标签： Barbados

The Mia Mottley administration has taken a bold step towards Barbados’ clean energy future by launching a request for qualifications for the proposed Lamberts and Castle Wind Project. Prime Minister Mottley, speaking at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, emphasized the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy, stating that the country’s resilience and energy independence hinge on swift, decisive action. She warned that Barbados can no longer afford delays in addressing climate change and securing its energy future.

Barbados is confronting a critical juncture in its retirement planning, necessitating candid discussions about the sustainability of its pension system. The National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS), which has long served as the cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net, is under increasing strain due to demographic shifts. According to actuary Lisa Wade of Eckler, Barbados’ ageing population is the primary driver of this pressure. With longer life expectancies, declining birth rates, and a shrinking workforce, the number of contributors to the NISSS is dwindling while the number of pensioners is rising. This imbalance threatens the financial stability of the National Insurance Fund, even as the economy shows signs of improvement. Wade emphasized at the recent Eckler annual Pension Investment Conference that economic growth alone cannot counteract the challenges posed by an ageing society. To address this, the government has already implemented reforms, such as raising the pensionable age and increasing the required number of contributions. However, Wade argues that these measures are insufficient on their own. She advocates for mandatory participation in employer pension plans, highlighting the risks of employees opting out for short-term financial gains. Additionally, she calls for policy changes to eliminate double taxation on private pensions, which could incentivize personal savings and reduce reliance on the NISSS. Wade’s recommendations underscore the need for a collaborative approach to retirement security, involving the government, employers, and individuals. Only through shared responsibility can Barbados ensure a sustainable and resilient pension system for future generations.

Barbados remains on high alert following unprecedented rainfall on Sunday, which triggered widespread flooding across the island. Over nine inches (228.6 mm) of rain fell within a 24-hour period, submerging communities in multiple parishes, overwhelming emergency services, and tragically claiming the life of one man swept away by floodwaters. The Barbados Meteorological Services has warned that the unstable weather conditions are likely to continue into the early part of the week, with sporadic moderate to heavy showers potentially prompting flash flood alerts at short notice. Deputy Director Brian Murray explained that a combination of weather systems, including a surface to low-level trough enhanced by a favorable upper-level environment, created ideal conditions for prolonged heavy rains. The northern parishes were particularly affected during the morning and early afternoon, leading to the issuance of a flash flood warning for the region. However, as the day progressed, the entire island experienced severe flooding, with roads submerged, drainage systems overwhelmed, and emergency services stretched to their limits. While some relief is expected by the end of the week, with improved weather conditions forecasted from Friday, the island continues to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.

The tight-knit community of Lucas Street in St Philip is in mourning following the tragic death of 29-year-old Rajani Obrien Parris, described by neighbors as a kind and selfless individual. Parris was struck and killed by a vehicle on Foursquare Road last Tuesday night around 11:20 PM, succumbing to his injuries at the scene. Known for his unwavering generosity, Parris was remembered by a neighbor as someone who would always lend a helping hand, regardless of his own struggles. ‘Rajani was a sweet boy,’ the neighbor shared, standing near his family home. ‘He would do anything for you. It’s heartbreaking that he had to go like this.’ At the family residence, Parris’ sister Rachaela Barton and mother Suzette Barton-Greenidge expressed their profound grief, recalling him as a loving and compassionate soul. His mother revealed that Parris had no children or long-term partner and had recently stopped working, dividing his time between their home and his brother’s residence. The community continues to grapple with the loss of a young man whose kindness left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

A 35-year-old man from Drax Hall, St. George, has been granted bail after being charged with sending an obscene electronic communication in violation of the Computer Misuse Act. Paul Kian Kemar Dear appeared before Magistrate Alison Burke in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. The allegations state that between October 13 and November 7, Dear used a computer to transmit an indecent or obscene message, with the intent or recklessness to cause annoyance, distress, or anxiety to the recipient. Magistrate Burke, with no objections, released Dear on $4,000 bail. The case has been adjourned until March 6, and Dear is being represented by attorney Shamar Bovell. This incident highlights the legal consequences of misuse of electronic communications and the importance of adhering to digital conduct laws.