标签： Barbados

A 16-year-old resident of St. George is confronting serious legal consequences after being formally charged with multiple criminal offences involving firearms and endangerment. The accused, identified as Demario David Michael Williams from Eastlyne, St. George, was apprehended by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (South) in relation to incidents allegedly occurring on November 27, 2025.

The charges against Williams include the use of a firearm and four separate counts of endangering life involving individuals identified as Akiel Jackson, Sachin Etwaroo, Chad Bynoe, and Brandon Devonish. Additionally, he faces charges of criminal damage against properties belonging to Janelle Russell and Patel Puckerin.

The case is proceeding through the judicial system with Williams scheduled to make his appearance before the District ‘B’ Criminal Court. This development marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings surrounding the alleged November incidents, drawing attention to youth involvement with firearms and violent crime in the community.

Law enforcement authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the charges, particularly highlighting the multiple endangerment counts that suggest potentially widespread risk to public safety. The formal charges indicate that investigators have gathered sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution despite the youth of the accused.

The upcoming court appearance will determine the next steps in the judicial process for the teenager, whose case represents ongoing concerns about youth crime and firearm-related offenses in the region. The matter continues to be handled by specialized criminal investigation units within the police force.

In a powerful address during Barbados’ Independence and Republic Day ceremonies, Prime Minister Mia Mottley issued a compelling appeal for national unity in combating criminality, emphasizing that law enforcement alone cannot guarantee public safety. Speaking at the installation ceremony of President Lt Col the Most Hon Jeffrey Bostic at Kensington Oval, Mottley framed crime prevention as a collective obligation requiring fundamental changes in community attitudes and behaviors.

The Prime Minister’s urgent call follows a series of violent incidents that have unsettled the island nation, including Saturday’s fatal altercation claiming a 30-year-old St Philip resident and separate shooting injuries involving two juveniles. Mottley articulated that while police and judicial systems remain crucial, sustainable security demands deeper societal transformation.

‘Reclaiming our communities stands at the very core of addressing crime beyond mere law enforcement,’ Mottley asserted. ‘Building a safe and prosperous Barbados necessitates conscious decisions within households and neighborhoods alongside institutional efforts.’

The Prime Minister specifically cautioned against three detrimental practices: sheltering criminals, romanticizing violence through symbols or cultural expressions, and neglecting disengaged youth. Instead, she advocated for active intervention and opportunity creation for young people at risk.

Newly installed President Bostic reinforced this message through the launch of the Chapman Challenge, a national mentorship initiative drawing from his personal Bridgetown upbringing. This program urges adults to guide youth, particularly in opportunity-scarce communities, while challenging young Barbadians to transcend their circumstances.

‘This endeavor represents more than a formal program—it constitutes a national mobilization appeal,’ President Bostic declared. ‘We must ensure every child receives adequate guidance to evolve into exemplary citizens.’

Both leaders emphasized mentorship, community engagement, and positive role modeling as transformative mechanisms for social improvement. President Bostic concluded with diplomatic assurances that Barbados would maintain its principled international stance as ‘friends of all, satellites of none,’ while urging citizens to advance with ‘dignity, discipline, and quiet resolve.’

A 32-year-old resident of St. George is set to appear before the District ‘A’ Criminal Court this Tuesday to address a serious criminal charge. Chad Widmark Cox, whose residence is listed as Drax Hall Hope, stands formally accused of wounding another individual, Orvid Wilkinson. The alleged incident, which forms the basis of the charge, reportedly occurred on November 27, 2025. The court appearance marks a significant step in the judicial process, moving the case from investigation to formal legal proceedings. The specifics of the alleged wounding and the circumstances leading to the event have not been disclosed by authorities at this time. The outcome of Tuesday’s hearing will determine the subsequent course of the case, potentially setting dates for future hearings or a trial.

Barbados celebrated its most distinguished citizens during Sunday’s Independence and Republic Day Ceremonial Parade and National Awards Ceremony, where over seventy exceptional individuals received national recognition for their transformative contributions to Barbadian society and beyond. The prestigious Order of Freedom of Barbados—the nation’s highest honor—was conferred upon three exemplary figures whose lifetime achievements have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.

Cricket legend Joel Garner, Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge, and prominent financier-philanthropist Dr. Kurt Lambert stood among the honored recipients, each expressing profound humility and gratitude for the national recognition. Garner, reflecting on his iconic sporting career, paid heartfelt tribute to his support network: “We didn’t do it alone. They were with us in the trenches, bringing joy and happiness to people around us.” He credited his grandmother for keeping him grounded and emphasized steadfast dedication as the cornerstone of his success.

Dr. Greenidge, honored for his leadership in economic policy, dedicated the award to collective national effort, stating, “We couldn’t have gotten where we are without everyone, including Barbadians playing their part.” He revealed ambitious plans to modernize Barbados’ financial infrastructure, including the March 2026 launch of BIMPay—a transformative digital payment system.

Dr. Lambert, visibly moved by the recognition, recounted his journey from humble beginnings in Carrington Village to establishing a billion-dollar asset management firm in Zurich. His award acknowledged both his financial expertise and extensive philanthropic work across the African continent.

The ceremony also featured international recognition: Professor Benedict Oramah, former Chairman of Afreximbank, received an honorary Order of Freedom for strengthening trade and investment bridges between Barbados and Africa. He described the award as a symbolic “handshake across the Atlantic” and praised Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s leadership in building a united Global Africa coalition.

Child protection advocate Faith Marshall-Harris received the Order of the Republic for her justice reform work, emphasizing the significance of domestic recognition: “No matter what you do internationally, it’s great to be acknowledged at home.” She noted substantial improvements in Barbados’ court system and dedicated her award to the rights of young people.

The diverse group of honorees additionally included Attorney General Dale Marshall, Senator Reginald Farley, judicial pioneer Madam Justice Dr. Corlita Babb-Schaefer, Energy Minister Senator Lisa Cummins with her team, cultural icon Wendy Alleyne, and Reverend Wayne Kirton, collectively representing the finest achievements in Barbadian public service, culture, and humanitarian work.

In a significant recognition of female leadership in renewable energy, two Barbadian professionals have been distinguished as regional champions at the CARICOM Women in Sustainable Energy (WISE) Awards. The ceremony, held on November 28 in Georgetown, Guyana, formed a cornerstone of CARICOM Energy Month 2025 celebrations.

Gabrielle Gay, renowned entrepreneur and founder of The Erline Bradshaw Foundation, received the 2024 Social Impact, Community and Advocacy award. Her foundation’s pioneering work in sustainable energy education has empowered numerous communities across the Caribbean through knowledge dissemination and capacity building initiatives.

Charmaine Gill-Evans, a sustainable energy specialist at the Caribbean Development Bank, was honored in the Business, Entrepreneurship and Finance category. Her strategic approach to innovation and investment mechanisms has substantially strengthened the region’s energy resilience and advanced renewable infrastructure development.

The awards ceremony highlighted eight exceptional women recipients spanning both 2024 and 2025, alongside the Sustainable Energy Youth Awards which recognize emerging innovators in the sector.

Ambassador David Prendergast, Director of Sectoral Programmes at the CARICOM Secretariat, praised the awardees for their transformative leadership in advancing the region’s equitable energy transition. He emphasized that meaningful progress in clean energy must actively incorporate the contributions of women and youth, whose participation fundamentally enhances innovation and project sustainability.

Dr. Neibert Blair, representing the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ, underscored the human-centered nature of energy transformation. She noted that women and youth continue to play pivotal roles across climate action spheres—from community adaptation and research advancement to policy influence and mentoring future energy leaders.

The streets of Bridgetown transformed into a vibrant sea of blue, gold, and black on Sunday as Barbados celebrated a historic trifecta: its Independence Day, Republic Day, and the inauguration of its second president. The capital city buzzed with an electric atmosphere as citizens and returning nationals secured vantage points along the parade route, creating a tapestry of national pride and communal joy.

From early morning, families adorned in national colors perched on sidewalks and walls, sharing stories across generations while eagerly awaiting the procession. The event held profound significance for many, including Jared Daniel, who expressed his elation at returning home after two years abroad. ‘It feels good to be back home to watch the Independence parade,’ he remarked, his gaze fixed down the road in anticipation.

The celebration represented more than just ceremonial pageantry—it marked a deepening of Barbados’s republican journey following its transition from a constitutional monarchy. For attendees like Ryan ‘Dunksman’ Best, whose broad grin became a familiar sight along the route, the day embodied national identity. ‘Everyone who knows me knows I love Independence,’ he declared. ‘It gets even better when you see the parade coming out and the people lining the streets in all their colours.’

The convergence of constitutional milestone and cultural celebration created an extraordinary experience for spectators. Nathaniel Kinch captured the collective sentiment: ‘The parade was very nice, and the installation of the president was just another thing added on to it. Very enjoyable.’

Community organizations formed the backbone of the celebrations, with church groups and uniformed organizations filling the sidewalks. Jillian Tull hurried to secure a viewing spot, explaining her dual motivation: ‘I was really excited for Jeffrey Bostic being our president. And I’m here to support the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinder Band… but not just them, all the young people who’re marching.’

Youth participation proved particularly noteworthy, with young spectators like Azariah Best expressing excitement for the 59th anniversary celebrations. The parade itself featured an impressive display of national institutions, including the Barbados Coast Guard, Police Service, Cadet Corps, Defence Force, and various youth organizations, all marching in precise formation.

As the procession reached its climax at National Heroes Square, spectators elevated children onto shoulders and raised phones to capture the historic moment. The Barbados Landship’s arrival triggered a final wave of cheers, rolling proudly into formation before the Prime Minister and dignitaries, symbolizing the nation’s enduring spirit and progressive journey.

In a powerful inaugural address marking Barbados’ 59th Independence Day, newly installed President Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic unveiled a transformative national initiative aimed at uplifting the nation’s youth. The ceremony at Kensington Oval witnessed the formal transition of power from former President Dame Sandra Mason to President Bostic, who immediately set forth his vision for national development through youth empowerment.

President Bostic introduced the Chapman Challenge—named after the community where he was raised—as a dual call to action. The initiative challenges every adult Barbadian to actively guide a child while simultaneously urging young citizens to transcend their circumstances through ambition and determination. Drawing from his personal mantra ‘no retreat, no surrender’ that guided his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic as Health Minister, Bostic redirected this battle cry toward youth development.

The program will be community-centered, operating within local parishes where support is most critically needed. President Bostic emphasized that parish councillors, village leaders, and community institutions will identify and support ‘challengers’—young people ready to rise above their limitations. The President called for an ‘army of anchors’ comprising experienced citizens, faith-based organizations, and cultural groups to provide essential mentorship.

Reflecting on his humble beginnings in Chapman Lane, Bostic stated, ‘It showed me that we are stronger together, that we rise and fall as one.’ His personal narrative underscored the program’s foundation in community solidarity and collective advancement.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who also addressed the gathering, endorsed the initiative while urging Barbadians to reconnect with their patriotic spirit. She described President Bostic as ‘the embodiment of national duty and resilience’ and expressed confidence that this renewed community focus could make Barbados ‘truly world-class by 2030.’

The ceremony, attended by international dignitaries including King Abdullah II of Jordan and several Caribbean leaders, blended military precision with cultural performances, symbolizing both Barbados’ independence and its continued evolution as a republic.