Government

Global Supply Chain Forum Tackles Rising Costs and Logistics Challenges for Small Island States

The inaugural United Nations Trade and Development Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) kicked off in Barbados this week, shining a spotlight on the significant transport and logistics challenges facing small island developing states (SIDS). The four-day event, hosted by the Government of Barbados and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), brought together over 900 delegates from 127 countries to address these pressing issues.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley set the tone for the forum, highlighting the dire situation faced by SIDS during the COVID-19 pandemic. She revealed that shipping costs for these island nations had skyrocketed by a staggering 76% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This surge in costs, coupled with geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, has had a debilitating effect on SIDS, driving up prices for importers, carriers, and consumers.

Mottley emphasized that SIDS pay more for transport, insurance, and maritime imports than any other country grouping. Furthermore, liner connectivity for these islands has declined by 10%, surpassing the global average drop of 8%. “We’re the first to lose market share,” she lamented, adding that SIDS are often the “last to be seen” and bear the brunt of the global pursuit of unsustainable lifestyles.

The Prime Minister also underscored the additional challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. In 2021, Barbados experienced events that led to the closure of its air and seaports for several days and the temporary closure of 38 buildings due to volcanic dust from the eruption of La Soufriere in St. Vincent.

*Members of the audience at the UNCTAD Conference*

Recognizing the need for comprehensive solutions, Mottley called for the pursuit of the Bridgetown Initiative and reforms to the global financial architecture, ensuring fair opportunities for developing countries, including vulnerable middle-income countries and SIDS.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the disproportionate impact of higher maritime costs on inflation in SIDS compared to the rest of the world. She emphasized the need for inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience in supply chains, and expressed hope that the forum would provide concrete tools and technical assistance to address these challenges.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed described the GSCF as a pivotal moment in charting a way forward, urging participants to seize this opportunity to forge a brighter future where no nation is left behind and global trade remains a force for economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development.

As the forum continues, delegates will engage in discussions and seek solutions to address the multiple disruptions to global supply chains and the significant impacts on developing countries, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by SIDS.

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)