Damary Akeem Daquan Nurse, 18, of Briar Hall, Kendal Hill, Christ Church is set to appear before Magistrate Deidre McKenna in the Oistins Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

He is accused of the August 16 murder of Darian Ward and multiple offences that occurred between June and August.

These include:
Endangering Life – of Jomo Lewis on the 7th June, 2024
Unlawful Use of a Firearm – on the 7th June, 2024
Criminal Damage – Property belonging to Jomo Lewis on the 7th June, 2024
Criminal Damage – Property belonging to Marva Bynoe on the 21st July, 2024
Criminal Damage – Property belonging to Loretta Anthony on the 23rd July 2024
Endangering Life – of Shawn Sobers on the 9th August, 2024
Unlawful Use of a Firearm – on the 9th August, 2024
Endangering Life – of Levonte Williams on the 16th August, 2024
Unlawful Use of a Firearm – on the 16th August, 2024

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Motorists who wish to use Harbour View Road in the vicinity of the Harbour Industrial Park, St. Michael are advised that a team from the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) is in the area carrying out roadworks today, Thursday, September 5, 2024.

As a result, motorists should expect delays. Container trucks that need to access the Bridgetown Port may do so using University Row just off the Elsie Payne Roundabout.

MTW apologizes for any inconvenience caused and thanks motorists and businesses for their cooperation. (PR/MTW)

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The flash flood watch issued by the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) earlier today has been upgraded to a flash-flood warning for western districts.

The  BMS says intense shower activity will continue throughout the afternoon across various districts in the central and northern parishes of the island.

It noted that heavy showers have already resulted in flooding across portions of St Michael and St Thomas.

The forecasters say the activity is a result of light winds due to a trough system that is passing north of island and strong daytime heating

The flash flood warning will be terminated at 6 p.m., or sooner if conditions warrant.

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The contentious issue of chicken wing imports has once again been thrust into the spotlight by the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), which argues that the demand for the imported poultry products is artificially inflated to benefit a select few, whilst jeopardising the livelihoods of local farmers.

James Paul, the unapologetic CEO of BAS, delivered a strong critique in an interview with Barbados TODAY on Thursday, asserting that the promotion of imported chicken wings was detrimental to the nation’s agricultural sector and accused proponents of perpetuating a harmful falsehood.

“Some people are continuing to promote this lie that chicken wings are good for this country,” declared Paul. “Chicken wings are a contrived demand in this country, designed to benefit certain individuals, and they all know who. I want Barbadians, even those who claim to like chicken wings so much, to understand that they are not helping our local farmers by continuing to promote this lie.”

Paul emphasised that the importation of chicken wings disadvantaged local poultry producers and noted that other parts of the chicken were healthier and more beneficial. He highlighted the BAS’ efforts to support farmers, particularly smallholders, through marketing assistance and identifying markets for their produce.

“When we support the importation of so much chicken wings, this clearly is to the disadvantage of our local farmers. There are other parts of the chicken which are much more healthy,” he stressed.

The BAS chief executive also highlighted broader concerns about Barbados’ trade imbalance and reliance on imported foodstuffs. He advocated for increased focus on exports and import substitution, citing pumpkins and sweet potatoes as examples of crops that could be easily grown domestically.

“This should never be a case in this country where we actually import pumpkins. I am sorry for our Caribbean neighbours, but this generosity being given to our Caribbean neighbours to import products that we can easily produce in this country is inflicting pain on us here, because we have to use valuable foreign exchange to finance imports,” Paul lamented. “Does that make sense for a developing country like Barbados? It cannot.”

Paul questioned the country’s commitment to food security, suggesting that importing easily producible food items frustrates local farmers. He contended that local producers were capable of increasing their output and cited examples of potential growth in poultry, pork, milk, and various crops such as yams and tomatoes.

“These are crops that we can actually increase. One of the things we need to pay attention to is the necessity for research to enhance agricultural practices,” Paul said, expressing gratitude to Michelle Singh from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) for collaborating with local farmers.

The BAS CEO also revealed that the association was set to launch a social media campaign to advocate for the consumption of local produce, aiming to balance the market and support the island’s agricultural community.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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A shocking discovery in Christ Church has left sanitation officials fuming. On Thursday, a dead pig was found dumped in a public waste bin in Silver Sands, prompting a stern rebuke from the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA).

“Cut it out,” declared Carl Padmore, public relations officer for the SSA, in response to the incident. He described the situation as “quite disturbing” and “extremely disrespectful”.

The carcass was discovered after a concerned resident alerted the authorities. While smaller animals have become a common sight in bins, this marks a disturbing escalation, according to Padmore.

“We have seen things like chickens already, we would have seen things like animal faeces, but to see this here is extremely disturbing. It shows a lack of respect,” Padmore told Barbados TODAY. “This is the biggest of the animals we have seen thus far, and this is taking disgust to a very high level.”

The SSA spokesman emphasised that proper channels exist for the disposal of dead animals, including a dedicated SSA hotline and services provided by the Ministry of Health. The matter has been reported to both the police and health authorities, and Padmore hopes for swift action against the perpetrator.

“We are going to go all out to investigate this matter, and we are hoping that the guilty person can be dealt with,” he said. “Now, we are not the law, we are not the Ministry of Health, but we will do all in our power to provide them with the necessary information, and if there is a possibility of any type of action, the SSA will support that because this really has gone too far and we can’t tolerate this.”

This latest incident highlights an ongoing issue faced by sanitation workers. Padmore revealed that employees regularly complain about foul odours emanating from bins, suspecting animal remains. In some cases, even human waste has been discovered.

“The workers are annoyed and they have a right to be, when this type of action is happening,” Padmore said. “These are humans removing your waste, and they should be treated with a high level of respect.”

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Chief Operating Officer of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Dr Christina Grenidge is expecting major improvements at the healthcare institution as it prepares to welcome significant staffing enhancements aimed at boosting efficiency and improving patient care.

The strategic additions include the roles of patient safety officers, a service improvement manager, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists.

Greenidge detailed the transformative potential these roles are expected to bring to the hospital. Particularly, the introduction of nurse practitioners is seen as a pivotal move to enhance service delivery in critical areas such as outpatient clinics and emergency rooms.

“They can work in two very important areas of the hospital — outpatient clinics and the emergency room,” Greenidge told The Pulse radio shown earlier this week. She emphasised the need for clear guidelines on their scope of practice within Barbados, noting their established effectiveness in other health systems like in the United States, where they prescribe medications and manage patient care plans in collaboration with physicians.

“Nurse practitioners have made a difference in primary care, helping patients with chronic conditions live healthier lives. They will undoubtedly play an integral role here at QEH,” she stressed.

Moreover, the role of patient safety officers is highlighted as crucial in maintaining and elevating safety standards within the hospital. These specialists will be tasked with overseeing all aspects of patient safety, from monitoring wait times to ensuring compliance with medical care plans.

“Patient safety is at the core of quality healthcare management. These officers will play a key role in monitoring and ensuring adherence to safety protocols, which is vital for patient outcomes,” stated Greenidge, herself a certified patient safety officer.

This staffing overhaul is part of a broader initiative to address the pressing healthcare professional shortage that is not only a local but a global issue, affecting many countries including the United States and Canada. To this end, the Barbados government plans to create 142 new registered nurse positions over the next two years and is looking to recruit internationally, including from Ghana.

The comprehensive plan to reform the nation’s healthcare system was announced by Prime Minister Mia Mottley at a recent Barbados Labour Party meeting at the St Christopher School in Christ Church South.

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Prominent environmentalist Professor Robin Mahon has called for a serious reassessment of construction projects along the island’s coastlines in light of changing sea level patterns caused by climate change.

Mahon, an emeritus professor of marine affairs at the University of the West Indies and chairman of the executive group of The Land Conservancy Barbados (TLC), expressed concern over the continued approval of coastal developments despite the growing threat of damage from increasingly intense storms.

In a Barbados TODAY interview about the impact of Hurricane Beryl in July, which significantly damaged several coastal structures on the island’s West coast, Professor Mahon questioned the wisdom of building directly on the coast.

“One has to question the wisdom of continuing to build directly on the coast, just at the top of the beach,” he said.

The professor highlighted the potential short-term view of investors: “Of course that depends on an investor and an investor may look at a 30-year horizon for recovering all of their investment. In which case they don’t care if they are left with a partially underwater hotel.”

He called for greater attention to relocating developments, particularly in tourist accommodation, away from the fragile coastline and further inland.

“One set of views would be that they should be pulling back from the coast more than usual, and we should be encouraging hotels to build on the other side of the roads away from the sea, or even higher up,” he said.

Professor Mahon, a scholar in the fields of marine affairs, fisheries, and environmental studies, expressed concern that these issues are not being sufficiently addressed in current development plans.

“I don’t know that we are really in our development [phase], paying as much attention to those as we could or should be,” he added.

In addition to coastal development concerns, the long-time advocate for the protection of the Graeme Hall wetlands, raised alarm over the potential sale of the privately owned Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. Despite initial statements from Minister of the Environment Adrian Forde claiming unawareness of any sale plans, he noted a troubling lack of updates following public outcry earlier this year.

“Graeme Hall continues to be a problematic site,” Professor Mahon said, advocating for the entire area to fall under the control of an independent body. He explained that a management committee comprising government departments and NGOs agrees that Graeme Hall needs to be managed as a single wetland, despite its current split ownership.

The late Canadian philanthropist Peter Allard established the sanctuary in the late 1990s intending to protect the Graeme Hall Swamp, the island’s last remaining mangrove woodland, turning it into a popular tourist attraction until around 2006. A dispute between Allard and the government over uncontrolled pollution allegedly from the nearby sewage treatment plant, the swamp has been closed to the public since then.

The nature sanctuary covers 42 per cent of the swamp, an area of 12.87 square kilometres designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Professor Mahon urged unified management: “We really need to get hold of Mr Allard’s nature sanctuary and bring it into some kind of management arrangement.”

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb

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The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), grappling with the loss of two successive general secretaries, on Thursday paid tribute to former leader Joseph Goddard who died just weeks after his successor.

Goddard, who led the NUPW for three decades from 1977 to 2007, died on Wednesday, aged 82. Dennis Clarke, who succeeded Goddard as general secretary, died on August 1.

NUPW Deputy General Secretary Wayne Walrond remembered Goddard as a “visionary leader and an effective representative of workers”.

In a statement, Walrond highlighted Goddard’s significant achievements during his tenure, including “an agreement reached between the Government of Barbados and the NUPW on the processing of personal grievances, the introduction of a staff pension scheme in 1980, [and] the formation of a youth arm in 1980”.

Walrond also noted the establishment of the Public Workers Academy in 1985 under Goddard’s leadership.

“Goddard was a vigorous advocate for workers’ rights. He was well researched, and adopted a meticulous approach in being an effective representative of workers,” Walrond said. “Goddard is immortalised by the indelible contribution he has made to the labour movement, locally, regionally and internationally. He was indeed a veteran stalwart and a champion of [the] workers’ cause.”

Goddard was actively involved in the regional labour movement, serving as the general secretary of the Caribbean Public Services Association (CPSA) from 1982 to 1995 and as a trustee of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) since 1983. At home, his influence extended to the umbrella Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) where he was a board member.

The NUPW extended “sincerest condolences” to Goddard’s wife Nadine, his children Tanya and Bradley, and “the entire family circle and loved ones”.

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The minister for Town Planning has turned down a major land development proposal for Newton Plantation, marking a victory for nearby residents and a consumer advocate who had strongly opposed the project.

In a decision published in its digital registers (https://registers.townplanning.gov.bb/digital?q=newton) on August 12, the Planning and Development Department cited “the Minister” rejected the developers’ plans.

It listed five reasons for rejecting the plan to subdivide 12.2 acres of the historic plantation into a 58-lot housing development. Newton Plantation, one of the island’s first estates to grow sugar when it was introduced there in 1643, once comprised about 420 acres. It is home to the Newton Slave Burial Ground, a site of significant cultural and historical importance owned by the Barbados Museum and Historical Society which gave insights into the burial practices of enslaved people.

Under the Planning and Development Act of 2019, the minister responsible for Town Planning — the prime minister — retains sweeping powers to unilaterally earmark an area for development. But the law also provides for consultation before applying for planning permission. 

Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr William Duguid currently holds the portfolio for town planning matters. 

The proposed project sparked controversy in April when residents of neighbouring Bannatyne raised concerns about the development encroaching on the plantation’s land, which holds the burial ground. They launched a petition to stop the project, gathering all 56 signatures of Bannatyne residents in a bid to block the subdivision.

The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) also issued a strongly worded statement condemning the proposed development.

The Planning and Development Department outlined that the proposal conflicted with the growth management policies set out in the Physical Development Plan 2023. These policies, according to the ministry, aim to reduce urban sprawl, protect key assets, and ensure a more efficient use of infrastructure.

“The proposal conflicts with growth management policies in the approved Physical Development Plan 2023 which aim for less sprawl, for protection of core assets, and for more efficient use of infrastructure,” the rejection notice stated. 

It also stressed that there was “no need for further release of land for residential development in this part of the island”.

Among the reasons for refusal was the concern that approval could “increase the pressure for the release of agricultural land for non-agricultural development in this area”.

A further critical factor was the potential impact on the Newton Slave Burial Ground. The department’s statement highlighted that “the proposed residential development would adversely affect the setting of the Newton Enslaved Burial Site, which is a designated cultural heritage asset”.

Bannatyne residents expressed satisfaction with the outcome. They had raised concerns over the possible loss of arable land and the fate of the burial ground had the project gone ahead.

Residents told Barbados TODAY they were pleased with the decision as they were concerned about arable land being used for housing and what would be the fate of the burial site should the development go ahead.

The Newton Slave Burial Ground is the final resting place of Old Doll, also known as Doll, one of the most prominent enslaved people in Barbados during the 18th century. Historians said her life and experiences reflect the complex dynamics of slavery and midwifery on the plantation. Doll’s legacy is captured in A Kind of Right to be Idle: Old Doll, Matriarch of Newton Plantation by historian Professor Karl Watson, an exploration of her life and the relationships between enslaved individuals and their absentee White owners.

The residents’ complaint to town planners, which contained thorough mapping, highlighted that the area was flood-prone, making it unfit for a housing development.

They said: “The topography of the area encourages natural drainage from higher ground to catchment areas in the field eventually draining to aquifers. Such drainage would not be possible through paved roads, driveways, and the footprints of 58 houses hindering water collection in our now water-scarce island. Even without the tarmac and concrete that will come with a residential development, there are times when the field is unable to absorb the water. The overflow often makes the main road impassable. One would expect that with a residential development even more water will be forced onto the main road leading to worse flooding. I have included below a contour map showing the elevations and which identifies the field in question as being part of a flood plain . . . There is also concern that the water main currently serving 55 houses in Bannatyne will be unable to serve double the number of houses.”

Residents questioned why the housing project was not proposed for several large fields in the Newton/Bannatyne area that are overrun with bush but instead for productive lands that contributed to the aesthetics of the island and provided a “refreshing atmosphere”.

They said they feared that the project would transform an “oasis of greenery to another mass of concrete, roads and rooftops”.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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Despite supply setbacks leading into the back-to-school shopping season, City retailers have reported consistently strong sales as they prepare for a surge of last-minute shoppers this coming weekend.

Merchants who spoke to Barbados TODAY said economic difficulties have led some shoppers to adopt strategic buying. At Woolworths, Managing Director Martin Bryan said that while sales were brisk, certain items were selling out quickly.

“Parents have been coming in steadily. We have two more weekends to go, and the traffic has been increasing. We expect that things will get more brisk as the time gets closer. I would caution, however, that we are running out of some sizes in socks and uniforms, so the earlier the customers can come, the better for them,” Bryan said. 

He predicted a final rush during the last weekend before schools reopen a week on Monday.

Managing Director at Abed’s Eddie Abed.

Managing Director of Woolworth Martin Bryan.

Sales assistant at Brydens Harriet Browne.

Bryan also noted minor issues with stock due to delayed shipments. “Some of the fabrics came in a little late. Some of our ready-made uniforms for the girls, we have been getting piece by piece because of that, but about 80 per cent of the items needed we had.”

Eddie Abed, managing director of Abed’s, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting shipment delays caused by global logistical challenges.

Natasha White looking for uniforms for her grandson at Woolworth.

“We have had some late deliveries due to all the logistical problems in the world, but we are still well-stocked,” he said. “Typically, a shipment from China will take about 40 to 45 days; this year, it is taking about 60 to 75 days. It’s all because of the war, the demand in the United States, and logistically, a lot of the steamship companies want to make money, so they are not competing. They are ensuring their ships are filled before they sail.” 

Abed also noted that freight costs had increased.

“At the start of the year, a 40-foot container was running for about US$5 000 [$10 000], at the peak of this year, it was around US$12 000 [$24 000]. It is going back up because we are going into Christmas. But we at Abed’s took the decision that back-to-school needs to be as affordable as it can be for parents and those who want to assist, so we kept our prices in line.”

Shoppers looking for school supplies at Woolworth.

Abed reported that sales had been robust compared to previous years and anticipated a surge over the next two weekends. He also noted a rise in the number of families seeking assistance, with a 25 per cent increase in the number of children requiring support. “We are assisting about 1 100 children this year, which is almost a 25 per cent increase on last year. The level of need is unequalled in any other year that I’ve known.”

At Brydens, sales assistant Harriet Browne shared that, despite setbacks, sales have been good. She also anticipated a busy period leading up to the start of the school year.

“Sales are good, but they could have been better if we had all the books; the books came in late. The shipment came in late, probably because of the hurricane that passed. Also, sometimes when the representative goes to the school to get the book list, we have to wait on the teachers, and that can push us back sometimes. Some of the books we needed were also being reprinted, and that caused us some setbacks as well,” she told Barbados TODAY. 

Micah Holder (left) helping his brother Matteo select a school bag in Abed’s.

Despite this, Browne noted that the store had seen a “bumper crowd” on Saturdays.

Several shoppers spoke of the financial strain of back-to-school shopping and how they were adjusting to the economic climate. Dawn Holder, a mother of two, said she had to break up her purchases into phases.

“I have been buying things in pieces – buying books and supplies one time and buying uniforms another time,” Holder said while shopping at Abed’s. “I have been calling around at different stores and checking the prices, and even if the prices differ by $3 or $2, overall it makes a big difference.”

Customers at Abded’s at the haberdashery department.

Andrew Jones said he had only just begun shopping for his ten-year-old’s uniforms and supplies due to personal circumstances. “I was medically unfit, so my partner carried the bulk of the responsibility. She put money aside, and I waited until just before school starts because when the children are home, they eat a lot and can put on size. So I wanted to make sure that when I bought clothes, they fit well.”

Natasha White, who was shopping for her 14-year-old daughter and three-year-old grandson, said she had started saving for this year’s back-to-school shopping immediately after last year’s season ended.

“I started buying material in April to have uniforms custom-made,” she added.

Jenna Deane, a mother shopping for five children, explained that she had to buy “piece by piece” and focus only on essentials due to her current unemployment. 

“I will buy more as funds become available,” she said. 

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has signalled its commitment to a future-forward approach with the appointment of Greg Broomes, a leading expert in international development and finance, as its new operations manager.

The appointment of Broomes, a fellow chartered and certified accountant and project management professional, signals a move towards data-driven decision-making and youth engagement within the BHTA and the island’s vital tourism sector.  His remit will encompass overseeing the association’s strategic direction, including managing human resources, finance, ICT, and property, the BHTA said in a press release.

Speaking on his appointment, Broomes emphasised his focus on strategic growth and sustainability for both the BHTA and the wider tourism industry in Barbados. He outlined plans to streamline operations, optimise resource allocation, and ensure the delivery of high-quality services to members.

Data-driven decision-making will be another cornerstone of his tenure, as he aims to expand the BHTA’s role as a central data hub, building upon existing data collection efforts to inform insightful research and strategic planning.

“I envision expanding our secretariat’s role as a data hub for firm-level data critical to advancing the sector,” the new operations manager said. “Building on our existing data collection efforts in areas such as disaster preparedness and occupancy trends, we will leverage this information for insightful research and informed decision-making.”

Recognising the importance of nurturing future talent, Broomes highlighted his commitment to youth engagement within the industry. He envisions initiatives promoting career opportunities and educational programmes, cultivating a new generation of tourism leaders.

“By fostering the next generation of tourism leaders, we’re not just filling jobs; we’re securing the future of our industry,” he explained.

Broomes, who holds an MBA in financial management from the London School of Business and Finance, will also act as a key liaison with stakeholders. He will oversee the implementation of initiatives benefiting BHTA members and the industry, deputising for the CEO when needed.

BHTA CEO, Ryan Forde, warmly welcomed Broomes, highlighting his expertise and vision as crucial to the association’s future. He emphasised the need for cohesive operations between the BHTA, its members, and the public sector, stressing the tourism industry’s importance to Barbados.

Forde believes Broomes’s appointment, with his combined youth and experience, will usher in much-needed change and strengthen the BHTA’s advocacy efforts through data analysis and strategic partnerships. ““We will leverage and use his knowledge, skill set and experience as we aim to form stronger partnerships and activate stronger advocacy on behalf of our members and the industry from a data analysis and presentation perspective,” the CEO was quoted as saying in the BHTA release. “His youthfulness yet level of expertise is a plus and it helps shore up a lot of the much-needed changes at the BHTA.”

(BT/PR)

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Several principals at public primary and secondary schools across Barbados appear set to be reassigned ahead of the new academic year, which begins next week for teachers, Barbados TODAY has learned.

The Ministry of Education has not yet confirmed the details of the reassignments, prompting renewed calls from the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) for earlier notification to allow for better planning.

In the most high-profile move, Julia Beckles, the principal of Combermere School, is set to report for duty as acting Deputy Chief Education Officer on Monday. She gave notice of her new assignment in an email to colleagues.

BUT President Rudy Lovell said the reassignments, though not always affecting every principal, occur annually at the start of the school year.

“Yes, it is true,” Lovell told Barbados TODAY on Thursday. “It is a process that occurs annually; I am not saying that every year principals are reshuffled but it is a process that occurs at the beginning of the academic school year.

“The reasons for transfers are unknown to us and unknown to those persons who are moving on also, but this is nothing new.”

In 2023, 12 principals and 17 deputy principals were either assigned or reassigned shortly before the academic year began, with some being notified just a day before the start of term or on the same day.

At the time, the BUT, along with the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) and the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools (BAPPSS), raised concerns that the late reassignments caused disruption and confusion.

Lovell reiterated those concerns, calling on the Ministry of Education to give teachers more notice about transfers.

“For years, the BUT has questioned the late transfer of teachers across the school system, and it is happening again this year. We want to signal our disapproval for the late notification that teachers would have to relocate from one school to another,” he said.

Lovell highlighted the challenges faced by teachers who are given short notice of their reassignments, which he said could have significant personal implications.

“What this does is disrupt the lives of those persons who may have to take care of family members, have children to send to school. Some people may have had their children located close to the school that they are teaching at, now to be told that they are being moved to another school, which may be a distance away from that location. It may put them in a bind in terms of them having to look for alternative accommodation,” he explained. “Some people may have bought school clothes believing that they would be remaining at the school.”

The union president also expressed concern about the impact of last-minute changes on the effective management of schools, particularly for new principals.

“With the ministry, nothing is certain,” he said. “Everything appears to be last minute and they have to recognise that schools are institutions that need planning, structure, and organisation. The ministry would put a new principal at a school next week Monday and expect the school year to go smoothly.

“That principal would not have had the opportunity to plan properly, to do timetables. Essentially what they would be going on is what somebody else did before they came, and it may not be to their liking, which could become a problem across the system or at that particular school.”

Principal Beckles, who was reassigned to Combermere in 2022 after being at the helm of The Alleyne School, said in an email to colleagues: “I write to inform you that I will report for duty on Monday, September 9, at the Ministry of Education . . . as Deputy Chief Education Officer (ag).

“I thank you for your support over the two years that I have been the Principal of this noble institution. It has been truly an honour and a pleasure.”

”May Combermere forever continue up and on!” the email concluded.

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It is ironic that at a time when many western countries are seeking to reform their education systems, the teaching profession may be losing ground. In his text, The World Education Crisis, Philip Coombs notes that teachers are arguably one of the most important variables in determining the efficacy of any educational system. Barbados is apparently embarking on what could be the most comprehensive alterations in its educational structure since the Mitchinson reforms of the 1870s that established the basic structural framework on which it still functions.

There are many difficulties confronting the Barbadian efforts at educational reform, most of which remain unresolved. We were promised that some kind of blueprint would have been available to go before Parliament in January 2024 and that the reforms would somehow come into effect sometime in 2025. That clearly is no longer on the cards. Some of these unresolved issues relate to the structure of the school system, some to the cost of the reforms and some to staffing, the quantitative and qualitative availability of teachers. An article entitled Teaching Woes, published in The Economist of July 13, 2024, notes that, ‘teachers are increasingly morose, hanging on to the best of them is getting harder.’ The use of the word ‘morose’ is most interesting. Elsewhere in the article the teaching profession is described as ‘bedraggled.’

It must be obvious even to the most untutored that the ‘reimagined’ reforms will require a large complement of teachers and not just warm bodies before a classroom, but efficient educators. If, for example, we are planning to universalise nursery schooling and provide specialist teachers at the primary stage, (both of which are good ideas) that will require more trained teachers at not inconsiderable cost. Talinn, the capital of Estonia, apparently boasts a cadre of well trained bright teachers, but The Economist writer warns that the country faces ‘a formidable long-term challenge’ to the  teacher component.

More than half its teachers are over 50. Many will retire in the next 10 years and the country is finding it difficult to recruit and retain younger persons to replace them. This pattern is being replicated in many western countries. One of three new teachers quit the profession within three years and roughly half in five years. In 2023 the national chamber of commerce in Estonia lamented that only 13 physics teachers had been trained in ten years. In Europe as a whole, 38 out of 43 education systems reported staffing problems of one kind or another. In England, the government missed its targets for the recruitment into teacher-training courses for most of the last decade. The teacher shortage is most acutely felt in disciplines such as maths, the sciences and computer technologies, precisely those areas that countries need to stress in their efforts to reform education to meet the needs of the future.

In Barbados, where everything is opaque, or to use the late Frances Chandler words, ‘hidden in the shadows,’ it is difficult to know the state of the teaching profession. If we are talking in quantitative terms, there is little evidence that classrooms in Barbados generally speaking go unattended. There is always a warm body present. Where a teacher is absent, another teacher with a ‘free or non-teaching period’ is asked to sit with the class. Barbados does not have a system of substitute teaching as in Canada. There is however, ample evidence of qualitative deficiencies in the teaching. In Barbados, because the country is so small, the truth is hardly ever spoken in public. One needs to listen to the whispers. The late Matthew Farley and myself once wondered whether the teaching profession wasn’t beginning to draw from the bottom of the intellectual barrel. From what one hears there seems to be a deficiency of teachers to teach at the CAPE level, particularly in certain disciplines. Heads of departments who sit in on interviews have expressed dismay at the quality of persons offering themselves to teach certain subjects at sixth form level. I could tell readers my own experience in this regard. However, there are still many bright and committed teachers in the system, in fact Barbadian schooling does as well as it does because of the efforts of committed teachers who know the content material, can teach it effectively and have the children’s interests at heart.

It is increasingly obvious that as elsewhere the teaching profession in Barbados is finding it difficult to attract and retain a complement of quality teachers. It is certainly clear that it cannot co-opt male teachers in the numbers that it once did. In academic year 1999-2000 there were 1487 primary school teachers, of which 1157 were female and 330 were males. In year 2000-2001 there were 632 females and 153 males in the primary system. Males were better represented at the secondary level but were still outnumbered by females. In year 1999-2000 in the then 23 secondary schools, there were 1,304 teachers of which 740 were ladies and 564 were men. I believe that since then the gender gap has widened in terms of the preponderance of women over men in the teaching service in Barbados.

As The Economist magazine points, out the monetary uncompetitive nature of teacher salaries is unquestionably a key factor in school system’s incapacity to retain a better quality of teacher. According to the OECD, in richer countries teachers earn about 10 per cent less than the average for people with a tertiary level education. In real terms teachers in England earned 12 per cent less in 2022 than in 2010. In America, real wages for teachers declined about 6 per cent over the same period 2010-2022.  Another factor in the non-attractiveness of teaching is the fact that beyond remuneration, the job has become more difficult and less emotionally satisfying. I once heard a very good teacher say that even if you loved teaching, it was becoming increasing less rewarding than it used to be. Student indiscipline, a declining school culture, administrative incompetence and parental opposition all round, are making the task more stressful. Earlier, I stated that the article had described teachers as feeling ‘morose and ‘bedraggled.’ The requirement that Barbadian teachers stay on until 67 will take a heavy toll on them. After age 62 or 63 many teachers begin to show signs of burn-out whether they choose to admit or not. Many may not live long enough to enjoy retirement. A teacher last year admitted to me that she was so worn out that she often felt that she was merely ‘going through the motions.’ Not good for her or her students.

Another key factor in the profession’s decline is the loss of public respect. One of the reasons why schools in Japan, Singapore and South Korea are doing well is the fact that in those counties apart from a culture of learning (as opposed to a back back and juck and a pooch spinning culture), teachers are highly respected. When a teacher enters a classroom in Japan, I am told that students clasp their hand and bow to the teacher.  I told this story before but will repeat it. A young lady ostensibly of some prestigious family background got engaged to be married. A friend of the soon-to-be bride’s mother asked what the prospective groom did for a living. When told that he was a teacher, she replied ‘only a teacher? I thought she would have done better.’ I await the coming of the great ‘Transformation’ and pray Almighty God for ‘Resilience.’

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St Kitts & Nevis Patriots will play host to the Barbados Royals on Friday night at Warner Park in Basseterre, the ninth match of the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The Royals are favourites and according to bookmakers have an 80 per cent chance to win the match.

Led by West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell, the Royals have played just once thus far, defeating the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in St John’s. The Patriots have also beaten the Falcons, but then went on to lose to the Trinbago Knight Riders, Saint Lucia Kings, and defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Whereas the Royals are third in the standings behind the Kings and Warriors, the Patriots are being kept off the bottom of the table only by the Falcons.

With a net run rate of 2.363, the Royals tallied 149 in just 153 overs for their opening win. They allowed just 145 in 20 overs. The Patriots have so far made 797 runs in 80 overs, but have conceded 881 in 77.2 overs, a -1.43 run rate.

Who to watch for

The Royals will have to keep a close eye on West Indies top order batsman, Evin Lewis, who has made 171 runs in his four trips to the crease. Lewis is scoring at a rate of 164.42 thus far, having hit an even unbeaten 100 against the Kings, the only century to date in this year’s competition.

Barbadian Kyle Mayers has made 165 runs, including a knock of 92 against the Kings, and Kittiitian Mikyle Louis has 87 in just two innings played. The stand of 199 between Mayers and Lewis came in a losing cause, but it set a CPL record for the most significant partnership ever in this tournament.

Former West Indies wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher is dangerous as well. He has hit 107 runs in four innings, going at 201.88.

Barbados will look to Game 1 player of the match, Quinton de Kock, West Indies all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall, the veteran Shamarh Brooks, and the West Indian duo of Alick Athanaze and Powell to anchor a balanced batting lineup.

The youthful Sri Lankan duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage should prove a handful throughout the competition, especially backed up by wicket-taking pacer Obed McCoy, all-rounder Jason Holder, and Afghanistan speedster Naveen-ul-Haq.

Last time out 

In their 2023 meeting, the Royals defeated the Patriots by eight wickets. The Patriots put up a total of 220 runs for the loss of four wickets. Royals chased down the target comfortably, securing the win.

It should be a thrilling contest, ahead of the Royals’ home stand, starting next Wednesday. Friday’s game starts from 7:00 pm.

(TF)

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Cave Hill and Empire were both unstoppable in their opening round of Group F matches in the Prime Minister’s Cup, which continued on Wednesday night in Haynesville, St James. 

Before the start of both games, St James South representative Sandra Husbands met with the four playing teams and officials in front of yet another large crowd. 

With an authoritative approach, Cave Hill had Martindales Road under pressure from the first whistle, and eventually won 3-1. Empire did not spare the rod against United Stars Alliance, hammered 6-2 in the final game of the night. 

Under the commands of captain and defender Kemar Watson, Cave Hill kept the attacking third busy, floating the ball around and scoring at the opportune time. 

The three goals scored for Cave Hill were by Rojae Collins in the 11th minute, top central forward Riviere Williams in the 37th minute and Captain Watson rounded out the night for his team with a goal in the 90+6 minute.

Martindales Road Captain Rico Graham commanded proceedings at the back and they eventually scored in the first half when striker Eric Joseph found the goal in the 45+1 minute. 

The men from Martindales Road had only themselves to blame after missing several goal-scoring opportunities. Most of which stemmed from corner kicks and free kicks awarded but never materialised because of the solid defensive work from Cave Hill. 

Martindales Road then found themselves at a numerical disadvantage when defender Terrell Bennett was red carded for fouling Collins in pursuit of goal during the 86th minute. 

Riviere Williams scored for Cave Hill Club (in blue) over Martindales Road.

The featured game of the night was packed with eight goals between Division One teams Empire Club with a dominating 6-2 win against United Stars Alliance. 

A youthful Empire team led 2-1 at halftime with first half goals accounted for by Steffon Doyle in the 8th minute and fellow attacker Mario Phillips followed through moments later with another magnificent strike in the 22th minute. 

During the second half, Terry Rollock (50th), Kemar John (60th), Zuhri Morris (75th) and Renaldo Bignall (90’ +4th) contributed to the Empire scoreline. 

Credit to Alliance for battling through during the first 20 minutes of the match and finding the equaliser through Zachary Browne in the 17th minute. The dedication and commitment of Browne paid off after he constantly kept pressuring the Empire’s defensive third. 

Alliance won a distant free kick in the 86th minute, which Tidre Arthur stepped up and scored for his team despite it being a bit too late. Empire was in total control and never looked back. 

The Prime Minister’s Cup moves to Brereton, St Philip on Friday, September 6 when Parish Land plays Deacons in the 6:00 pm game. St Andrew Lions and Notre Dame will meet in the 9:00 p.m. match. (AS)

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Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday thanked Graeme West for his 12 years of service to the organisation and to West Indies Teams.

West joined CWI on June 1, 2012 as the Head Coach of the High Performance Centre at Cave Hill, Barbados and will depart from his current role of High Performance Manager on September 30, 2024.

Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland have announced West’s appointment as director of high performance with Ireland, starting in October.

Starting his coaching career with Middlesex County Cricket Club, West held the position of Academy Director for five years. He developed a fruitful relationship with Brian O’Rourke and helped guide talented young Irish players including Andrew and Stuart Poynter, Paul Stirling, and Andrew Balbirnie through the county system.

As he prepared for his departure, West said: “I would like to thank Cricket West Indies for the opportunities provided to me and my family over the last 12 years. Working with world class players and coaches has supported my professional development and enhanced my love and passion for the game of cricket.

“I leave the organisation as a more experienced coach, a more rounded leader and a World Cup winner. Equally important to me are the relationships I have developed with players, coaches and the staff that have supported me throughout my time at CWI and I am sure will continue to do so in the future.

“My time spent in the Caribbean will forever hold a special place in my heart. My wife and I have raised our children on the beaches of Barbados and Antigua and we have thoroughly enjoyed and embraced the many cultures and diversity across the region.”

Speaking on the next stage of his journey, West expressed his delight with the direction in which cricket in Ireland is going, and his pleasure to be a part of it.

“I am delighted to be joining Cricket Ireland as the organisation continues to grow and strengthen. The Strategic Plan for 2024-27 is incredibly exciting and I look forward to applying my experience and philosophy to the wealth of talent and expertise that has been assembled as we further establish Ireland as a major cricketing nation.”

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe said: “I sincerely thank Graeme for his 12 years of service to West Indies cricket. He has contributed significantly to the development of our High Performance system and has overseen many initiatives that we will continue to grow after he departs. We are grateful for his years of commitment and wish him the best as he turns the page to a new chapter in his career.”

As the West Indies Under 19 Men’s Head Coach, West led the team to World Cup success in 2016. As West Indies ‘A’ Team Head Coach he won series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. ​ As the High Performance Manager, Graeme was instrumental in establishing the new Men’s and Women’s Academy programs at CCG and the new 12-month U19 Pathway Programmes.

(PR)

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The legend of Akeem Stewart continues to grow, as the the most decorated sportsman in Trinidad & Tobago history picked up a silver medal in men’s discus throw on Thursday at the Paralympics in Paris, France.

The 32-year-old gentle giant threw a season’s best of 59.66 metres, only bested by the USA’s Jeremy Campbell in the F64 final. F64 is for field athletes with moderately affected movement in one or both lower legs or the absence of legs below the knee.

Campbell was one of two Americans on the medal rostrum. He set a Paralympic record with a 61.14-metre throw at the Stade de France. Fellow Team USA Paralympian David Blair got bronze at 57.76 metres.

The Trinbagonian champion put himself in contention for a medal from his first trial. His series included two fouls, but his fifth-round effort would also have been sufficient for silver. Campbell took first place from the first of his six throws, but set the record in the final round.

A gold medallist at Rio 2016 in the F44 javelin throw, and a silver medallist in discus throw, Stewart has now collected six global medals, including World Championship gold medals in javelin and shot at London 2017. He has also set world records for all three throwing events. He is the joint-top Paralympic Games medallist from the Land of the Hummingbird.

Via their social media platforms, the Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee offered congratulations to Stewart.

“Congratulations to our World Record Holder in the Men’s Discus Throw-F43, Akeem Stuart of Trinidad & Tobago! Akeem walked away with a silver medal at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, achieving a season’s best of 59.66 metres  in the men’s Discus Throw F64. Your dedication and hard work continue to inspire us all!”

Having missed out on the pandemic-delayed Tokyo 2020 Games, Stewart was the sole athlete from Trinidad & Tobago at Paris 2024. Rachael Marshall won medals in athletics and swimming at the 1984 Paralympics in New York, USA. She got gold in the L5 javelin throw and shot put, and bronze in the L6 100m freestyle.

The 2024 edition of the Paralympics features some 4,400 athletes from around the world, competing in 22 sports across various iconic venues including the Eiffel Tower, the Chateau de Versailles, the River Seine, and the Grand Palais.

(TF)

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Tourism Week 2024 is set to feature an exciting lineup of events organised by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), according to Chief Product Development Officer Marsha Alleyne.
At a press conference on Friday, Alleyne announced that the BTMI plans to go all out in celebrating the industry’s workers.

A major highlight will be a tourism mega fest at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, showcasing a variety of services offered by key players in the local tourism sector. (SB)

Read the full story in Friday’s epaper.

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A flash flood warning is in effect for eastern and central districts across the island.
The Barbados Meteorological Services said a tropical wave is affecting the island and is likely to generate cloudy skies with sunny periods with the occasional intermittent scattered light to heavy localized showers and a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms.

It said rainfall accumulation of 1 to 2 inches (25.0 to 50.0 mm) are likely during the late morning into the afternoon.
This flash flood warning will be terminated at 6 p.m. today, or sooner if conditions warrant. (BMS)

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The General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) on Friday added its voice to widespread concern about the viral video of a public service vehicle driving into incoming traffic along Collymore Rock, overtaking vehicles.
The insurance grouping said such behaviour must be eradicated on our streets.
Below is the full statement from the GIAB:
The members of the General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) are appalled at the behaviour of the driver in a recent video that went viral, showcasing his dangerous and life-threatening manoeuvres at the junction of Collymore Rock and Bishop’s Court Hill.
Unfortunately, this manoeuvre was not an isolated incident, and complaints are many about this type of irresponsible conduct from some of our PSV drivers, and even from some other road users. This behaviour must be eradicated from our highways and roadways.
We need more, and applaud the responsible citizens who witness the alarming instances of this nature and share video evidence on which authorities can act.
The Association supports all efforts to stamp out this reckless behaviour on our roads and the members of the GIAB will take appropriate action when evidence and proof of this type of behaviour is received by members. (PR/BT)

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