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Barbados vendors are vigorously defending their industry against allegations of complicity in a surge of large-scale agricultural thefts, arguing they’re being wrongly targeted for crimes more likely connected to sophisticated operations supplying major commercial outlets.

The controversy emerges following the theft of approximately 30,000 pounds of yams during the Christmas and New Year period. Significant portions were stolen from both government-managed farmland under the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation and private property belonging to Richard Armstrong, one of the island’s premier root crop producers.

Alister Alexander, President of the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors, and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN), firmly rejected attempts to portray vendors as participants in these thefts. While acknowledging the organization cannot vouch for every individual, Alexander maintained that the overwhelming majority of vendors obtain produce through legitimate channels.

“We believe this represents organized crime seeking to offload ill-gotten gains in bulk quantities,” Alexander stated. “Those who have suffered these devastating losses can generally corroborate our position—they continue to be substantially patronized by the vending community.”

At Cheapside Market, vendors demonstrated proactive measures to ensure supply chain integrity. Veteran vendor Nadine Prince emphasized the critical importance of documentation: “We obtain receipts for everything—whether imports from St. Vincent or local purchases. Authorities regularly remind us that proper documentation is mandatory.”

Prince highlighted that suspiciously low pricing serves as an immediate red flag, noting that yams currently retail at approximately $6.50 to $7 per pound. Her philosophy echoes lessons from childhood: “Honesty remains the best policy. I understand the tremendous effort farmers invest in their labor.”

Shelly-Ann Brewster, with twelve years of vending experience, acknowledged occasional informal transactions with small farmers but expressed growing commitment to stricter documentation practices. She described repeatedly turning away suspicious offers, including recent approaches where produce was offered “far cheaper than market price.”

BARVEN advocates for enhanced regulatory measures, particularly the full implementation of the National Vending Bill. Alexander emphasized that comprehensive legislation would prevent thieves from easily selling stolen goods roadside while bringing greater organization and accountability to the sector.

The association continues urging members to report suspicious transactions and embrace collective responsibility: “Be your brother-farmer’s keeper. Praedial larceny constitutes a crime against the entire nation that we all share duty to eradicate.”

A Barbados-based disability-led organization is calling for increased financial support to scale its innovative training initiative designed to foster self-sufficiency among disabled and marginalized individuals. The Love Circle, founded three years ago as an inclusive collective of both disabled and non-disabled members, has strategically pivoted from temporary aid provision to comprehensive skills development after identifying systemic gaps in conventional support structures.

Executive Director Ralbert Ashton explained the organization’s evolution, noting that repetitive assistance patterns revealed the limitations of short-term solutions. “We observed the same individuals returning consistently for food parcels and utility bill support,” Ashton stated. “This cyclical dependency prevented us from extending help to others in need and prompted our transition from handouts to sustainable empowerment.”

Launched in September 2024 at the Barbados Council for the Disabled, the pilot program currently serves 18 participants through practical skill-building workshops. Curriculum components range from artisanal soap and candle crafting to decorative balloon artistry and commercial food preparation—all strategically designed to create income-generating opportunities.

Funding remains the primary constraint for program sustainability. Current support derives mainly from religious organizations including Seventh-day Adventist churches and Beach Church, supplemented by personal contributions from Love Circle members—many surviving on modest pensions themselves. A recently organized fundraising concert yielded limited returns due to insufficient publicity, highlighting the organization’s promotional challenges.

Despite financial hurdles, The Love Circle is pursuing strategic partnerships to enhance program impact. Ongoing discussions with the Small Business Association aim to provide formal business development support for aspiring entrepreneurs, while future collaborations with the Labour Office could institutionalize program benefits.

The organization has already equipped several participants with professional tools and equipment to launch micro-enterprises. With adequate funding, planned expansions include upholstery workshops, winemaking courses, and additional soap-making classes responding to demonstrated community interest.

“The demand for practical skills training is undeniable,” Ashton emphasized. “Our participants have shown remarkable engagement—what we require now is sustained investment to transform potential into lasting economic independence.”

An elderly Barbadian man’s prolonged flooding ordeal has been resolved after public works crews cleared drainage debris linked to a government well installation. Seymour Burnett, 77, of Ashdeane Village, St Michael, had been virtually confined to his home due to persistent floodwaters that created accessibility challenges for the mobility-impaired pensioner.

The breakthrough came after St Michael North West MP Neil Rowe intervened, confirming that leftover materials from a previous contractor’s drainage operations had been completely removed. “I’m pleased to report that the debris has been eliminated, and I extend gratitude to the drainage department for their prompt action,” Rowe stated during an onsite assessment with Barbados TODAY.

On Tuesday, drainage department personnel executed comprehensive remediation work—extracting remaining debris, laying fresh milling material, and regrading the terrain to elevate it above water level. These measures specifically targeted flood mitigation for Burnett’s residence and adjacent properties.

The resolution follows escalating concerns last week regarding Burnett’s living conditions, where recurrent flooding compounded by severe mosquito infestations had created unhealthy circumstances. Local residents attributed these problems to inadequately maintained public drainage infrastructure.

Rowe acknowledged that initial remediation attempts in late 2023 had proven insufficient when a privately hired contractor removed approximately three skip-loads of debris but failed to complete the job. The MP formally apologized to Burnett and fellow residents for the inconvenience caused by these previous incomplete works.

The elderly beneficiary expressed profound relief at seeing conclusive action, voicing optimism that these latest interventions would deliver a permanent solution to the chronic flooding issues that had compromised his quality of life.