Politics
October 25, 2023
Barbados Government Introduces Bill to Restructure Debt for Climate Change Resilience, Minister Says
Barbados is introducing a bill to defer debt payments in the event of a natural disaster, aiming to strengthen the country's ability to recover and become climate change resilient.
October 25, 2023
Pro-Palestinian campaign group calls on Barbados to recognize State of Palestine
The pro-Palestinian campaign group in Barbados is calling for recognition of the State of Palestine, arguing against supporting Israel due to alleged breaches of international law. The government maintains support for a two-state solution and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
October 24, 2023
United Nations Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week Addresses Climate Change Challenges in the Caribbean
The United Nations Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week (LACCW) will convene from October 23-27, 2023 to address the critical challenges of climate change in the region and call for regional action on energy systems, cities, land and ocean, and societies. Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean SIDS face significant impacts and vulnerabilities due to climate change, and it's crucial to protect and empower vulnerable communities through disaster preparedness, climate-resilient livelihoods, and public awareness. The LACCW will gather sentiments and core messages to take to COP28 and the Fourth International SIDS Conference in 2024. Strengthening infrastructure, adopting sustainable agriculture practices, reinforcing cities, transitioning to clean energy, and accessing climate finance are key steps toward building resilience. The UN Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2022-2026 provides a robust framework for UN assistance in the sub-region, but efforts must be scaled up to achieve a resilient and inclusive future. Collaboration, sharing knowledge, and working towards common goals are essential to combat the global threat of climate change.
October 24, 2023
Minister Promises New Government Policy and 24-Hour Homeless Shelter by March 2022
Learn about the progress made by Minister Kirk Humphrey in transitioning the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness (BAEH) into a 24-hour shelter, including hiring staff and developing a comprehensive policy on homelessness.
October 24, 2023
Barbadian Diaspora Advocates for Parliamentary Representation, Presidential Term Limits, and Electoral Reforms
The Barbadian diaspora advocates for voting rights, diasporic representation, proportional representation, gender parity, and absentee ballots, while political scientist Peter Wickham opposes overseas voting.
October 24, 2023
Chief Justice Calls for Swift Resolution of Complaints Against Lawyers
Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham calls for faster resolution of complaints against lawyers. He suggests amending the Legal Profession Act to establish a new body dedicated to addressing these issues promptly and fairly.
October 24, 2023
35 Buses Set on Fire in Rio de Janeiro After Police Operation: Industry Group
Criminal groups set fire to 35 buses in Rio de Janeiro after police killed a crime boss. The attacks disrupted transportation and led to arrests.
October 23, 2023
Report Reveals Mega-Wealthy Pay Little to No Taxes; Suggests Minimum Tax Rate for Billionaires
A report from the EU Tax Observatory suggests implementing a minimum two per cent tax rate on billionaires' global wealth, potentially raising $250bn annually.
October 23, 2023
Israel-Gaza Conflict: Families Plead for Release of Hostages as Invasion Looms
As Israel prepares for a potential invasion of the Gaza Strip, families of hostages seized by Hamas plead with the government to negotiate their release instead of escalating the war effort. Many believe their loved ones are hidden in Hamas-built tunnels.
October 22, 2023
Political Scientist Peter Wickham Suggests Alternative Solution for Diaspora Voting in Barbados Elections
Political scientist Peter Wickham voices strong opposition to diaspora members registering and voting under Barbados' current electoral system, suggesting instead the creation of a diaspora representative to express concerns from overseas.
October 22, 2023
BARP Successfully Advocates for Changes in Driver's Licence Renewal Requirements for Senior Citizens
BARP President, Marilyn Rice-Bowen, celebrates new legislation allowing senior citizens aged 75-85 to renew driver's licenses every two years with medical certificates. At age 85 and beyond, annual medical certificates will be required. BARP continues to address issues impacting seniors, including meeting with the Barbados Bankers Association regarding loan denials due to age. The association also supports interventions in the Fair Trading Commission and advocates for the implementation of durable power of attorney laws to protect seniors. Pastor Carlos Brathwaite commends BARP for its efforts to protect the rights of the elderly.
October 22, 2023
Guyana Partners with Canada to Develop Training Program for Young People in Innovative Fields
Guyana's President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has announced a partnership with Canada to provide training in technologically innovative fields for young people. This initiative aims to create 3,000 jobs and position Guyana well in food, energy, and climate sectors. President Ali discussed this collaboration during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, focusing on support for Guyana's oil and gas industry, agriculture strategies, investments, food security, and climate resilience.