Government

SJPI Launches Elder Care Programme For Caregivers

A groundbreaking initiative, aimed at enhancing support for the elderly, was officially launched on March 24, by the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), in collaboration with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs (MPEA).

Dubbed the “Care of the Older Adult in the Community” course, it was launched at the Lester Vaughan School Auditorium. This initiative seeks to empower caregivers, dedicated to serving the island’s senior citizens.

Special Adviser on the Elderly, Cynthia Forde, addressing the audience, emphasised the important role of eldercare companions and encouraged attendees to utilise the opportunity to refine their skills.

“The taxpayers’ money is paying you to deliver these services. We expect you to come up to scratch to ensure that our seniors are comfortable in the best way you can do it,” Ms. Forde stated.

While lauding their work, she articulated the need for caregivers to continue evolving. “We want this section of our society to feel strengthened and know that they are cared for, that we love them, and that we will continue to serve them. I commend you all for accepting this position, but it’s important not to stagnate.

“You are the first in this programme, and you don’t have to be the last. When you complete your training, there is an extension of your programme that can allow you to be drafted into the same SJPI, where you can pursue an auxiliary nursing course. This is essential if you wish to function in other capacities within the National Assistance Board, or if you aspire to become a nurse,” she said.

The SJPI programme, which is set to support an initial cohort of 420 Eldercare Companions, has plans for expansion to meet the growing demand for elder care services, as Barbados grapples with a rapidly ageing population.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Jehu Wiltshire, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced caregiver support, said: “Currently, approximately 20 per cent of the population is over the age of 60, and by 2050, that figure is expected to rise to over 50 per cent.”

And, he warned: “This is a ticking time bomb. If we do not take action now to establish systems to address this issue, we will face significant challenges in this country.”

Mr. Wiltshire also outlined plans by the MPEA to create daycare and residential facilities for the elderly in every parish, beginning with St. Philip. Offering the rationale for this, he said: “We want to ensure that we approach elder care with heart and understanding. These qualities are essential as we move forward in our mission.”

Deputy Principal of the SJPI, Brenda Osbourne, echoing similar sentiments on the importance of education for caregivers, urged them to give of their best.

She added: “Although your classes will be conducted at the Lester Vaughan School, I assure you, you are a student of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology…. I implore you to foster relationships with each other and share knowledge openly. With a 100 per cent pass rate, we would all be winners.”

One of the participants, Joan Brathwaite, who expressed optimism about the programme and shared her desire to better care for the elderly community, said: “I am truly grateful for this opportunity to enhance my skills in caring for our seniors.”

Spanning over 14 weeks, the course is entirely funded by the Ministry. It is designed not only to boost participants’ skills but also to foster a compassionate environment for Barbados’ ageing population. (PR/GIS)

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)