标签： Barbados

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has issued a stern call for immediate and coordinated measures to combat the escalating violence against nurses and healthcare workers in the country. This appeal follows yet another reported assault at a public health facility, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change. In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, CTUSAB General Secretary Dennis De Peiza condemned the repeated attacks as “disgusting and intolerable,” urging the Ministry of Health and Wellness and public healthcare management to take decisive action. De Peiza emphasized that such violence demands a robust response from authorities to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. CTUSAB has thrown its full support behind the Barbados Nurses Association (BNA), which has been advocating for comprehensive security enhancements across the healthcare system. These include improved security screening, the installation of surveillance cameras, and a reevaluation of the roles of Government Security Officers at polyclinics to ensure they protect employees as well as government property. Additionally, CTUSAB is pushing for the establishment of a standardized security policy applicable to all public healthcare institutions, complete with uniform protocols and systems. De Peiza also called for unity among nurses, urging them to rally behind the BNA’s campaign for stronger protections, regardless of their union affiliations. “We urge all nurses, irrespective of their individual trade union or staff association affiliation, to join the BNA in its fight to address these long-standing security shortcomings,” he stated. The union’s demands underscore the growing concern over the safety of healthcare workers and the need for immediate, systemic reforms to prevent further incidents of violence.

As Barbados prepares for the implementation of the CARICOM free movement agreement with Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the construction industry is sounding the alarm over a deepening labor shortage. Mark Maloney, Executive Chairman of the Maloney Group, highlighted the challenges his businesses face in securing enough workers to meet demand. He emphasized that while technology and innovation can mitigate some issues, the industry must also address regulatory and oversight concerns to ensure the successful integration of regional and international labor. Maloney stressed the importance of proper work permits, fair treatment, and suitable living conditions for workers, warning that bringing in the wrong individuals could exacerbate societal issues like crime. The free movement initiative, set to begin next week, allows citizens of the four nations to live and work across borders without permits. However, Maloney cautioned that its success hinges on creating sustainable and attractive employment opportunities. He also underscored the need for innovation in construction practices to make the sector more appealing and productive. Meanwhile, Henderson Eastmond of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council warned that rising salaries alone cannot resolve the labor crisis, as cultural attitudes and an education system that undervalues vocational training continue to deter young Bajans from the trades. Despite these challenges, there are signs of renewed interest in construction courses, driven by government scholarships and initiatives aimed at strengthening the workforce.

The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has issued an urgent call for a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to tackle what it describes as a deepening crisis in the safety and protection of frontline nurses. This appeal follows an emergency meeting held on Wednesday at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, prompted by recent violent incidents at the Randal Phillips and Frederick Miller Polyclinics. These events have left nurses traumatized and forced one facility to temporarily close. In a post-meeting statement, BNA President Dr. Fay Parris highlighted the fear and frustration among nurses, attributing these emotions to inadequate security measures and frequent exposure to abuse. Dr. Parris emphasized the critical need for immediate reforms to safeguard healthcare workers. The BNA is advocating for standardized safety protocols across all healthcare facilities, including the installation of CCTV cameras, entry scanners, panic buttons linked to emergency response systems, and the deployment of trained security personnel. Additionally, the association has raised concerns about the safety of nurses during community visits and the persistent shortage of Health Sisters, who play a vital role in public health outreach and assessment. Dr. Parris noted that despite repeated warnings over the past two years, upgrades to security systems have been inconsistent and often reactive. ‘The nursing community is united, focused, and prepared to ensure that these issues receive the attention they warrant,’ she asserted. The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) also attended the meeting, pledging full support for the BNA’s advocacy efforts.

The much-anticipated repair work on the Melvin Hill Bridge in St Joseph is finally set to move forward, with preparatory activities scheduled to begin this weekend. The bridge, a critical infrastructure link, was closed over a month ago due to safety concerns, leaving residents and commuters reliant on an alternate route. Contractors from the China National Complete Plant Import and Export Corporation (COMPLANT), in collaboration with local sub-contractor C.O. Williams Construction Ltd., will initiate debushing operations to facilitate a comprehensive site assessment by utility companies. Adrian Mayers, Project Manager at C.O. Williams Construction, emphasized that this assessment is crucial for identifying necessary relocations of utility services before full-scale repairs can commence. Since the bridge’s closure, the bypass route from Springfield to Newton Crescent has served as the primary alternative. The Ministry of Transport and Works has recently upgraded this route, addressing issues such as tree trimming, pothole repairs, and culvert replacement. Jenifer King, Chief Technical Officer at the Ministry, announced that paving of the bypass road is expected to begin next week. The Transport Board, which had initially expressed concerns about vehicle safety on the alternate route, has lauded the Ministry’s efforts. Operations Manager Gena Boyce confirmed the Board’s satisfaction with the improvements and anticipates the road will be fully operational for buses and other vehicles within two weeks. The Melvin Hill Bridge was deemed unstable and closed last month, prompting the Ministry to reiterate its warning to the public to avoid the bridge and use the bypass route once it officially opens.