March 31, 2025

Ten outstanding residents of St. Thomas have been recognised for their contributions to community development. President of Barbados, Her Excellency the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, bestowed the honour of the Pride of Barbados Award upon the residents, as part of Government’s We Gatherin’ 2025 national celebrations. Among them are Magrita Marshall, Dr. Adrian Lorde, Donley Carrington, Pedro Greaves, Chesterfield Mayers, Maxine Skeete, Denise Armstrong, Reverend Steve Foster, Dr. Monique Herbert, and Patricia Ramsay. Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works Santia Bradshaw, Member of Parliament for St. Thomas Cynthia Forde, and Director of the We Gatherin’ 2025 Secretariat Senator John King were present for the proceedings at State House. Dr. Lorde says he feels humbled to receive the prestigious award. Meanwhile, Ms. Ramsay, a retired nurse who helped many families in her parish during the COVID-19 pandemic, is also pleased with her award.

Eleven students participated in this year’s 2025 Science and Technology Speak-Off competition, with more tools at their disposal than ever before. Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science, and Technology, Senator Jonathan Reid, remarked that the world is moving at a pace where artificial intelligence will become an integral part of the landscape moving forward. At the conclusion of the competition, Coleridge and Parry School was named the winner, followed by Harrison College in second place, with Princess Margaret School securing third. Talicia Boyce of Coleridge and Parry School was awarded the title of most outstanding speaker, while Chelsea Boyce of Harrison College was recognised as the most outstanding speaker in the impromptu category. Senator Reid emphasised that it is time for Barbados to unlock a new level, where the country becomes a creator of technology rather than just a consumer. He encouraged the students to be creative and innovative.

The Empire Sports Club has received a donation to assist with its youth cricket programme. Member of Parliament for St. Michael West, Chris Gibbs, presented a cheque worth eight thousand dollars as part of his initiative called ‘Passion Projects for Young People.’ The assistance comes on the heels of Empire securing the B.C.S Under-13 Cricket title. Youth Cricket Manager at the club, Chris Williams, says the next strategic step in the development program is to continue producing good cricketers and providing mentorship for the next generation.