A significant increase in homelessness, particularly in St Michael and the capital city, has sparked urgent appeals from Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw for a unified government and community response. Speaking at the Ideas Forum held at Golden Square Freedom Park on Tuesday, Bradshaw, who represents St Michael South East, emphasized the need for a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach to tackle this escalating crisis. She highlighted the visible presence of homeless individuals near Parliament and Independence Square, stressing that while financial allocations are essential, a more direct and comprehensive strategy is required. Bradshaw pointed out that many homeless individuals also grapple with mental health issues, underscoring the importance of empathy and structured support rather than judgment or neglect. She urged for early interventions to prevent vulnerable individuals from ending up on the streets and initiatives to help those already homeless reintegrate into society. Bradshaw noted that the issue appears particularly severe in St Michael constituencies and the capital, calling for targeted programs to address the root causes and provide necessary support for reintegration.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
-
COVID cases rise alongside flu, RSV
Barbados is currently experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and other respiratory illnesses, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth George. Despite the surge, Dr. George confirmed on Wednesday that there are no plans to reintroduce mandatory mask-wearing. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, who are being urged to take extra precautions. Dr. George explained that the rise in COVID-19 infections has contributed to the spread of other respiratory diseases, including influenza A, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This uptick aligns with the typical cold and flu season, which begins in November and extends into the early months of the following year. A doctor from a rural polyclinic reported that all 47 patients recently swabbed in a single community tested positive for COVID-19, highlighting the virus’s prevalence. Dr. George emphasized that while COVID-19 remains a concern, it is now ‘in the rear-view mirror,’ and the public has been educated on how to protect themselves. He stressed that specific precautions are necessary for high-risk individuals, but mask mandates will not be reinstated. Data from the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory revealed a 23.8% positivity rate for respiratory illnesses among 2,100 samples tested this year, with cases ranging from infants to individuals in their 90s. The laboratory detected pathogens such as COVID-19, influenza A, and rhinovirus, with a notable increase in RSV cases among very young children. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
-
Men in Maroon keep eyes on 2027 World Cup
Despite trailing in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the West Indies cricket team remains steadfast in their pursuit of an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 ICC 50-over World Cup. Assistant coach Floyd Reifer emphasized the team’s mission to secure their place in the prestigious tournament, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027, will join the host nations in securing automatic berths, leaving the remaining four spots to be contested in qualifying tournaments—a scenario the West Indies are determined to avoid. Currently, the Men in Maroon hold the ninth position in the rankings, just two rating points ahead of Bangladesh, making every match in the ongoing series against New Zealand crucial. Reifer highlighted the team’s progress since missing the 2023 World Cup, noting significant improvements in their batting and recent series victories that have boosted their ranking. ‘We’re trying to work on our consistency in all three departments,’ Reifer stated, expressing optimism about the team’s development. The West Indies’ immediate goal is to recover from their first-game defeat and level the series in the second ODI on Tuesday in Napier. Their broader objective remains clear: win matches, accumulate ranking points, and secure their place in the 2027 World Cup.
-
Teen Talent, Over-21 stars crowned in Richard Stoute competitions
The Richard Stoute Teen Talent and Over 21 competitions recently concluded, showcasing remarkable performances and awarding over $30,000 in cash prizes. In the Teen Talent category, Dacia Moore claimed victory with an impressive 1,253 points, securing the grand prize of $10,000. Crayshanda St Hill followed in second place with 1,162 points, earning $5,000, while Joshua Osbourne took third place with 1,142 points and $3,500. Kymani Devonish and Chelsea Cadogan-Goddard rounded out the top five, receiving $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. In the Over 21 category, Kyrique Alleyne dominated with 1,283 points, winning the top prize of $3,000. Dave Cumberbatch and Lisa Hackett secured second and third places, earning $2,000 and $1,500, respectively. Zadora Griffith and Benoni Blackett completed the top five, receiving $1,000 and $750. Special awards included the Richard Stoute Award, recognizing team spirit and deportment, which went to ZZ Cumberbatch (Teen Talent) and Kyrique Alleyne (Over 21). The Best Spouge Performance Award, worth $500, was awarded to Teen Talent Damario Foster. The National Cultural Foundation praised all participants for their dedication and thanked the public for their unwavering support.
-
NTI at 5, toasts lifelong learners
Barbados marked a significant milestone in its journey toward digital empowerment as the National Transformation Initiative (NTI) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a grand awards ceremony at Ilaro Court. The event, titled ‘A Night with the STARRS,’ honored individuals who have embraced lifelong learning through the NTI, showcasing achievements in inclusion, innovation, and personal growth.
-
Community leader named one of world’s most influential Muslims
Suleiman Bulbulia, a prominent community activist from Barbados, has been honored as one of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims in the 2026 edition of *The Muslim 500*. This prestigious recognition underscores Barbados’ growing influence in global faith and leadership spheres. Bulbulia expressed profound humility and gratitude for the accolade, emphasizing that it reflects not only his personal achievements but also the collective pride of Barbados. He joins Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali as one of two new Caribbean entrants in this year’s list.
Produced by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, *The Muslim 500* annually highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the Islamic community worldwide. Bulbulia, a seasoned business and community leader with over three decades of experience in international relations and business management, has been instrumental in advancing Barbados’ socio-economic interests globally. His expertise in fostering cross-cultural cooperation and addressing global political and social issues has earned him widespread respect.
Bulbulia, who is fluent in English and has a working knowledge of Arabic, has held key roles in various organizations, including serving as secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association and chairing the National NCD Commission. His dedication to promoting inclusivity, mutual respect, and bridging societal divides in underprivileged communities earned him the Silver Trident of Excellence award in 2021.
In his remarks, Bulbulia stressed that this recognition reinforces his commitment to serving his community and contributing to national development. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues, and faith community for their unwavering support. Bulbulia’s inclusion in *The Muslim 500* not only celebrates his impactful work but also shines a spotlight on Barbados’ role in global faith and leadership.
-
High Court to hear challenge of FTC’s refusal to demand Light & Power financial records
The High Court of Barbados is poised to determine whether the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) must compel the Barbados Light and Power Company (BLPC) to disclose financial documents. This decision follows renewed legal action by public interest intervenors, reigniting a prolonged dispute over electricity rates. Earlier this month, the court canceled a scheduled hearing after discovering that no formal application had been properly filed. However, last week, the intervenor team, led by Ricky Went, resubmitted a comprehensive set of documents, including their notice of application, a certificate of urgency, and a draft order they seek the court to approve. The court has set next Wednesday to hear the application, filed by the intervenors’ lead attorney, senior counsel Hal Gollop. The case centers on whether the FTC can require BLPC to provide information following its February 2023 rate review decision, which the intervenors argue remains unresolved. The FTC maintains that the process is concluded and lacks the statutory authority to mandate the release of the documents. A hearing initially scheduled for last Tuesday was canceled when the court discovered procedural errors in the filing process. Senior counsel for the FTC, Alrick Scott, informed the court that BLPC had not been served with any notice of application and was unaware of Gollop’s filing. Further investigation revealed no formal application had been made, prompting the court to vacate the hearing date. The intervenors argue that analyzing BLPC’s financial data is crucial before the FTC issues its final ruling on the rate decision, as rate proceedings are infrequent. They emphasize the importance of public trust in the regulatory process. However, the FTC, through Scott, has reiterated its refusal to comply, citing no statutory obligation to release the requested documents.
-
PM urges St Lucy to be patient over water woes
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called on residents of St Lucy to remain patient as the government addresses persistent water supply challenges in the parish and surrounding areas. For years, districts in St Lucy and St Peter have grappled with water discolouration, a problem that has significantly impacted daily life. Speaking at the launch of the Lamberts and Castle wind farm project at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Mottley acknowledged the issue and assured residents that measures are underway to alleviate their concerns. She highlighted that financial relief has been provided to affected households, with residents of St Lucy and eastern St Peter exempt from basic water rates since April. This initiative, announced in March, is part of a 12-month commitment to support communities while infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of ageing water mains and improvements to filtration systems, are completed. Mottley emphasized the complexity of the process, stating, ‘As much as I would like to wiggle my nose and say, ‘let there be pipe,’ it takes time for us to lay pipe.’ She reassured residents that the government remains committed to resolving the issue and will provide further updates in due course.
-
Flood claims mount as insurers count losses after Sunday deluge
Barbados is grappling with the aftermath of the most severe flooding in a decade, which has left one man dead and caused extensive damage to vehicles across the island. The record-breaking floods, which occurred on Sunday, have led to a surge in motor insurance claims, with insurers estimating payouts in the tens of thousands of dollars.
-
Opposition steps up pressure over stalled VAT pledge
The opposition in Barbados has escalated its demands for the government to fulfill its 2018 pledge to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 17.5%, a rate established nearly 15 years ago. The call comes as rising living costs continue to burden ordinary households, with critics accusing the government of inaction. During a parliamentary debate on the Companies (Economic Substance) (Repeal) Bill and the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne highlighted the pressing issue of taxation and its impact on citizens. Thorne reminded the government of its promise to lower VAT, which was initially increased from 15% to 17.5% in December 2010 as a temporary measure under the Freundel Stuart administration. He argued that the current VAT rate is a direct financial burden on all citizens, regardless of their economic status, and serves as a disincentive to spending. Thorne emphasized that while VAT may benefit government revenues, the primary responsibility of any administration is to alleviate the tax burden on its people. He linked lower taxes to economic freedom and urged the government to act on its promise, questioning whether the current VAT rate is reasonable and whether its reduction could provide partial relief to the populace. Thorne challenged the government to clarify its intentions regarding VAT reduction and to specify the extent of any planned cuts. In response, government representative Ryan Straughn defended the administration’s economic record, acknowledging the unfulfilled VAT reduction promise but highlighting efforts to stabilize the economy and support families. Straughn suggested that a VAT reduction remains a future possibility, while emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.