Peaceful Assembly
Police restrict Pro-Palestine protest near Israeli consulate
In May 2024, the Caribbean Against Apartheid in Palestine (CAAP) requested police permission to hold a peaceful picket outside the Israeli Consulate on Harbour Road. Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce denied the request, citing security concerns due to the Cricket World Cup at the nearby Kensington Oval.
He argued that the picket could pose a risk, create congestion and inconvenience the public. Commissioner Boyce suggested an alternative location to avoid these issues, but CAAP’s secretary, attorney-at-law Lalu Hanuman, rejected this option, calling the decision a violation of constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly. Hanuman also pointed out that the police had not specified an alternative venue.
On 10th September 2024, Hanuman renewed CAAP’s request in a letter to Commissioner Boyce, asking for approval to hold a “rally against Zionist genocide” on the pavement outside the consulate. Hanuman emphasised that this event, scheduled for 11th October 2024, would be a picket rather than a march, aiming to limit disruption while highlighting the group’s cause.
At the time of writing, Commissioner Boyce had not issued a public response to CAAP’s renewed request.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital staff walkout
On 5th July 2024, medical and other hospital staff walked out after workers claimed the problem of mould had existed for many years and led to some staff suffering from “acute respiratory ailments”. Workers demanded a new facility. According to Wayne Walrond, Deputy General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), laboratory staff have endured prolonged environmental issues that have led to serious health complications, including acute respiratory ailments and coughing up blood due to mould exposure. The union and the hospital’s management scheduled discussions.
Export Barbados/Barbados Industrial Development Corporation (BIDC) staff protest
On 17th August 2024, employees of Export Barbados, also known as the Barbados Industrial Development Corporation (BIDC), staged a brief demonstration outside their Fontabelle Road office to raise concerns over alleged unfair labour practices and a harmful work environment. The Deputy General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) joined the employees, stressing the need for immediate action from management. Describing the situation as “very toxic and stressful,” Walrond underscored the urgency for management intervention.
According to the NUPW, they have raised multiple grievances with BIDC management over the past two years, yet employees report that these issues remain unresolved.
Airport G4S security guard walkout
On 19th August 2024, over a dozen private security guards contracted by G4S for Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) protested over working conditions affected by extreme heat. The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) supported the action, citing it as a necessary measure to protect workers’ health amid hazardous temperatures. Guards reported that the issue had persisted for a year. In response, management repaired the air conditioning system, and G4S committed to providing water for staff.