CBC News Barbados

Some parents of students at Alexandra School remain concerned about the rising level of crime among the youth. This after police reports confirm a stabbing incident at the Speightstown, St. Peter School premises. Tonya Mangal, who was collecting her son, says searches should be conducted at every gate to enter schools, and communication should have been sent to parents about this particular incident. Meanwhile, Byron Gibson says he is uncertain that any school can provide an adequate level of security with the vast numbers. He says he was informed of the situation via social media, but he believes that the first concern is to the injured student. A release from the Ministry of Education states the injured party was taken for medical attention after the school was closed at 2 p.m. to allow for a complete investigation. The Ministry says it will continue to monitor the students’ progress, and provide the necessary support to students, teachers and staff of the Alexandra School.

As the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment continues to facilitate programmes to benefit the nation’s youth Minister Charles Griffith is calling on all to assist in building them up. He says recently the country has been forced to look at situations relating to the youth, crime and gun violence The Minister was speaking during the launch of this year’s National Youth Week, under the theme ‘Achieving Excellence, Inspiring Youth’. However, Mr. Griffith says it cannot be a situation where only his Ministry and Government are responsible for the well-being of the young people. He says there is a basket of programmes available at the Ministry, and urges all to call in and mentor the youth where applicable.

Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley continues to be internationally recognised for her advocacy for global financial reforms and her efforts to combat climate change. Ms. Mottley was named among the world’s leading environmentalists on The Independent Climate 100 List which highlights key global figures working to combat the climate crisis. The inaugural list which was released today recognises 100 of the world’s foremost environmental changemakers. The Independent says The Climate 100 List isn’t in order of importance, nor does it compare or rank one changemaker against another. Instead, it’s a celebration of the people and companies dedicated to finding positive climate solutions. Prime Minister Mottley has been highlighted for her innovative and courageous leadership in advocating for global financial reforms through the Bridgetown Initiative, which calls for a more just and equitable global financial system to support vulnerable nations battling the climate crisis. The Bridgetown Initiative which was first introduced in 2022 outlines a plan to overhaul the global financial architecture and calls on wealthier nations and international financial institutions to significantly increase their financial support for climate action. Bridgetown Initiative 3.0 was recently launched at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua & Barbuda. This recognition by The Independent Climate 100 List 2024 follows her inclusion on TIME’s Climate List of the 100 Most Influential Leaders Driving Climate Action in 2023.