British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly demanded an apology from billionaire industrialist Jim Ratcliffe following controversial comments alleging the United Kingdom has been ‘colonized by immigrants.’ The Prime Minister characterized Ratcliffe’s statements as ‘offensive and wrong’ during a Wednesday address, emphasizing Britain’s identity as ‘a proud, tolerant and diverse country.’
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Some Jamaican students leave Cuba amid fuel crisis, gov’t monitoring situation – Johnson Smith
Dozens of Jamaican students have been evacuated from Cuba as the island nation grapples with an escalating fuel crisis that has severely disrupted academic programs and daily life. Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith confirmed the developments during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Tuesday, revealing that approximately 320 Jamaican students remain in Cuba, with 44 benefiting from the Jamaica-Cuba scholarship program while the majority are self-funded.
The crisis stems from recent U.S. sanctions that have restricted Cuba’s access to oil supplies, creating widespread disruptions across multiple sectors. Educational institutions have been particularly affected, with classes either temporarily suspended or transitioned to online formats. Minister Johnson Smith reported that at least one scholarship-granting institution has completely halted academic activities, directly impacting six Jamaican beneficiaries.
Thirteen privately-funded students have already returned to Jamaica due to deteriorating conditions, including critical shortages affecting food supplies, medical resources, and transportation infrastructure. The aviation industry faces particular challenges, with Cuban authorities confirming insufficient fuel for aircraft refueling operations.
The Jamaican government has established emergency communication channels, including a dedicated WhatsApp group connecting all 300+ students in Cuba with consular officials. Students are being advised to consult with their academic institutions regarding program continuity options and maintain emergency preparedness for potential evacuation.
Jamaica’s Cabinet has initiated high-level discussions about providing academic continuity support for scholarship students if disruptions persist. The government has formally contacted Cuban authorities regarding transcript accessibility for students considering transferring to other institutions, though initial indications suggest direct engagement with individual schools would be necessary.
The Jamaican embassy in Havana continues to provide consular services while monitoring the situation closely, with daily updates being reviewed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
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Barbados Labour Party secures historic third consecutive 30–0 election victory
Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has achieved an unprecedented political triumph, securing all 30 seats in the House of Assembly for the third consecutive general election. The Wednesday vote resulted in a complete parliamentary sweep that solidifies Mottley’s commanding position in the nation’s governance and extends her party’s uninterrupted winning streak since 2018.
Celebrations erupted at the party’s Roebuck Street headquarters, Grantley Adams House, where elated supporters created a vibrant spectacle of red attire and party flags. In recognition of the landmark victory, Mottley declared Friday a national public holiday and announced a thanksgiving rally at the National Botanical Gardens on Saturday, coinciding with Valentine’s Day celebrations.
The electoral dominance was demonstrated across multiple constituencies where BLP candidates achieved decisive victories over opposition rivals. Key party figures, including the deputy prime minister, won by substantial margins, while Prime Minister Mottley comfortably retained her seat with an improved vote count compared to previous elections. The sweep included both veteran politicians and new candidates, with several first-time contenders capturing seats by impressive margins.
The political landscape saw notable shifts as a former opposition member who joined the ruling party secured victory in the capital, illustrating changing political allegiances. While most races ended in comfortable wins, one constituency was decided by fewer than 200 votes, demonstrating that some opposition challenges remained competitive despite the overall landslide.
In her victory address, Mottley emphasized that the overwhelming mandate represented a profound responsibility rather than entitlement. She committed to strengthening democratic institutions despite repeated electoral dominance, comparing democracy to ‘a newborn child, requiring our total attention and care.’ The Prime Minister outlined immediate governance plans, including swearing in her Cabinet on Monday and reconvening Parliament by next Friday, with renewed focus on healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety initiatives.
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Legacy keeps vintage vibes alive
The ninth annual Legacy showcase, a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s Independence celebrations, once again demonstrated the timeless appeal of vintage calypso and soca music. Held at the purpose-built Pavilion in Rodney Bay, the event featured an extraordinary lineup of both emerging local talents and legendary regional performers, creating an electrifying atmosphere that captivated audiences of all generations.
This year’s edition gained special distinction with the appearance of Destra, widely celebrated as the undisputed queen of bacchanal, who headlined as the special guest. The event attracted enthusiastic fans who arrived early to secure seating, while a vibrant younger contingent infused fresh energy into what has rapidly become the most anticipated cultural event of the year. The audience included prominent national figures such as Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Education Minister Kenson Casimir.
The evening commenced with newcomer Anwar delivering a contemporary interpretation of TC Brown’s classic ‘Where Are They Now,’ establishing an innovative tone for subsequent performances. Rising artists including De Vine (‘Not Built for Backup’), J’urgen (‘Boom Boom Bye Bye’), and Ti Carro (‘Where Do We Go From Here’) showcased their distinctive interpretations of the traditional art forms.
Legacy maintained its reputation for unexpected moments with a surprise appearance by former Culture Minister Damian Greaves, who once performed under the stage name Short Pants. His rendition of the classic ‘Haiti’ resonated deeply with attendees, creating one of the evening’s most memorable interludes.
The highly anticipated return of Black I and Yati with ‘Rambo Diplomacy’ received overwhelming applause, their prolonged absence from the stage rendering the performance particularly poignant. Educator followed with dynamic uptempo numbers including ‘Manifesto’ and ‘Calypso Tyson,’ demonstrating his remarkable versatility in both Kweyol and English while proving calypso’s capacity for both lyrical depth and dance-driven rhythm.
By the time Ashanti, acclaimed as ‘the people’s calypso king,’ took the stage, the venue had reached standing-room-only capacity. His powerful set culminated with the profoundly moving ‘Sufferers Song’ (better known as ‘Malayway’), widely considered among the finest calypso compositions ever created.
Additional highlights included a rare performance by X-Man delivering ‘De Speaker’ and Mantius, former OECS Soca Monarch, reviving road-march nostalgia with classics like ‘Fire Burn Dem,’ ‘She She,’ and ‘Making Love.’ Following a brief intermission, Ricardo presented a medley of iconic Caribbean soca hits that seamlessly transitioned into performances by Arthur and Teddyson John, who maintained the event’s relentless party momentum.
The energy reached its zenith when MC Ezi Hall introduced Destra. Dressed in sheer black athletic wear, the soca superstar unleashed an explosive set featuring crowd favorites including ‘Lucy,’ ‘Bonnie & Clyde,’ ‘Tremble It,’ and ‘It’s Carnival.’ Her performance evoked nostalgic memories of traditional carnival attire before the era of smartphones and disposable cups. Audiences were additionally treated to her new track ‘Happy People (Sourness),’ which was enthusiastically received.
The celebration concluded with former Soca Monarch Alpha delivering a compact but immensely crowd-pleasing set that included ‘Cyar Wait,’ ‘Freedom,’ and ‘In De Ark,’ leaving audiences on their feet demanding encore performances even as the final curtain descended.
Now firmly established as an integral component of Saint Lucia’s entertainment calendar, Legacy has transcended its Independence celebration origins to become a year-round cultural phenomenon that continues to honor the enduring power and relevance of Caribbean musical heritage.
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St Kitts-Nevis commends OAS Permanent Observers for Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Democracy
In a significant address to the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council, St. Kitts and Nevis has formally recognized the indispensable role of permanent observer nations in advancing regional stability and democratic values across the Western Hemisphere. Augustine Skerritt, Minister Counselor and Alternate Representative of the Federation, delivered the commendation during yesterday’s council session, highlighting the transformative impact of international partnerships on the organization’s operational capabilities.
Skerritt characterized the observer network as providing “the oxygen of technical expertise and financial support” that sustains the OAS’s foundational pillars: democracy promotion, human rights protection, security enhancement, and development initiatives. His address detailed how observer contributions have evolved the OAS from a regional dialogue platform into a globally significant cooperation mechanism since the establishment of permanent observer status in 1971.
The diplomat specifically cited the Spanish Fund’s judicial system strengthening programs across member states and the critical support for electoral observation missions from European and Asian partners as demonstrable successes. These collaborations have yielded tangible benefits for citizens through practical applications in cybersecurity infrastructure and disaster risk management frameworks.
With the organization now boasting 75 observer states plus the European Union, Skerritt emphasized that this expanding partnership reflects growing international commitment to shared democratic principles. In an era of increasing global interconnectedness, these alliances reinforce collective dedication to liberty, justice, and rule of law throughout the Americas.
Looking toward future collaboration, the Kittitian representative advocated for enhanced cooperation in sustainable development and climate resilience initiatives, positioning the OAS observer network as an essential component in addressing emerging hemispheric challenges.
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West Indies spin stars seal 30-run win over England at T20 World Cup
In a stunning display of tactical bowling, the West Indies cricket team secured a decisive 30-run victory against tournament favorites England during their T20 World Cup clash in Mumbai. The match, held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, witnessed a remarkable turnaround fueled by spin bowling excellence after a middle-order batting rescue.
Electing to bat first, the West Indies innings faced early collapse, stumbling to a precarious 77-4. The revival came through Sherfane Rutherford’s magnificent unbeaten 76, featuring seven massive sixes that electrified the Caribbean innings. Supported by Jason Holder’s explosive 33 from 17 deliveries, the team posted a competitive 196-6. England’s Adil Rashid emerged as the most economical bowler with impressive figures of 2-16 from his four overs.
England’s response began explosively as Phil Salt unleashed a 24-run assault in a single over, propelling the team to 67-1 during the powerplay. However, the strategic introduction of spin bowling completely transformed the game’s dynamics. Roston Chase (2-29) and Gudakesh Motie (3-33) masterfully dismantled England’s batting lineup through consistent wicket-taking deliveries.
The critical moment arrived when captain Harry Brook departed with 66 runs required from 36 balls, intensifying the pressure on England’s lower order. Two brilliant run-outs further crippled England’s chase before Adil Rashid’s dismissal at the boundary sealed the victory with six deliveries remaining.
Rutherford, deservedly awarded Player of the Match, revealed his strategic approach: “Targeting Rashid was crucial to our batting recovery. The extensive preparation before the World Cup is paying dividends when I maintain mental clarity at the crease. While we potentially fell short by 10 runs, our bowlers delivered exceptionally on this prestigious platform.”
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St Philip constituencies hit by missing voter names
Significant voting irregularities disrupted Barbados’ electoral process on Wednesday as numerous citizens in the crucial St Philip South and St Philip West constituencies found themselves disenfranchised due to administrative errors. Multiple presiding officers confirmed systemic issues with the official voters’ lists that prevented legitimate voters from casting ballots in what was anticipated to be among the election’s most hotly contested races.
At Princess Margaret Secondary School in St Philip West, presiding officer Allison Headley-Callender reported that 79 individuals had successfully voted by 11:30 a.m., but two electors were turned away during the first five-and-a-half hours of polling. In one concerning case, a voter presented correspondence from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) confirming their registration at that specific polling station, where they had previously voted in the last general election. Despite this documentation, their name was conspicuously absent from the official list.
Another voter claimed to have registered just two days prior to election day, which similarly resulted in their exclusion from the voting rolls. Both individuals were directed to consult the EBC’s master list for resolution.
The electoral tensions were particularly heightened in St Philip West, where Democratic Labour Party veteran Dr. David Estwick challenged incumbent Barbados Labour Party representative Kay McConney, with additional candidates Karina Goodridge (Friends of Democracy) and Lynette Eastmond (People’s Coalition for Progress) adding to the competitive landscape.
Bridgette Marshall-Griffith, another presiding officer at the same location, noted a ‘steady’ early morning turnout with expectations of a traditional late afternoon surge. She confirmed two additional cases of voter exclusion, including a lifelong resident who had never encountered previous voting difficulties and a relocated couple where only the wife’s name appeared on the list despite both having changed addresses together.
Similar problems emerged at Faith New Testament Church of God in neighboring St Philip South, where presiding officer Annette Campbell reported a ‘steady stream’ of voters but confirmed at least one exclusion case due to list irregularities. Campbell, a three-election veteran in the constituency, explained that polling stations lacked physical master lists, forcing turned-away voters to either contact the EBC directly or check online resources.
The incidents raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the preparedness of election authorities to handle administrative challenges that potentially disenfranchised legitimate voters in critical marginal constituencies.
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Mottley leads BLP to third clean sweep in general electionBy Peter Richards
In an unprecedented political triumph, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has secured her place in Caribbean history by leading the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a third consecutive parliamentary whitewash in Wednesday’s general election. The 60-year-old leader becomes the region’s second politician to achieve complete parliamentary dominance on three occasions, following former Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell’s earlier accomplishment.
Mottley’s victory marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first party leader to secure three consecutive terms while maintaining complete parliamentary control since initially winning all 30 parliamentary seats in 2018, when she made history as Barbados’ first female prime minister.
The victorious prime minister comfortably retained her St. Michael North East constituency and addressed supporters at the party’s Bridgetown headquarters, announcing that her new cabinet will be sworn in on Monday, with Parliament’s first session scheduled for February 20.
Reflecting on her administration’s journey, Mottley acknowledged the unexpected challenges her government faced, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted their initial plans for economic growth. “We did not come to hold office, we come to make Barbados better and your lives better,” she emphasized, highlighting the government’s ongoing transformation mission during the past two and a half years.
The legal professional turned politician stressed the importance of maintaining democratic institutions as Barbados approaches its 60th independence anniversary and fifth year as a republic. She expressed concern about the opposition Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) situation, emphasizing Barbados’ need for “strong institutions” and recalling her previous efforts to ensure opposition representation in the Senate.
The DLP suffered another devastating defeat, with leader Ralph Thorne losing his St. John’s constituency to BLP candidate Charles Griffith. Thorne, who previously represented Christ Church South for the BLP before crossing the floor, described the outcome as “disappointing” despite what he characterized as a clean campaign. He additionally claimed he was denied voting rights due to an administrative error by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Political analysts delivered harsh assessments of the opposition’s performance. University lecturer and former DLP president Ronnie Yearwood stated the electorate had delivered a “clear message” requiring party reform, while prominent pollster Peter Wickham described the DLP campaign as “horrible” and called for leadership change and new talent identification.
Historically, this election marked the first time Barbados welcomed international observer missions from CARICOM and the Commonwealth, signaling the nation’s growing prominence in democratic practices within the Caribbean community.
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BARBADOS: Mottley leads BLP to yet another clean sweep in general election
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – In a stunning display of political dominance, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has secured her place in Caribbean political history by leading the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to its third consecutive clean sweep in parliamentary elections. The February 12th general election results mirror her previous landslide victories in 2018 and 2022, making her only the second regional leader to achieve such a feat after former Grenada Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.
The 60-year-old attorney and political veteran now stands as the first party leader to win three consecutive terms in office, maintaining the BLP’s complete control over all 30 parliamentary seats. Addressing enthusiastic supporters at party headquarters in Bridgetown during the early hours of Thursday, Mottley expressed humility at the overwhelming public mandate.
“We are humbled by your confidence and trust. Thank you. Let us now come together as one people to continue building our nation,” the BLP stated officially on its social media platforms.
The Prime Minister revealed that her new cabinet will be sworn in on Monday, with the first parliamentary session scheduled for next Friday. She reflected on her administration’s challenging journey since first taking office in 2018, noting that initial plans for economic stabilization and growth were disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, Mottley emphasized her government’s continued commitment to national transformation over the past two and a half years.
Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) faced catastrophic defeat, with even party leader Ralph Thorne losing his St. John constituency bid. Thorne, who had previously crossed the floor from the BLP to become Opposition Leader, described the results as “disappointing” without clear explanation. His election day was further marred by voting complications, as he claimed administrative errors prevented him from casting his ballot in his proper constituency.
Political analysts delivered harsh assessments of the DLP’s performance. University lecturer and former DLP president Dr. Ronnie Yearwood called for comprehensive party reform, stating that three consecutive landslide defeats sent an unmistakable message. Prominent political scientist Peter Wickham characterized the DLP campaign as “horrible” and urged immediate leadership change and talent identification.
This historic election marked another milestone as the first in Barbados’ political history to be observed by international monitoring teams from both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth, underscoring the growing significance of Barbados’ democratic processes on the regional stage.
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Steady morning turnout, smooth process mark early voting in St Michael North West
The electoral process in Barbados’s St Michael North West constituency commenced with notable efficiency and civic engagement on Wednesday morning. Multiple polling stations reported smooth operations as citizens exercised their democratic rights in a tranquil atmosphere.
At Deacons Primary School, voter Gillian Marville commended the streamlined voting procedure, emphasizing both accessibility and expediency. “The process was remarkably simple and efficient,” Marville noted, observing minimal queues and rapid processing times. Her participation stemmed from a profound sense of civic obligation, stating: “Voting constitutes both your right and duty as a Barbadian citizen. I fulfilled that responsibility this morning.”
Parallel experiences emerged at St Stephens Primary School, where Jason Martin underscored the personal significance of electoral participation. “Exercising my voting rights represents a conscious decision,” Martin explained. “Our community requires substantial change, and casting my ballot serves as the initial step toward that transformation.” Martin reported expedited processing times, noting only five voters ahead of him in line, and facilitated priority access for an individual with mobility challenges.
Election officials at Ellerslie School’s HA4 polling station confirmed consistently steady voter turnout without operational complications. Presiding Officer Elizabeth Jones verified seamless proceedings, indicating: “All operations are progressing optimally.” When questioned about comparative voter turnout metrics, Jones maintained that electoral participation “has been maintaining consistent flow.” The station reported no incidents of voter confusion regarding designated polling locations.
Voter Marlene Nurse, participating at Ellerslie School, characterized her experience as “exceptionally positive and well-organized.” Nurse highlighted her unwavering commitment to electoral participation, asserting: “I consistently vote during every election cycle to support my preferred party.” Addressing concerns regarding voter apathy, she affirmed: “I will continue voting throughout my lifetime.”
The constituency election features three competing candidates: incumbent Neil Rowe (Barbados Labour Party), Ryan Walters (Democratic Labour Party), and Ricardo Williams (Friends of Democracy). Preliminary observations from key polling stations—including Eagle Hall Primary, St Stephens Primary, Deacons Primary, and Ellerslie School—indicated gradually increasing voter attendance throughout the morning, initiating at a measured pace within a relaxed electoral environment.