The Ministry of Education is gearing up to tackle any decline in the rate of literacy as is being reported among school-aged children in Barbados, head-on. Word of this from acting Education Officer at the Ministry of Education Technological and Vocational Training Gloria Haynes who notes they are about to launch a number of reading initiatives. She made the remark as she addressed the launch of the 5th annual ICBL National Junior Spelling B Competition at the ICBL headquarters in Bridgetown as part of Education Month. Ms. Haynes lauded the concept of the Spelling B and the title sponsors who made the programme possible noting that it complemented the programme of the ministry in building out the education sector at the classroom as well as the individual student level. The National Junior Spelling B Competition commences on October 18 and climaxes with the finals being held on November 5.

An all-out effort is on by the local corporate community to once again elevate the reading levels of students in Barbados by rekindling interest from children in reading paperback books. It is an undertaking spearheaded by the Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited, ICBL, and a number of corporate partners. Assistant Vice President of Human Resources at ICBL Limited Gail Hinkson expressed concern about the gradual decline in young people reading books in Barbados and the repercussions this could have for Barbados as one of the leaders of education in the region. She made the remark during the launch of the 5th annual ICBL National Junior Spelling B Competition at ICBL Headquarters in Bridgetown. Ms. Hinkson says the response from the used book drive donated by corporate Barbados has been encouraging and she is appealing for Barbadians on a whole to join the initiative.

The United Arab Emirates has reiterated its keenness to enhancing relations with Barbados in all fields. The message was conveyed by the assistant under Secretary for Protocol Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saif Abdulla Alshamsi. His comments came as he received a copy of credentials of Barbados Ambassador to the UAE, Annalee Cecelia Babb. He wished the new Ambassador success in the performance of her duties. Ambassador Babb meanwhile, praised the leading and prestigious position the UAE enjoys regionally and internationally under the visionary policy of its president. Ambassador Babb replaces former ambassador Gabriel Abed.