Authorities in Bayville, St. Michael, are actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Monday night, claiming the life of 36-year-old Akil Hinds. The incident unfolded around 10:10 p.m. when Hinds, seated on the bonnet of a vehicle, was approached by a masked assailant who opened fire, striking him multiple times. Despite being rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in a private vehicle, Hinds succumbed to his injuries. This tragic event marks the second shooting in Bayville within a week, following an attempted murder last Thursday where a taxi driver was shot in front of his young child. The police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-8477, Police Emergency at 211, or Hastings-Worthing Police Station at 430-7614 or 430-7615. Investigations are ongoing as the community grapples with escalating violence.
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Grow, Unite, Build, Africa — GUBA diaspora awards to make historic Caribbean debut here
In a groundbreaking move, Barbados has been selected as the host for the prestigious GUBA Awards and Trade & Investment Conference in 2024. This marks the first time the event, which celebrates African excellence and fosters diaspora connections, will be held in the Caribbean. Organized by the GUBA Foundation, the initiative underscores a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean. The event’s founder, Lady Dentaa Amoateng, emphasized the symbolic and strategic importance of this decision, highlighting its role in reclaiming shared heritage and fostering collaboration. The GUBA Awards, which stand for Grow, Unite, Build, Africa, were established 16 years ago in the UK to honor African achievements and reconnect the diaspora. This year’s edition aims to celebrate excellence while promoting trade, culture, and investment opportunities between the two regions. During a visit to Shirley Chisholm Primary School as part of World Teachers’ Day celebrations, Lady Amoateng spoke passionately about the need to restore historical connections disrupted by slavery and migration. She also announced a chartered flight from Ghana and Nigeria to Barbados on November 9, a historic step toward improving direct travel links. Lady Amoateng’s visit to the school was equally significant, as she shared her personal journey to inspire students, reminding them that ‘nothing is impossible’ with determination and dreams.
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Hydrate Caribbean expands school water station project to The Lodge
Students at The Lodge School in Barbados are ushering in a new era of health and sustainability as Hydrate Caribbean launches Phase Two of its nationwide water station project. Supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Barbados Diabetes Foundation, the initiative aims to provide students with daily access to chilled, purified water while promoting the use of reusable stainless steel bottles over disposable plastics. Although a shipment delay has postponed the arrival of the bottles until late November, Hydrate Caribbean spokesperson Sheridan Greaves has assured that every student will receive one before the school term concludes. Greaves emphasized the broader mission of the project: ‘This is about more than hydration — it’s about fostering healthy habits and reducing plastic waste for future generations.’ The campaign’s symbolic launch was marked by the newly appointed senior prefects, Head Girl Makeena Clark and Head Boy Daniel Griffith, who were the first to test the system. Phase Two will extend to St George Secondary, Princess Margaret Secondary, and Christ Church Foundation, with long-term plans to include primary schools facing significant infrastructure challenges. Each advanced water station, valued at approximately $15,000 with annual maintenance, is designed for high-demand school environments and is serviced by Newport Water Barbados within eight hours if issues arise. Greaves highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, ‘This programme addresses the neglect of water stations, ensuring students no longer resort to unsanitary alternatives.’ Sister Wendy Beaman of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described the project as a humanitarian effort with lasting community benefits, emphasizing health, sustainability, and the reduction of plastic waste. The initiative aligns with the Barbados Diabetes Foundation’s health drive, which educates students on the importance of water consumption and active living to mitigate future health risks. As students celebrated the launch, Greaves encouraged them to take ownership of the water stations, reminding them that small habit changes can lead to a healthier lifestyle.
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Record turnout for ‘Walk for the Cure’ as breast cancer awareness deepens
The Warrens business district in Barbados was awash with a vibrant sea of pink on Sunday as an estimated 20,000 participants gathered for the 2025 CIBC Walk for the Cure. This event marked one of the largest turnouts in its history, showcasing a profound display of unity and commitment to breast cancer awareness across the island. Kemar Polius, Head of CIBC Barbados, expressed his awe at the spectacle, describing it as ‘a sight to behold.’ Reflecting on his experiences with similar events in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, Polius emphasized that Barbados’ Walk for the Cure stands unparalleled in the southern Caribbean and possibly the entire region. He highlighted that CIBC Caribbean has raised over US$5 million regionally, including more than BDS$1 million in Barbados, to support cancer-fighting initiatives through the Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme. President Dame Sandra Mason, alongside CIBC managers, participated in the walk for the first and final time as her term concludes on November 29. Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo, Medical Coordinator of the Programme, noted the significant progress Barbados has made in raising awareness and reducing stigma around breast cancer. She stressed the importance of turning awareness into action, urging Barbadians to prioritize screenings. Hanoman-Jhagroo also introduced the programme’s new $1 million mammogram machine, designed to provide more comfortable screenings for both women and men. She acknowledged the collective effort of Corporate Barbados and the broader community in making these advancements possible.
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Homeless Man Charged for Building Breaking and Larceny on Market Street
In a recent development in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, a 38-year-old homeless man, Tony Bright, has been arrested and charged in connection with a building break-in and larceny incident that occurred on October 2, 2025, at Market Street. According to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Bright allegedly broke into a local business establishment, stealing an undisclosed amount of cash and several electronic items, including an iPhone 13 Pro, two Amazon Tablets, a Samsung A7 Tablet, and two Selfie Ring Lights. The total value of the stolen property is estimated at $9,070. Following a thorough investigation, Bright was taken into custody and formally charged. He is expected to appear in court to face the charges. The Police Administration has seized this opportunity to remind business owners and residents to bolster their security measures by installing surveillance systems, securing their properties, and reporting any suspicious activities promptly. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about property crimes and the importance of community vigilance in preventing such offenses.
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Privy Council ruling fuels Barbados fight over Cable & Wireless deal
In a significant legal development, over 300 minority shareholders of Cable & Wireless Barbados (C&W) have reignited their fight in the Barbados High Court, seeking a ruling on the contentious 2017 merger between C&W Barbados and C&W West Indies Limited. The group, spearheaded by Kenneth Ricky Went, Omstand Investment Inc., and Phillip Osbourne, filed fresh legal submissions last week, asserting that their rights were overlooked during the amalgamation process. Their case draws strength from a recent landmark decision by the UK-based Privy Council, which ruled in favor of minority shareholder Eric Jason Abrahams in a similar case involving Cable & Wireless Jamaica (CWJ). The Privy Council’s ruling emphasized that minority shareholders must be treated as a distinct class when their shares are being canceled or bought out, a principle the Barbados claimants argue applies directly to their situation. Representing the claimants, Senior Counsel Garth Patterson highlighted that the Privy Council’s reasoning aligns with their position that minority shareholders should have been allowed to vote independently on the merger. The claimants contend that the approval process failed to meet the legal requirements under Barbados law, as minority and majority shareholders were treated as a single voting class despite their divergent interests. With the Privy Council’s decision bolstering their argument, the minority shareholders are now urging the Barbados High Court to either invalidate the 2017 merger or recognize the process as oppressive and grant substantive relief. The case also names nine defendants, including Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. Went, speaking on behalf of the claimants, expressed optimism about the pending judgment, citing the Privy Council’s decision as a source of confidence.
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From skeptic of the local cannabis industry to a regional entrepreneur
Emmanuel Bria, a Barbadian entrepreneur and representative of Summus Barbados, recently shared his transformative journey into the medicinal cannabis industry during the Cannabliss SVG 2025 conference in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Standing amidst rows of meticulously cultivated cannabis plants at CannaSVG, the region’s largest licensed farm, Bria reflected on his evolving perspective. Initially skeptical about medicinal cannabis, he now champions its potential, provided it is grown and processed under stringent quality controls.
Bria emphasized that cannabis, inherently a medicinal plant, can become harmful if cultivated in toxic environments. ‘The plant absorbs everything in its surroundings,’ he explained. ‘If it’s exposed to contaminants like bacteria, fungi, or toxic elements, it’s no longer medicinal—it’s a time bomb.’ This realization reshaped his understanding of the industry, highlighting the critical need for rigorous testing and sterile cultivation practices to ensure safety and efficacy.
During the conference, Bria engaged with cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers, gaining firsthand insights into the discipline required to build a legitimate medicinal cannabis sector. He stressed that the industry’s primary focus should be on healing and addressing the needs of individuals suffering from chronic pain, post-surgery discomfort, and anxiety. ‘It’s about introducing a clean, safe, and fully organic product into the market,’ he said. ‘Consistent testing and quality assurance are non-negotiable.’
Bria’s journey was as much personal as professional. He admitted to unlearning preconceived notions and relearning the science behind medicinal cannabis. Now, his mission is to educate others in Barbados about its potential and the opportunities it presents. ‘We’re moving forward,’ he said optimistically. ‘It’s about healing people, and we’re going to fix the challenges along the way.’
His story underscores the growing importance of quality control and education in the burgeoning medicinal cannabis industry, as it strives to balance therapeutic benefits with public trust and safety.
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Two decades in: Deepening trust ahead for Dominica and China, says Ambassador Chu
Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Chu Maoming, has expressed optimism about the deepening political trust and cooperation between China and Dominica. Speaking at a reception commemorating the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel, Ambassador Chu highlighted the progress in bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago. He emphasized the pivotal role of head-of-state diplomacy, particularly the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in Beijing, in guiding the relationship forward. Ambassador Chu reiterated China’s appreciation for Dominica’s steadfast commitment to the one-China principle and outlined future collaboration in areas such as mutual support on core interests, advancing global initiatives, and safeguarding the international order. Practical cooperation in agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure has already yielded significant results, with key projects like the international airport and post-hurricane school reconstruction progressing efficiently. Cultural exchanges have also flourished, with Chinese intangible cultural heritage, Kung Fu, and cuisine making a lasting impact in Dominica. The Confucius Classroom at Dominica State College continues to promote Chinese language and culture, with plans for a study tour to China. Ambassador Chu expressed confidence that closer people-to-people exchanges will further strengthen the foundation of trust and friendship between the two nations.
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OPINION: When friendships rupture, when cooperation becomes collusion
In a dramatic turn of events on the first Monday of October 2025, the spotlight fell on Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed, who were indicted on 11 serious charges including gold smuggling, tax evasion, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. This father-son duo is now accused of running an unprecedented criminal enterprise in Guyana, raising questions about their connections with high-ranking officials and the political elite. The charges, spanning from 2017 to 2024, implicate two successive governments, with leaders at various levels reportedly cultivating close ties with the Mohameds. Their alleged criminal activities were seemingly overlooked for years, with their names evoking both fear and reverence in equal measure. The author reflects on the surreal nature of being entangled in this web of corruption and questions the integrity of the friendships and protections that once shielded the Mohameds. The article also delves into the political ramifications of their indictment, particularly in light of Azruddin Mohamed’s foray into politics and his bold stance against the Exxon oil contract. The author raises critical questions about the timing of the charges and the sudden cooperation between the Guyanese and U.S. governments, suggesting that collusion may have replaced cooperation. The piece concludes with a call for Guyanese citizens to reflect on these developments and consider the broader implications for their nation’s future.
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Barbados’ privacy blind spot and why cybersecurity isn’t enough
In today’s digital age, businesses and public officials often conflate data protection with cybersecurity, leading to significant oversights in handling personal information. While cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks, data protection is fundamentally about the lawful and ethical management of personal data. This distinction is crucial, especially under frameworks like the Barbados Data Protection Act, 2019 (DPA), which mandates transparency and respect for individual rights.