The Olympic Games showcases the courage, determination and national pride of all those who choose to compete, says Ariela St Pierre-Collins, 15, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Caribbean island of Barbados. Eric Moussambani. Sarah Attar. Manteo Mitchell. Derek Redmond. These are some the names of true Olympians, despite not necessarily being famous. Not because they …

“Inspired by the athletes who participated in the Olympics” Read More »

Like this summer’s Olympians, we’re all chasing rainbows – searching for that bit of happiness, magic and colour that makes life seem worthwhile, writes Daniel Boxill, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bridgetown, Barbados. The Summer Olympics and Paralympics! How can we forget that glorious spectacle, the culmination of years of training, sweat, tears and sacrifice …

“You should chase your dreams – believe in them” Read More »

A traditional business person/entrepreneur usually measures performance in terms of profit and return, but Ariela St. Pierre-Collins, 15, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, says a social entrepreneur also measures  success by positive returns to society. A groundbreaking entrepreneurship scheme has expanded my career options. I had the opportunity to join the $20 Challenge, where young …

“Profit and social responsibility can go hand in hand” Read More »

For two weeks last summer I spent nearly every day in Guangzhou’s African enclave, listening to the women’s stories of migration, writes Leigh-Ann Worrell, 25,  a Commonwealth Correspondent from St. Thomas, Barbados. One of the overriding themes was that of desperation. In the bustling trade areas of Guangzhou, China, an estimated 100 000 Africans from …

“The life in China was not as I thought it would be” Read More »

If we expect people of other races to respect the beauty of black skin, blacks should wear their colour with pride, instead of bringing down others for being “blacker”, writes Leigh-Ann Worrell, 25,  a Commonwealth Correspondent from St. Thomas, Barbados.  Growing up in a small, generally racially homogenous country for most of my life, stories …

"How do we expect others to see past the colour of our skin?" Read More »

Each day new apps and alliances help Facebook become a larger cyber-superpower, capable of following its users and educating itself about them, writes Ariela St Pierre – Collins, 15, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados.  The question is whether Facebook users should be concerned about the scope of information being permanently compiled. Your security settings are …

Is Facebook becoming Big Brother? Read More »

Reported vote-buying became an issue in the most recent Barbados election, writes Leigh-Ann Worrell, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from St. Thomas, Barbados. She argues that the ugly practice comes at a price for all sides. How much is your vote worth? An iPad? A few dollars? The promise of a cushy government job? On February 21, three …

“Vote buying is a major problem” Read More »

The stateless man Raul Garcia, who has been imprisoned for over 20 years, is a free man today, writes Ariela St Pierre-Collins, a 15-year old Commonwealth Correspondent from the Barbados. Raul has moved to rural Barbados, where he will be gradually integrated into society. Just over 20 years ago, Raul Garcia entered Barbados using a …

“Raul Garcia is a free man, and no longer stateless” Read More »

In Barbados, people learn the hard way that life doesn’t always go to plan.  A little help is welcome, writes Leigh-Ann Worrell, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from St. Thomas, but you can’t always rely on others. “God helps those who help themselves.” – Algernon Sidney There is nothing wrong with asking for assistance. As the world continues to look down …

"Sometimes life happens. Not everything always goes the way we planned" Read More »

For the first time since independence, the Government of Barbados decided to charge tuition fees to its tertiary students, starting in September 2014. Ariela St. Pierre-Collins, a 15-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, examines the arguments arising from the decision. Two weeks ago, the Government of Barbados made a decision that led every news item in …

"Hard times call for hard sacrifices" Read More »