justice, and social support systems. Speaking at a Sunday service marking Drug Awareness Month at First Baptist Church in St. Michael, Minister Abrahams emphasized the critical need for people-centered responses to this escalating national challenge. The minister echoed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ 2024 message highlighting the urgency of eliminating stigma and discrimination while strengthening prevention mechanisms and upholding the human rights of individuals affected by drug use. Abrahams revealed alarming trends, including increased arrival of new psychoactive substances on the island and rising marijuana consumption among younger demographics. He warned that substance abuse poses a fundamental threat to national security, affecting homes, communities, and even religious institutions. The minister expressed particular concern about the socioeconomic impact, noting that substance abuse removes productive citizens from society through either incarceration or rehabilitation. He called for seamless collaboration between public health and criminal justice systems to develop appropriate prevention and treatment responses for vulnerable populations including youth and women. Beyond treatment and rehabilitation, Abrahams stressed the importance of social inclusion and reintegration, urging society to embrace those who have overcome substance abuse problems. The government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing activities that balance health-based and criminal justice approaches to substance abuse prevention. The event also featured Allison Gotip, Director of Clinical Services at Verdun and Marina House, who emphasized the necessity of multi-stakeholder partnerships. Gotip described prevention as a continuous movement requiring coordinated efforts across government agencies, faith-based organizations, communities, and families, grounded in the belief that recovery is achievable through dignified, ethical, and effective treatment.

The Barbados Law Reform Commission has initiated a nationwide public consultation campaign, calling upon citizens, civil society organizations, and professional associations to contribute written proposals for the comprehensive reform of the country’s legal framework. The consultation period remains open until February 16, 2026, with submissions limited to 1,500 words.

Commission Chairman Sir David Simmons emphasized the critical importance of public participation in ensuring the nation’s laws remain relevant and responsive to contemporary societal needs. “Our legal framework must be recast in a form that is both intelligible and accessible while aligning with modern requirements,” stated Sir David. He further highlighted that public consultation represents a fundamental component of the law reform process, enabling Barbadians to contribute their expertise, experiences, and observations regarding the current state of legislation.

While initial contributions must be submitted in written format, the Commission clarified that this would not preclude subsequent oral discussions with authors once submissions undergo preliminary review. This two-tier approach ensures thorough consideration of all proposals while maintaining an open dialogue with contributors.

Submissions may be delivered electronically to lawreform@barbados.gov.bb or in physical format to the Commission’s offices at the Henry Forde and David Simmons Legal and Judicial Complex on Coleridge Street in Bridgetown.

The Commission, operating under the Office of the Attorney General, derives its mandate from the Law Revision and Law Reform Act of 2019-6. Its statutory responsibilities include the systematic review, modernization, and simplification of Barbados’ legal corpus to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in addressing contemporary challenges.

Barbados law enforcement authorities have officially identified the victim of a fatal shooting on Worthing Beach as 52-year-old Andre Brian Parris, previously residing at Fairholme Gardens in Maxwell, Christ Church. The incident occurred on Friday evening when police response units were dispatched to the coastal area following reports of gunfire.

According to official police communications, Operations Control Room personnel received an emergency alert approximately at 7:37 p.m. regarding audible gunshots in the Worthing district. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered Parris in an unresponsive state lying on the beachfront. Immediate medical attention was requested, however, a attending physician subsequently confirmed Parris’s demise at the location.

The Barbados Police Service has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting death. Forensic specialists and crime scene investigators are currently examining evidence collected from the beach area while detectives pursue multiple lines of inquiry.

Law enforcement officials are urgently seeking public assistance regarding this case. They have issued a formal appeal for any individuals who might have witnessed the incident or possess relevant information to come forward. Confidential tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, the Police Emergency hotline at 211, or directly to the Hastings/Worthing Police Station at 430-7614 or 430-7615. All information sources will be treated with strict confidentiality as investigators work to reconstruct the events leading to this tragic death.

The Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) has issued a formal complaint against the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), citing dangerous road conditions and physical injuries to passengers resulting from improperly restored infrastructure following pipe-laying operations.

AOPT Chairman Roy Raphael revealed on Wednesday that public service vehicle operators navigating routes across the island are confronting significant hazards from unrepaired excavations. The situation has become particularly severe in areas including Apes Hill, Orange Hill, Crab Hill, and Pie Corner, where ongoing water infrastructure projects have left roads dangerously uneven.

According to Raphael, the problem emerged as a primary concern during the association’s recent annual review meeting. He explained that contractors working for the water authority have failed to adequately repave roads after completing underground pipe installations, creating substantial bumps and holes across key transportation corridors.

‘The current state of these roads creates tremendous suspension problems for our vehicles,’ Raphael stated in an interview. ‘Our operators are facing exorbitant repair costs due to the continuous wear and damage caused by these road conditions.’

The transport association reports numerous instances of tire damage and mechanical failures directly attributable to the uneven road surfaces. More alarmingly, passengers have reported physical discomfort and injuries, including neck trauma, resulting from the violent jolting experienced when vehicles encounter unexpected road imperfections.

Raphael emphasized the association’s growing concern for passenger safety, noting that some operators have begun diverting from regular routes to avoid the most severely affected areas. This rerouting strategy, while reducing vehicle damage, inconveniences passengers and disrupts established transportation networks.

The AOPT chairman acknowledged that previous engagement with the water authority regarding similar issues at Shop Hill had yielded temporary improvements. However, recent rainfall has worsened conditions, with previously repaired sections deteriorating rapidly.

‘We are making a public appeal to the BWA to address these persistent problems,’ Raphael stated. ‘While they do cover the excavations, the restoration quality falls far short of providing smooth passage for public transportation.’

The Barbados Water Authority has confirmed it is investigating the concerns raised by the transport alliance, though specific remediation timelines remain unspecified. The situation highlights growing tensions between infrastructure development projects and maintaining safe public transportation networks across Barbados.

Barbados has demonstrated remarkable national commitment to environmental sustainability through recently concluded ecological initiatives, with officials highlighting the dual benefits of climate action and food security. On Friday, the National Botanical Gardens hosted an awards ceremony honoring participants of the National Tree Planting and Parish Home Garden competitions, which ran from mid-October through November 14.

Competition Coordinator Dewyn Phillips emphasized that these initiatives align with both domestic environmental priorities and Barbados’ international obligations under the Paris Agreement, which the nation signed in 2015 and ratified in 2016. This global treaty, joined by over 190 countries, aims to mitigate climate change by limiting temperature increases.

“The most inexpensive way to achieve this is through tree planting,” Phillips explained. “Trees are relatively easy to plant and maintain, yet they represent the fastest and most efficient method of sequestering carbon dioxide from our atmosphere.”

The competition results showcased impressive participation. In the Parish Home Garden Beautification category, Hazel Lindo-Carrington of Christ Church claimed the top prize of $4,000, followed by Greta Wendy Collymore of St Philip ($3,000) and Marlene Cheeseman of St Joseph ($2,000). The Tree Planting Competition saw even more remarkable achievements: Jefferson Roberts secured first place and $10,000 for planting 1,088 trees, Michelle Seale earned $8,000 for 780 trees, and Ferne Austin received $6,000 for planting 640 trees.

Beyond environmental benefits, Phillips highlighted how fruit trees specifically contribute to food security by improving access to affordable, nutritious produce rich in essential vitamins and minerals. This initiative directly addresses non-communicable diseases often linked to poor dietary habits.

The program also fostered community development, with many participants collaborating to clear vegetation and transform plots of land. Phillips noted the enhanced community spirit and social cohesion resulting from these collective efforts.

Looking forward, the socioeconomic impact of these planted trees—particularly fruit-bearing varieties like soursop and cherry, known for their antioxidant and anti-cancer properties—is expected to materialize within three to five years. Some participants already plan to utilize their produce for juice production and other value-added products, creating sustainable economic opportunities.