标签： Barbados

Residents in the northern parishes of St Lucy and St Peter in Barbados have been grappling with a persistent and alarming issue: brown, rusty water flowing from their taps. This problem, which has plagued communities like Collins in St Peter for over a decade, has become a distressing part of daily life for many. Despite the presence of permanent water tanks provided by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), the situation remains unresolved, leaving residents to rely on these tanks for their basic needs. Raheem Hurley, a resident of Collins, shared his experience of carrying water for his household and elderly neighbors, a routine he has grown accustomed to over the years. While the water quality has slightly improved, it still carries a noticeable brown hue and a distinct rusty taste, making it unsuitable for drinking or even brushing teeth. Another resident lamented that the issue has persisted since his son was born ten years ago, forcing the family to use bottled water for cooking and cleaning. The problem extends to Six Mens in St Peter, where residents have reported brown water in their pipes, particularly in the early morning hours. This issue emerged after their water source was switched from Speightstown to St Lucy. Although authorities have promised a resolution by next year, skepticism remains high among residents who have endured years of substandard water quality. The lack of direct intervention from BWA officials or government representatives has only added to their frustration, with only a local political candidate addressing their concerns. As the brown water crisis continues to affect multiple communities across Barbados, residents are left hoping for a swift and effective solution.

In response to alarming police data revealing a surge in serious youth-related crimes, social workers, counselors, and psychologists in Barbados are being urged to intensify their efforts to deter young people from criminal and antisocial behaviors. The call to action came during the closing ceremony of a two-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) training program, organized by the Ministry of Educational Transformation and the MultiCare Youth Foundation. Held at Pelican House, the event highlighted the critical role of mental health professionals in addressing the growing crisis.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has issued a notice to residents and businesses in St George regarding a scheduled meter installation in Dash Valley. The installation is set to take place on Monday, October 27, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. During this period, areas along Highway 5 (west of Dash Valley Road), Hanson Heights, Monroe Road, and nearby districts may experience reduced water pressure or temporary water outages. The BWA has advised customers to store sufficient water supplies to mitigate any disruptions. The authority has extended its apologies for any inconvenience caused by the necessary maintenance work. This initiative is part of the BWA’s ongoing efforts to improve water management and service delivery in the region.

The Barbados Police Service (BPS) is taking a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability, as Acting Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce recently endorsed independent investigations into complaints against law enforcement officers. His remarks, made during a press briefing, underscore a progressive shift in the BPS’s approach to modern policing, where external scrutiny is seen as vital for maintaining public trust.

Barbados is rallying its citizens and global partners to confront the escalating climate crisis with a robust $11.5 billion investment plan aimed at building resilience and ensuring sustainable development. Senator Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized the urgency of collective action during her address at the Climate Finance for Action Empowerment Partnership workshop held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Senator Munro-Knight underscored the immediacy of the climate threat, describing it as ‘too urgent, too present, too real, almost too tomorrow.’ She stressed that Barbados, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), cannot afford to retreat from the challenge. ‘This is not one the government can do alone,’ she asserted. ‘It requires consensus, innovation, and partnerships to face this crisis head-on.’

The minister highlighted the difficult choices Barbados must make, balancing climate resilience with maintaining essential services like education, housing, and water. She pointed to the country’s strategic initiatives, including the Roofs to Reefs Programme, which links environmental protection from rooftops to reefs, and the Blue Green Development Bank, designed to attract private capital for climate-resilient investments.

Barbados has also implemented innovative financial mechanisms, such as climate budget tagging to track public spending on climate action and amendments to the Procurement Act to ensure sustainable government spending. Additionally, the country’s debt conversion programme has freed up nearly $50 million for a sustainability fund supporting projects across government, private sector, and civil society.

Despite global economic uncertainty, Senator Munro-Knight insisted there can be no retreat from Barbados’ climate commitments. ‘We must continue to think innovatively about how we crowd in and press finance and international agencies for a widening of space,’ she said.

Ricardo Marshall, Director of the Roofs to Reefs Programme, echoed the call for reform, criticizing the global financial system for disadvantaging small island states. He lamented the insufficient financing available for disaster-stricken nations, citing the inadequacy of the COP30 loss and damage fund. Marshall emphasized the need for science-driven policies and innovative financing strategies to build a more resilient Barbados.

Both leaders urged national and international stakeholders to unite in addressing the climate crisis, emphasizing that Barbados’ survival depends on decisive, collective action.

A recent study conducted by Professor Dwayne Devonish of the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill has revealed that Barbados is not yet fully prepared to implement its newly enacted Child Justice Act. Despite significant progress in developing a child-centred justice system, the country faces substantial hurdles in operational readiness. The report, exclusively obtained by Barbados TODAY, highlights that resource limitations, infrastructural deficiencies, and insufficient institutional coordination are major barriers to the Act’s full implementation. The research evaluated operational capacity, legal clarity, and organisational preparedness within the child protection and justice sectors. While the law’s intent—focusing on rehabilitation, diversion, and safeguarding children’s rights—aligns with international standards, the necessary support systems and resources lag behind. Key challenges include inadequate staffing levels, insufficient child-friendly facilities for interviews and rehabilitation, and weak information-sharing systems. To address these issues, the study proposes the establishment of a Child Justice Steering Committee to oversee national coordination and progress. Additionally, it recommends regulatory clarifications, targeted recruitment and training, and investment in suitable infrastructure. The report also advocates for a shared electronic information system to enhance data exchange and case monitoring. Strengthening inter-agency protocols and public awareness campaigns are further emphasized to ensure the Act’s success. While Barbados has laid a strong legislative foundation, the study underscores the need for enhanced implementation infrastructure, capacity building, and leadership. A structured monitoring and evaluation framework, coupled with dedicated funding, is essential to transform the nation’s approach to youth justice, prioritizing rehabilitation and child protection.

The Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) has issued a stark warning about the escalating animal health risks faced by livestock and poultry farmers, emphasizing the urgent need for a veterinary laboratory to provide essential diagnostic support. Speaking at a press briefing held at BAS headquarters in Beckles Hill, Chief Executive Officer James Paul underscored the critical role such a facility would play in ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector. “A modern and developed poultry industry cannot thrive without access to laboratory facilities,” Paul asserted. He highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment for farm-related issues, stating, “These facilities are indispensable for correctly identifying problems and developing effective solutions.” Paul also pointed out that farm challenges extend beyond feed and bird suppliers, encompassing environmental conditions, management practices, and stress levels. “We must prioritize the establishment of veterinary laboratories to safeguard the viability of our poultry and livestock sectors,” he added. Currently, Barbados lacks private laboratories equipped to deliver comprehensive animal diagnoses. Paul stressed the necessity of specialized equipment to address threats like diseases and viruses effectively. “Without proper facilities, we risk being unable to respond to critical health issues,” he warned. Farmers currently rely on visual assessments, which Paul described as inadequate. “We need to move beyond what we can see and focus on what we cannot. This is where a well-equipped lab and a skilled pathologist come into play,” he explained. Paul revealed that such facilities existed in the past and that BAS is collaborating with the government to restore them. However, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Mark Trotman declined to comment on the proposal.