The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) of Barbados has opted to conduct hearings regarding Renewstable Barbados’ (RSB) application for a renewable energy tariff and confidentiality requests exclusively through written submissions, effectively barring public access to the proceedings. This decision, revealed by Barbados TODAY, was formalized in two procedural orders issued by the FTC. These orders outline the process for document submissions, requests for additional information, and set strict deadlines for all parties involved. RSB, a joint venture between Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) and Rubis Caribbean Holdings Inc., seeks approval for its proposed tariff rate to supply clean energy to the Barbados Light and Power Company (BLPC). The company has also requested that certain proprietary and commercially sensitive data within its application remain confidential. The $350 million hybrid renewable energy power plant, slated for construction at Harrow Plantation in St Philip by March 2025, will integrate advanced technologies, including hydrogen power, to deliver 24-hour renewable energy. The plant’s solar photovoltaic component, with a capacity of 50MW, will become Barbados’ largest solar installation, significantly surpassing BLPC’s existing 10MW Trent’s facility. A four-member commission panel, chaired by Senior Counsel Tammy Bryan, has been appointed to oversee the case. Opposing parties were given until 4 p.m. on Friday to submit objections to RSB’s confidentiality request, with RSB required to respond by the following Friday. The FTC emphasized that further procedural directions may be issued as needed. Strategic Adviser Aidan Rogers explained that the procedural orders establish guidelines for the consultation process and address confidentiality concerns. He noted that the FTC will decide on RSB’s confidentiality request and tariff application in due course. Veteran utility intervenor Ricky Went submitted his response to the confidentiality request just before the deadline.
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Mia zoekt Antony Loswijk, verdachte in drive-by shooting Emielaan
Authorities are intensifying their search for Antony Loswijk and a second individual identified as A.L., both suspected of involvement in a deadly drive-by shooting on Emielaan. The incident, which occurred last Friday, claimed the life of Karan Chablani. Surveillance footage revealed that the assailants were traveling in a gray Toyota Ractis, rented from a car rental service in Paramaribo, bearing the license plate PJ 01-65. The Meldpunt Informatie Anoniem (MIA) has issued a public appeal for information regarding the suspects or other occupants of the vehicle. The MIA RED Alert initiative aims to engage the community in locating fugitive suspects. Anonymous tips can be submitted 24/7 via report@meldpunt.sr.
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BWA to install DMA metre in Dash Valley, St George
The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has issued a notice to residents and businesses in St George regarding a scheduled meter installation in Dash Valley. The installation is set to take place on Monday, October 27, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. During this period, areas along Highway 5 (west of Dash Valley Road), Hanson Heights, Monroe Road, and nearby districts may experience reduced water pressure or temporary water outages. The BWA has advised customers to store sufficient water supplies to mitigate any disruptions. The authority has extended its apologies for any inconvenience caused by the necessary maintenance work. This initiative is part of the BWA’s ongoing efforts to improve water management and service delivery in the region.
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Mature step towards greater police accountability
The Barbados Police Service (BPS) is taking a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability, as Acting Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce recently endorsed independent investigations into complaints against law enforcement officers. His remarks, made during a press briefing, underscore a progressive shift in the BPS’s approach to modern policing, where external scrutiny is seen as vital for maintaining public trust.
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Volksgezondheid geeft adviezen over rookoverlast Charlesburg
The Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor has issued an urgent advisory to residents near the illegal landfill in Charlesburg, urging them to take preventive measures due to persistent smoke emissions. A fire that has been raging for several days at the landfill has caused severe smoke pollution in surrounding residential areas. Residents have reported dense smoke, irritating odors, and respiratory issues, raising significant concerns about health risks. The Ministry has recommended the following precautions: stay indoors during heavy smoke, keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering, use masks when going outside, and seek medical attention for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or eye irritation. The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with relevant authorities to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible.
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FLASH : Melissa has become a hurricane, 2 departments in the red, the human toll is rising (Video)
On October 25, 2025, Hurricane Melissa escalated to a Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts rapid intensification, potentially reaching major hurricane status by Sunday. Moving at a sluggish pace of 2 km/h (1.2 mph), Melissa is expected to shift west-northwest or west over the weekend, with a northward turn forecasted for Monday and Tuesday. Experts warn of a possible Category 4 landfall over Jamaica by Tuesday, with wind gusts nearing 260 km/h (160 mph).
The South and Grande’Anse departments in Haiti are on red alert. A recent Civil Protection Service report highlights increasing casualties, including four deaths and 15 injuries, primarily due to a collapsed wall in Praville, Gonaïves. Flooding has affected multiple municipalities, with rivers like the Artibonite, Lociane, and Saint-Martin overflowing. Infrastructure damage includes blocked roads and destroyed bridges, exacerbating the crisis.
Electricity and telecommunications are severely disrupted, particularly in Saut-d’Eau and Savanette, where armed gangs and service outages have isolated communities. Over 450 homes are flooded, and 10 slums damaged, with roadblocks in Moron hindering access to five communes. Coastal communities face significant risks from cyclonic swells and strong winds.
Authorities have closed schools in high-risk areas and opened 342 shelters, accommodating 335 people in Les Cayes, Les Coteaux, and Île à Vache. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Civil Protection, supported by partners, are delivering emergency supplies to vulnerable populations. However, challenges persist, including degraded infrastructure, security issues, and limited resources.
Recommendations include maintaining public awareness, preparing shelters, initiating preventive evacuations, and considering school closures and event cancellations to mitigate risks.
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Hurricane Melissa : 2 departments on Red Alert
Haiti and Jamaica are bracing for the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, with the Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (U.H.M) issuing a red alert for the South and Grand’Anse departments. This highest level of warning signifies imminent danger from heavy rainfall and powerful winds expected to persist through the weekend and into early next week. Meanwhile, the Nippes, West, and South-East departments remain on orange alert, indicating moderate but still significant risks.
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Trump overweegt militair ingrijpen tegen cocaïne-infrastructuur in Venezuela
The Trump administration is reportedly considering targeted military strikes on cocaine production facilities in Venezuela, according to sources within the U.S. government. This move is part of a broader strategy to intensify efforts against transnational drug trafficking, with Venezuela long viewed by Washington as a key hub for such activities. The proposed strikes would be unilateral and preventive, meaning they would occur without the consent of the Venezuelan government or an international coalition. This approach has raised significant political and diplomatic concerns, particularly given the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The potential for regional instability is high, as such actions could be perceived as acts of war in Latin America. Internal divisions within the U.S. government have also emerged, with hawks advocating for immediate action to dismantle Maduro’s cocaine economy, while others caution against military intervention that could escalate into broader conflict. No final decision has been made as of yet.
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China schenkt Suriname 16 ambulances ter versterking van medische noodhulp
In a significant move to bolster emergency healthcare services, the People’s Republic of China has donated sixteen state-of-the-art ambulances to Suriname. The agreement formalizing this contribution was signed on Thursday by Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, and Chinese Ambassador Lin Ji. The donation aims to improve the speed and efficiency of emergency medical responses across Suriname, particularly in critical situations where immediate intervention is crucial. Minister Bouva highlighted that this gesture underscores China’s ongoing solidarity with Suriname’s developmental efforts. Ambassador Lin Ji emphasized that the donation not only serves a practical purpose but also symbolizes the protection of lives and the strengthening of resilience. The ambulances will be officially handed over once logistical and technical preparations are completed. This agreement reaffirms the close and enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and shared developmental objectives.
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Melissa is reaching hurricane force: where it is and what effects it will continue to cause
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, which is currently positioned at latitude 16.3 north and longitude 75.0 west. As of 7:00 am this Saturday, the storm was located approximately 385 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 270 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. Melissa is advancing northwest at a speed of 6 km/h (4 mph), with a projected shift to a westward/northwestward trajectory expected to persist through Sunday. A turn toward the north/northeast is anticipated by Monday and Tuesday. Indomet has maintained its warning, emphasizing that Melissa will bring frequent and intense rainfall, particularly affecting the southeast, southwest, and northeast regions, accompanied by isolated wind gusts. The storm currently boasts sustained winds of up to 110 km/h, with gusts reaching 130 km/h. Rapid intensification is forecasted, with Melissa expected to achieve hurricane status by today and escalate to a major hurricane by Sunday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend roughly 185 kilometers from the storm’s center, with a minimum central pressure of 986 millibars. As Melissa progresses northward, heavy rainfall is expected to impact Caribbean coastal provinces, where flood warnings remain active. Indomet highlighted significant rainfall accumulations in various regions, including Santo Domingo Este (177.9 mm), Centro de los Héroes (175.6 mm), and Los Prados (160.5 mm). The Government has also cautioned about abnormal wave activity on the Caribbean coast, with waves exceeding 8 feet. Small and medium-sized vessels are advised to remain in port, while tourist resorts are urged to implement precautionary measures to safeguard coastal facilities. On the Atlantic coast, vessels are recommended to navigate cautiously near the shore, avoiding open waters.