标签： Barbados

John Moore Bar, a cherished landmark in Weston, St James, Barbados, has long been more than just a rum shop. It is a cultural hub where community, kinship, and tradition intertwine. On Saturday, the bar celebrated its grand reopening, marking a new chapter in its storied history. Proprietor Cherie Rochester, who took over from her uncle Lamonte Greedy Addison, welcomed the crowd with a heartfelt, “Welcome home everyone!” Her words resonated deeply, as she described the bar as a place where her childhood memories and roots are deeply embedded. Rochester is committed to preserving the legacy her uncle built while steering the establishment into the digital age. Known for its pioneering spirit, John Moore Bar was the first rum shop on the island to implement a point-of-sale system. Now, it is embracing QR codes for menus and digital payment systems like Bim Pay, aiming to become Barbados’ most digital rum shop. The bar’s refurbished design pays homage to its rustic charm while incorporating modern elements. The menu, featuring pizzas, tacos, and burgers made from scratch, reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. Staff are undergoing mixology training to elevate the cocktail experience. For decades, John Moore Bar has been a gathering place for locals, tourists, and even members of the constabulary. Rochester promised to maintain this sense of camaraderie. She also expressed gratitude to businessman Peter Harris for his unwavering support. The reopening ceremony, attended by Henderson Forde of Armstrong Agencies, symbolized a new era for the bar. As John Moore Bar steps into the future, it remains a tribute to its heritage and a beacon of innovation.

Barbados Attorney General Dale Marshall has issued a compelling call for immediate and comprehensive research into the connection between domestic abuse and the rising tide of violent crimes among school-aged boys. Speaking at the opening of a two-day Regional Symposium to Advance State Responses on Domestic Violence at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Marshall emphasized that unstable family environments are cultivating a generation predisposed to gang involvement and criminal behavior. Supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the government, the symposium aims to address domestic abuse across the region and its root causes. Marshall argued that violence within the home and youth delinquency cannot be treated as isolated issues, stating that the link between dysfunctional families and criminal activity is ‘almost intuitive.’ He highlighted the government’s efforts to stabilize families through initiatives like the One Family Programme, which allocates significant public funds to support vulnerable households. Marshall warned that without addressing domestic violence, the cycle of crime will persist, as dysfunctional families often produce young individuals who gravitate toward gangs. He cited alarming cases of teenagers charged with serious crimes, including firearm homicides and robberies, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions. While the Criminal Justice Research Unit is investigating the issue, Marshall stressed that action cannot wait for studies to conclude. He framed domestic violence as a long-term societal challenge, emphasizing the need to reorient dysfunctional families to prevent future crime waves. Marshall concluded that failing to break the intergenerational transmission of violence will leave the country managing crime fallout rather than reducing it.

Attorney General Dale Marshall has called on Caribbean governments to take the landmark Tot Lampkin v Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago ruling as a critical warning. The 2024 judgment highlighted systemic failures in state responses to domestic violence, which led to the tragic death of Samantha Isaacs in 2017. Marshall emphasized this case during a two-day Regional Symposium to Advance State Responses on Domestic Violence, urging regional institutions to assess their own readiness to handle similar situations effectively. The case involved Samantha Isaacs, who was murdered by her former partner after years of escalating abuse. Despite her repeated reports of assault, death threats, stalking, harassment, and revenge pornography, police and judicial authorities failed to act, even with clear evidence of imminent danger. The Trinidadian High Court ruled in May 2024 that the State breached Samantha’s constitutional rights to life, equality before the law, and protection of the law. The court also found that the State violated the family-life rights of Samantha’s son and mother, establishing that governments have a constitutional duty to protect victims of gender-based violence when risks are known or should reasonably be known. Marshall stressed that the symposium, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and regional governments, aims to drive systemic changes to improve state responses to domestic violence. He highlighted the need for legislative and structural initiatives, drawing on successful practices from countries like Guyana, Trinidad, and Jamaica. Marshall acknowledged that even with reforms, states must remain vigilant in protecting victims and their families from ongoing abuse. Earlier this year, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey also called for stronger implementation of domestic violence policies, citing over 1,000 reported cases in the past two years.

The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) has officially moved all its headquarters operations, including the Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Unit, to the Cadogan, Mayers, Marshall (CMM) Emergency Services Complex. Located at Prince Road, Pine Plantation Road, St Michael, the new facility is now the central hub for BFS activities. Members of the public can access a range of services, such as fire coverage for events, building plan reviews for commercial properties, inspections, and burn permits. These services can be applied for either in person or electronically through the BFS website at https://fireservice.gov.bb/fees-schedule/. Additionally, payments for services can be made in person at the new headquarters or online via the government’s EZpay platform at https://ezpay.gov.bb/login. This relocation aims to enhance operational efficiency and provide better service to the community.

The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has issued a stark warning following a rat infestation at Deacons Primary School in St. Michael, which forced an abrupt closure on Monday. The incident has reignited calls for routine inspections and industrial-level deep cleaning across all public schools to ensure a safe learning environment. Parents were reportedly notified via WhatsApp messages around 10 a.m. to collect their children, though the reason for the early dismissal was not immediately disclosed. Later, officials from the Ministry of Health’s Vector Control Unit, the Ministry of Educational Transformation, and the BUT confirmed the closure was due to rodent sightings on campus. Julian Pierre, first vice-president of the BUT and head of its health and safety committee, revealed that the school had been grappling with environmental issues for over a week. Last week, concerns were raised about the school’s hall, prompting an inspection by the Vector Control Unit and the Ministry of Health. Industrial cleaning was subsequently conducted in the affected areas, but problems persisted. On Monday, another rodent sighting led teachers to evacuate students from the compromised area. Pierre emphasized that teachers have long been concerned about the general cleaning standards in public schools. He argued that schools should not wait for infestations or environmental incidents to justify deep cleaning, noting that while households undergo regular spring cleaning, schools often lack such proactive measures. He called for a structured maintenance regime, including scheduled inspections, regular cleaning, and water quality testing, in collaboration between the Ministries of Educational Transformation and Health. Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles confirmed that rodent droppings were identified at the school, prompting industrial cleaning. She assured that the school had been sanitized and would reopen on Tuesday. Pierre highlighted that rodent issues are not unique to Deacons Primary, urging a national focus on school hygiene and surrounding environments. He also stressed the importance of rodent-proofing measures, such as meshing and door sweeps, to prevent future infestations. The BUT has been advocating for systemic changes to ensure schools maintain a clean and safe environment for students and staff.