In an era increasingly shaped by data, equipping young people with data literacy skills is essential for fostering informed decision-making and effective advocacy.

This perspective was shared by De-Jane Gibbons, UNFPA Liaison Officer for Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), during the launch of the Data in Action: Youth Data Literacy as a Tool for Change workshop. The event, hosted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), took place on Tuesday at UN House.

Addressing the young participants, Gibbons underscored the critical role of data in shaping impactful social policies and emphasized the need for citizens in the region to grasp its importance.

“We all understand that we live in a world driven by data [and] by information. It’s all around us in everything we do. From tracking climate change to addressing community needs, data enables us to understand challenges and, more importantly, to create meaningful solutions. This workshop is more than speaking about numbers and spreadsheets, it’s about telling stories, making informed decisions, and amplifying your voice… it’s about turning insights into action, and action to impact the communities that we serve.

“We want to emphasise the role of data in strengthening advocacy efforts to shape government policies and to cultivate community empowerment across the Eastern Caribbean,” she stated.

The initiative is one of several by the UN aimed at reinforcing advocacy efforts, shaping policy, and empowering communities across the Eastern Caribbean. Gibbons highlighted that supporting youth data literacy is particularly crucial in an era where misinformation is widespread. She also stressed the importance of young advocates accessing reputable data sources to strengthen their efforts.

The cultural relationship between Barbados and Japan, as well as efforts to deepen and strengthen bilateral ties, will continue.

This was expressed by Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, Sandra Husbands, during a reception hosted, last Friday, by the new Ambassador of Japan to Barbados, Miyasaka Yusuke, to celebrate the 65th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.

Government and private sector officials and members of the diplomatic corps participated in the event, including the President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw.

Minister Husbands, who offered congratulations to Emperor Naruhito on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, said: “I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty and the people of Japan on this joyous occasion. May this day be a reflection of peace, prosperity, and continued progress for your great nation.”

She noted that the Emperor’s characteristics personify not only its people but the bilateral relationship that exists between Barbados and Japan.

“His Majesty the Emperor has come to personify the very best characteristics of the people of Japan. Respect the pursuit of common ground and advocacy for peace. These same characteristics underpin the bilateral relationship between Barbados and Japan. Though geographically distant, Japan and Barbados share a deep commitment to democracy, economic development, innovation and environmental sustainability.

“Over the years, our bilateral relations have flourished, rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation in various fields, and we continue to pursue deeper engagement and strengthened cooperation,” Minister Husbands stated.

She also spoke of the “strong” bilateral areas that exist between the two countries. These are cooperation in disaster resilience, fisheries, renewable energy, education – Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, sports, arts, and cultural exchanges, and most recently the donation to the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness.

Ambassador Yusuke highlighted the deep friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.

He said: “Since my arrival in Barbados, I have been deeply impressed by the beauty of this country, the warm hospitality of its people and the vibrancy of its culture. It has been a privilege to experience the spirit of this remarkable island through my encounters with the people of Barbados. I have come to appreciate the deep connection between our two nations, not only our shared values but also in our commitment to resilience and cooperation. This year, we commemorate the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Barbados, a partnership built on mutual understanding and collaboration.”

As part of the evening’s celebrations, attendees were treated to specially curated Japanese food prepared by Japanese Chef Sakamoto, and Japanese wines and spirits. There were also origami, calendars, clothing, and artwork exhibits.

On May 1, 2019, Naruhito, the former Crown Prince, acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne, officially becoming the 126th Emperor of Japan. 

Barbados and Japan established diplomatic relations on August 29, 1967. (PR/GIS)

By Deanzer Roberts

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has expressed mixed reactions to the recently presented 2025 Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement. While acknowledging some positive measures, the umbrella trade union body believes that the Budget falls short in addressing key concerns such as high taxation, the rising cost of living, and poverty alleviation.

CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips, in his post-budget analysis, emphasized that workers and citizens expected the government to introduce initiatives that would ease financial burdens. He noted that while the announced 2% biennial increase in the minimum wage is a welcome step, the current $340 per week remains inadequate given the high cost of living, particularly in areas such as food, rent, and utilities.

One of the key recommendations from CTUSAB was a reduction in income tax for pensioners, beyond the increase in the income tax threshold. The organization believes that pension income should be completely exempt from taxation to provide greater relief for retirees. Additionally, CTUSAB questioned why the Water and Sewage Tax remains in place despite many households not being connected to the sewage system. The union also called for a review of the Municipal Solid Waste Tax to determine if it discourages property development.

Phillips also criticized the continuation of the 2% tax on overseas credit card transactions, arguing that it penalizes consumers engaging in online transactions—a practice that the digital economy seeks to promote. CTUSAB further recommended a reduction in the 17.5% VAT rate, given the country’s reported economic growth and improved foreign exchange reserves.

The trade union body welcomed the government’s adjustments to maternity and paternity leave policies. The extension of maternity leave from 12 to 14 weeks, along with the removal of the three-child confinement limit, was described as a positive move that aligns with efforts to encourage population growth. CTUSAB, which has long advocated for paternity leave, was also pleased that fathers would now receive this benefit.

However, CTUSAB expressed concerns regarding the Government’s proposed 20% sales tax on salty snacks, cautioning that small vendors and local manufacturers might bear the brunt of this policy. The organization questioned the effectiveness of this approach in tackling health concerns, especially in light of the government’s simultaneous VAT reductions on salted meats such as pigtails, sausages, and stew beef.

Phillips noted that the Budget failed to adequately address the pressing economic challenges facing Barbadians, including high electricity and telephone bills, escalating food prices, and the accessibility of land and housing. He highlighted that there were no new measures introduced to regulate high rental costs, curb alleged price gouging, or address concerns about banking sector practices that impact consumers.

“The government has reported strong GDP growth, a healthy foreign exchange position, and reduced national debt, yet there is no significant move to alleviate the tax burden on citizens or to introduce major cost-of-living relief measures,” Phillips stated.

While CTUSAB acknowledged the Government’s one-off payment of $300 to certain groups, it hopes this will not impact the upcoming Public Sector Wages and Salaries Negotiations.

As the country moves forward in 2025, CTUSAB has urged the Government to take a more proactive stance in implementing policies that directly improve the economic well-being of all Barbadians. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for fair wages, economic empowerment, and meaningful social and economic policies that benefit workers and the wider population.

General Secretary Dennis de Peiza acknowledged the government’s increase in the personal income tax threshold but stressed that additional provisions are needed.

CTUSAB has urged the government to introduce tax incentives for workers in healthcare, education, and protective services, as well as tax credits for employees pursuing job-related professional development. The Congress also advocated for tax deductions on work-related expenses, including transportation and childcare.

Addressing the high cost of living, CTUSAB welcomed government’s reduction of vegetable and fruit prices but criticized the lack of further action, such as removing import duties and VAT on all fruits and vegetables. The Congress also lamented the absence of consumer protection regulations to prevent price gouging, stressing that many workers continue to struggle with rising expenses.

In addition, De Peiza called for stronger social protection measures, including increased funding for the National Insurance Scheme to ensure timely pension payment