Local

Sentencing Guidelines: Delivering Fairness & Justice In Barbados

On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Barbados Supreme Court unveiled its inaugural Sentencing Guidelines, marking a significant milestone in the multi-year Barbados Sentencing Guidelines initiative.

Supported by the U.S. and UK Governments through the U.S.-UK Criminal Justice Reform Project, the Sentencing Guidelines introduce a step-by-step process that will help ensure consistency in the approach taken by judges and magistrates when sentencing offenders.

The guidelines will also assist in providing clearer reasons for the sentences passed which can be readily understood by offenders, victims, and the wider public. The first set of guidelines, which deal with rape, drug offences, theft, robbery, burglary, aggravated burglary, and causing death by dangerous driving, are set to come into effect soon. More Guidelines are slated to be developed and implemented in the future in other areas, including firearm offences.

The guidelines were developed by the Sentencing Guidelines Committee, led by Chief Justice of Barbados, The Honourable Sir Patterson Cheltenham and comprising judicial officers, attorneys-at-law from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as well as the private bar, and academics. The Committee’s work was also informed by views received from the public consultation process.

Additionally, a training workshop was held to expose judges, magistrates, prosecutors, and defence attorneys to the guidelines and how they are intended to work.

With the launch of these Sentencing Guidelines, Barbados joins the wider regional sentencing guidelines initiative supported by the U.S.-UK Criminal Justice Reform Project, which has to date produced 22 guidelines for the nine countries that fall under the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Cheltenham, in his remarks at the launch, emphasised that the Barbados Sentencing Guidelines will in no way restrict judges or magistrates from exercising their discretion when they are determining an appropriate sentence for an offender.

Instead, he explained that the purpose is to provide a framework that guides the approach that a judge or magistrate takes in coming to a sentence in each case, which reflects the crime and its seriousness, as well as the circumstances of the offender and other relevant considerations.

U.S. Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS, Roger Nyhus, highlighted the U.S.’ commitment to “best practices in the delivery of justice” and the very real difference being made through the existing partnership between the U.S. Government and Barbados.

He also commended the combined efforts of the judiciary of Barbados and Criminal Justice Adviser to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Sirah Abraham, who leads the U.S.-UK Criminal Justice Reform Project, in bringing this critical initiative to fruition.

Ambassador Nyhus also stated that “the United States is proud to partner with Barbados to strengthen our institutions for the benefit of all our citizens”.

British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Scott Furssedonn-Wood, in addressing the gathering, lauded the judiciary’s commitment to enhancing the administration of justice and engaging in initiatives that result in meaningful reform within the criminal justice system.

He commended the development of the guidelines, which will enhance public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system and also serve to increase transparency and public knowledge about how sentences are arrived at.

High Commissioner Furssedonn-Wood pledged the UK’s continued support to the Barbados Sentencing Guidelines Project reiterating the UK Government’s commitment to supporting Barbados’ vision for stronger, more just, and inclusive institutions and a bright future.

Both the U.S. Ambassador and the British High Commissioner extended congratulations to Chief Justice Cheltenham on his distinguished career and offered best wishes as he prepares to retire. (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Chief Justice, The Honourable Sir Patterson Cheltenham, was joined by United States Ambassador to Barbados, Roger Nyhus; Criminal Justice Adviser with the U.S.-U.K. Criminal Justice Reform Project, Sirah Abraham; and British High Commissioner to Barbados, Scott Furssedonn-Wood, at the Barbados Judiciary’s unveiling of its inaugural Sentencing Guidelines last Friday

Local

Centenarian Celebrates Her Dominica-Barbados-UK Connection

Josephine Bailey Celebrated

One of Barbados’ newest centenarians, Josephine Bailey, celebrated her 100th birthday on September 27, 2024, at her home in Dalkeith Village, St. Michael.

In addition to family members and some close friends, one of her specially invited guests was President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason.

One of Mrs. Bailey’s daughters, Judith Lockhart, shared that her mother was born in Castle Bruce, a village on the east coast of Dominica, where she also attended school. After school, the centenarian, who worked in agriculture, made an initial visit to Barbados around the age of 18 and decided to stay, working in retail stores in Bridgetown.

Ms. Lockhart also shared that her mother had a stall in town where she would take them as small children, to work with her.

“She had a market stall, fruits and vegetables, and then after that she left…. It was nursing that gave her the opportunity to go to England and train as a nurse,” she said.

When asked by Her Excellency whether the centenarian was a disciplinarian, Ms. Lockhart remarked that as teenagers they were allowed to attend social events with the understanding that they were to return “by a particular time” or face being disciplined.

She said her mother insisted that all four of them attend evening classes, even while at school, to learn additional trades and be better prepared for the future. “Mum was very passionate about us doing something with our lives. Her motto was ‘always be independent …and look out for yourself’,” Ms. Lockhart said.

Always goal oriented, Mrs. Bailey applied to be trained as a nurse in the United Kingdom (UK), and became a member of the Windrush Generation, who emigrated there at the invitation of the British Government to be trained and to help rebuild England after the Second World War.

*Barbados’ newest centenarians, Josephine Bailey poses with President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason and family during her birthday celebrations*.

After four years of training, she worked in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), in hospitals such as St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington and Royal Free Hospital in Camden. While in the UK, Mrs. Bailey (nee Lockhart) married a Barbadian and continued living there.

In the latter part of her career with the NHS, Mrs. Bailey worked at the Community Health Centre, which included family planning and home visits to patients. Earning the respect of her patients, peers, and leadership team, she was selected to meet Queen Elizabeth II, during an official visit to open a section of the Queen’s Park Heath Centre.

Mrs. Bailey retired at age 65, returned to Barbados, and settled down in Dalkeith Village, St. Michael, an area with which she was familiar.

She kept active in her kitchen garden and in church at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. She also taught at the St. Patrick’s Primary School; spent time with family and friends; did some cooking and travelled.

Her Excellency presented Mrs. Bailey with a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of non-alcoholic wine and a personalised card, which was followed by a toast to the centenarian.

Mrs. Bailey, a widower, had four children, nine grandchildren (one deceased), and seven great-grandchildren.

Local

Millie Ifill Fish Market At Weston, St. James Re-Opens

The Millie Ifill Fish Market facility, at Weston, St. James, reopened on Saturday after receiving a BDS $2.7 million upgrade, thanks to the Barbados Port Inc. (BPI).

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the BPI began upgrading the facility designed by Architectural Designer & Project Manager, Rianne Greaves, in May 2023. Completion of the state-of-the-art vending and fish processing disabled-friendly building occurred in July 2024.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, under whose portfolio the BPI falls, noted that similar to other large-scale community developmental projects, the Millie Ifill Fish Market project is expected to demonstrate a high level of benefits, including enhanced social experiences for residents and visitors, and improved infrastructural development.

He added that the initiative is part of a wider undertaking of Government to upgrade the island’s fishing facilities.

“We hope that this building will serve as a beacon of inspiration to a new generation of workers in the fishing industry, and a testament to this Government’s commitment to upgrading fishing facilities in line with the requisite standards that support fish handling and the retail of fresh catches to the domestic, hospitality, packaging, and distributing sectors,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill stated.

He also highlighted other initiatives under the BPI’s Social Responsibility Programme, including the renovation of the Speightstown Jetty, the Pile Bay Fishing Facility, the Bridgetown Port Fire Station, and the Shallow Draught Marina.

The Minister encouraged users of the facility to be forerunners in the maintenance of the property and upkeep of equipment.

Minister of the Environment, National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, Adrian Forde; Member of Parliament for the area, Edmund Hinkson; and Chief Fisheries Officer, Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, agreed with Minister Gooding-Edghill that it was important for those using the facility assist with its maintenance and care the equipment.

Dr. Cox said the upgraded Millie Ifill Fish Market in Weston stands out in the community “as a diamond on the West, not only aesthetically pleasing but fit for purpose”.

She added: “This world-class facility raises the profile and catalyses the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. In our thrust towards aspiring to excellence and promoting seafood quality assurance in the post-harvest sector, this building epitomises the highest standard of excellence. It is outfitted with the amenities and equipment to support the processing and sale of good quality fish and promote the improvement of sanitary measures. The facility also provides a space to encourage social interaction and a hub for fisherfolk and members of the Weston Fisherfolk and Community Organisation.”

The upgraded facility, constructed by Empire Building and Construction, boasts a main office, shutters, an ice machine, a chiller room, a walk-in freezer, a high-tech security system, fish offal storage, a public toilet with disabled provisions, a public shower, separate fish retail and processing areas, vendors bathrooms with showers, a lunchroom, and improved sidewalk with disabled access.

The facility is named after former centenarian and well-known fish vendor Millicent Ifill, who touched many lives in the Weston, St. James community. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Member of Parliament, St. James North, Edmund Hinkson and Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, unveil a plaque to commemorate the reopening of the Millie Ifill Fish market facility on Saturday, while Ministers Chad Blackman and Adrian Forde and government officials look on.

Local

ETA For Travel To Kenya Required

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade advises that all persons, including infants and children, must complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) form in order to travel to the Republic of Kenya.

This new requirement results from policy changes, which took effect this year, whereby holders of Ordinary Barbados Passports have to obtain an ETA at least 72 hours before their intended visit to Kenya. However, it is recommended that applications be submitted at least two weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing.

The cost for Kenya’s ETA is US $32.50 per traveller, plus banking and processing fees. The ETA is valid only for a single trip, and a new authorisation must be obtained for every subsequent visit to Kenya.

Holders of Diplomatic Barbados Passports must apply for an ETA at least 72 hours before their intended visit to Kenya, but they will be exempted from payment if certified by letter that they are on official duty.

For ETA applications and guidelines, persons should visit the official website https://www.etakenya.go.ke.