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Children To Benefit From Trauma-Informed Care Workshop

It is estimated that as a result of the attendance of school guidance counsellors and counsellors at Wednesday’s Trauma-Informed Care Workshop, over 5,000 school children will be impacted.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Mark Franklin, highlighted this as he delivered remarks at the start of the jointly sponsored workshop by the Child Care Board (CCB) and the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL). It was held at the 3Ws Oval, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

Adding that the Ministry understands “children are our future and it takes a village to rear a child”, he stressed: “It is why we support such training, because it allows us to partner with other ministries as well as corporate Barbados. We understand that we have to adopt the village rearing paradigm if we are to ensure the well-being and future of our nation’s children.

“We understand the need to build capacity to help build hope and resilience in our children and that is why we have partnered with the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, as well as the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Limited. We hope that more partnerships like this will develop and continue.”

While he expressed the hope that other ministries would engage in similar training to aid children to become healthy, responsible, and productive citizens, he called on participants to conduct their own research, expand and enhance their knowledge base on the area of trauma.

Director of the Child Care Board, RoseAnn Richards, in welcoming participants, described the Trauma-Informed Care Workshop as timely, since it brought together sponsors and partners – the BPWCCUL, the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Defining trauma, Ms. Richards stressed: “Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have a profound physical and emotional impact on a person. It can be caused by a single event, such as a car accident or a natural disaster, or by repeated exposure to stressful or traumatic situations, such as child abuse or domestic violence.

Meanwhile, Chief Human Resource Officer with BPWCCUL, Jacqueline Caesar, praising the partnership, said: “The decision to support this workshop aligns perfectly with our values of compassion, community, and personal development. Initiatives like these are essential for Barbados, as they promote not only individual healing but also collective growth. We are proud to be a part of a movement that recognises the profound effects of trauma and strives to address them with empathy and expertise.”

Acknowledging it was also an investment in the future generation, she added: “The return on investment stands to be substantive when we invest in the next generation. The management of trauma augurs well to the sustainability of a mentally strong workforce who seem to manage more issues compared to the previous generation….

“We see our support as the investment in our entire society and the economy as we build relations and partner with the Child Care Board…. We look forward to the youth being the main benefactors of such training that is sure to catapult their overall socialisation on a critical path to success.”

The workshop formed part of the CCB’s activities for Child Month, being held under the theme: Our Children: Building Hope and Resilience for Tomorrow. (PR/GIS)

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Barbados 4-H Foundation Launches “Grow with 4-H” Garden Competition

The Barbados 4-H Foundation is thrilled to introduce the “Grow with 4-H Garden Competition”, an exciting initiative designed to inspire young 4-H members in schools, and communities to embrace sustainable gardening. This competition, aligned with the Agriculture and Natural Resources component of the 4-H Fourward Curriculum, will runfrom March to November 2025.

The “Grow with 4-H” Garden Competition aims to cultivate environmental awareness, hands-on learning, and creativity while promoting sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits. Participants will engage in practical gardening activities that encourage collaboration, leadership, and a deep appreciation for nature.

Key Objectives:

✅ Enhancing Environmental Awareness – Educating youth on sustainability, biodiversity, and the vital role of plants in ecosystems.

✅ Encouraging Hands-on Learning – Reinforcing key subjects such as science, agriculture, and nutrition through outdoor education.

✅ Promoting Healthy Eating – Encouraging 4-Hers to grow their own fruits and vegetables to foster better eating habits.

✅ Developing Teamwork & Responsibility – Teaching leadership and collaboration as teams work together to create and maintain gardens.

✅ Beautifying Schools & Communities – Creating vibrant, green spaces that boost morale and community pride.

✅ Fostering Creativity & Innovation – Inspiring 4-Hers to develop uniquegardening solutions like vertical gardens and water conservation methods.

“We are excited to see young people in our schools and communities come together to embrace gardening in a way that fosters education, sustainability, and creativity,” said Dr. Roxanne Waithe, Chairman at the Barbados 4-H Foundation.

“This competition is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to learn valuable skills while making a positive impact on their surroundings.” The competition is open to 4-H Clubs across Barbados. The deadline for entry is May 31, 2025. (PR)

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EBC Officers Conducting Verification Of Addresses Exercise

The public is advised that Registering Officers from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) are in the field conducting a verification exercise to confirm the address of each registrant. This activity is in accordance with the Representation of the People Act Cap 12, Section 12.

EBC Registering Officers will be wearing the department’s branded T-shirts with the official ID prominently displayed as they visit residents in districts across the island.

Householders are encouraged to cooperate with the Registering Officers and secure their pets or animals during the visit. (PR/GIS)

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Police Service Tips For A Safe Bank Holiday Weekend

As persons prepare to attend various events over this extended weekend, Crime Prevention Officer with The Barbados Police Service, Inspector Roger Babb, is encouraging them to “stay in control” as they enjoy themselves.

Inspector Babb reminds members of the public that drinking alcohol impairs their ability to make good decisions, and drinking and driving may result in accidents that can be fatal.

The Crime Prevention Officer shared these useful tips:

Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol; it is okay to say no.
Do not drink and drive, always have a sober designated driver.
If you drink, do so in moderation and never leave your drink unattended.
Do not let anyone bring a drink for you.
To avoid having your drinks spiked, buy your own drinks, and watch the bartender make or open them.
If you think your drink was tampered with, let someone know and seek medical attention.
Be cautious with strangers and do not accept drinks from them.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Never mix alcohol with other drugs.
PR/GIS