Government

DFAD Participants Advised To Practise Inclusivity & Equality

Six finalists in the ‘Diplomat for a Day’ (DFAD) initiative were given advice on practising inclusivity, equality, and active listening as well as on advocating for the rights of others.

The advice has come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade’s Director General, Donna Forde; High Commissioner for Canada, Brenda Wills; the acting High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Charley Williams; and acting Head of Mission from UN Women, Isiuwa Iyahen.

During a breakfast briefing at the Canadian High Commission, Bishop’s Court Hill, St. Michael, the six DFAD finalists were informed that the engagement was part of the activities to mark International Women’s Day 2025, which is celebrated annually on March 8. The theme this year is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.

The DFAD finalists were encouraged by the four officials to take advantage of the opportunities afforded them through the initiative and to learn and absorb as much as possible from those with whom they engage.

They were also told to have open and frank discussions on issues that affect the youth, with an emphasis on highlighting how their contributions as young people can assist in creating a better, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.

The four officials also extended best wishes to the participants in their future endeavours.

The ‘Diplomat for a Day’ was born out of the successes of the 2023 ‘LeadHER for a Day’ programme, followed by the first iteration of the DFAD programme in 2024, in which the High Commissions of Canada and the United Kingdom were partners, and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The initiative offers Barbadian citizens between ages 16 and 24 the opportunity to be a small group of aspiring diplomats who participate in a series of learning activities designed to equip participants with a basic understanding of foreign policy and diplomacy, governance and democracy, and advocacy and communications.

Eighteen participants were part of this year’s initiative. The six finalists for the DFAD 2025 initiative are Destiny Haynes, Thea Herbert, Naomi Jones, Rashana Jones, Kehzion Murray-Hepburn, and Judah Weekes.

The finalists also benefited from an engagement session with senior staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and an International Trade: Engagement With World Trade Organization Ambassadors Matthew Wilson (Barbados), Nadia Theodore (Canada), and Simon Manley (United Kingdom). (PR/GIS)

Caption: The six finalists in the ‘Diplomat for a Day’ initiative pose for a photograph with acting Head of Mission from UN Women, Isiuwa Iyahen; Canada’s High Commissioner to Barbados, Brenda Wills; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade’s Director General, Donna Forde; and acting High Commissioner for the UK, Charley Williams.

Government

Mental Health Workers: Champions Of Change Across Communities

Employees of the Psychiatric Hospital have been urged to see themselves as champions of change across Barbados, to lessen the stigma of mental illness.

This message was conveyed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, at the 2025 Employee Rewards and Recognition Ceremony of the Psychiatric Hospital, last Saturday, at Mahogany Ridge, Plum Tree Road, St. James.

Held under the theme Excellence in Healthcare Delivery, the event saw the Minister lauding staff, for “a tremendous job” and encouraging them to continue working to uplift their brothers and sisters, as they daily handle acute cases of mental health.

Mr. Ishmael, who stressed that many people needed an uplifting hand, given the several mental health challenges faced by society, suggested a comforting word or hug, could help bring such persons back from the precipice.

He praised the hospital’s anti-stigma campaign and emphasised it needed to be embraced to break down the mental blockades which lend to persons taking a stand-off approach to mental illness.

The Minister stated: “I want us, as champions of mental health in our country, to see ourselves as bigger than the Psychiatric Hospital and see yourselves as part of the messengers that have to go out there on a daily basis, within your various conversations, …wherever people are….

“Take a moment to encourage those who are around you to take better care of their mental health, so we can avoid, and we can pull back some of this discrimination, some of these unfortunate incidents that we are seeing in our country because we really have to do better in this country, and it begins with all of us.”

He also reminded staff that excellence in mental health required not only clinical knowledge and technical skill, but profound empathy, patience, resilience, and an unwavering belief in human dignity. And Mr. Ishmael stressed it was for this reason several of them were being honoured for consistently demonstrating this belief, not only through words but through action.

“You remind us that compassion is not just a value. It is practice. You are the reason that hope reaches the hopeless, and healing touches the broken,” he stated.

Several staffers received long service awards for having spent 10 to 40 years at the Black Rock, St. Michael institution. Social worker, Cecilia Ramsay received the 40-year award while Senior Nursing Officer, Alfred Alleyne was bestowed the 35-year award. Both were presented by Minister Ishmael.

Three people received the Hospital Director’s Award – Infection Control Officer, Selvin Greenidge; Deputy Principal Nursing Officer, Michelle Moore; and Department Aide, Rodney Stuart. The hospital also recognised its retirees and presented the “Friends of Psychiatric Hospital Award” to four persons – Peter ‘Peter Ram” Wiggins, Geoffrey “Biggie Irie” Cordle, Nikita Herbert, and Faith Callender – for their voluntary service to the institution and championing mental health initiatives. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Senior Nursing Officer at the Psychiatric Hospital, Alfred Alleyne (right), is presented with the 35-year award by Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael at the hospital’s awards ceremony last Saturday.

Government

EDMUND HINKSON RESIGNS

Speaker of the House of Assembly The Hon Arthur Holder shortly after the sitting began today read a letter of resignation submitted by the Hon. Edmund Hinkson representative for St. James North.

The letter stated ‘In accordance with Section 45 (1) b of the Constitution of Barbados, I hereby give notice that I shall resign from the Parliament of Barbados a the Member for the Constituency of St. James North effective Friday April 25th, April, 2025 at 10am.

Government

Prime Minister Mottley Pays Tribute To Pope Francis

The world today feels like a lonely place with the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. For me, Pope Francis was the beacon of global moral strategic leadership.

I confess that it was Pope Francis’ writings and teachings that guided and inspired me through the dark and desolate days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as I worked with others to lead Barbados through that period of grave uncertainty. He was, in every sense, my hero.

I was later humbled to have spent time with him late last year, where he reinforced in me the importance of always aligning our hearts, our heads, and our hands with our faith – to see, hear, and feel all people, so that we may help them, and to protect our planet.

His voice comforted and inspired many. His hands led him to places where others dared not go, and His heart knew no boundaries. His humour and his laughter were not only infectious but calming.

Let us, each and every day, see, hear, and feel people—to fight the globalisation of indifference. In so doing, we will walk the road he paved tirelessly to the very end of his life.

If we dare to live with heart, to serve with courage, humility, and to love without borders—then Pope Francis still walks among us.

May His soul forever rest in peace. (PR/GIS)