People Empowerment, Elder Affairs - B'dos

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To contribute to the overall socio-economic development of Barbados and the empowerment of all members of society by fully utilizing all available human, financial and technological resources...

The Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs (MPEA), is pleased to get pr...
29/07/2026

The Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs (MPEA), is pleased to get proactive in its role in facilitating women's participation in economic spaces. That's why the Hon. Adrian R. Forde, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs attended "Regional Policy Dialogue: , and " which was held in Panama City, Panama from July 21-22, 2026.

The just-concluded IDB Regional Policy Dialogue addressed the correlation between women's economic participation and sustainable economic growth in Latin America and Caribbean countries (LAC).

Participants sought to:
* Evaluate economic impacts by analysing data on how integrating women into the economy increases tax revenues, improves productivity and talent allocation;
* Identify concrete, evidence-based policy instruments (such as tax incentives and regulatory reforms) to integrate into regional budgeting and investment; and
* Strengthen institutions and reduce gender inequality across Latin America & the Caribbean.

In Barbados, women-owned MSMEs experience challenges with their ability to scale. We have to bridge gaps that exist relative to accessing capital for these businesses. This has started through the Barbados Trust Fund which is a supporter of women-owned businesses and the Small Business Association. In addition, we need to expand structured support systems for women and increase the visibility of these initiatives to ensure that women are aware of them and can access the relevant assistance needed.

In addition to the Minister, also attending the conference - Wayne Marshall, Permanent Secretary and Roseann Richards, Director, Social Care Delivery - Social Empowerment Agency...

Officers from the Ministry of People Empowerment, the Ministry of Public and Private Investment and the Caribbean Develo...
09/07/2026

Officers from the Ministry of People Empowerment, the Ministry of Public and Private Investment and the Caribbean Development Bank held a meeting at the CDB's headquarters on July 8, 2026, to advance discussions on the Institutional Strengthening of ’ Social Protection System.

The meeting emphasised the close relationship between gender and social protection, recognising that poverty, vulnerability and socioeconomic shocks affect different groups in different ways, particularly women, female-headed households, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.

Discussions focused on strengthening Barbados’ capacity to design, coordinate and implement a more gender-responsive and evidence-based social protection system.

continues to be in the vanguard for preparation against natural disasters, whether from the ground, along the shorelin...
09/07/2026

continues to be in the vanguard for preparation against natural disasters, whether from the ground, along the shorelines or in the skies... 

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs in Barbados, The Hon. Adrian Forde, MP, welcomed participants at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre to the regional dialogue on Adaptive Social Protection and Disaster Response in the Caribbean, with particular emphasis on the importance of protecting vulnerable populations during disasters.

In his remarks, Minister Forde commended the summit's coordinator, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for organizing the event and highlighted the increasing frequency, costly and severity of climate-related disasters and other crises.

"We in the region have first-hand experience of the destruction that natural disasters can inflict. Only recently in Barbados, we felt the wrath of Hurricane Beryl to our fishing industry. Each (event) erodes years of hard work and developmental gains, pushing vulnerable families deeper into hardship. A single storm can undo a decade of steady progress in a matter of hours."

This workshop seeks to bolster a broad panorama of the social protection system within Latin America and the , covering contributory and non-contributory initiatives as well as care services.

05/07/2026

The Bureau of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs officially launched the "Share the Care" programme over the weekend, at its Warrens Ministry Headquarters.

The National initiative is designed to encourage shared caregiving responsibilities and promote greater in homes, workplaces, and communities across Barbados.

The programme seeks to transform the National conversation around caregiving by reinforcing that the care of children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other dependent family members is a shared responsibility and not exclusively with women.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, the Hon. Adrian Forde, M.P, said:

"It is for us, especially our men, to be imbued with a sense and appreciation of caring. Caring for their love ones. Caring for the extended family. Caring for their neighbourhoods. Caring for their communities, and by extention, caring for . To share love, to share empathy. To share the virtues and tenants of hard work, discipline and selflessness because that really makes Barbados."

The Bureau of Affairs will implement the programme through a series of public education campaigns, community outreach initiatives, stakeholder partnerships, workshops, and awareness activities aimed at challenging outdated gender stereotypes and promoting positive models of caregiving.

The National Assessment Team just met to review progress on the Country Assessment of Living Conditions (CALC), a key in...
20/06/2026

The National Assessment Team just met to review progress on the Country Assessment of Living Conditions (CALC), a key initiative being led by the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.

Discussions focused on completed activities, including the Survey of Living Conditions/Household Budget Survey, as well as updates on the Institutional Assessment, Macro-Social Economic Assessment, and the ongoing Participatory Poverty Assessment.

Consultants from Kairi Consultants also joined virtually to provide updates and outline the next steps in the process.

Comprising representatives from both government and non-government agencies, the National Assessment Team is responsible for coordinating, implementing and monitoring the Country Assessment of Living Conditions (CALC), the country's flagship socio-economic assessment.

This meeting was held on Friday at Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business

The Hon. Adrian R. Forde, MP, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, along with senior officials from the Min...
15/06/2026

The Hon. Adrian R. Forde, MP, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, along with senior officials from the Ministry and the newly established Social Empowerment Agency ( ), recently conducted a tour of facilities under the Agency’s purview as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and effectiveness of services provided to the public. The facilities included Day Nurseries and satellite offices of the SEA.

The visit provided an opportunity to assess the condition of the various facilities, engage with staff, and identify areas requiring attention and improvement.

This exercise forms part of the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that its infrastructure adequately supports the delivery of programmes and services to the people of Barbados.

During the tour, officials reviewed operational requirements, examined existing challenges, and discussed opportunities for improvement aimed at enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and the overall experience of staff, clients, and stakeholders.

The Ministry and the SEA remain dedicated to creating safe, functional, and welcoming environments for both staff and service users. Information gathered during the assessment will help guide future planning, resource allocation, and facility upgrades designed to strengthen the Ministry’s capacity to serve the public effectively.

This initiative reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to accountability, good governance, and excellence in service delivery as it works to improve the lives and well-being of , particularly the most vulnerable members of society.

The visits will continue in the coming months, as it is the Ministry’s intention to tour every facility under its purview to ensure that services are delivered in environments that support the highest standards of care and public service.

*CALYPSO COMPETITION FOR THE BLIND CELEBRATED AS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS* The National United Society for the Blind (NUSB) ...
09/06/2026

*CALYPSO COMPETITION FOR THE BLIND CELEBRATED AS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS*

The National United Society for the Blind (NUSB) hailed the successful return of its Competition for the Blind, held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Derrick Smith School in Jackmans, St. Michael.

The organizers were happy to acknowledge the presence of the Acting Prime Minister, The Hon Kerri Simmonds and his wife. The Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, the Hon Adrian Forde. PS in the Ministry, Mr Wayne Marshall. Executive Director of the Social Employment Agency (SEA) Ms Colleen Walcott. Other special invited guests, ladies and gentlemen all.

There were brief remarks by Colleen Walcott, Executive Director of the Social Empowerment Agency (SEA). She welcomed everyone to the event and wished each competitor well. She reminded the audience of the role of SEA and emphasized how pleased it was to support the competition in a tangible way.

The Hon Adrian Forde, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affiars (MPEA) remarked that the competition "Collides with government's mandate of taking special care of those persons, who, some may regard, as vulnerable or disadvantaged. He left the best for last by giving the assurance that the price money will be increased for next year's competition.

The event, staged under the theme "Vision Beyond Sight," attracted a capacity audience and provided a vibrant showcase of the exceptional talent, creativity, versatility, and determination of persons who are blind or visually impaired. Senator Janeil Ifill was also present as well as Senator Kerryann Ifill, both representing the NUSB as well

Throughout the evening, contestants delivered captivating performances that entertained, inspired, and demonstrated the rich contribution that visually impaired individuals continue to make to Barbados' cultural landscape.

Competitors impressed patrons with a diverse range of calypso presentations that combined humour, wit, social commentary, cultural awareness, and thoughtful reflections on contemporary issues.

The Competition for the is a celebration of talent, courage and inclusion. It has become one of the most inspiring e...
09/06/2026

The Competition for the is a celebration of talent, courage and inclusion. It has become one of the most inspiring events on Barbados' cultural calendar.

It provides a stage for visually impaired performers to showcase their musical talent, creativity and love for the art form of calypso. Organized by the National United Society of the Blind (NUSB), the Saturday 6th June competition demonstrates that disability is no barrier to excellence and artistic achievement.

Over the years, the event has produced remarkable performers who have captivated audiences with powerful lyrics, strong vocals and commanding stage presence. This year's event was no different.

The big shock of the night was Granville "Mr. DJ" Carter, a multiple-time champion earning 4th place – leaving the way open for a new Blind Calypso Monarch. His achievements also helped to break barriers, culminating in his historic appearance as the first blind finalist in Barbados' prestigious Pic-O-De-Crop competition.

More than a competition, the event serves as a platform for empowerment. Participants use calypso to address social issues, share personal experiences and entertain audiences while demonstrating resilience and determination.

This year's major issue as sung by the contestants was crime and violence. The competition also helps to challenge stereotypes about people living with disabilities by highlighting their abilities rather than their limitations.

The annual show provides opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals to develop confidence, strengthen their performance skills and participate fully in Barbados' rich cultural traditions.

It also raises public awareness about the work of the National United Society of the Blind and the importance of creating an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

Prize Monies of $10,000 for 1st Prize, $7,500 for 2nd Prize and 3rd Prize at $5,000 plus $1,000 from 4th to 9th Place, these were generously boosted through the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs – and Minister Adrian R. Forde pledged the prizes next year will be increased...

The Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs in collaboration with the World Food Programme just held a workshop...
05/06/2026

The Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs in collaboration with the World Food Programme just held a workshop on Disaster Social Relief at the Sagicor CHSoB on Cave Hill.

This exercise will assist the Ministry in The Strengthening of planning, design and implementation of cash-based assistance to respond to shocks and support to the most vulnerable and affected households; as well as ...

• The development and strengthening of our social protection delivery systems

Specifically, this DSRG is the first of our national and sectoral activities under this program that aim to optimize our shock responsive social protection responses.

The goal being to improve our institutional processes building on the work found in our Disaster Social Relief Plan developed in 2021

The National Para Sport Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, is a national initiative aimed at promoting incl...
04/06/2026

The National Para Sport Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, is a national initiative aimed at promoting inclusion and increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity. The Festival aims to bring together athletes, schools, disability organisations, families, community stakeholders, and sport partners in a celebration of the Paralympic Movement and the transformative power of sport.

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