Public workers in Barbados strike to demand better salaries and fewer job cuts

Peaceful Assembly

During the second week of January 2018, Barbados’ largest labour union, the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), called for a general two-day strike after negotiations with the government over pay increases and job cuts failed. Many in public service participated in the strike which prompted workers to “go slow” in an effort to hinder productivity in a way that would force the government into negotiations. The strike was uneventful, and while it may not have prompted action from the government, it garnered significant public attention.

On the 22nd February 2018, a lecturer at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Dr. Kristina Hinds, led a protest against visiting Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who was speaking at a university event. According to reports, the protest was sparked by "a case in St Vincent involving 22-year-old former model Yugge Farrell who is charged with using abusive language towards the wife of Finance Minister Camilo Gonsalves who is the son of PM Gonsalves”. During the protest that took place on campus, Dr. Hinds remarked that, “we want to help ensure our political system guarantees justice for all".  The protest took place for about ten minutes before the Royal Barbados Police Force removed protesters from the lecture hall.