Local

Lawmen Rewarded & Presented With Medals

Over 200 members of The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) were recently rewarded and saluted for their contribution to the organisation during an Awards Ceremony and Presentation of Service Medals of Honour.

And acting Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams lauded them for their commitment and dedication to TBPS and Barbados and encouraged them to continue exercising discretion while carrying out their tasks.

Mr. Abrahams said: “Let us divert people even before they get into the system. Sometimes, the police officers can exercise discretion; sometimes you can have a word; sometimes the strict, forceful enforcement of the law may not actually yield the result that you want. See yourself as your name implies as a service organisation….

“You have to be nimble enough and care enough about your job, your profession, The Service and the public of Barbados, to be able to exercise your discretion in a way … that promotes law and order, but also maintains a harmonious relationship between the police and the public of Barbados because I think that is critical and crucial.”

He explained that his Ministry (Home Affairs and Information) would be taking the child justice legislation to Parliament. He pointed out that this legislation “kicks in” after somebody has been charged.

“Once you’re charged, there are certain avenues for diversion where we can, instead of going down a strict criminal process, try to give you every opportunity based on accepting what it is that you did, and being penitent and actually learning from what it was that you did. We give every opportunity to divert you out of the system….

“If you speak to a man, …and you show him a level of understanding and reason with him, or a child, you have a better chance of converting that person to becoming a useful citizen than you have if you enforce their compliance by force,” Mr. Abrahams surmised.

*Sgt. Kim Harris receives her award from acting Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams at The Barbados Police Service Awards Ceremony and Presentation of Service Medals of Honour last Friday.*

In praising The Barbados Police Service, including its band, he commended the Commissioner and officers for their community policing initiative.

He said the organisation had evolved significantly and the lawmen were now more highly trained, with more resources at their disposal to effectively carry out their work.

Commissioner of Police, Richard Boyce, stressed the importance of police officers living by the motto “more than my best I cannot do, and less than my best I will not do”.

He said The Service’s leadership was “very pleased” with their performance and urged them to “keep on doing what you are doing; it can only redound to our benefit”.

Mr. Boyce continued: “We are very proud of each and every one of you. I ask you to keep on the right track. There is a lot more work to be done, and we can only reach and achieve our goals and objectives for the organisation if you the members…keep the light burning….”

He encouraged the lawmen to continue embracing and following the ideals of The Service. During the afternoon ceremony, held at the Barbados Workers’ Union, Solidarity House, Harmony Hall, St. Michael, 147 persons were given the Barbados Service Medal; 49 received commendations; and 37 were presented with the Service Medal First Clasp.

Government

BILATERAL TALKS HELD BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER MOTTLEYand PRESIDENT OF THE EU

Matters pertaining to further expanding Barbados’ pharmaceutical industry, cyber security, artificial intelligence and its regulation were among the issues discussed yesterday, during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and President of the European Commission (EU), Ursula von der Leyen.

During the discussions at Ilaro Court, both sides praised their long-standing relationship, as they explored other avenues for cooperation in a number of areas that include, but are not limited to, battery storage; production of precision medicine to help the country in the fight against cancer and NCDs; genomic testing to explore the link between race and NCDs, among other areas.

*Mrs Von der Leyen and Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley*

Mrs Von der Leyen, who is the first EU Commission President to visit the region, expressed her delight to be in Barbados and expressed renewed optimism in the friendship and strategic partnership with the island.

Also present during the meeting with the EU Commission and her team were Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Dr. The Most Honourable, Jerome Walcott; Attorney General Dale Marshall; Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins; Minister in Finance, Ryan Straughn; Minister with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight; Minister in Economic Affairs, Senator Chad Blackman, and other officials. (PR/GIS)

Local

Local Heroes Honored for Acts of Integrity and Kindness at Special Recognition Event

In a time when simple acts of kindness have the power to restore faith in humanity, two individuals are being honored for their remarkable integrity and generosity.

KindSpire, the local platform dedicated to inspiring and rewarding kindness, is partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown to recognize Mr. David Rose and Dr. Janeille Zorina Matthews, two individuals whose selfless actions have touched hearts across the island.Today Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6.30 pm, Kiwanis Club Meeting, Cube Blue Building, Barbados Port Authority Complex

Honoring Acts of Integrity and Compassion

David Rose stumbled upon lost cash alongside a list of unpaid utility bills. Instead of keeping the money, he made a selfless choice— he paid off the stranger’s bills, easing their financial burden.

Meanwhile, Janielle Matthews found an envelope filled with cash in the Cost-U-Less car park.Rather than walking away, she took immediate action to return the money to its rightful owner, proving that honesty still prevails.

Their actions not only restored what was lost but also reminded us of the power of integrity and selflessness. To celebrate their incredible kindness, KindSpire and the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown are hosting a special recognition event to honor David and Janielle and inspire others to follow their example.

Launch of the “Kiwanis Kind Act of the Month” Initiative

In addition to recognizing these everyday heroes, the event will also mark the official launch of the “Kiwanis Kind Act of the Month” initiative. This program, hosted through KindSpire’s website (www.kindspire.app), will highlight. celebrate and reward one exceptional act of kindness each month, encouraging more Barbadians to step up and make a difference. Members of the public can submit their own stories of kindness online, helping to build a movement of goodwill across the island.

Local

Passing of Mrs. Jackie Marshall-Clarke, Manager Corporate Communications & Government Relations

The Barbados Light & Power Company (Light & Power) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Jackie Marshall-Clarke, Manager Corporate Communications & Government Relations.

Jackie passed away peacefully at home after illness.

Light & Power’s management, staff and her immediate Corporate Communications family are shocked and feeling the pain of her passing.

Jackie was a valued and respected member of our team who played an instrumental role in shaping the Company’s voice, fostering meaningful connections, and guiding communications policy with professionalism and grace. She was revered and admired by her colleagues in communications, not only in Barbados but across the region.

Managing Director Roger Blackman said her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence would be profoundly missed by colleagues, associates, and all who had the privilege of working with her.

“We at Light & Power are deeply saddened by the passing of Jackie Marshall-Clarke. Jackie was not just a valued colleague, but also a friend, a mentor to many in the business, and an inspirational leader, whose contributions to Light & Power and the energy sector in Barbados were immeasurable. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family, and we ask that their privacy be respected as we navigate this difficult period.”

Light & Power extends sincere condolences to Jackie’s family, friends, and loved ones.