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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

Fellow Barbadians and friends of Barbados, here at home, or wherever my message reaches you, I extend to you the warm greetings of this very special season with all its festivities, and uplifting music. Barbados’ Christian tradition invites us to embrace the meaning of Christmas, the Word being made flesh and dwelling among us; God’s gift of the Christ child and with Him, peace, love and good will amongst all people and nations.

In the busy-ness of preparations and shopping; in the rush to exchange gifts; in the excitement of the new curtains; with the aroma of seasonal foods like ham and black cake, let us not lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas. For celebratory though it may be for most, this holiday season can also be very difficult for those who have lost loved ones, who are lonely or depressed, or who find it hard to make ends meet.

This year, let us find a way to reach out to as many as we can, who may be in need, and who, once we bring them cheer, can get some relief. We hope that they too, will then be touched by the Spirit of the Season, as they experience its real meaning through us.

Although the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and we are able to socialise freely for the first time since the start of the pandemic three years ago, we must still practise those sanitary measures with which we have become accustomed, as COVID has not gone away and there are still new infections daily. But we can manage them, and we can control our behaviour and prepare ourselves to minimise its impact.

We can be grateful that through our collective efforts, the Barbados economy is growing again. However, we must be mindful of the continuing global challenges, such as the climate crisis, high fuel and food prices, and predictions of a coming international recession. These factors necessitate us to still exercise caution. We must stay the course!

We, the people of this new Republic, must make our way in the world as a competitive, competent, highly-skilled nation, able to navigate international and evolving challenges while constantly enhancing our national brand, and while above all else, always caring for people, whether in Barbados or wherever people are on this planet; without heart, we are nothing.

This requires us to put in place, not just the planks of sustainability, such as will allow all Barbadians of this and coming generations, to build and share in national prosperity and live in dignity, but to have the empathy and that sense of caring that will always be able to pull those, who through no fault of their own, cannot do it on their own.

Our national tone must therefore be one of gratitude for what we have been able to overcome and accomplish; of optimism about the future; of the need for resilience in all areas of our personal and national lives; and of our determination to continue to be the best that we can be as individuals, the best we can be as families and communities, but above all else, the best we can be as a nation.

We must all commit to this, to excellence as our national standard; to working together; to caring for each other; to respecting each other; to being the keepers of our sisters and brothers; to behaving as if the lives of each other matter; and that we understand it is our responsibility and ours alone, to together create and construct the Barbados in which we all want to live.

While we have successfully written our names on history’s page as a people, the challenge now is to write our future – to see, hear, feel and support each other going forward; to use our values and reengineer Bajan traditions to navigate the uncertainties and complexities of the future and, as a people, to define Barbados’ place in the world.

Let us all pause this holiday season for a period of introspection and reflection. In that regard, I want to thank you, the people of Barbados for the gift of the government, which will celebrate its first anniversary shortly. As your Prime Minister, I want to assure you that we do not take the responsibility you have entrusted to us lightly, or for granted.

We will treat the citizens and country with respect. We will continue to do our utmost to address and shield Barbadians from the worst impacts of the global crises. We will continue to be responsive to your needs and to your wishes, and wherever possible to meet them; and where we can’t, to talk it through so you understand what our constraints are and talk it through. We will let all views contend and listen to those views.

We will create opportunities for Barbadians at the national and global levels. We commit to giving you the gift of fair, just, transparent, inclusive, effective and good governance. But ask you also to meet us where we are, because we are only as good as what we can do together as people, whether from the communities, whether in civil society in our churches and our other religious institutions, whether in the private sector or labour movement; doing it together will determine how and where we can go.

Without a doubt, the last year has been difficult for families, communities, and individuals and the future is uncertain, but whatever the future holds, the Government and people will face it together. As a nation, we will share the burdens and equally, we will share the blessings as we travel this journey of our new republic.

Barbadians are a people of faith, and yes Barbados is now very much a multicultural society of intersecting religious traditions. Respect each other, that’s all we need to do. However you choose to celebrate, whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, let us respect each other.

Whatever our traditions, be they quiet or exuberant, we cannot deny that we all do a tremendous amount of work, ‘to make the season bright.’ This year, let us not think of the season of Christmas as just having 12 days, but let us extend our efforts into the next 12 months, as we protect our families, care for our neighbours, safeguard our communities, and strengthen our Barbados.

May we all enjoy not just the spirit and spirits of the season, but live the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity of spirit, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Speaking to all children of the broken trident – from this Government to all Barbadians; from my family and me, to you and yours; from my heart to your hearts, I wish you happy holidays and God’s blessings on Barbados and Barbadians everywhere.

Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Peaceful, and Productive 2023.

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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

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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)