标签： Barbados

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has issued a stern rebuke to the Mottley administration following two violent incidents targeting nurses at public clinics in Barbados. Opposition spokesperson on health and wellness, Senator Andre Worrell, condemned the attacks as indicative of a systemic crisis and demanded immediate government intervention to safeguard frontline healthcare workers. “We are seeing street-level violence infiltrating our healthcare facilities,” Senator Worrell stated. “These are not isolated events but symptoms of a deeper societal breakdown and the government’s failure to secure our health institutions.” The incidents occurred at the Randal Phillips Polyclinic in Oistins on Monday evening, where a nurse was injured, and at the Frederick Miller Polyclinic in St. George on Tuesday. The opposition has criticized the Ministry of Health for its sluggish response and inadequate protection measures for staff. Senator Worrell emphasized the vulnerability of healthcare workers, stating, “These individuals care for our nation’s most vulnerable, yet they are left exposed by a deficient security system overseen by a complacent Minister of Health.” The senator outlined five urgent demands: a comprehensive audit and upgrade of security across all public health facilities, deployment of trained security personnel during operational hours, installation of surveillance cameras and secure access systems, transparency from the Ministry regarding violent incidents, and psychological support and compensation for affected workers. “Healthcare workers should not fear assault while performing their duties,” Senator Worrell asserted. “Barbados must act now to prevent further tragedies.” He also called for full emotional, legal, and financial support for impacted workers, warning that “the country is watching.” Senator Worrell concluded, “Let this be the last time a nurse is attacked under this government’s watch.”

September 22, 2025, marked the 70th anniversary of Hurricane Janet’s devastating impact on Barbados. The storm, which struck in 1955, left a trail of destruction, damaging 8,000 homes, shutting down the island’s main radio station, blocking critical roadways, and causing the collapse of Gospel Hall in Christ Church, which claimed ten lives. In total, over 50 lives were lost. The economic toll was staggering, with damages estimated at US$5 million in 1955, equivalent to US$60 million today. This anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of small island developing states like Barbados to natural disasters. Over the decades, Barbados has made significant strides in enhancing its resilience. Efforts include upgrading building standards, with a shift from timber to masonry construction, the introduction of building codes such as CUBIC in the 1980s and the Barbados Building Codes of 1993 and 2013, and the passage of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2020-34. However, the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE) emphasizes that more must be done to address the escalating threats posed by climate change. The Caribbean has witnessed an increase in ‘super’ storms, driven by global warming, necessitating urgent action. BAPE recommends three critical measures: professional assessments of existing buildings for hazard readiness, adherence to best practices in the design and construction of new buildings, and the proclamation of Section 44 of the PD Act to ensure robust building control. These steps, BAPE asserts, will fortify Barbados’ infrastructure against future climate-induced hazards, which are projected to surpass the severity of Hurricane Janet. Engineer Rey Moe, President of BAPE, underscores the importance of continuous review and strengthening of building codes and guidelines to safeguard the island’s future.

As the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition approaches, Barbados’ national culinary champions are intensifying their preparations to defend their title on home soil. The event, hosted for the first time in Barbados, will take place from November 16 to 18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados. The Barbados National Culinary Team, led by team manager and head coach Javon Cummins, aims to showcase the country’s innovative approach to Caribbean cuisine. The team includes senior chef Rynaldo Joseph, junior chef Dejuan Toppin, pastry chef Rickeena Kirton, and mixologist Alex Chandler, all of whom are former champions. Their rigorous training schedule, which began on August 17, focuses on technical drills, speed under pressure, and reimagining traditional Bajan dishes. The team is also incorporating new elements such as a sparring partner system, weekly mock competitions, and mental conditioning to enhance performance. The competition will feature teams from Saint Lucia, Grenada, Guyana, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, and Anguilla. The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) emphasized the event’s significance as a platform for tourism, cultural diplomacy, and talent development. The public is encouraged to follow the team’s progress and support upcoming fundraising events via the BHTA’s social media pages.

A senior magistrate in Barbados has called for the implementation of state-funded, mandatory DNA testing in all child maintenance cases, emphasizing its necessity to ensure fairness and certainty for fathers involved in legal disputes. Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna proposed this measure during a panel discussion titled ‘Financial Child Support Delinquency,’ hosted by the Men of Character Men’s Fellowship at the Mount of Praise Wesleyan Holiness Church on Monday. McKenna, who regularly presides over child maintenance cases, highlighted the current system’s reliance on verbal acknowledgment of paternity, which often lacks definitive proof. She suggested that DNA testing should be automatic when a man is brought before the courts for maintenance, ensuring clarity before proceeding with financial arrangements. McKenna also advocated for the state to cover the cost of these tests, which currently amount to $800 per test, as many individuals struggle to afford them. She shared a poignant case where a man discovered he was not the biological father of a child he had supported for nine years, underscoring the emotional and financial toll of paternity uncertainty. Additionally, McKenna noted that maintenance orders should include provisions for shared medical, dental, and educational expenses to ensure funds are used appropriately. While she acknowledged that women are also occasionally ordered to pay child maintenance, McKenna’s proposal aims to address systemic issues in paternity disputes and child support enforcement.