Small island developing states are especially vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks. At the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa, 1-4 September, the Commonwealth is partnering with the United Nations, governments and international organisations to help build the resilience of these countries. Part of the discussion, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 27, …

SIDS 2014: "Why this summit is so important for SIDS and young people" Read More »

Media around the world are following news of the Ebola outbreak, but Lyn-Marie Blackman, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, says the crisis is not necessarily restricted to African countries. The Ebola virus has been diagnosed here! Doctor and health workers have been infected with deadly Ebola virus in African state! Doctor has died from Ebola …

"Ebola: is it under control or is it out of control?" Read More »

Scotland’s referendum renewed heady thoughts of independence in Barbados, but Ariela St. Pierre-Collins, 16, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, says there are benefits for Barbados as a Small Island Developing State to continue its relationship with the UK. I followed with interest the recent referendum in Scotland as its population voted on whether or not to …

"What SIDS can learn from Scotland's referendum" Read More »

The cost of attending the recent Small Island Developing States conference drew criticism from some quarters, but Lyn-Marie Blackman, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, argues the venture is an investment. ‘Samoa bound’ is the heading of the article which goes on to state that the Barbados government has sent a ten-member delegation to Samoa for …

"Barbadian sentiments about the SIDS conference" Read More »

Testing is an essential step in fighting the HIV health epidemic, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, but it is a step she says too many in Barbados avoid out of fear or false security. The HIV epidemic has been with us for the past three decades with still no known cure. HIV …

"Why so late to take this vital test, Barbados?" Read More »

Journalists can unwittingly marginalise minority groups by misusing language or relying on stereotypes, writes Leigh-Ann Worrell, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who offers tips on inclusive writing. Representation matters. It is a truism which marginalised groups have known all too well. When those on the fringes are seen reflected in public discourse, the same tired tropes are …

"Getting it 'write': reporting on marginalised people" Read More »

Nutrition and health are inter-related, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, who says informed and careful food choices can have far-reaching benefit. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”-Hippocrates As long as mankind been on the earth we have always had the innate desire for food. Across the globe …

"Be informed about eating to live a healthy life" Read More »

Entrepreneurship is increasingly seen as the antidote to youth unemployment, writes Ariela St. Pierre-Collins, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Barbados, who describes a Commonwealth organisation that supports the trend. My home country is not a favoured place for young people to live of late. My generation is either fresh out of university and cannot get a …

"CAYE provides options to create employment" Read More »

Education is critical to personal growth, but Lyn-Marie Blackman, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, says world betterment depends on how that education is applied. From the time an individual is born to the day that they die, learning and the acquirement of knowledge is paramount. Having an education – whether it is from a school, life, a friend …

“Education is the only solution for world betterment” Read More »

Youth Ministers gathered recently in the Caribbean, prompting Lyn-Marie Blackman, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, to examine the issues and call for a youth perspective in setting goals. “Youth unemployment is at an all time high”, “HIV among the youth is on the rise”, “Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly popular with the youth.” These are …

“Where do Caribbean youth go from here?” Read More »