The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory identified 518 new COVID-19 cases, 227 males and 291 males, from the 1,555 tests conducted on Friday, April 29.

Of the positive cases, 103 persons were under age 18, while 415 were 18 years and older.

There were 107 persons in isolation facilities, and 4,123 were in home isolation.

Two males, a 72-year-old, who was fully vaccinated, and a 79-year-old, who was unvaccinated, died from the viral illness.  As at April 29, there were 394 deaths.

The public health laboratory has carried out 649,047 tests since February 2020, and recorded 70,080 cases – 32,191 males and 37,889 females.

Under the National Vaccination Programme for COVID-19, the total number of persons with at least one dose is 161,727 (70.8 per cent of the eligible population).  The total number of fully vaccinated persons is 151,962 (56.1 per cent of the total population or 66.5 per cent of the eligible population).  The eligible population represents those persons who are 12 years and older.

The post COVID-19 UPDATE: 518 new cases appeared first on Barbados Today.

Three more Barbadians have died from COVID-19.

On Friday, April 29, a fully vaccinated 72-year-old male, and an unvaccinated 79-year-old male passed away.

Today, Saturday, April 30, a 55-year-old female succumbed to the viral illness.  She was fully vaccinated.

Their deaths bring the number of casualties from the virus to 395.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has extended condolences to the loved ones of the deceased.

The post Three more COVID-19 deaths recorded appeared first on Barbados Today.

Wider job opportunities and career exploration should be seen as key areas in tackling the high levels of crime amongst the island’s youth, a senior police officer said Saturday.

Inspector Roland Cobbler made the observation as he spoke at the closing ceremony of this year’s installment of the ‘Project Youth Elevate Scheme’ at the Police Boys and Girls Club in Bay Street.

The project, which is organized by Barbados Police Service (BPS) in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Barbados, first started in 2020 as a way to better mentor young citizens in the best practices of conflict resolution and soft skills needed for the world of work.

Inspector Cobbler, who is the liaison to the project on behalf of the BPS, says on-the-job experience plays an important role in developing discipline among young people.

“In my mind, this was an important aspect of your programme, since creating the opportunity for career exploration gives children a greater exposure to the working world they would become part of in the future. Your experience in meeting the various career professionals during the programme and having dialogue with them should assist you in connecting the dots between school and career, in a way that should keep you motivated to give your best at school at all times, so that you can graduate with the knowledge and skills that you need for the future,” he said.

He said with levels of violence and delinquency still uncomfortably high on the island, programmes such as this are needed in order to safeguard the future leaders of the island.

“This process of diversion provides the opportunity to intervene early before at-risk children and young people begin offending. By diverting young people away from crime, and facilitating their rehabilitation, young people are more likely to live full and productive lives, and communities will be safer.” (SB)

The post Cobbler: More jobs for youth will help reduce crime rate appeared first on Barbados Today.

A  panel has been appointed to conduct a full departmental inquiry into operations at the Government Industrial School (GIS), Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams announced Saturday.

The GIS Departmental Inquiry panel includes former Deputy Police Commissioner Oral Williams (Chair), educator Tessa Chadderton-Shaw and former Principal of Queen’s College Coreen Kennedy-Taitt, with the investigation slated to run for six weeks.

“I’ve decided to have a departmental inquiry into the operations at the Government Industrial Schools. A full departmental inquiry to address all of the issues that we know are on the table, to address the policies and practices at school, to address things like the curriculum, to address extracurricular activities, to address mentorship, to address all of the things that touch and concern these young ladies,” he said.

“This is not one of those investigations that go into perpetuity, there is a fixed time for dealing with this. This has to be given the priority and all of the resources that Government can put at this point in time to get to the bottom, in particular of the most recent allegations.”

Addressing the recent public outcry surrounding the incident where two teenage girls escaped from the St. Lucy reform school, Abrahams said that though much of the information circulating throughout the media and social spaces have not been accurate, the overall state at the facilities was a troubling one.

“The recent situation concerning the absconding of the young ladies from Barrows in St. Lucy has thrown up a lot of issues that bear immediate investigation and attention. Our initial investigation, surface investigations, into what informed or what may have caused the young ladies to take the approach that they took and even certain policies and procedures at the school have yielded some serious concerns for us that we cannot possibly ignore,” he said.

Abrahams also revealed that a secondary inquiry will also be conducted into the operations at the Dodd’s Prison, with Philip Pilgrim, Q.C., chairing the committee that will include former Youth Commissioner Dr. Lisa Jaggernauth and Senior Lecturer at UWI Cave Hill Dr. Akhentoolove Corbin.

Members of the public who currently have insight and information concerning operations at the facilities are being asked to share all relevant information with the committee. A telephone number and email address will be set up shortly for citizens to use.

In voicing his concern on the current GIS situation, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey said that though legislation is currently in the works to address a number of areas in the coming months, including child justice and laws governing the family, an immediate intervention was needed, given the outdated nature of procedures still seen in the youth facilities.

“In my opinion there is only one priority… the single priority is the wellbeing of the children that are involved in this situation. The question that I think that we have to ask and answer is what is in the best interest of these children,” he said.

“When we ask that question it will force us to look at the policies, the programmes, the legislation, the system, to take a step back and look at the overall procedures because at the end of the day we must do what we have to do to say that we have done all that we can do to be able to protect the children.” (SB)

The post Full departmental inquiry into operations at the GIS appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Immunisation Unit advises the public that COVID-19 vaccines will be available at Building No. 2, Harbour Industrial Park, St. Michael, today, Sunday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The post Vaccination schedule for Sunday, May 1 appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Blue Economy Division, of the Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification, has advised that all fish markets across Barbados will be closed on Monday, May 2, as part of the Labour Day celebrations.

This year, May Day, falls on Sunday, May 1, and the public holiday will be observed the following day.

The post Fish markets closed on Monday appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Barbados Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Tyrell Edwin Robinson, 33, alias ‘Squash’ who is wanted for questioning in connection with a serious criminal matter.

Robinson, whose last known addresses are Woodbourne, St Philip and Four Square Valley, St Philip, is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, dark complexion and with a slim build.

He has a tattoo of the cartoon character ‘Yosemite Sam’ on his right arm.

Robinson is advised that he can present himself to the District ‘B’ Police Station accompanied by an attorney-at-law of his choice.

Any person, who may know the whereabouts of Robinson is asked to contact the District ‘B’ Police Station at telephone number 437-4311/4775, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

Members of the public are also reminded that it is a serious offence to harbour or assist wanted persons; any person caught committing this offence can be prosecuted.

The post Wanted Man: Tyrell Edwin Robinson appeared first on Barbados Today.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded on Saturday, April 30, was 369 – 149 males and 220 females. The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory conducted 1, 241 tests.

The new cases consist of 63 persons under the age of 18, and 306 who were 18 years and older.

There are now 109 persons in isolation facilities and 3, 283 in home isolation. One death was recorded.

The public health laboratory has carried out 650, 288 tests since February last year and recorded 70, 449 cases (32, 340 males and 38, 109 females) of COVID-19. To date, 395 deaths have been recorded.

Under the National Vaccination Programme for COVID-19, the total number of persons with at least one dose is 161, 748 (70.8 per cent of the eligible population). The total number of persons who are full vaccinated is 151, 983 (56.1 per cent of the total population or 66.5 per cent of the eligible population). The eligible population represents those persons who are 12 years and older.

The post COVID-19 UPDATE: 369 new cases appeared first on Barbados Today.

COVID-19 vaccines will be administered at various polyclinics and sites from Monday, May 2 to Sunday, May 8. The venues and times are listed below.

Monday, May 2

Mobile Unit:

• National Botanical Gardens, Waterford, St. Michael – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3

• Branford Taitt Polyclinic, Black Rock, St. Michael – 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Building No.2, Harbour Industrial Park, St. Michael – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Glebe Polyclinic, The Glebe, St. George – 1 to 3 p.m.
• Winston Scott Polyclinic, Jemmotts Lane, St. Michael – 1 to 3 p.m.
• Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic, Wildey, St. Michael – 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• Eunice Gibson Polyclinic, Warrens, St. Michael – 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 4

• Branford Taitt Polyclinic, Black Rock, St. Michael – 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Glebe Polyclinic, The Glebe, St. George – 1 to 3 p.m.
• St. Philip Polyclinic, Six Roads, St. Philip – 1 to 3 p.m.
• Winston Scott Polyclinic, Jemmotts Lane, St. Michael – 1 to 3 p.m.
• Eunice Gibson Polyclinic, Warrens, St. Michael – 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Maurice Byer Polyclinic, Station Hill, St. Peter – 1 to 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 5

• Branford Taitt Polyclinic, Black Rock, St. Michael – 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Building No.2, Harbour Industrial Park, St. Michael – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Glebe Polyclinic, The Glebe, St. George – 1 to 3 p.m.
• Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic, Wildey, St. Michael – 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Friday, May 6

• David Thompson Health and Social Services Complex, Glebe Land, St. John – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Branford Taitt Polyclinic, Black Rock, St. Michael – 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Christ Church Parish Church Hall, Church Hill, Christ Church – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Building No.2, Harbour Industrial Park, St. Michael – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Glebe Polyclinic, The Glebe, St. George – 1 to 3 p.m.
• Maurice Byer Polyclinic, Station Hill, St. Peter – 1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 7

No sites will be operating.

Sunday, May 8

• Building No. 2, Harbour Industrial Park, St. Michael – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Pfizer, Sinopharm and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available at the polyclinics and vaccination centres at the scheduled times only. Students 12 to 18 years may visit any of the locations listed to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Persons who wish to receive their first dose are advised to walk with their identification card.  Those eligible for second doses should also travel with their blue vaccination card.

Booster shots for the Pfizer and Sinopharm vaccines will also be available for eligible persons who had their second injection six months ago or longer. Students 12 years and older are now eligible for the Pfizer booster.

Persons receiving the booster may present either their blue vaccination card or vaccination certificate and valid photo identification. Those who were fully vaccinated overseas must also provide their vaccination cards and valid photo identification (passport or identification card).

The post Vaccination schedule for May 2 to 8 appeared first on Barbados Today.

By Kimberley Cummins

University Lecturer Dr Ronnie Yearwood is the new President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP)

He was elected at today’s  Extraordinary Conference held at the party’s George Street, Belleville, St Michael headquarters.

Yearwood captured 273 votes compared to the 205 secured by former government minister Dr David Estwick.

( more details as they come to hand.)  (KC)

The post Dr Ronnie Yearwood elected new DLP president appeared first on Barbados Today.

There was no shortage of praise for the immediate past leader of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Verla DePeiza as a large number of party faithful prepared to elect a new leader.

Depeiza appeared moved as she entered the auditorium of the party’s George Street, Belleville, St Michael headquarters today and was greeted by a small applause. Shortly after, that applause erupted to loud cheers and a standing ovation in her honour for about 60 seconds. This came on the heels of tributes from retired principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus Professor Eudine Barriteau and Economist Carlos Forte.

Earlier this year at the January polls, DePeiza was defeated when the DLP failed to retain a single seat in Parliament. She resigned as DLP leader less than 48 hours later.

“Thank you Miss DePeiza,” Professor Barriteau said.

“Between August 2018 and January 2022 Ms. DePeiza demonstrated guts, gumption and sheer grit when she led the Democratic Labour Party through one of its most difficult periods internally and nationally. Ms. DePeiza did not allow the enormity of the challenges facing her and the DLP to deter her. And as many others who have assumed political leadership, and periods of unavoidable institutional transformation, the work she has undertaken has paved the way for the DLP’s inescapable required rebuilding. As I observed Ms. DePeiza during that period I often remarked that she embodied the profile of a brave, courageous and undaunted Barbadian woman.

“Yet, it was not enough. It is nevertheless exemplary and I applaud Ms. DePeiza and I thank her for demonstrating to Barbados what it means to offer service even when the conditions were obviously very trying and the various outcomes politically unfavorable,” Barriteau added.

Likewise, Forte recognised the attorney-at-law’s strength and fearlessness when she stepped up to lead the party in the wake of its crushing defeat in the 2018 General Election and, according to him, with a lack of support from veteran politicians in the 67-year-old political party.

Forte said: “She inherited a tall order, stepped up to the plate and with grit and determination set about rebuilding the DLP in its darkest years. Ultimately, she did not succeed in making Parliamentary gains but in three short years under her leadership the DLP gained a five per cent swing away from the government. She did so by holding the Mottley Administration’s feet to the fire, appointing a shadow cabinet and presenting a full slate of candidates and running a credible general election campaign with minimal financial support.” (KC)

The post Praises for Verla appeared first on Barbados Today.

Barbadian consumers will be paying more for petroleum products, effective midnight, Sunday, May 1.

The price of gasoline will be $4.38 a litre, an increase of 25 cents.  Diesel will cost $4.03, and kerosene, $2.40, an increase of 58 cents, and 29 cents, respectively.

Meanwhile, the adjusted price of the LPG 100-lb cylinder will be $176.58.  The 25-pound cylinder will retail at $49.25; the 22-pound cylinder, $43.50, and the 20-pound cylinder, $39.55. These changes are in keeping with the retail prices of these products on the international market.

Government announced the capping of the Value Added Tax on gasoline and diesel in this year’s Budget and Financial Proposal, in an effort to protect consumers from the full increase of refined petroleum products. However, in light of increasing oil prices internationally, the prices had to be adjusted upward for May.

The post Petroleum prices increase for May appeared first on Barbados Today.

Come home!

That was the message that newly elected president of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Dr. Ronnie Yearwood sent to members and supporters of the party.

This evening the university lecturer defeated veteran politician Dr. David Estwick by 68 votes (273-205) to assume leadership of the 67-year-old party. Card-carrying members trickled into the George Street, St. Michael headquarters throughout the day until the polls closed at 5 p.m. to elect their new leader.

The election of a president is usually done during the party’s annual general conference held in August but this unusual occurrence was as a result of the resignation of Verla DePeiza in the wake of her 30-0 defeat to the Mia Mottley- led Barbados Labour Party (BLP) in the January 19 General Election.

The announcement of Yearwood’s victory caused an eruption of cheers from party faithful. Thanking them for placing their confidence in him, the educator maintained that the first task of the DLP with him at the helm was to unify the party and welcome all Barbadians into the fold.

“… To signal to Barbadians, members and supporters that this party calls you to arms, calls you home …  I want you to come home. During the recent General Election campaign, I talked about this party as a big tent, I talked about the fact that better days are ahead of us and we can all walk in the sun together and I invite you into this tent. I want you to feel part of this family and anyone hearing my voice knows that this is one Democratic Labour Party family and that we are ready and we are preparing ourselves to serve you,” he said.

Yearwood noted that in the coming months the party will be rolling out a suite of programmes and policies, which he did not name, and begin to talk to and listen to the public. Adding that there is much work to be done, he signaled his readiness.

“I am encouraged by the membership here, I am encouraged by the words of kindness that I’ve gotten from all Barbadians and hopefully we can all practise a kinder, gentler politics — a new politics. A politics which includes people, includes everyone. You hear their voices and it doesn’t matter where you’re from, it doesn’t matter who you are, what your last name is, this party has a place for you. This party has a seat for you. You have room at the table in the Democratic Labour Party. We are one family and I encourage you to join and share with us as we move forward to build this country,” he said.

Earlier during the conference, via video stream Barbadian-born Economist Carlos Forte cautioned that the DLP’s reconstruction cannot be dependent on one person but rather a team that is competent, steadfast, loyal and ready to govern with love of country and party. According to Forte, it will require a team that works together, supports the party leader while holding him or her accountable to the highest standard of leadership, integrity, humility, compassion, resolve, love of country, love of party.

On the topic of support for the new leadership, Forte told members to either give him their support or “stay out of his way”.

“The DLP is a democratic institution and it should behave as such. If it is to reclaim its heritage as a formidable political institution the DLP must aspire to be exemplary in office and out of office. Do not undermine your new president with political machinations and do not allow narrow personal ambitions to damage your party, or derail the national agenda to make Barbados an excellent place to live, work, play and raise a family. Push him to be better, hold him accountable within the bosom of the party, do not criticize him publicly. If a challenger emerges, let him or her bid for the leadership at the ballot box,” Forte suggested.

Moreover, he also went on to advise the party on what needs to be done in order not to repeat the defeats of 2018 and 2022. Among his recommendations was the laying out of a vision for the party and country that ignites the base, expands the DLP tent and unifies every stratum of party and country towards a prosperous, socially inclusive, civic minded Barbados.

“To achieve this, the DLP cannot afford to pretend that 2018 and 2022 did not happen, the DLP and its leadership cannot afford to sweep the failings of its last two administrations of government under the carpet. Equally, I must hasten to point out, it can neither afford to cower in the face of ridicule or lie down and die. Do not be distracted by your detractors, or allow the BLP and its operatives to frame the political narrative and set your agenda. You should also avoid the temptation of framing your efforts as rebuilding, rather you should see your task ahead on building on the progress of your forebearers including the work that was done by Verla DePeiza and her team in the three and a half years that followed the unprecedented red wash in 2018,” Forte added. (KC).

The post Yearwood appeals to DLP members, supporters to ‘come home’ appeared first on Barbados Today.

Barbados and South Korea may be working in partnership on a range of issues in the future.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley expressed this hope recently, when South Korea’s Ambassador to Barbados Oh Dong-il paid her a courtesy call, at Parliament.

Mottley told the Ambassador that Barbados greatly admires South Korea, especially the way it has used technology and framed it to become a global leader. She identified climate, technology and life sciences as critical areas Barbados needs to build out.

“The pandemic floored us in a way it should not have and we must look seriously at the area of life sciences,” she suggested.

The Prime Minister added that Barbados valued South Korea’s partnership, and she was keen on seeing both countries deepen their relations. She explained that Barbados had been strengthening its relationships with several countries, and stressed that this would continue during a second wave of diplomatic engagements.

During the talks, she highlighted the Green Climate Fund and the “excellent work” it has been doing. The Green Climate Fund, which is based in South Korea, was created to support the efforts of developing countries in responding to the challenge of climate change.

Mottley also thanked the Government of South Korea for its invaluable assistance over the years.

Ambassador Oh lauded the Prime Minister for her “powerful speech” at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), at Glasgow, saying it captured the world’s attention. He also commended her for receiving the UN’s highest environmental honour – Champions of the Earth Award – saying she “deserved” it.

He said South Korea would be hosting the XV World Forestry Congress from May 2 to 6, where the participants would consider the state and future of the world forestry.

Those attending the courtesy call included Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Alies Jordan; Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, and Second Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Trinidad and Tobago, Jinwoo Jung.

Barbados established diplomatic relations with South Korea on November 15, 1977.(BGIS)

The post Prime Minister Mottley and South Korea’s Ambassador meet appeared first on Barbados Today.

The deaths from COVID-19 have risen to 398 after three elderly people succumbed to the viral illness on Sunday, May 1.

The deceased are all males aged 74, 92, and 93. The 74-year-old was vaccinated, while the others were unvaccinated.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has extended condolences to their loved ones. (BGIS)

The post Three more COVID-19 deaths recorded appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised that second boosters for COVID-19 are now available for adults aged 50 and older, as well as for immunocompromised persons.

Those who are eligible must have had their first booster dose four months ago or longer. (BGIS)

The post Second boosters for COVID-19 available appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Portvale sugar factory will start receiving sugar cane from tomorrow.

This was revealed by chief executive officer of the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC) Orlando Atherley, who said he did not expect the mechanical issues which brought harvesting and milling to a halt would have a significant impact on production.

Work at the island’s lone sugar factory came to a grinding halt early last month after one of its boilers stopped working.

During a press conference this morning at the St James sugar factory, Atherley said the damaged boiler had been fixed and they were set to resume accepting cane from Tuesday.

“The boiler issue we had has been fixed. Certainly there will be no more issues with the boiler for the crop. The ground came last week and if there are any takeaways it is that we had a lot more efficiency. We ground from Sunday back down to Saturday and the only reason we stopped was because of the rains. You would appreciate that if you get 12 inches of rain in some cases then you can’t harvest cane because obviously you would be bringing mud into the factory, so that issue has been fixed,” Atherley said.

“ . . . All things being equal, no additional rain over the course of the day, once our farm management can confirm that the grounds are good for harvest we should start receiving canes tomorrow [Tuesday] and then once my factory managers let me know when it is time to start grinding I will be guided by them, but all things being equal I believe by Wednesday we should be up and running.”

Atherley said he did not expect the mechanical issues to negatively impact the sugar harvest.

“The good thing is that even though we started a week late up to today’s date we have received and ground 33 000 tons of cane which is in line with where we anticipated to be. Where necessary we will make adjustments in terms of the harvest but we don’t expect to have any significant impact.

“Compare with year and year obviously we had a lot more challenges last year and we are anticipating that in about another eight weeks based on our projections and if cane is coming in on a weekly basis we anticipate we will certainly finish around that time,” Atherley pointed out. (RB)

The post Portvale to begin receiving canes appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) wishes to inform residents of St John today, Monday, May 2, that it is experiencing low reservoir levels at a facility in the parish which is in turn causing residents and businesses in some districts to be impacted by low water pressure or outages.

The affected areas may include: Ashbury, Bath Land, Carters Cheshire, Church View, Cliff Cottage, Clifton Hall, Coach Hill, Colleton, Colleton Gardens, Eastmont, Gall Hill, Glebe, Guinea Land, Haynes Hill, Martins Bay, Massiah Street, Moores Land, Newcastle, Pothouse, Rosegate, Sargeant Street, Sherbourne, Small Hope, Society,Spooner’s, Stewart Hill, Wakefield Tenantry, Welch Village, Zores Land, and surrounding areas.

Customers are advised to store some water to assist if possible.

However, the Authority will make every effort to help residents in these districts via tanker while the problem persists.

The BWA apologises for the inconvenience this service disruption today, May 2, may cause. (PR)

The post Low reservoir levels affect areas in St John appeared first on Barbados Today.

Years of contention between the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC) and the Sugar Industry Staff Association (SISA) have seemingly come to an end.

This morning the two entities signed a collective bargaining agreement during a press conference at the Portvale Sugar Factory, signaling their intentions to work closely together.

Back in 2019, the two sides were involved in a public spat following the decision by the BAMC to retrench several of its workers, including then president of SISA Edwin O’Neal.

And earlier this year, SISA president Dwight Miller threatened to take strike action over delayed pay negotiations by the state-run BAMC.

However, Chief Executive Officer of the BAMC Orlando Atherley said the two sides had since been able to reach a compromise on several issues.

He said the last collective bargaining agreement between the two sides had been signed 12 years ago.

“For us this is another important milestone as we move forward certainly with the industry transitioning as you would have heard the minister at some time reference. For us in management we’ve always believed that stakeholder relationships are key to the success of any organisation as we move forward and therefore we thought it necessary that we try to cement stakeholder relationship within the collective bargaining agreements that we want to have concluded.

“This morning certainly I know that these agreements themselves lend to good, stable working relationships with labour and it lends themselves to structures that allow us to resolve issues that we know historically has affected the industry as we come closer to the crop,” Atherley said.

Miller said although discussions had been “robust” he was relieved both sides had been able to find a middle ground.

“Indeed it has been over 12 years and to my mind today marks a great milestone that we can once again come and sign off on an agreement even though we would have had robust discussions on the various points.

“It’s good to have these documents in place so that we can always refer to them from a historical point of view and in terms of resolution of issues. But it is also good that there is a sense of security and relief from the labour point of view that there is a working document in place that we have to work with and there is not a haphazard nature to which we come to agreements and then we have to go back on things and check back, but that things are now documented and they have been brought up to date, Miller said.

“I. . . really think that this agreement to my mind speaks to the spirit of compromise between labour and management. I think definitely that to my mind that is what the agreement speaks to, a spirit of compromise where both of us have had to compromise on issues but we have respected each other’s positions in terms of coming to an agreement.”

Veteran trade unionist Cedric Murrell who acted as SISA’s industrial relations advisor said the agreement “creates a climate for parties to work together.”

He acknowledged that agreements had not been reached on all matters as discussions were still ongoing regarding paternity and retirement leave. (RB)

The post SISA and BAMC reach agreement appeared first on Barbados Today.

A total of 344 people, 148 males and 196 females, tested positive for COVID-19 from the 1,013 tests carried out on Sunday, May 1, by the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory.

The cases comprised 76 persons under the age of 18, and 268 who were 18 years and older.

The number of people in isolation facilities was 116, while 4,134 were in home isolation.

Three men, aged 74, 92 and 93 died from the virus on Sunday. The 74-year-old was vaccinated, while the others were unvaccinated. As at May 1, there were 398 COVID-19 related deaths.

The public health laboratory has conducted 651,301 tests since February 2020, and recorded 70,793 COVID-19 cases (32,488 males and 38,305 females).

Under the National Vaccination Programme for COVID-19, the total number of persons with at least one dose is 161,753 (70.8 per cent of the eligible population). The total number of fully vaccinated persons is 151,991 (56.1 per cent of the total population or 66.5 per cent of the eligible population). The eligible population represents those persons who are 12 years and older. (BGIS)

The post Barbados records 344 new COVID-19 cases appeared first on Barbados Today.