Barbados has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism strategy, securing the prestigious ‘Destination of the Year: African Diaspora’ award at the Balearica (Africa) Tourism Awards. This accolade, presented on November 2 at the Hilton London, Canary Wharf, highlights Barbados’ growing appeal among African travelers and its efforts to strengthen cultural and historical ties with the African continent. The award underscores the island’s commitment to promoting its vibrant heritage and re-energizing initiatives to attract visitors from Africa’s burgeoning travel market. Kyle Gittens, Director of Emerging Markets at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), emphasized the award’s importance in positioning Barbados as a top choice for African travelers, celebrating the shared cultural connections between the regions. The Balearica Awards, known for recognizing excellence in African tourism, awarded Barbados the golden Balearica Statuette, symbolizing immortality and inspired by the crowned crane, a revered symbol in ancient Egyptian culture. This recognition precedes the 2025 GUBA Awards, held for the first time in Barbados under the theme ‘Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Build. Connect. Renew.’ The island also welcomed His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of Ashanti, marking a historic moment as the first visit by the occupant of the Golden Stool to the Caribbean. His Majesty’s address to students at the University of the West Indies and a chartered SmartWings flight from Ghana to Barbados further symbolized the strengthening of ties between Africa and the Caribbean. Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley expressed confidence in achieving direct airlift between the continent and the island, reinforcing Barbados’ role as a bridge uniting communities across the Atlantic.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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I AM youth conference focuses on empowerment, entrepreneurship, mental health
The third annual I AM Conference kicked off at the Hilton Barbados on Wednesday, uniting young Barbadians, students, and budding entrepreneurs for a four-day event focused on business innovation, mental health, and community empowerment. Organized by the Ministry of Youth, the conference aims to inspire and guide participants toward shaping their futures. Permanent Secretary Joy Adamson emphasized that the agenda was shaped by direct feedback from young people, ensuring relevance and impact. The conference features diverse sessions on entrepreneurship, sports, education, and mental health, with a special focus on practical skills and opportunities. Highlights include a youth pitch tank competition, where participants can present business ideas for a chance to win funding, and a showcase of Barbados’ indigenous sport, road tennis. Health and wellness are also prioritized, with sessions dedicated to improving physical and mental well-being. Practical support for career readiness, such as the ‘Dress for Success’ workshop, equips attendees with skills for job interviews and professional development. The Minister of Youth urged participants to fully engage, absorb knowledge, and share insights with peers, underscoring the conference’s role in fostering future leaders. Over the next three days, discussions will expand to include housing, robotics, financial literacy, and career planning, offering a comprehensive roadmap for youth empowerment in Barbados.
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Children urged to speak up on World Children’s Day
On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UNICEF has called upon young Barbadians to amplify their voices and actively advocate for their rights. Speaking at the national child rights ambassadors graduation ceremony held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), UNICEF monitoring and evaluation specialist Patrice Bosso emphasized the importance of ensuring that children’s voices are central to national discourse. He urged the newly appointed ambassadors and their peers across Barbados to reflect on their aspirations and take proactive steps to secure their futures. Bosso highlighted the transformative impact of the child rights ambassador programme, launched a year ago in collaboration with the Ministry of People’s Empowerment. The inaugural group of 19 ambassadors has been instrumental in promoting children’s rights through various creative and advocacy-driven initiatives within their schools and communities. This year’s World Children’s Day theme, “My Day, My Rights,” underscores the need to prioritize children’s lived experiences and ensure their rights are actively pursued. Bosso also acknowledged Barbados’ longstanding dedication to child rights, referencing the country’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 35 years ago. He stressed that safeguarding children’s rights requires consistent action and investment, describing them as a “living promise” rather than mere rhetoric. UNICEF remains committed to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into policymaking and development efforts to build resilient communities.
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Health & Wellness Fair highlights urgent need for more open conversations about prostate cancer among men
The Bureau of Gender Affairs and the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs marked this year’s International Men’s Day with a Health and Wellness Fair, focusing on a pressing yet often overlooked issue in Barbados: the importance of open dialogue about prostate cancer. Held at the Warrens Office Complex’s northern car park, the event attracted a record turnout, with men from across the island availing themselves of free health screenings. Despite the growing participation, health officials emphasized that prostate cancer remains a sensitive topic, underscoring the need for broader national discourse.
At the Barbados Cancer Society tent, Registered Nurse Sarah Stennett highlighted the challenges of early detection due to men’s reluctance to discuss the disease. “Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Barbados, particularly aggressive among Black men,” she explained. “Screening, which involves a simple annual blood test starting at age 40, is crucial, but conversations remain limited. Men are more open to discussing it if they have a family history of the disease.”
Despite the silence, progress was evident, with over 90 men undergoing PSA blood tests, nearing the day’s target of 100. “The conversations are happening, albeit slowly,” Stennett noted. “We need these discussions to permeate communities nationwide.”
William Warner, Director of the Bureau of Gender Affairs, reported a steady increase in participation, with 90 screenings conducted this year compared to 60 last year. He attributed this growth to the Bureau’s strategy of bringing healthcare services directly to men, addressing their historical reluctance to seek formal medical care. “Men don’t typically access healthcare, so we’re meeting them where they are,” Warner explained.
Event coordinator Natalie Nichols, a Research Officer at the Bureau, observed that the surge in attendance reflects men’s preference for community-based, outdoor health initiatives over clinical settings. “This year, we offered 100 free prostate screenings, and the response has been overwhelming,” she said. Nichols added that the fair’s annual growth, with more partners and participants, signals a shift in attitudes toward once-taboo health issues.
One attendee encouraged others to overcome their hesitation. “Get over the shyness,” he urged. “Many of us are here doing the same thing. Talk about it. Get tested.”
The fair featured a diverse range of health and wellness providers, including the National HIV/AIDS Commission, the Caribbean Colon Cancer Initiative, and the Diabetes and Hypertension Association. Additional services, such as nutrition guidance, massages, and grooming, were offered by partners like the National Nutrition Centre and Nikita School of Cosmetology, ensuring the event was inclusive and accessible.
Warner emphasized the importance of persistence in driving change. “It’s a gradual process, but consistent messaging will encourage more men to get tested and know their status,” he said. “Over time, we believe the message will resonate.”
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‘Helen’s best’: Lucian trade mission brings island’s finest here
Saint Lucian exporters made a significant impact at a high-profile exhibition in Barbados, showcasing a wide array of premium products to bolster bilateral trade and explore new market opportunities. The event, organized by Export Saint Lucia, took place on Wednesday at Bagnalls Gallery, Pelican Centre, as part of a three-day trade mission aimed at deepening economic ties between the two nations. The exhibition featured a diverse range of locally manufactured goods, including coffee, cocoa, skincare products, rum, and tissue items, all proudly made in Saint Lucia. Among the standout participants was Noble Tree Coffee and Cocoa Saint Lucia, whose founders, Candy Philpott-Malpass and Keith Malpass, highlighted their efforts to revive the island’s once-thriving coffee industry. Through partnerships with local farmers and innovative product development, the company has seen a remarkable increase in harvests, from 250 kilograms in 2017 to six tonnes in 2024. Tolyn Manufacturers Ltd., a family-run tissue producer since 1982, also showcased its range of bathroom and kitchen products, aiming to penetrate the Barbadian market. Other exhibitors included Saint Lucia Distillers, Cacoa Sainte Lucie, Natmed Ltd., and Auera, representing the island’s thriving rum, cocoa, skincare, and wellness sectors. Sunita Daniel, CEO of Export Saint Lucia, emphasized the expo’s goal of providing Barbadian distributors with direct access to Saint Lucia’s high-quality, internationally compliant products. She noted the positive reception from Barbadian consumers and highlighted ongoing discussions between Export Saint Lucia and Export Barbados to enhance regional trade collaboration. The trade mission, which concludes on Friday, includes a series of business engagements aimed at increasing Saint Lucian exports to Barbados.
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President bids farewell at St Ann’s Fort
In a poignant ceremony brimming with military precision and national pride, Dame Sandra Mason, Barbados’ first President, concluded her nearly decade-long tenure as the nation’s constitutional leader. The event, held at St Ann’s Fort, saw detachments from the Barbados Defence Force, Barbados Police Service, Barbados Coast Guard, and Barbados Cadet Corps assembled in meticulous formation to honor her service. As both the last governor-general and the inaugural president of the Republic, Mason’s farewell marked a significant chapter in Barbados’ history. Reflecting on her journey, she described it as one she “could not have imagined” when she first entered public life. Mason emphasized the theme of service, both her own and that of the forces she led as commander-in-chief, stressing the solemn responsibility of safeguarding national institutions and supporting those who protect democracy. She praised the professionalism of the armed and protective services, highlighting their role in maintaining security and participating in regional humanitarian missions. Mason also acknowledged her personal growth through leadership, noting that true leadership requires decisiveness, integrity, humility, and gratitude. She expressed special appreciation for the Barbados Cadet Corps, recalling their creative displays during her tenure. As her term ends, Mason framed the moment as part of Barbados’ ongoing national evolution, urging citizens to continue their essential role in nation-building. She concluded with heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I will always carry with me the pride of having been your commander-in-chief. May God bless you, and may God bless Barbados.”
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Minister Blackman to present student service plan to Cabinet soon
In a groundbreaking announcement, Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation, unveiled plans to introduce mandatory community service for all secondary school students in Barbados. Speaking at a UNICEF-organized graduation ceremony for student ambassadors at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), Blackman emphasized that the initiative aims to transform national development by equipping young people with essential life skills beyond academic achievement.
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Cooperation in tourism, aviation and maritime discussed with China
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, welcomed the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, for a high-level discussion at the ministry’s headquarters in Warrens. The meeting underscored the deepening bilateral relationship between the two nations, particularly in the realms of tourism and international transportation. Both parties explored avenues for enhanced collaboration, with a focus on technical assistance, training in aviation and maritime sectors, and infrastructure development at Barbados’ air and seaports. Minister Gooding-Edghill highlighted the enduring partnership with China, expressing gratitude for its unwavering support over the past 48 years. Key topics on the agenda included strategies to boost Chinese tourist arrivals, the implementation of an Air Services Agreement, advancements in data analytics, and the integration of electric buses into Barbados’ transport system. Ambassador Zheng emphasized the critical role of the tourism and transport sectors in driving economic growth and reaffirmed China’s commitment to fostering mutual interests. The dialogue marked another milestone in the diplomatic relations established between Barbados and China on May 30, 1977, paving the way for continued cooperation and shared prosperity.
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Just rain? We still ain’t ready yet
Barbados faced a sobering reality this past weekend as intense rainfall wreaked havoc across the island, exposing critical vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness. The downpour, concentrated on one side of the island, overwhelmed roads, trapped residents, and tragically claimed the life of one man. Despite not being a named storm or hurricane, the event stretched emergency services to their limits, highlighting the island’s fragility in the face of extreme weather.
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Biz shielded from new tax, compliance burden as law repealed — minister
Barbados has assured its business community that the repeal of the Companies (Economic Substance) Act will not impose new taxes or additional compliance burdens on domestic firms. Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy and Business Development, emphasized that the global minimum tax regime and economic substance rules apply only to large multinational corporations earning approximately €750 million annually. Since the majority of Barbadian companies fall below this threshold, they are exempt from these requirements. Senator Cummins clarified that businesses will continue to pay the existing corporate tax rate of 9 to 9.5 percent, and the reform aims to simplify administration by consolidating reporting under the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA). Transitional rules remain in effect for the 2024 fiscal period, with full implementation of the consolidated regime starting in 2025. Only shipping, insurance, and intellectual property sectors face heightened compliance requirements. The government is also advancing transparency reforms, including the introduction of a Beneficial Ownership Register and negotiating updated double taxation agreements to strengthen Barbados’ global business credibility.