Prime Minister Mottley Pays Tribute To Dr. Karl Watson
For over 60 years, Dr. Watson gave unparalleled service for the love of our country and its people. His study and preservation of our nation’s history and heritage were grounded in a profound understanding of the value of our past. Indeed, his efforts have helped remind us that in a time of much global uncertainty, knowing where we came from ensures we never forget who we are, and what we are capable of. I know with absolute certainty that his work has enriched our collective identity as Bajans, inspired generations, and strengthened the foundations upon which our future will be built.
By Government of Barbados | Jan 12, 2025
The late historian, Dr. Karl Stewart Watson. (FP)
By Government of Barbados | Jan 12, 2025 Today, Barbados mourns the loss of one of its most remarkable sons, Dr. Karl Stewart Watson, an extraordinary historian, archaeologist, educator, mentor, and diplomat, who dedicated his life to preserving and celebrating the essence of what it means to be Barbadian.
For over 60 years, Dr. Watson gave unparalleled service for the love of our country and its people. His study and preservation of our nation’s history and heritage were grounded in a profound understanding of the value of our past. Indeed, his efforts have helped remind us that in a time of much global uncertainty, knowing where we came from ensures we never forget who we are, and what we are capable of. I know with absolute certainty that his work has enriched our collective identity as Bajans, inspired generations, and strengthened the foundations upon which our future will be built.
Whether it be through his time with the University of the West Indies Mona or Cave Hill Campus, in the Barbados Foreign Service, the Barbados National Trust, Barbados Museum & Historical Society, the George Washington House Restoration Committee, or his work on the Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Jubilee Gardens in Bridgetown, Newton Plantation, the Barbados/Carolinas Committee, or through his numerous publications or articles in the newspaper, Dr. Watson unearthed stories that revealed the resilience, ingenuity, and humanity of our ancestors.
In recognition of his immense contributions in life, Dr. Watson was awarded the Gold Crown of Merit in 2011. However, I believe his best reward would be our genuine appreciation of the enduring impact he left on the lives of those he taught, guided, and inspired.
On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn this irreplaceable loss. Let us all take solace in the knowledge that Dr. Watson’s legacy will endure, lighting our path forward as we embrace our opportunity to write on history’s page. May we honor his memory by continuing to cherish our history, protect our heritage, and strive for excellence in all that we do.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Barbados is Boldly Pursuing Ambitious Infrastructure Developments and Impressive Eco-tourism Initiatives
Barbados is boldly pursuing ambitious infrastructure developments and impressive eco-tourism initiatives, showcasing its commitment to realizing big dreams. Some of the major projects currently underway stand not only as testaments to engineering prowess but also as beacons of hope for a brighter future.
By Theo Edwards
Barbados isn’t merely a paradise for vacationers
In the tapestry of a nation’s progress, infrastructure is the sturdy framework upon which financial development, social growth, and transformative change are woven.
Mia Mottley - Barbados Prime Minister
Barbados is boldly pursuing ambitious infrastructure developments and impressive eco-tourism initiatives, showcasing its commitment to realizing big dreams. Some of the major projects currently underway stand not only as testaments to engineering prowess but also as beacons of hope for a brighter future.
They represent a powerful fusion of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, offering the potential to uplift communities, drive economic progress, and enhance the quality of life for all Barbadians.
The Mill and Pave Program aims to enhance the nation’s roads by resurfacing almost a third of its roadways. This $30 million initiative is highlighted as a crucial part of the Ministry of Transport and Works' continuous efforts to maintain highway durability and improve motorists' experience across the island, specifically targeting roads with deteriorated surfaces.
The Barbados Coastal Resiliency Project aims to build infrastructure such as breakwaters, drainage works, walkways, boardwalks, and groynes to reduce climate threats and erosion along the country’s coasts. This initiative is part of a $100 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to enhance the climate resilience of coastal areas and promote climate-resilient economic development.
Barbados has 60 miles of shoreline, 20 of that are central to the nation’s tourism trade, attracting over a million guests yearly and accounting for 13% of the nation’s GDP.
The ongoing National Stadium Redevelopment project will bring much-needed improvements to the stadium. Opened in 1970, the stadium has deteriorated over the years. A $40 million funding from the China Development Bank, provided by the Chinese Government, will aid development.
Kensington Oval Upgrade includes significant refurbishments to the stands, including cleaning, repainting, repairing, and installing improved lighting, among other things.
The Home Ownership Providing Energy Inc. Project (HOPE) aims to address the issue of housing affordability, especially for first-time buyers. The first location in Sunderland, St. James, is set to have 154 homes, with 57 already completed and ready for occupancy.
The Shallow Draught Marina is a significant part of the Barbados Port Inc. Masterplan 2020-2030 and Port Expansion. To Improve the provision of marina slips in Barbados to fulfill demand and supply a haven for pleasure craft and industrial tourism vessels.
Spotlighting the infrastructure developments in Barbados, it becomes clear that these endeavors not only represent significant engineering feats but also serve as pillars for the long-term prosperity of the nation, indicating a bright future ahead.
New Caribbean Ferry to Connect Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad
Customs and Immigration officials from Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad have already agreed that most systems were already in place and can be adjusted to accommodate the [ferry] service,’ according to a statement from CARICOM. The ferry, the product of a partnership between Guyana, Trinidad, and Barbados, will transport both passengers and containers, according to Guyanese officials.
Caribbean Journal Staff
March 5, 2024
The ferry would connect Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad
The ferry, the product of a partnership between Guyana, Trinidad and Barbados, will transport both passengers and containers, according to Guyanese officials.
A landmark new ferry service connecting three Caribbean destinations is anticipated to launch in the next few months. This, according to Guyana's President, Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali.
The ferry, the product of a partnership between Guyana, Trinidad, and Barbados, will transport both passengers and containers, according to Guyanese officials.
“In another two, or three months that ferry will begin operations, and we are hoping that this will instill confidence in the private sector,” Ali said.
Customs and Immigration officials from Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad have already agreed that most systems were already in place and can be adjusted to accommodate the [ferry] service, according to a statement from CARICOM.
The Sea Breeze Beach House, is one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Barbados
The initial service will be operated on the Galleons Passage ship (photo above), which has a capacity for about 400 passengers.
Timeframes for the service have not yet been released; the Guyana-Trinidad trip would likely require nearly a day’s sailing.
But the service may not stop at just the edge of the southern Caribbean.
While ferry services tend to be very popular, particularly with travelers, their broader use in the region has been limited only to certain regions: the US And British Virgin Islands; the greater St Maarten area (with islands like Anguilla, Saba, Statia, St Barth and St Kitts); and Eastern Caribbean islands like Martinique, Saint Lucia, Guadeloupe, and Dominica.
Talks have already begun on setting up a common regional ferry service within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
That could be a major game-changer for intra-regional transportation.
In the meantime, a company called Connect Caribe is also looking to set up a pan-Caribbean ferry service.
Republic of Barbados sends High Commissioner to Belize
Caribbean neighbor and the world’s most recent republican state, Barbados, has presented a High Commissioner to Belize, David Commissiong.
By Aaron Humes
High Commissioner David Commissiong
By Aaron Humes (Breaking Belize News - September 6, 2022)
Саrіbbеаn nеіghbоr аnd thе wоrld’ѕ mоѕt rесеnt rерublісаn ѕtаtе, Ваrbаdоѕ, hаѕ рrеѕеntеd а Ніgh Соmmіѕѕіоnеr tо Веlіzе, Dаvіd Соmmіѕѕіоng.
Тоdау hе рrеѕеntеd hіѕ lеttеr оf сrеdеnсе tо Н.Е. Dаmе Frоуlа Тzаlаm, Gоvеrnоr-Gеnеrаl оf Веlіzе, аt thе Веlіzе Ноuѕе іn Веlmораn.
Тhе Ніgh Соmmіѕѕіоnеr ѕhаrеd thаt Ваrbаdоѕ vаluеѕ Веlіzе аѕ а truѕtеd аllу аnd а сrіtісаl раrtnеr іn thе mіѕѕіоn tо аdvаnсе thе Саrіbbеаn Соmmunіtу. Не аѕѕurеd thе Gоvеrnоr-Gеnеrаl thаt Веlіzе wіll аlwауѕ bе аblе tо rеlу оn асtіvе ѕоlіdаrіtу аnd ѕuрроrt frоm Ваrbаdоѕ.
Тhе Gоvеrnоr-Gеnеrаl іn turn grасіоuѕlу ассерtеd thе lеttеr оf сrеdеnсе аnd wеlсоmеd thе Ніgh Соmmіѕѕіоnеr tо Веlіzе. Оn bеhаlf оf thе реорlе оf Веlіzе, thе Gоvеrnоr Gеnеrаl wіѕhеd hіm wеll durіng hіѕ tеnurе оf ѕеrvісе.
Ваrbаdоѕ bесаmе а rерublіс lаѕt Nоvеmbеr оn іtѕ іndереndеnсе аnnіvеrѕаrу. Іtѕ Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr, Міа Моttlеу, ѕubѕеquеntlу wоn rе-еlесtіоn іn Јаnuаrу аnd hаѕ bесоmе а rеgіоnаl роlіtісаl vоісе.
Barbados: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Preparedness
The Covid-19 pandemic is shedding light on the vulnerability of health systems, including in rich countries, that many thought were best prepared to face epidemics. The situation remains fluid as data and statistics on cases and mortality due to Covid-19 move rapidly.
By Theo Edwards
In the spotlight
The Covid-19 pandemic is shedding light on the vulnerability of health systems, including in rich countries, that many thought were best prepared to face epidemics. The situation remains fluid as data and statistics on cases and mortality due to Covid-19 move rapidly.
The pandemic was confirmed to have reached Barbados on 17 March 2020 with the announcement of the first two cases.
COVID-19 Preparedness
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness in Video: Barbados. The pandemic was confirmed to have reached Barbados on 17 March 2020 with the announcement of the first two cases.
To get information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), add the WHO official number +41 79 893 18 92 to your phone contact or mobile device contact list with web and mobile data access.
Go to WhatsApp messaging application installed on the device (If not installed, get it from Google Play Store for Android OS or Apple wallet for iPhone).
Text the word "Hi" to WHO contact on the WhatsApp messenger. The materials are regularly updated based on new scientific findings as the epidemic evolves.
This service provides the latest information from the World Health Organization (WHO) of coronavirus (COVID-19) first reported on 31 December 2019.
We Got This
Vibe Barbados: In a Caribbean cultural collaborative unlike ever seen before in the region, 25 West Indian born singers including internationally acclaimed stars, award-winning vocalists, and various calypso and soca monarchs have come together to gift their talent to the fight against the dreaded COVID-19 virus.
25 voices. 14 countries. 1 message. In a Caribbean cultural collaborative unlike ever seen before in the region, 25 West Indian born singers including intern...