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NCSA Manager Calls for Collective Action

“The addiction of drugs has become one of the most serious social problems, threatening to erode the gains of our economy and burdening our public health and criminal justice systems.” This is according to Mrs. Betty Hunte Manager of The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA).

Her comments as she addressed the congregation at Silver Sands Church of God on Sunday January 12th, 2025, during a Joint church service with Substance Abuse Foundation as they observe Drug Awareness Month 2025.

Speaking to the congregation, Mrs. Hunte described addiction as a profound societal challenge, one that extends far beyond the individual to affect families, workplaces, and communities. She emphasized the importance of understanding addiction not merely as a personal failing but as a societal issue that demands empathy, action, and systemic solutions.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical parable of the prodigal son, she called attention to the power of forgiveness and reintegration. “Like the prodigal son, many individuals battling addiction find themselves at a crossroads, seeking redemption and a place to call home,” she said. “We must ensure that our communities, including our churches, are spaces of support and restoration.”

In a passionate appeal, she urged the adoption of a Barbados National Anti-Drug Plan to coordinate efforts across the criminal justice system, public health, and social welfare. “This plan would allow us to measure impact, intervene effectively, and reintegrate individuals into society,” she explained.

She also highlighted the changing face of addiction, challenging traditional stereotypes. “Addiction is no longer confined to those we see on the streets. It could be someone sitting next to you in church, silently struggling,” she said. “We must address this issue with compassion and proactive measures, creating environments where people feel supported rather than judged.”

Mrs. Hunte called on families to engage in open, stigma-free conversations, workplaces to prioritize outreach and worker health, educators to partner with the NCSA in fostering awareness among students, faith leaders to offer hope, forgiveness, and guidance and media professionals to deliver balanced, factual reporting on drug-related issues.

“This isn’t just about individual choices,” she said. “It’s about societal responsibility. Recovery is possible, and we must all play our part in spreading awareness, extending empathy, and advocating for policies that prioritize health and education over punishment.”

She encouraged those present to reach out and help those in need, “If your friend, neighbour, or family member has a drug problem, go to their aid. Join with others—clubs, service groups, community organizations—and provide the support and strength they need. We all have a role to play in this fight, she said. (PR)

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Youth Energy Entrepreneurship Challenge Open

Young people have an opportunity to share their ideas and solutions on how to promote sustainable energy in Barbados and, by extension, the globe.

The Ministry of Energy and Business is hosting a Youth Energy Entrepreneurship Challenge for students 15 to 19 years old, who attend public and private secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions, except universities. They are required to submit a business plan for the creative use of the recently renovated Solar House in Queen’s Park.

In giving the rationale for the challenge, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Business, Keisha Reid, said it is designed to raise awareness among students about the importance and use of sustainable energy technologies in our daily lives.

“The objective of this challenge is to encourage collaboration and creativity among the country’s youth by encouraging them to prepare a business plan for the Solar House, which is a demonstration project highlighting energy efficiency and sustainable energy technologies,” Ms. Reid explained.

The challenge is divided into three categories – Fifth form, Sixth form and Tertiary institutions except universities. Students must present their work as a group of three persons or less, and no individual submissions will be accepted. Each group is permitted to submit only one entry and students are not allowed to participate in more than one group.

All work must be original and free from plagiarism. Each group should be guided by a member of the school’s teaching staff, who will serve as the focal point.

The deadline for submission of the business plan is Friday, February 14, 2025. Proposals must be emailed to energyinfo@barbados.gov.bb with the subject heading “Youth Energy Entrepreneurship Challenge”, or delivered to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Business, Trinity Business Centre, Country Road, St. Michael.

For additional information on the challenge, students may call 535-2553 or 535-2582, email energyinfo@barbados.gov.bb, or visit the Ministry’s website.

The Solar House, which was officially opened in June 2007, is a government initiative designed to highlight the integrative building design approach to energy efficiency and renewable energy. In 2024, the Solar House was extensively renovated, and a new hybrid photovoltaic system installed. (PR/GIS)

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Opportunity For Barbadian Teachers In USA

Barbadian teachers have a chance to broaden their horizons through a cultural exchange with Participate Learning and Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, United States of America.

The Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service (BECCS) and the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), in collaboration with the USA-based agency will host an information session at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, via Zoom.

Pre-registration for the session is required and persons may so do by clicking here.

For additional information, interested teachers should visit the social media pages of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector – @molbarbados246 on Instagram and molbarbados on Facebook. They may also contact BECCS at 826-1513, 832-0480, or 256-2290, or the BUT at 427-8510. (PR/GIS)

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UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Starts January 8

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is reminding Barbadians that the United Kingdom (UK) Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme globally takes effect from tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Barbadian nationals will therefore be required to apply for the ETA online or via the UK ETA App.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation is linked to the passport used in the application and is valid for multiple trips to the UK over a two-year period. If persons acquire a new passport, they will need to get a new ETA. The application fee is £10, and applicants will receive an email confirmation within three working days or sooner.

While an ETA grants individuals permission to travel to the UK, it does not grant them entry. So, they will still need to go through passport control at the border to enter the UK.

Everyone travelling or transiting the United Kingdom needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. Applications can be made for other people. However, refunds will not be granted after applications have been submitted.

To apply for the ETA and for further details, persons may visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.

The UK ETA does not apply to countries whose nationals require a visa to enter the UK. In addition, it cannot be used for travel to the UK for the purpose of work, study, or residence.

The United Kingdom authorities have indicated that the ETA scheme will strengthen the UK’s border security and expedite safe travel for nationals of Barbados as they pass through the UK border. In addition, the ETA scheme will be used to facilitate increased automation as the UK works towards a contactless border. (PR/GIS)