Queen Moremi was a folk heroine reputed to have sacrificed everything to save her people. The clever tactics of this queen enabled her to devise a strategy that was instrumental in the successful liberation of the Yoruba people from their neighbouring enemy Kingdom. Her illustrious legacy will live on in perpetuity in the Yoruba kingdom, and it is because of her selfless and courageous character that the people of Ile-Ife continue to hold her in such high regard today.

Moremi Ajasoro lived in the 12th century and was born a princess who later became queen of the Yoruba tribe, which is one of the most famous and influential black tribes in all history. She hailed from Offa and was the wife of Oranmiyan; the heir to the King of Ife and Founding Father of the Yoruba tribe, Oduduwa.

During a period in the ancient Yoruba land, the people of Ile-Ife were enslaved (due to numerous wars and defeats) by a neighbouring tribe called the Ìgbò people (also referred to as the Forest people).

These Ìgbò have no relation with the contemporary Igbo of modern-day Nigeria. During Moremi’s reign as queen, they faced the prolonged issue of Ìgbò raiders dressed completely in raffia leaves, disrupting and looting markets in Ife, and selling the people of the Kingdom into slavery.

The Ìgbò were perceived as an unbeatable enemy as they were not only seen as spirits but were thought to have carried a supernatural source of power which put them at an inequitable advantage. They were even referred to as demigods by some due to their frequent raids on the people of Ife. As a result, the Ife people attempted to defeat their adversary by appealing to their ancestors through sacrificial offerings, but their efforts were futile.

Moremi was a patriot and couldn’t bear to see how unhappy her people and her husband, the king, were and so devised a plan to resolve their pending issue. She visited the Spirit of the river, Esimirin, and due to her abundant riches, she hastily vowed to make the greatest sacrifice possible if she could discover the strength of the Forest people and save her kingdom. As advised by the goddess Esimirin, the Queen selflessly and willingly offered to be captured as a slave by the raiders, which she accomplished the following day by posing as a trader in the market.

Not only was Moremi fearlessly brave, but she was also a stunning woman, which enabled her not just to entice her adversaries but also to unravel the mystery surrounding their strength. Her beauty drew the attention of the Ìgbò leader, who made her one of his wives. She remained there for an extended period, spying on her adversaries and learning their ways of life, with a particular interest in their raffia-clad masquerades.

Over time, she earned the King’s and the people’s trust and affection, and as a result, she discovered an army tactic that proved instrumental in overthrowing her adversaries. Moremi was able to coerce the king into revealing to her that their raffia-dressed masquerades were not, in fact, spirits, but rather ordinary human beings disguised in that manner to instil fear in the people of Ile Ife during their raids. Additionally, he revealed that the raffia leaves covering them were flammable and would not survive even the slightest contact with fire. With this information, she was able to safely plan her return to Ile-Ife.

When Moremi returned after escaping she disclosed the secrets and tactics she discovered to her Yoruba army. She told them that all they had to do to defeat their enemy was to pass through them with a torch. The Yoruba people used the information given to them by Moremi and victoriously subdued the Ìgbò people in battle.

Moremi then returned to the Esimirin River to make her offerings, at which point the goddess demanded she sacrifice her only son, Oluorogbo. She was distraught and pleaded with the goddess for mercy and a less heinous offering, but she had to uphold her end of the bargain and thus sacrificed her only son. The entire Ife Kingdom mourned alongside her and made a promise to console her that they would be her eternal children – a promise that is still kept to this day.

The valiant legend has been immortalised in several ways: her epic story has been passed down through generations, taught in schools, retold in books and poetry, and showcased in songs, productions, and musicals. Her story is folkloric, and although her life has received scant scholarly attention, she is today honoured with the tallest statue in Nigeria.

His royal majesty the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi erected a statue of her which is the 4th tallest in Africa. There is an Edi Festival which commemorates the sacrifice Queen Moremi made for her Yoruba people. There are public places named after her, such as Moremi High School and the female residences at the University of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University.

https://www.afa-afa.org/african-queens/queen-moremi

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A witness told police that while murder accused Shawayne Williams was liming on the block on the night of December 26, 2017, he was absent for a time, including the moment when gunshots rang out nearby.

This was revealed in the statement of Randy Kwang, read into the court’s records by legal assistant Judith Husbands during the ongoing trial in the No. 4 Supreme Court. Williams, of White Hill, St Michael, has pleaded not guilty to the December 26, 2017, murder of 21-year-old Tavon Kaideen Alleyne of Eden Lodge in the same parish.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC, who is leading the prosecution alongside State Counsel Paul Prescod and State Counsel Anastacia McMeo-Boyce, told the court that Kwang had moved overseas the year after the incident and could not be located to testify.

In his statement, Kwang said that he frequented the Eden Lodge area and was familiar with persons there, knowing them by either their real names or nicknames. Around 6 p.m. on Boxing Day, he walked to the ‘Gotham’ block on Downhill Drive Road, where he found a group of people drinking, gambling, and playing music. While he could not remember everyone present, Kwang told officers that Williams, alias Steppy, was there, and they started to “spar” (drink together).

“About five minutes to 8 p.m., I went for a beer for myself and I got one for Steppy. As I was looking for him, I realised that he had left the block,” Kwang told police. “I did not ask anyone for him because I realised that he was not on the block. I just continued drinking and smoking without him. About 15 minutes after I realised that Steppy was not on the block, I heard about six or seven very loud explosions. They were so loud, they could be heard even though the music was still being played. They sounded as if they were coming from the area of the bottom block located in the area of Church Hill Drive. When I heard the explosions, I assumed that they were gunshots.”

According to Kwang, none of the people on the block went towards the area where the sounds had come from.

Kwang’s statement continued: “All this time, Steppy was still not on the block. About 10 minutes after hearing the shots, I saw Steppy come back to the block. He just came back and sat down. He appeared to be fine to me. He was not sweating, or breathing heavily or anything to suggest that he was running. He did not say anything to me about where he went, nor did I ask him.”

Kwang said he only learned the following morning that Alleyne, known as Murca, had been shot, and he felt “real bad” as he was a close friend.

Kwang admitted to lawmen that later that morning, he was contacted by a relative of the accused who told him that the police had him in custody and asked him to tell the officers that the two of them had been together all night.

The court also heard the statement of Tanella Alleyne, Tavon’s sister, which was read in court as she has since passed away.

In her account, she said that on the morning of December 26, 2017, she, Tavon, and her boyfriend attended a sunrise cruise onboard the MV Dreamchaser before heading home. She told police that the last time she saw her brother alive was around 2:38 p.m. that day when he left to attend a friend’s party in Spooner’s Hill.

Around 7 p.m., she was at home with her boyfriend when she heard “multiple loud explosions sounding like gunshots” that were “fast, fast, fast, fast”. They did not move. At 7:18 p.m., her sister called and asked if her brother was home.

“I said, ‘No, why?’ And she said, ‘Redman say he now get shoot’…. I call Redman, who is a taxi man and ask him how much times Tavon get shoot and he told me he did not know. About 7:38 p.m., Tyrese call and told me he was at the hospital and that Tavon get shoot. On arrival, I was informed that Tavon had died,” the statement continued.

The sibling said that, to her knowledge, her brother had not been involved in any recent conflicts and she did not know why anyone would want to kill him.

Williams is being represented by Senior Counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens.

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Independent Senator Lindell Nurse has urged the government to eliminate the 2.5 per cent foreign exchange fee, arguing that the economic conditions that warranted its introduction no longer exist.

Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, Sen. Nurse noted that while the fee was necessary when foreign reserves were under pressure, Barbados has since recorded strong foreign exchange levels for the past few years.

He said: “I think the time has come for the removal of the two and a half per cent foreign exchange fee. It was introduced I know at a time when there was some pressure on the foreign reserves, therefore it was necessary. But I think over the past few years we have all been boasting year after year of the level of foreign exchange that we possess, and therefore it does not seem to be any longer an issue in terms of creating problems when we have to do our debt repayments.”

He noted that the fee, introduced by the Democratic Labour Party administration in 2017 to curb foreign currency spending on international goods and services, is now unnecessary given the financial stability that the current administration frequently highlights.

“I feel there could be a little ease; perhaps it is something that the government as they are now in the process of preparing the annual estimates of revenue and of course subsequent to that you would have the budget, that the Minister of Finance could consider some little ease. Certainly, we have heard that the government is making a surplus, so there are things that there could be some little give back at this time,” he said.

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The Barbados Accreditation Council (BAC) has formally endorsed the National Transformation Initiative (NTI), signalling a shift towards recognising non-traditional education and workforce development programmes.

The partnership, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, comes as the BAC prepares for a major restructuring to adapt to global changes in education and skills recognition.

But the council has, however, made clear that this endorsement does not equate to accreditation.

The agreement, signed at BAC’s Phoenix Centre headquarters on George Street on Thursday, acknowledges NTI’s role in lifelong learning and upskilling Barbadians.

Addressing the distinction during the signing ceremony, BAC executive director Lisa Gale stressed that while NTI plays a key role in national development, it does not function as a traditional educational institution and therefore does not meet the requirements for accreditation.

“This is really an endorsement and an acknowledgement … a saying, ‘We partner with you, we see what you’re doing, we like what you’re doing, and we appreciate what you’re doing,” she said.

“It does not signal recognition in the normal forms. It does not signal accreditation. It signals endorsement.”

Accreditation requires formal admission policies, governance systems, and structured teaching and learning processes, elements that do not apply to NTI which, she noted, was an initiative, not an institution.

The signing comes as BAC prepares to transition into the Barbados Accreditation and Qualification Authority (BAQA), following a Cabinet decision in October 2024 to restructure the council’s role.

This transition will see the creation of the Barbados Qualifications and Credit Framework and the National Qualifications Register, broadening BAC’s mandate beyond traditional academic and vocational programmes to include skills-based learning and prior learning recognition.

“We recognise that there is an ongoing organisational shift globally as it relates to the standards we follow,” Gale said, pointing to international bodies such as the UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC), which assesses a wide range of qualifications beyond traditional degrees.

“This is why this MOU with NTI makes sense, as it positions us strategically for the next phase of our existence.”

Even some BAC team members have already completed NTI training courses, she noted.

The BAC executive further noted a need to recognise the growing demand for short, stackable, skills-based courses.

“Therefore, we as BAC have to see ourselves as looking to see where they’re going and seeing whether or not we can look at some policies that we can embrace … that type of learning,” she said.

In her address, NTI director Dr Allyson Leacock called the agreement a defining moment for education in Barbados.

“The world is evolving at a frenetic pace, and so must education. No longer is it just about degrees… it’s about skills, adaptability, and lifelong learning,” she said.

Leacock cited World Economic Forum data indicating that by 2027, half of all global workers will need reskilling to keep pace with technological advancements.

She stressed that e-learning provides the speed and scale necessary to meet this demand.

She also spoke on NTI’s partnership with Coursera, which offers free access to more than 12 500 courses from globally recognised organisations such as Yale, Stanford, Google, and IBM.

“This is what democratising education looks like,” Leacock said, revealing that NTI has already seen over 100 000 enrolments.

She further noted the growing importance of AI-powered learning and micro-credentials, which are increasingly valued by employers over traditional degrees.

“Employers now value skills over degrees, and workers need flexible, stackable certifications,” she said, noting that the initiative is leveraging Coursera’s AI Course Builder to develop courses tailored to Barbados, ensuring that global standards are met while incorporating local content.

Leacock commended BAC for expanding its approach beyond traditional accreditation, acknowledging the broader role of training initiatives like NTI.

“The accreditation council is embracing education across the board and access to everyone for skilling. NTI has the platform that enables that,” she said.

She pointed out that NTI does more than online courses, offering training through various formats, including orientation programmes for workforce initiatives.

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Independent Senator the Reverend Canon Dr John Rogers has urged caution and foresight as the government moves forward with plans to relocate the Holetown Civic Centre in St James to accommodate tourism development, stressing that the present administration must not relinquish the island’s uniqueness in the name of tourism development.

Speaking in the Upper Chamber on Wednesday, he warned that large-scale tourism projects must not come at the expense of Barbados’ cultural and historical identity, adding that there are places in the region which have had to learn from developing unsustainable tourism projects.

He said: “If the intention is to erect large buildings in that area, let us remember that we are 166 square miles…there are lots of players in this industry, and if we lose what is unique to us, we’ll just be building monuments. I visited a place last year, Grand Bahama in the Bahamas, what used to be known as ‘Magic City’ when it was going. Everything was flowing [but] it’s now an empty shell [and] empty hotels. It’s eerie.”

Drawing on regional influence, Reverend Rogers invoked a calypso that paints a vivid picture of what can happen in a place of unsustainable development.

“Lord Kitchener in 1978 sang a calypso that I don’t believe many people in the Caribbean have ever paid attention to, but it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of work in the genre. It’s called The Carnival is Over. It is the imagery that is painted, that after everyone is finished jumping up and everything, the stands are empty, they are a wreck, broken bottles and nothingness. I believe on a macro level we can listen to that song and consider very carefully what our development trajectory would be where tourism is concerned.”

Independent Senator Andrew Mallalieu, an estate agent by profession, supported the relocation of the Holetown Civic Centre but called on the government to act more transparently when it comes to compulsorily acquiring land.

He said: “I think that it needs to be clear as a good responsible government, that when you compulsorily acquire someone’s land, you pay them for it. You do not use it until you pay for it. It is unreasonable that we have significant tracts of land which have been compulsorily acquired in years gone by under past governments and present governments perhaps, and no compensation has been paid, and the land is being treated as if it belongs to the state.

“I believe that is fundamentally a problem.”

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In a departure from tradition, the Loyal Visitors Cocktail Reception swapped the familiar setting of Illaro Court for the bustling Haymans Market in St. Peter on Wednesday evening. 

The change of venue not only showcased the parish’s We Gatherin’ celebrations but also highlighted the island’s evolving tourism landscape, as frequent visitors—some with over 100 trips under their belts—gathered to celebrate their enduring love affair with Barbados.

Extending a warm welcome to attendees, Minister of Labour and parliamentary representative for St. Peter, Colin Jordan, said: “I invite you to explore Barbados, but particularly St. Peter.

“On Saturday we have our big event in Speightstown. It is called Speightstown Alive- Connections with Bristol and Cape Coast.”

The celebration of those committed to making Barbados the destination of choice was led by Judy Stanford, who first visited Barbados in 1980 and has since returned an astounding 104 times. Reflecting on her deep connection to the island, she recalled: “The first hotel we stayed at was the Bonanza Apartments in St. Lawrence Gap.” Her friendships are what keep her coming to the island. “That’s what makes Barbados, it’s the friends, it’s the feeling when we come home, and we are coming home,” Stanford said.

Among the honourees who have visited 35 times were Cecilia Nalgard, Edward De Freitas, Frans and Susanne Fievez. Alex Lloyd and Rosemary Superville followed closely with 36 visits, while Bernd and Elizabeth Kaa had 39 visits. Jose and Colleen Mills accumulated an impressive 45 visits.

Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill, highlighted the significance of the event: “It is truly so because it reminds us of our efforts to cultivate an environment where tourism thrives. It also recognizes the collective achievements of everyone who contributes to the development of the industry and makes Barbados one of the best places to live and visit.” 

He stressed that the warmth, generosity, and unparalleled hospitality of the people of Barbados play a pivotal role in visitors’ decisions to return year after year.

He commended these loyal visitors “Your unwavering commitment to this island is a testament to the deep and lasting bonds that tourism fosters.

“I thank you for your loyalty, your love for island, and for being an irreplaceable part of the Barbados story.”

Tribute was paid to tourism stalwarts who have worked tirelessly to elevate the industry. Gooding-Edghill acknowledged their contributions: “Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in making Barbados the world-class destination that it is today.” He added, “It is their dedication, their efforts, and their continuous service as brand ambassadors that we continue to enjoy the growth that we are witnessing within the tourism sector.”

Among those honoured from St. Lucy were Taminta Boyce, who has dedicated 30 years to the industry, starting as a waitress and now serving as the Restaurant Manager at Waves Hotel & Spa; Manuel Ward of the Animal Flower Cave; Laura Ward of Earth and Fire Pottery; Terrence Haynes of Catch 22; and Helen Knighton, owner of Bentham’s House.

From St. Peter, the honourees included Reynold McLean of Remac Tours; Ricky Benn, a professional steelpan player; Leonard Tony Babb, a water sports operator; Martin Richards of King’s Beach Village; and Clement Armstrong of Fisherman’s Pub.

Beyond the formal recognitions, guests enjoyed a performance by the Secret Ingredients band and a mixed-media cultural display called The Mill Yard, which incorporated dance, drumming, and singing, adding a cultural element to the evening’s celebrations. 

(STT)

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Grazettes Primary School marked World Read Aloud Day on Wednesday with a memorable celebration that ignited a passion for reading among its students. Kehzion Hepburn-Murray, a former top student and the 2024 National Pontifications and Poetry Contest winner, returned to his alma mater and captivated the audience with his expressive readings.

The day was filled with engaging activities that fostered a love for literature. MP Davidson Ishmael and his team joined the festivities, showing their support for literacy initiatives in the community. 

Teacher Kim Morris brought stories to life through interactive readers’ theatre and puppetry, while students Alaysia Bailey and Tierra Pilgrim delighted their peers with their portrayals of Esmeralda and Ms Pearlie.

Head Girl Satiah Reid provided a historical context for World Read Aloud Day, highlighting its significance in promoting literacy and encouraging reading habits. The students enthusiastically participated in the World Read Aloud Challenge, competing for exciting prizes such as books and vouchers generously sponsored by the St Michael North constituency. The challenge not only motivated students to read aloud but also helped build their confidence and communication skills.

Principal Collette Applewhaite expressed her gratitude to Language Arts Coordinator Tamita Benjamin and her team for organising the successful event. She emphasised the importance of reading in developing well-rounded individuals and commended the team for creating an environment that fosters a love for learning.

 The celebration served as a reminder that reading is not only educational but also enjoyable, and it encouraged students to continue exploring the world of literature. (BT/PR)

Principal Collette Applewhaite, Kehzion Hepburn-Murray, and MP Davidson Ishmael.

Principal Collette Applewhaite, Kehzion Hepburn-Murray, and MP Davidson Ishmael.

Teacher Kim Morris brought stories to life through interactive readers’ theatre and puppetry.

Students Alaysia Bailey and Tierra Pilgrim.

Language Arts Coordinator Tamita Benjamin.

Head Girl Satiah Reid.

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When Caribbean Community (CARICOM) government leaders met in Port-of-Spain Trinidad in April 2023 to develop a plan of action to address firearms trafficking and violence in the region, they were cognisant that a crisis of frightening proportions was unfolding before them.

Attended by 10 regional heads, from The Bahamas in the north to Suriname in the south, the summit highlighted a situation that was region-wide. Gun attacks and killings were rising dramatically and there appeared to be no letting up.

In the communique issued following two days of discussions, the leaders declared crime and violence a public health issue and registered their “grave concern” at the rising level of illegal exportation of guns specifically from the United States of America.

Just as the new USA president believes illegal immigration and the entry of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid drug into the country represent a national security emergency, CARICOM heads regard the trafficking of guns into the region, a major national security concern.

The tone of their statement represented the seriousness with which they viewed the escalating problem.

“We declare a War on Guns to combat the illegal trade which provides the weapons that contribute significantly to crime and violence in our Region causing death, disabilities and compromising the safety of our citizens.

“We call on the United States of America to join the Caribbean in our War on Guns and urgently adopt and take action to stop the illegal exportation of firearms and ammunition into the Caribbean.

“We lament the disproportionate share of our national budgets that we are compelled to allocate to measures to address crime, violence and national security as well as mental health and other health-related challenges, that directly result from the illegal exportation of guns to our region.”

Some have argued that the socio-economic conditions and cultural shifts were providing the breeding ground for increased violence and the political leaders may be attempting to shift responsibility for something that was significantly home-grown.

Whether this suggestion holds validity is up for debate. However, what cannot be challenged is the devastating impact that illegal guns and ammunition are having on the quality of life of Caribbean people.

The gun culture that is endemic in the United States is being exported to vulnerable nations such as those in the Caribbean. Ironically, the illicit export which makes communities unsafe for citizens and visitors, then becomes the source of travel advisories and travel bans imposed by the same country, which then negatively impacts the economic situation on the ground.

It is against this backdrop that calls have increased for a ban on the importation and sale of  imitation firearms many of which are being sold ostensibly or rather obscenely, as toys for children.

Head of the Coalition of Trade Unions and Staff Associations Ryan Phillips made the argument that removing such “toys” should be part of an overall plan to combat crime by not normalising these toy weapons.

Phillips, a prison warder by profession posited that such items, while seemingly harmless, can inadvertently contribute to the normalisation and glorification of the gun culture among the country’s youth.

If government felt the need to ban the wearing of masks that cover the face and head, why is it proper to sell or import toy guns that look frighteningly similar to the real weapons?

In this context, we welcome the move by the Barbados Police Service to investigate and report on the sale of such items. According to media reports, shoppers were alarmed at the presence of toy guns that replicated dangerous weapons such as Glocks and AK-47s, with one shopper baffled at why the items had not been confiscated by Customs at the point of entry.

Even more staggering was the comment of a store employee who said the toy guns which produced a projectile, were a fast-selling item.

While we also commend the Comptroller of Customs that the matter would also be investigated by his office, it is more than troubling that it took a shopper who was aghast at what they saw on display on a shelf, rather than the people who are employed to keep the country’s borders safe.

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The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) is advising road users and residents that the road around the Prior Park roundabout in St. James will be paved this weekend.

The C.O. Williams Construction team will start work on the roundabout on Saturday, February 8,  and continue until Monday, February 10. On Saturday and Monday, local and emergency access will be granted. However, the roundabout area will be closed on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Construction will be carried out from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

Motorists are asked to seek alternate routes and to obey signage and directions given by flag personnel. Road users seeking to enter Prior Park from the Ronald Mapp Highway will be required to detour via Bennetts/Molyneux Road and enter Prior Park via Hoytes Village. Motorists seeking to access Prior Park from the direction of Queens College should also enter via Hoytes Village.

MTW and the C.O. Williams Construction team apologise for any inconvenience and thank road users and residents for their cooperation.

(PR/MTW)

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Teachers are facing physical assaults, threats and a “toxic environment” in schools across the island, with some institutions being labelled as “danger zones”, the country’s largest teachers’ union has warned.

The president of the Barbados Union of Teachers, Rudy Lovell told Barbados TODAY the escalating violence in schools had reached crisis level, with several teachers being attacked and children becoming more and more out of control.

He said he was concerned that some schools were no longer learning environments and teachers were putting their lives at risk while on duty.

“The issue of violence in schools, particularly against teachers, has raised its ugly head. Some secondary school educators are being physically assaulted on the job, sometimes to the point of requiring medical attention,” he said.

“This comes on the heels of an incident where two teachers were physically attacked at the Coleridge & Parry School and one at Lester Vaughan. There are also reports of verbal assaults and threats against other teachers across the island, adding to an already toxic environment where educators struggle to maintain control in classrooms when students exhibit disruptive and disrespectful behaviour.

“The situation has gone beyond mere indiscipline. Students are engaging in inappropriate behaviour, including extortion and gambling, turning schools into danger zones instead of learning environments. Some teachers find themselves unable to conduct lessons due to constant disruption, while others face intimidation, not just from students but from administrators who dismiss or downplay serious infractions. Some students see schools as blocks, spaces where disorder, lawlessness, and survival should take precedence over education.

This is more than just a school issue. It is a national issue. If urgent steps are not taken to restore order, enforce discipline, and provide proper support for teachers, we risk irreparable damage to our education system.”

What made the situation more alarming, he said, was the fact that some administrators were pretending to be unaware of incidents of assault on teachers even though reports were being made.

The escalating violence has driven some teachers to think of quitting, Lovell said. “Despite documentation of troubling incidents, some administrators claim ignorance of previous infractions, leaving teachers feeling unprotected and unheard.

The lack of firm follow-up action has created an environment where disruptive students act with impunity, knowing there will be little to no consequences. In addition, some parents are failing to take responsibility for guiding their children.

Instead of working alongside educators, many remain indifferent or even defensive when confronted about their child’s behaviour.”

He added that without “strong parental support, discipline erodes further, and teachers are left to shoulder an unbearable burden alone. The toll on teachers is undeniable. Emotionally drained, overworked, and feeling abandoned, many educators are struggling with declining physical and mental health. The stress of working in an unsafe and unpredictable environment is pushing some to reconsider their future in the profession”.

Stressing that the BUT “will not tolerate violence against our members as we have a zero-tolerance approach to violence”, Lovell said that the union’s executive had issued a protocol on how to handle studenton-teacher violence.

An excerpt from the document read: “All members are implored to remain vigilant and mindful of their surroundings when interacting with students. When you encounter aggression, please refrain from engaging in direct confrontation. Instead, we recommend focusing on de-escalating the situation as calmly and professionally as possible, seeking support from colleagues or school administrators when needed.

“Should you encounter physical violence, you must take immediate action. Please report the incident to your principal both verbally and in writing as soon as possible. Additionally, it is important to file a formal police report.”

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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A regional economist has cast doubt on the accuracy of Barbados’ official inflation figures, suggesting they may significantly understate the true cost of living for many households.

Head of the Economic Research Unit of First Citizens Bank, Vangie Bhagoo-Ramrattan said the published low inflation data may be incorrect concerning the prices consumers are paying to put food on the table.

Bhagoo-Ramrattan, the main presenter at a webinar on Friday on the Economic Outlook for Barbados for 2025, first outlined how the authorities measure inflation before she sought to back up her conclusions.

The senior economist, who also examined the global and regional situation, said that in Barbados in particular, inflation is measured by the retail price index (RPI).
“The retail price index measures changes in the retail prices of a fixed basket of goods and services, and it should represent spending patterns of the majority of households in Barbados. That’s how the inflation rate is calculated; they use the basket to find the percentage change, and it is also weighted. So, the RPI in Barbados is weighted. Food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for the largest — about 22 per cent — followed by housing, water and electricity, things like that, 15 per cent; and then transport is the third, which is 13.5 per cent,” she explained during the webinar organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados (ICAB) in collaboration with First Citizens Bank.

“So, there may be a disconnect between . . . so the disconnect may possibly stem from the calculation of the inflation rate, in that the items that make up the basket, may not accurately reflect current realities. So, the basket may have been around since 2016. So, obviously, consumer tastes would change over time. So, that might be part of it, the calculation of it,” she argued.

Bhagoo-Ramrattan then turned her attention to the related issue of the purchasing power of consumers, while pointing to the concept of inflation or the definition of inflation.

The economic researcher reasoned that even if Barbados recorded an inflation rate of one per cent, though that appeared low, it still meant that prices were rising at the rate of one per cent.

“Now, the problem,” she suggested, “may be that the pace at which your wages are increasing, it’s not keeping up with the pace of inflation. So, your purchasing power is still being eroded. So, those are some of the reasons why there may be a disconnect in terms of feeling a low rate of inflation that is quoted by . . . which are published.”

In its review of the economy for 2024, the Central Bank of Barbados reported that “favourable” price dynamics reduced inflation significantly during that period.

The bank pointed out that domestic inflation slowed to an estimated 1.4 per cent on a 12-month moving average basis by the end of the year, representing a 1.8 percentage point decline from 2023.

The regulator is also projecting that inflation will remain low, stabilising around two per cent, as global commodity prices ease. (EJ)

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In a powerful display of community solidarity, 400 primary school pupils marched through Bridgetown on Friday, launching a police-led anti-violence campaign aimed at teaching conflict resolution to young people.

The Saving Our Sons initiative, spearheaded by the New Orleans Community Police Outpost, brought together four area primary schools in a bid to address rising concerns about youth violence.

Students from Westbury Primary, St Ambrose Primary, Wesley Hall Juniors and St Mary’s Primary took part in the walk along with their teachers and parents from Kensington Mall in Fontabelle to Golden Square Freedom Park.

Sergeant Wendell Weekes said this programme was aimed at teaching young people, especially young men, about conflict resolution.

“Our objective of this is in relation to the violence that we are having, in relation to our sons, our men, and we are trying to find a way to show them how to solve conflict in our community,” he said. “These four schools are within our catchment area. We are attached to the central police station and these are the four schools that we deal with on a regular basis. We teach things like road safety and conflict resolution and bullying.

“This is absolutely important. I see it as a driving force for what we in the Barbados Police Service are trying to do. One of our focuses is to teach the young people how to solve conflict instead of resorting to actual violence; we want to teach them how to solve conflict, how to be a friend, how to be family, teach them how to present love among each other, that’s what we are trying to do.”

Crime prevention minister and MP for the City of Bridgetown Corey Lane congratulated the New Orleans community officers and the schools for starting a creative programme aimed at helping young people avoid conflict.

“It sends a message where students could be here with their peace message demonstrating that they want peace in their country and as everybody knows, we’ve got to start here. This is where it starts,” Lane said. “When I think about crime prevention, this is what I think about. Many people mix it up with crime fighting and I have to reiterate, what we are about in the national crime prevention programme is starting here, starting with the parents, starting at the root and not necessarily at the fruit. I leave the fruit for the crime fighters, which are the police, but I really want to deal with the root of the problem. So I am elated and I’m very happy to be here. It is a really great turnout of not just students but parents, teachers, and wellwishers.”

The students received a warm welcome as they walked through Bridgetown. Many onlookers shouted words of encouragement and took videos and pictures. Some of the placards the students used to send a strong message read: Stop Violence Start Peace; Peace no War; and Lead with Kindness.

After the walk, some of the pupils expressed concern about violence in schools. They advised their peers to use words instead of weapons and stop getting flustered over minor things.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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“It cannot be that big, hardback men are allowed to prey on young girls and pay their way out of jail.”

Madam Justice Wanda Blair made this clear as she informed Sergeo Olivia Payne that he will spend five more years behind bars at Dodds Prison for having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl in 2018. He was 40 years old at the time.

Payne had initially denied that between October 17, 2018, and December 31, 2018, he had sexual intercourse with the girl.

However, the Tamarind Road, Wavell Avenue, Black Rock, St Michael resident threw in the towel four days into his trial in the No. 4A Supreme Court in May last year.
Pointing to the facts of the case – including that Payne knew the teenager prior to committing the crime, had offered her a ride to a bus stop but instead took her to his friend’s house and had unlawful intercourse with her there and, on another occasion, inside her home – Justice Blair heavily chastised the offender for his actions and his claim that “it was not my fault; she is who force this on me”.

“Even if she had tried to entice you, you knew she was underage and instead of yielding to the temptation, you should have reported her to her parent. That is what responsible and respectable men do. It is an insult to the complainant for you to abuse her and then turn around and blame her for your sick actions,” the judge contended.
Calling the offences “a horrible betrayal”, Justice Blair added: “You took advantage of the complainant, and you continued to abuse her until the matter was reported to the police.

This was not a mistake. The fact that you tried to apportion some of the blame on the complainant does not help your cause since at her age, she could not legally consent to having sexual intercourse with you . . . . You have no excuse for your actions.”

The judge said while she had considered the complainant’s request that Payne not serve a custodial sentence but instead pay compensation, “the court must be careful about the message it sends to the public”.

“Our role is to protect children, even when they feel they are able to take care of themselves. Our responsibility is to carefully guard their rights and make sure that others [don’t think] they can easily escape their punishment for these types of offences by paying complainants to keep quiet,” she said.

Justice Blair gave the convicted man a starting sentence of seven years, and deducted one-fifth for his guilty plea and six months for the delay, leaving him to serve five years and one month.

He was also ordered to undergo counselling for anger management, while the State is to provide counselling for the complainant.

The complainant had told the court that Payne was a family friend and one morning as she was making her way to school, he offered to give her a ride to the bus stop. She accepted, but instead of taking her to catch the bus, Payne drove to a house and forced himself on her. Afterwards, he dropped her off at a bus stop and she went to school. She also spoke of another instance when Payne raped her in her home and made her take a pregnancy test afterwards.

The complainant later wrote an essay about what occurred and gave it to a teacher at her school, who reported it to the guidance counsellor.

The case was prosecuted by Principal State Counsel Joyann Catwell.

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Chequon Rashad Austin has admitted to stabbing a co-worker in the neck.

The 29-year-old general worker of Bonaire Land, Cave Hill will reappear in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court next week when his victim, James Moore, is expected to appear.

Austin pleaded guilty to unlawfully and maliciously wounding Moore on February 5.
Court prosecutor Sergeant St Clair Philips told the court that the two were not on speaking terms and were involved in a dispute earlier in the day.

Moore left work and while walking along Lears Road, Austin approached him from behind. The two got into another argument, which turned physical. Austin took a knife from his pants pocket and stabbed Moore at the side of his neck. Moore was transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and received medical treatment.

Releasing Austin on $4 000 bail with a surety, Magistrate Alison Burke adjourned the matter until February 12 when the virtual complainant has been asked to appear.

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Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey has sounded the alarm over an increase in unsafe sexual practices among older adults, amid growing concerns about discrimination.

Speaking to journalists during Friday’s ECO Fit Youth Finale at Wildey Great House, Humphrey acknowledged concerns raised by the Ministry of Health, noting that while official statistics are yet to be released, anecdotal evidence points to a concerning trend.

“While we have not seen the official statistics, I’ve heard the concerns raised by the Ministry of Health, and we have enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that persons are again engaging in very reckless sexual behaviour and practices, particularly among the older population,” he said.

“The joys of modern medicine allow people to do things that they could not do a few years ago. What is coming out in the evidence from our conversations [is] some people [who were] not used to protection are now back in the game but it’s a different time. So I want to encourage persons who are engaging in certain activities to just protect themselves.”

Beyond the health risk, the minister noted that there was a wider issue concerning the growing trend of discrimination in Barbadian society. He criticised the continued stigma against the elderly, persons with disabilities, children from lowincome backgrounds, and those living with HIV.

He said: “We’ve seen a level of discrimination in Barbados now on every level; persons discriminate against the elderly, persons discriminate against persons with disabilities, people discriminate against children who they think come from poor backgrounds and they discriminate against people who have HIV.

“There is too much discrimination in a country whose history is built on people of colour being discriminated against. We have to be mature as we build out… be careful in the way we treat our bodies, but when certain things happen we have to respect the people whose circumstances have led them to it.” (SB)

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The government on Friday moved to tighten regulations on the fishing industry with a bill that would enforce stricter regulations, harsher penalties and bans on destructive fishing methods.

As the House of Assembly debated the Sustainable Fisheries and Management Bill, Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy Adrian Frode said the legislation would support sustainable national food and nutritional security, while safeguarding the marine environment and ensuring the long-term viability of the industry.

“The fisheries industry is a critical part of our economy and food supply,” Forde said.

“This legislation is about ensuring that we protect what we have while creating better opportunities for those who depend on it.”

If passed, the bill will make significant changes to how the industry is regulated, including the establishment of a Fisheries Advisory Council, a mandatory five-year fisheries management plan, and tougher penalties for non-compliance.

Speaking on the proposed council, which will be responsible for advising the minister on aquaculture, marine conservation, and emerging fishing technologies, Forde said it would ensure that government policies align with international best practices and that the sector remains adaptable to changes in the industry.

“The Fisheries Advisory Council will ensure that we remain responsive to the changes in the industry,” he said.

“This will allow us to strengthen aquaculture, introduce new fishing technologies, and transition to a more sustainable fisheries sector.”

The bill further requires the implementation of a Fisheries Management and Development Plan, which must be reviewed every five years to keep pace with industry dynamics.

The chief fisheries officer, in consultation with industry stakeholders, will also be responsible for developing and updating the plan.

“This plan will ensure that we are not only protecting our marine resources but also managing them effectively for the benefit of those who rely on them,” Forde said.

The bill also cracks down on destructive fishing methods, proposing a ban on the use of firearms, explosives, poison, and electric shock devices in fishing operations.

“No person shall use any firearm—so you can’t shoot fish. I’m letting you know now, you can’t shoot fish. That is a no-no,” Forde said.

“Electric shock devices —  nothing so. Explosives — not permitted. Poison or using other unpleasant substances to catch fish — we are saying these methods are against the legislation.”

The bill further requires all fishing gear to be biodegradable or compostable, aligning with the government’s marine spatial plan to reduce pollution and protect fish stocks.

“We have started to build out our marine spatial plan, and we are saying that fishing gear must now be biodegradable or compostable at best,” Forde said.

The proposed legislation introduces harsher penalties for unregistered vessels and environmental violations.

Under the bill, anyone operating an unregistered fishing vessel could face a fine of up to $100 000 or 12 months in prison, while abandoning derelict vessels could lead to a
$20 000 fine or three months’ imprisonment.

“These measures are necessary to ensure safety, protect our marine environment, and maintain high industry standards,” Forde said.

“Every vessel must be licensed, registered, and compliant with safety regulations to operate legally.”

The Sustainable Fisheries and Management Bill also speaks to new technology and training programmes to modernise the sector, allowing fisherfolk access to advanced sonar technology and Starlink connectivity which the minister noted will improve efficiency and catch rates.

“We are bringing in [technology] to help locate different depths and fish habitats, as well as Starlink to provide real-time connectivity while at sea,” he said.

Forde said the proposed law is designed to protect Barbados’ marine resources while improving conditions for those who depend on the industry, also adding that ensuring compliance with global standards will help position the country as a leader in sustainable fisheries management.

“[The legislation] allows the international community to take notice of our activities so that we will be part of the conversation as it relates to marine conservation,” he said.

“And Barbados can fit all the boxes as it relates to how we treat our maritime space for conservation of good best practices.” 

(SM)

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Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has called for greater transparency in public spending, highlighting concerns over fiscal accountability amid ongoing economic challenges.

In the House of Assembly on Friday during the debate on the Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Bill, Thorne acknowledged the government’s $7 million investment in the fishing industry following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl last year. But he criticised what he described as a broader failure to adequately account for public spending.

Thorne, who had previously called on the administration to account for a trip undertaken by fisherfolk and government officials to Canada in the aftermath of Beryl to inspect boats for potential importation, reiterated that all government spending should be subject to scrutiny.

He said: “In a country that is in the grips of the IMF, a country that is in the grips of an austerity programme, every trip that is made on land, on sea, or in the air, must be justified. We are not doing this to be malevolent, every modern democracy subjects its public spending to scrutiny. There are no financial sacred cows in this democracy.  

“If this government believes that the people of this country are going to get tired of making that enquiry, over the next few weeks and months, unless this government comes to the people of this country and gives a figure, they are going to have to accuse the people of this country of exhaustion from asking.”

Thorne, who noted that the financial support given to welfare services may not be adequate during this time of economic uncertainty for many Barbadians, stressed that proper oversight of government spending is needed to properly reallocate funds to better support citizens.

He said: “Do as the other modern democracies do. Disclose every last penny of spending; if you believe that the spending is not justified, stop it. If you believe that it is justified, declare it, but you can no longer remain silent on this matter of public spending. If a government finds that a welfare department is underfunded, then the government must look seriously at reallocating public resources.” (SB)

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The fishing industry is poised for a significant overhaul as the Parliament introduces major reforms to empower fisherfolk through enhanced financial support, training opportunities and recognition of traditional knowledge.

The Sustainable Fisheries and Management Bill, now  being debated in Parliament, would allow fishers to form cooperatives, making it easier for them to access bank loans and grants.

Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy Adrian Forde said the legislation would give fisherfolk financial leverage that was previously out of reach.

“For the first time, fishermen can now go as groups and get loans from banks, things that they couldn’t do before. We are going to allow them this,” he said.

The bill also includes training programmes to help fishers develop new skills and obtain industry-recognised qualifications, strengthening their position in both domestic and export markets.

“It provides training opportunities to equip our fisherfolk with the skills and qualifications,” Forde noted.

Announcing what he said was another ‘first’ for the industry, the minister revealed plans under the legislation to compensate fisherfolk for their traditional knowledge, acknowledging the importance of indigenous fishing practices, conservation methods and sustainable harvesting techniques.

“Fishermen can now be paid for their indigenous and traditional knowledge… something that never happened before,” he said.

Describing the community as the bedrock of society, Forde noted that these reforms will create more economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing. 

(SM)

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DHAKA – Barbados and West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers played a starring role as Fortune Barishal produced a magnificent chase of a challenging 195 to beat Chittagong Kings by three wickets and capture the Bangladesh Premier League title.

Playing at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Friday, the left-handed Mayers blasted a 28-ball 46 as Barishal got over the line with three balls to spare.

Veteran opener and captain Tamim Iqbal top-scored with 54 off 29 balls while opening partner Towhid Hridoy weighed in with 32.

Sent in earlier, Kings looked to have taken the upper hand when Parvez Hossain Emon top-scored with 78 not out from 49 deliveries and opening partner Khawaja Nafay punched 66 from 44 deliveries, with Graham Clark striking 44 from 23 balls.

The opening stand yielded 121 off 76 balls, Parvez counting half-dozen fours and four sixes and Nafay finishing with seven fours and three sixes.

When the stand was broken in the 13th over, Clark arrived to punch two fours and three sixes and put on a further 70 for the second wicket with Parvez.

Handed the new ball, Mayers sent down four wicket-less overs which cost 35 runs.

In reply, Tamim and Towhid gave the chase an ideal foundation in a stand of 76, the left-handed Tamim counting nine fours and a six and the right-handed Towhid counting three fours.

When three wickets tumbled to leave the chase at 96 for three in the 11th over, the 32-year-old Mayers took responsibility for the innings, clobbering three fours and three sixes in a stunning knock.

Critically, he added 34 for the fourth wicket with Mushfiqur Rahim (16) before dominating a 42-run fifth wicket stand with Mahmudullah (7).

When he perished in the 18th over there was still work to be done but Rishad Hossain settled the affair with a couple of sixes in a six-ball unbeaten 18.

(BT)

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BCIC Rally Barbados 2025 is attracting unprecedented levels of interest, with provisional on-line entries passing the 100 mark this week – two months earlier than last year.

And after last year’s event broke a handful of records, including the number of starters (100) and finishers (67), organisers are already looking forward to another bumper year when the action rolls off from May 30 to June 1 in the Caribbean’s biggest motorsport international.

“I’m told I shouldn’t be but I am a bit surprised to see the entry total where it currently is,” Event Director Neil Barnard said.

“It’s testament to a whole lot of hard work both in terms of the planning and execution of the event and its promotion and marketing that we’re at this point. There are a lot of people to thank for that.

“However, I have to single out a few key partners – our title sponsor BCIC and of course Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc and the Tourism Development Corporation. The BTMI continue to be an invaluable promotion and marketing partner and the TDC’s continued support has been essential.”

Prominent among the growing list of new or returning local drivers is former kart racer Nigel Reece, who enjoyed some class wins and podiums with father David co-driving his Ford Escort MkI; their last outing in RB12 ended in retirement with diff failure.

He is the new owner of the SuperModified 2 Toyota Starlet in which former Barbados Rally Club (BRC) champion driver and two-time 2wd Champion Josh Read finished in the top 10 on the BRC’s premier event four times.

Reece has experience as both driver and co-driver and, over the past decade away from competition, as a volunteer official, notably as Clerk of the Course at Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc (BPMSI) race meetings and, currently, Chief Steward for the Barbados Karting Association (BKA).

As co-driver to Geoff Noel, he claimed two Group N wins in island events in 2013 and finished 17th overall in RB13, second in GpN, before winning GpN in the 2014 Valvoline Rally with Andrew Mallalieu.

“Motorsport has always been in my blood, but after more than 12 years away, the timing just felt right. I’ve focused on my family, my career, and building my life – now it’s time to get back to what I love,” Reece said of his return to driving.

“The Starlet is an icon in local rallying, and this one has a proven track record. It’s well-built, well-sorted, and the perfect machine to get me back up to speed. Right now, it’s about getting comfortable in the car, shaking off the rust, and enjoying the process.

“I’m competitive, but I also love entertaining the fans – that’s what makes rallying so special. I’m currently working on bringing corporate sponsors on board to represent their brands, and once that’s in place, the plan is to be on the start line and back in the mix.”

Read now campaigns a Ford Fiesta R5. After enjoying a final spin in the Starlet at Bushy Park before handing it over to Reece, he said: “The time was right to sell it, while there was still a need or demand for something like that. It’s a good car, it has certainly served me well, and it’s a good platform for Nigel continue his rallying career. I wish him all the best with it and look forward to seeing how he can adapt to it.”

Reece’s opposition among the many fan favourites in the high-profile SM2 class will include the reigning class and overall 2wd champion Rhett Watson (BMW M3), former class champions Barry and Roger Mayers, driving Ford Fiesta and Toyota WR Starlet respectively, Andrew Jones (Ford Escort MkII) and Calvin Briggs, who moved across from Group B last year with his Ford Sierra.

The Auto & Rally Show, where every car entered is on display in an annual celebration of island rallying, and the final shakedown and seeding event – First Citizens King of the Hill – will occupy the preceding weekend (May 24-25).

(Rally Barbados is a tarmac rally, with around 20 special stages run on the island’s intricate network of public roads, under road closure orders granted by the Ministry of Transport & Works; the previous Sunday’s King of the Hill ‘shakedown’, run under a similar arrangement, features four timed runs on a roughly four-kilometre stage, the results of which are used to seed the running order for the main event.)

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