Barbados Health Ministry Records Spike in Gastro Cases; Norovirus Detected
By| Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS — Health officials in Barbados are on high alert following a significant uptick in gastro-intestinal illnesses, particularly among children under the age of five.
- The Spike: Data shows cases jumped from just one in early February to eight cases per week by late February 2026. Health officials noted that any number exceeding three cases per week in this age group is a cause for serious concern.
- The Cause: Laboratory samples have confirmed the presence of Norovirus, a highly contagious virus known for causing vigorous vomiting and diarrhea. Outbreaks have already been identified in several daycare facilities.
- Public Health Advisory: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging daycare operators and food handlers to implement strict sanitization protocols. Hand hygiene remains the most effective defense against the spread of this viral illness.
IOM and CARICOM Tackle Regional Skills Crisis and Labor Shortage
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Caribbean and the CARICOM Secretariat recently concluded the tenth episode of “Conversations on Migration in the Caribbean,” focusing on the region’s thinning workforce.
- Key Drivers: Discussions highlighted that aging populations, declining birth rates, and outward migration (brain drain) are creating critical gaps in healthcare, agriculture, and construction.
- The Dominica Model: Gerard Jean‑Jacques shared strategies from Dominica involving “structured labor migration” to fill these gaps.
- Regional Goal: Participants reached a consensus that a more robust, unified regional policy on labor mobility is essential to sustain economic growth across the Caribbean.
International News: UN Labels Russia’s Deportation of Ukrainian Children a Crime Against Humanity
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — A damning new report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has concluded that the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia constitutes both a war crime and a crime against humanity.
- The Scale: While Ukraine estimates nearly 20,000 children have been illegally sent to Russia and Belarus, the UN has formally identified 1,205 specific cases from 2022.
- Enforced Disappearance: The report notes that 80% of these children have not been returned. Many parents remain unaware of their children’s whereabouts, which the UN classifies as enforced disappearance.
- Direct Involvement: The Commission stated that the involvement of the Russian leadership at the highest levels, including Vladimir Putin, has been “visible from the outset.”
