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Barbados Meteorological Services Enhances Early Warning Capabilities

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) yesterday launched its upgraded Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), named Seawolf, and a new spotter buoy, marking a significant step forward in the island’s capacity for early warning and disaster preparedness.

The launch ceremony, held at the Barbados Coast Guard Base, was attended by Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, Wendy Odle; Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Brigadier Carlos Lovell; and Director of the BMS, Sabu Best; and other key stakeholders.

Mr. Abrahams emphasised the importance of a collaborative, whole-of-government approach to hurricane preparedness, highlighting the involvement of various agencies, including the BDF, the Coast Guard, the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, the National Conservation Commission, and the Department of Emergency Management.

“Ours is not a one-man ministry or a one-department ministry,” he stated, acknowledging the crucial role of PS Odle and the heads of departments, in managing the diverse responsibilities of his Ministry.

Minister Abrahams stressed the need for early warning systems and proactive preparation, especially in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

He noted the effectiveness of the USVs in providing early warnings during past weather events and explained that the new equipment will further enhance the BMS’ ability to monitor sea-state conditions, tropical cyclone intensity, and other critical meteorological data.

“This…picks up wind speed; it gets sea swells, ocean temperatures, [and] currents. All these are the things that we need to know to develop our modelling and to make evidence-based decisions we can put up relating to the sea,” he said.

The Minister also expressed confidence in the BMS, stating: “Barbados Met Services, I dare say, is the best functioning Met Services department in the entire Caribbean,” and reiterated the Government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources to further strengthen its capabilities.

He added: “The June start [of the hurricane season] is no longer relevant. Things have shifted from what we knew before. Our Government has a target of operational readiness for the hurricane season from the first of May.”

In his remarks, Mr. Best also stressed the need for collaboration, emphasising that the achievements were a result of the combined efforts of multiple agencies and departments. He acknowledged the significant impact of climate change on Barbados and the importance of continued cooperation to mitigate its effects.

“Collaboration…is important. It really is. I can’t stress on it…. This success is not BMS’. It isn’t. It’s all these agencies. It’s BMS, BDF, NCC, [and] the entire Ministry’s. There are a lot of agencies and departments working together to make this happen,” he stated.

In addition, the Director highlighted the significance of the newly launched technology, noting: “This spotted buoy and this drone…. This represents a lot of improvements.”

The development of these advanced monitoring capabilities is crucial for Barbados, particularly in the face of increasing climate change impacts and the unpredictability of weather patterns. They will provide more timely and accurate information, enabling better preparation and potentially saving lives and property during severe weather events. (PR/GIS)

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The Confucius Institute Successfully Hosts 24th International Chinese Bridge Competition

On Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, the Confucius Institute at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, hosted its annual Chinese Bridge Competition. Held at the Confucius Institute building, this prestigious event provides a platform for Chinese language students to showcase and enhance their linguistic and cultural skills while deepening their understanding of China’s rich heritage.

*Secondary School participant, Davesha Chassang performing a traditional Chinese dance*

The competition featured three categories—Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels—allowing students to demonstrate their abilities through speeches, cultural knowledge quizzes, and performances in traditional Chinese art forms. Participants represented schools and institutions across Barbados that have partnered with the Confucius Institute to deliver Chinese language instruction to Barbadian students.

Distinguished Panel of Judges

The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel including: a representative from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Kerri-Ann Haynes-Knight representing the Office of the Principal UWI Cave Hill, Ms. Philomena Lee from the Chinese Association of Barbados, Ms. Sabrina Hoyte representing the Barbados-China Returned Scholars Association, Professor Nie Lu (Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute), and Dr. Ché Corbin (Local Director of the Confucius Institute).

*Winners of the Secondary school competition pictured with judges*

Record Participation and Innovation

This year’s competition achieved unprecedented growth, with significant increases in Primary and Secondary school participation. Secondary school participants rose to 10 students—a five-fold increase from last year’s 2 participants—while Primary school entries grew from 12 to 15 students. The Tertiary level featured two accomplished participants.

*Primary school participants receiving certificates from Judges*

The competition also showcased remarkable diversity in talent performances, with several notable firsts including food preparation demonstrations, traditional dressmaking, and a captivating Guzheng performance at the Primary level. Both judges and audience members were impressed by the artistry and confidence displayed by the young competitors, reflecting not only the students’ dedication but also the Institute’s committed investment in their development.

Recognition and Encouragement

Following the performances, speeches, and quizzes, all participants received prizes and certificates in recognition of their achievements. The judging panel addressed the students, encouraging continued language study and emphasizing the valuable opportunities that Chinese language proficiency can provide. Special commendation was given to the Institute’s teachers and students’ parents for their unwavering support and guidance.

Acknowledgments

The Confucius Institute extends its gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for their continued support of the Chinese Bridge Competition and the promotion of Chinese language and culture in Barbados. The Institute also congratulates all participating students and wishes the competition winners success as they advance to represent Barbados in the global competition in China later this year.

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Eleven St. John Recipients Receive Pride Of Barbados Awards

Eleven persons from St. John who have contributed substantially to the development of the parish and its residents over the years have received Pride of Barbados Awards.

The St. John honourees were presented with their insignias by President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason yesterday morning at State House. President Mason thanked the awardees for their dedication and acts towards the development of her ‘home’ parish and encouraged them to continue their efforts.

The fifth batch of honourees receiving insignias, as part of the We Gatherin’ 2025 initiative, were: Richard Arthur, Pearson Bellamy, J.P., Neville Bridgeman, Sonia Burgess-Haynes, Dr. Keisha Gustave, Samantha Haynes, J.P., De Andra Howard, Myrtle Husbands, Roland Waithe, Dale Lashley and Diaspora Awardee Lennox Llewellyn Padmore.

Areas for which the awardees were recognised included humanitarianism and philanthropy; lifelong dedicated service to the Codrington Estate; leadership; excellence in public health; community empowerment; educating and mentoring young people; promoting sporting excellence; and agriculture.

Following the ceremony, three awardees shared with the media their reaction to being recipients of the Pride of Barbados Award.

Pearson Bellamy, J.P., age 83, is a former teacher, meteorologist and government printer. He was recognised for being a steward of culture, a guardian of truth, and a living archive for his dedicated service as a community griot and cultural icon.

“I’m happy to be honoured today. Thank God that He’s given me the privilege to…receive this honour this morning,” Mr. Bellamy stated.

He added: “For the past 63 years, I’ve been working with the youth, with the old, and with everybody else with respect to drama, folk singing, music, and I was president of a number of organisations in St. John. And I’m happy to share that as long as I have strength and the energy, I will continue to do so.”

Eighty-year-old Shopkeeper Myrtle Husbands said: “I am very humble and grateful to the Government and people of St. John.”

She is known for her invaluable contributions to improving the lives of the disadvantaged, uplifting the vulnerable, protecting and providing refuge to battered women and hope to underprivileged children, as well as fostering a more caring and cohesive community in Colleton, St. John.

When asked what drives her to assist others, she responded: “I think it’s just me … it comes natural. When I see people in need, I help them. If I see people, you know, like disadvantaged, I try to give them any assistance that I can.”

She advised younger persons in the community to put God first in their lives and to help any person in need.

Meanwhile, De Andra Howard, a 42-year-old teacher at the Mount Tabor Primary, expressed her surprise and delight at being awarded. “It feels amazing,” she remarked.

She has been awarded for her leadership, creativity and unswerving commitment to community development, promoting the Rights of the Child and fostering Health and Family Life Education, as well as national anti-violence initiatives. Ms. Howard emphasised the importance of hard work and perseverance.

“You know, sometimes you work hard behind the scenes and you say you’re never going to be recognised. But as I always say to my students and to the young people that I inspire, work hard and someday it will pay off, somebody will recognise you.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason (centre) poses with ten of the Pride of Barbados Awardees from St. John at State House

Local

Road Rehabilitation Of Eagle Hall Road

The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) will carry out road rehabilitation on Eagle Hall Road in St. Michael from the Eagle Hall traffic lights to the Lower Bank Hall traffic lights, under its Focused Roads Programme.

Starting Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Infra Construction Inc. will dig test pits along this road between 8:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. During this time, the road will be reduced to one lane. Test pits are a crucial preparatory step in road rehabilitation as they provide critical information about the road’s subbase.

Infra Construction Inc. will begin road rehabilitation on Monday, June 9, 2025, and will continue for approximately eight weeks from 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The scope of work includes excavation, deep milling, sidewalk as well as slipper and kerb repairs, and paving. During this time, the road will be closed. More details will be provided closer to the start date.

MTW and Infra Construction Inc. apologise for the inconvenience and thank businesses, residents, and motorists for their understanding and cooperation. (PR/GIS)